FabSwingers.com forum: Fountain pens

By (user no longer on site) OP
51 weeks ago

Let’s discuss fountain pens

I LOVE fountain pens - however I sadly lost my special fountain pen last year

Alas, I have since tried several replacements and found a few nice ones. I bought a surprisingly cheap Sheaffer one and it works great albeit it’s a broad 2.0mm tip so it’s not great for everyday writing.

When I was at school, my teacher bought in a pack of BIC All in One fountain pens and it was the best pen I’ve ever used. I think about it every day. Alas, I cannot find a replacement online.

Anyone else a fountain pen enthusiast? I’m a pen enthusiast in general, but there’s something so great about a fountain pen

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By *coobyBoobyDooWoman
51 weeks ago

Markfield

Cartridge or ink pot?

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By (user no longer on site) OP
51 weeks ago

"Cartridge or ink pot?"

Admittedly I’m a cartridge girlie simply because my clumsiness with ink has caused more stains than I can count- but I always keep a couple pots of ink handy

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By (user no longer on site)
51 weeks ago

You probably want a Sailor or a TWSBI for an affordable option. I'd say TWSBI Go with an F or EF nib and ink without heavy granular pigment will do you just fine.

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By *coobyBoobyDooWoman
51 weeks ago

Markfield

"You probably want a Sailor or a TWSBI for an affordable option. I'd say TWSBI Go with an F or EF nib and ink without heavy granular pigment will do you just fine. "

I feel like I’ve just read pen porn.

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
51 weeks ago

East Sussex

I have a Mont Blanc I inherited, that's a nice one but I never really use it

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By *rmainman10Man
51 weeks ago

Portsmouth

.. dont forget them magic eraser that makes them fountain pen ink disappear

... What a pair !

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By (user no longer on site)
51 weeks ago

For my birthday last year I asked for a new fountain pen as my previous one had seen better days after over two decades.

I went through nearly a dozen before finding a replacement for my previous fountain pen.

Some of my favourites were Scriveiner, Visconti, Waterman and Mont Blanc. In the end, as I’m extremely fussy about the weight and feel of my pen, I went with a Mont Blanc. I have a Le Grand 146. It’s smooth, writes like a dream, glides beautifully, is heavy but not too heavy. It’s worth the £££ cost. It’s easy to clean, refill and the ink lasts a fair bit of time with daily use.

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By *iMale4CouplexxMan
51 weeks ago

halifax

Mont Blanc and always green ink.

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By (user no longer on site)
51 weeks ago

Parker pens for me with left handed nibs. Letters always sealed with wax.

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By *ymAndIcedCoffeeWoman
51 weeks ago

Worcester

My everyday writer is a Lamy Al Star. I prefer them to everything else in the same price bracket.

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By *aughty_Smooth_OperatorMan
51 weeks ago

Birmingham

Good old Parker pens I had when was in school

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By *londebiguyMan
51 weeks ago

Southport

I've got an old Waterman.

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By *arcosaMan
51 weeks ago

London

I love my fountain pen, I've had it for years now. God knows how many. It's a Parker I was given as a leaving gift by the staff in my previous job.

I don't take it out of the house now after I nearly lost it. I was very lucky that I got it back. Now I use disposable fountain pens when I'm out and about, they're surprisingly good and I don't put my favourite pen at risk. It takes ages to break a new pen in and get it to a place where it's just right for your hand, I just don't want that hassle.

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By *ymAndIcedCoffeeWoman
51 weeks ago

Worcester

"Good old Parker pens I had when was in school

Avoid the modern ones. They’re now made in a factory that doesn’t have the same level of quality control as the vintage parkers. And I’m saying that as someone who loves a twenty year old Parker vector.

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By *inky Biscuit DunkerMan
51 weeks ago

Gloucestershire

I can’t use fountain pens sadly. I’m left handed and the way I write, it keeps smudging all the time

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By *lynJMan
51 weeks ago

Morden

My first fountain pens at school were Platignum. Not quite the same quality as Parker but still pretty good. I am talking about a long time ago though, not sure what they are like these days.

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By *eyond PurityCouple
51 weeks ago

Sheffield

For day to day writing, you can't go wrong with a Lamy.

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By *UGGYBEAR2015Man
51 weeks ago

BRIDPORT

I have two old Parker’s that I inherited, no idea what models they are, I only really use them for writing cheques , in Quink blueblack.

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By *ighting 50Man
51 weeks ago

Retford

I also have a mont blonc 20 years and still going strong

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By *onameyet2Man
51 weeks ago

chorley

Are we talking calligraphy here or day to day stuff?

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By *ymAndIcedCoffeeWoman
51 weeks ago

Worcester

"I can’t use fountain pens sadly. I’m left handed and the way I write, it keeps smudging all the time

If you wanted to get into it, there are left handed nibs and quick dry inks. I’m not left handed myself but have a fellow collector friend who is.

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By *inky Biscuit DunkerMan
51 weeks ago

Gloucestershire

"I can’t use fountain pens sadly. I’m left handed and the way I write, it keeps smudging all the time

If you wanted to get into it, there are left handed nibs and quick dry inks. I’m not left handed myself but have a fellow collector friend who is."

Ohhhh thanks for the info - I’ll take a Google

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By *ymAndIcedCoffeeWoman
51 weeks ago

Worcester

"I can’t use fountain pens sadly. I’m left handed and the way I write, it keeps smudging all the time

If you wanted to get into it, there are left handed nibs and quick dry inks. I’m not left handed myself but have a fellow collector friend who is.

Ohhhh thanks for the info - I’ll take a Google "

If you wanted to buy an expensive pen without a left hand nib you can also have them ground to your preferred slant by a nibmeister.

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By *amnaughtybutniceWoman
51 weeks ago

tf1

I’ve got a lamy but I dropped it the other day and it’s bent the nib. Really annoyed.

Trying to get it back into place but it’s not quite the same.

Do love a fountain pen tho

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By *ymAndIcedCoffeeWoman
51 weeks ago

Worcester

"I’ve got a lamy but I dropped it the other day and it’s bent the nib. Really annoyed.

Trying to get it back into place but it’s not quite the same.

Do love a fountain pen tho "

Replacement nibs are less than a tenner for Lamys. They just slide on and off.

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By *bi HaiveMan
Forum Mod
51 weeks ago

Cheeseville, Somerset

"I can’t use fountain pens sadly. I’m left handed and the way I write, it keeps smudging all the time

If you wanted to get into it, there are left handed nibs and quick dry inks. I’m not left handed myself but have a fellow collector friend who is.

Ohhhh thanks for the info - I’ll take a Google

If you wanted to buy an expensive pen without a left hand nib you can also have them ground to your preferred slant by a nibmeister."

That's good inspiration for a Fab profile name and header.....

'Nibmeister'

'I can grind to your preferred slant'

Sexy!

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By *ildo_swagginsthe3rdWoman
51 weeks ago

Wales

I prefer a rollerball pen.

When you find a pen that's a joy to write with, it's impossible to write with anything else

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By (user no longer on site) OP
51 weeks ago

"I can’t use fountain pens sadly. I’m left handed and the way I write, it keeps smudging all the time

I’m left handed too! I changed the way I wrote and it’s a lot better now

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By *bi HaiveMan
Forum Mod
51 weeks ago

Cheeseville, Somerset

"I can’t use fountain pens sadly. I’m left handed and the way I write, it keeps smudging all the time

I’m left handed too! I changed the way I wrote and it’s a lot better now "

sdrawkcab gnihtyreve etirw uoy fi krow ti seod?

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By *irk_Dastardly.Man
51 weeks ago

Salisbury

I’m a big Lamy pen fan. Use a rollerball most of the time, the fountain pens are pretty good too.

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By *inky Biscuit DunkerMan
51 weeks ago

Gloucestershire

"I can’t use fountain pens sadly. I’m left handed and the way I write, it keeps smudging all the time

I’m left handed too! I changed the way I wrote and it’s a lot better now "

I write with what they call a hook, hence why it always smudges. I need to change my way too and try to keep my arm/elbow closer to my body

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By *DW1983Man
51 weeks ago

Blackpool, Aberdeen, Leeds, Sheffield

I have one, but can't remember the last time I used it. I never really get the chance. All of the handwriting I do is note taking for work, so it's not really suitable, I need something faster. Shame, I always preferred it at school, and still try to use it for things like birthday and Christmas cards.

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By *UGGYBEAR2015Man
51 weeks ago

BRIDPORT

"I can’t use fountain pens sadly. I’m left handed and the way I write, it keeps smudging all the time

I’m left handed too! I changed the way I wrote and it’s a lot better now

I write with what they call a hook, hence why it always smudges. I need to change my way too and try to keep my arm/elbow closer to my body "

Some of the modern prosthetics are really good, you should ditch the hook and give them a go.

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By *iddlesticksMan
51 weeks ago

My nan’s spare room.

I love nice pens.

My everyday pen is a simple Parker Vector fountain pen. It writes really nice, which is a shame as my handwriting is poor.

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By *inky Biscuit DunkerMan
51 weeks ago

Gloucestershire

"I can’t use fountain pens sadly. I’m left handed and the way I write, it keeps smudging all the time

I’m left handed too! I changed the way I wrote and it’s a lot better now

I write with what they call a hook, hence why it always smudges. I need to change my way too and try to keep my arm/elbow closer to my body

Some of the modern prosthetics are really good, you should ditch the hook and give them a go.

You are a very naughty man!

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By (user no longer on site)
51 weeks ago

".. dont forget them magic eraser that makes them fountain pen ink disappear

... What a pair !"

Only if you use non-archival ink.

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By *oodmessMan
51 weeks ago

yumsville

Of all the things fab people say they are interested in I've never seen fountain pens as a hobby. As someone said above, it's reading a little pen porn, there should be a group set up.

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By *atnip make me purrWoman
51 weeks ago

Reading

Another Mont Blanc fan here.

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By *idewillyMan
51 weeks ago

southampton

I used to make my own pens from goose feathers quills dried in hot sand and make pens from lots of materials i learnt art of calligraphy typography from one off the masters he is not with us any more but he was a master cake decorator too and played drums in the big bands back in the day

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By *ymAndIcedCoffeeWoman
51 weeks ago

Worcester

"I used to make my own pens from goose feathers quills dried in hot sand and make pens from lots of materials i learnt art of calligraphy typography from one off the masters he is not with us any more but he was a master cake decorator too and played drums in the big bands back in the day "

That post was a wild ride.

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By *aigressMan
51 weeks ago

Cardiff

I love a nice pen.. it makes the little mundane acts of writing a treat.

For me that's what's life's about.. making as many little acts feel like a treat not a chore.

I'm terrible for spoiling / breaking / loosing nice things ... pens / watches etc.

So my day to day setup is... I own multiple kaweco sport fountain pens.

Some plastic in loads of colours.. some metal ones too.

They are fucking ace... designed as a reporters pen. They go small enough to be in a pocket.. but still feel like lovely objects.

Write nice too.

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By *idewillyMan
51 weeks ago

southampton

I like being wild ….born to be …i did it my way

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By *moothshaftMan
51 weeks ago

Coventry

My younger brother was really into calligraphy. And I have a fountain pen that simply love write complaint letters with.

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By *dventuresWithEveWoman
51 weeks ago

SW Birmingham outskirts

Love fountain pens and have several, different makes and price ranges, but nothing super pricey. Depending on which ones I use I have both cartridges and refillable.

Will never forget my old Geha pen I used when I was at school many moons ago in Germany.

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By *dventuresWithEveWoman
51 weeks ago

SW Birmingham outskirts

"I have one, but can't remember the last time I used it. I never really get the chance. All of the handwriting I do is note taking for work, so it's not really suitable, I need something faster. Shame, I always preferred it at school, and still try to use it for things like birthday and Christmas cards."

You would probably get on well with a refillable Lamy ink rollerball pen, like Dirk mentioned above. I have one of those and it's really comfortable and fast.

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By (user no longer on site)
51 weeks ago

"Of all the things fab people say they are interested in I've never seen fountain pens as a hobby. As someone said above, it's reading a little pen porn, there should be a group set up. "

There's no need to mention that hobby, because we all love our partners just like we love our caps ... firmly posted

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By *ymAndIcedCoffeeWoman
51 weeks ago

Worcester

"Of all the things fab people say they are interested in I've never seen fountain pens as a hobby. As someone said above, it's reading a little pen porn, there should be a group set up.

There's no need to mention that hobby, because we all love our partners just like we love our caps ... firmly posted"

Going to be controversial here. I don't post caps.

Nor do I like screw caps.

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By (user no longer on site)
51 weeks ago

"Mont Blanc and always green ink. "

Admiral?

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By (user no longer on site) OP
51 weeks ago

"Of all the things fab people say they are interested in I've never seen fountain pens as a hobby. As someone said above, it's reading a little pen porn, there should be a group set up. "

Believe me, once you start up a stationary hobby you don’t stop!

Not only fountain pens but pens in general; there’s an account on TikTok that showcases Japanese stationary (the best of the best!) and I pine over everything they post

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By (user no longer on site)
51 weeks ago

"Of all the things fab people say they are interested in I've never seen fountain pens as a hobby. As someone said above, it's reading a little pen porn, there should be a group set up.

Believe me, once you start up a stationary hobby you don’t stop!

Not only fountain pens but pens in general; there’s an account on TikTok that showcases Japanese stationary (the best of the best!) and I pine over everything they post

Two words: Tomoe River

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By *ichaelsmyMan
51 weeks ago

douglas

those bic fountain pens are still available to buy if you want them

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By *ichaelsmyMan
51 weeks ago

douglas

£18 - £19 for a box of 12 bic all in one fountain pens. usually at an office supplier

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By *host63Man
51 weeks ago

Bedfont Feltham

I only write with a fountain pen including ink pots copperplate nibs. Cartridge Pens and one t two others.

My current favourite is Kaweco Brass Trench Pen made for German officers in WWI virtually indestructible and writes really well.

Alas these days it's a lost art.

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By *TaR105Man
51 weeks ago

Birkenhead

"Let’s discuss fountain pens

I LOVE fountain pens - however I sadly lost my special fountain pen last year

When I was at school, my teacher bought in a pack of BIC All in One fountain pens and it was the best pen I’ve ever used. I think about it every day. Alas, I cannot find a replacement online.

Anyone else a fountain pen enthusiast? I’m a pen enthusiast in general, but there’s something so great about a fountain pen

Have you tried a Mont Blanc.

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By *lynJMan
51 weeks ago

Morden

"Of all the things fab people say they are interested in I've never seen fountain pens as a hobby. As someone said above, it's reading a little pen porn, there should be a group set up.

Believe me, once you start up a stationary hobby you don’t stop!

Not only fountain pens but pens in general; there’s an account on TikTok that showcases Japanese stationary (the best of the best!) and I pine over everything they post

You do stop if it's a stationary hobby - but not if it's a stationery hobby.

I'll keep you posted.

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By *achel SmythTV/TS
51 weeks ago

Farnborough

I remember the Bic fountain pens we weee taught to write with … with the left handed and right handed bibs … not to mention going home every night with your hands covered in ink - lol.

I returned to fountain pens some years ago, and always have a quality pen set. They say, ‘never use a pen you can’t afford to lose’ … sadly a mantra I haven’t adhered to, and over the years have mislaid, lost etc a number of quality pens. My current set is a Waterman set consisting of a fountain pen, rollerball, and a biro … a pen for every occasion… have em a while and hope to hand on to them.

R xx

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By *achel SmythTV/TS
51 weeks ago

Farnborough

See above … I meant Nibs …not Bibs … bloody predictive text!! X

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By *ensualMan
51 weeks ago

Sutton

Being from the generation which learnt to write with pens, I have always had a fascination with fountain pens, although my handwriting is not brilliant. Pen porn for me is the brochure pictures of fountain pens.

Unfortunately, these days I find using fountain pens too fiddly.

My fountain pen collection consists of a Mont Blanc, two Watermen, one Schaeffer, four Parkers two of which belonged to my father, three Lamys, one Kaweco sport, one Rotring and half a dozen cheap fountain pens.

My favourite ink colour is purple.

These days I tend to use Zig or Artline calligraphy pens.

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By *lark_KentMan
51 weeks ago

Northampton

"You probably want a Sailor or a TWSBI for an affordable option. I'd say TWSBI Go with an F or EF nib and ink without heavy granular pigment will do you just fine. "

I second twsbi, butni have discovered Jinhao from China to be excellent and really cheep. Thr Dadao is currently my daily driver

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By *ulfilthmentMan
51 weeks ago

Just around the corner

I use al sorts of pens for everyday stuff, but you can’t beat a fountain pen for writing on good paper.

I mostly use a Mont Blanc that was a present a few years back, or an ancient Pelikan that I bought from a junk shop and got restored.

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