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What is the perfect pen to give a girl as a gift?

babygreenspots

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Well, my fiance or gf or etc. has her heart set on a pen. What is a good one to seek? She mentioned montegrappa. Where is a good place to get this? Is ebay out of the question? I am in China and there are horrible taxes on all imports and dreadful selection.
 

JayJay

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There are lots of great options available. Take a look at the pens at fountainpenhospital.com, pengallery.com (a company in Malasia), among others.
 

huy

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Montegrappa is a good brand, but quite expensive at retail. Nakaya is the better option if you have the money. Some cheaper quality brands: Pelikan, Lamy, Pilot, Sailor, Platinum, Bexley and Aurora.

I would not ebay unless you know more about pens.
 

FidelCashflow

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I didn't know women were interested in that type of stuff
 

babygreenspots

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Thanks for the advice. It does seem to be quite a world of its own. She wants a more "girly" but still nice pen. I don't have huge amounts to spend, and retail seems quite high for nice pens.

Is vintage not a good idea for pens?
 

boo

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Originally Posted by FidelCashflow
I didn't know women were interested in that type of stuff

+1

The only time I've seen women interested in pens was when they had pink fur or hello kitty logos.
 

Jacksdad

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I bought my wife a Cartier pen that she really likes. It has the "screw" design that you see in some of their "Love" jewelry. What woman doesn't like Cartier? Not sure you could go wrong with anything from that store.
 

Davidko19

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Originally Posted by FidelCashflow
I didn't know women were interested in that type of stuff

yea, dont be a tool dude. Just give her your meat pen.
 

helpslip

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Originally Posted by babygreenspots
Thanks for the advice. It does seem to be quite a world of its own. She wants a more "girly" but still nice pen. I don't have huge amounts to spend, and retail seems quite high for nice pens.

Is vintage not a good idea for pens?


Hi,
There are many lovely vintage pens. However, as with watches and cars, buying vintage can be a minefield for those who are short on budget and / or knowledge in the field. Also, pens are often a highly personal thing. Like a watch they can be prized for both tangible aspects (how they write, what materials they are made of, quality of construction, etc.,) and intangibles (aesthetics, brand prestige, will it impress manouche, etc.,). If the lady has suggested a particular product finding suitable substitutes will depend on ascertaining why she likes that brand. I am afraid that if the reason falls into the later category (intangible) you will be hard pressed to find a suitable substitute at a much lower price. You might suggest your budget so that folks could make concrete suggestions though.
Help!
 

sanrensho

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Originally Posted by Davidko19
yea, dont be a tool dude. Just give her your meat pen.
As in "is that your pen or are you just happy to see me?"
 

Pengranger

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It may be useful to understand what type of pen you are after: fountain pen, rollerball or ball pen?

The size of the pen is also very important, and it may sound like a strange question, but does your GF have large hands? What material are you looking for? Metal, precious metal or acrylic? Where will it be kept? Rolling around a handbag isn't good for some pens...

Depending on the actual age, secondhand or vintage pens can be a great purchase. Some people may object if it was pre-owned, so would your GF object? Any idea on a price?
 

babygreenspots

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Thanks for all the help.

She would actually prefer vintage, I believe, and is not particularly concerned about brand. In fact she is somewhat anti-brand and said to make sure I don't get a Mont Blanc. Her hands are medium sized, but rather long and slender fingers. Her hands are actually the most beautiful part. She could be a model for gloves or rings. She wants a fountain pen.

I'm really not sure about my budget since I don't know the field. On the scale of things, I am rather destitute, hopefully in a somewhat gentlemanly way.
 

voxsartoria

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Originally Posted by babygreenspots
Thanks for all the help.

She would actually prefer vintage, I believe, and is not particularly concerned about brand. In fact she is somewhat anti-brand and said to make sure I don't get a Mont Blanc. Her hands are medium sized, but rather long and slender fingers. Her hands are actually the most beautiful part. She could be a model for gloves or rings. She wants a fountain pen.

I'm really not sure about my budget since I don't know the field. On the scale of things, I am rather destitute, hopefully in a somewhat gentlemanly way.


You are lucky to have a girlfriend who can see beyond the simplification of brand and newness.

Try David Nishimura: http://www.vintagepens.com/

Look through the site, and then pop him an email with your requirements, preferences, and budget.

- B
 

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