Pen advice.

lefty · May 5, 2008

Hi,

I wish to purchase a pen for a friend who was recently set free from his job. I know nothing about pens and my budget is $300.

Any thoughts?

lefty

Twotone · May 5, 2008

Pens are as personal as shoes -- what fits me and what I like may not work for you. My advice is to take him to a pen shop and let him try various makes and models. If you are considering a fountain pen, this is even more important as nib size, style, ink, paper, etc. affect writing. Waterman and Pelikan are brands which offer good values at many price points. If you are not knowledgable about pens, find a good retailer who does. Also, check out:

http://www.fountainpennetwork.com

Hope this helps,
Twotone

dopey · May 5, 2008

+1
People's tastes differ.

Here are two suggestion, though, from opposite ends of the design spectrum. I like both.

Lamy 2000
Pelikan 800 (or 600) in green stripe. Both are great pens and great designs.

Pelikan2 · May 5, 2008

I echo what two-tone said above. Pens are very personal, depending upon hand size, handwriting size, and preferences.

If it's a fountain pen you're looking for, Fine nibs are probably the most popular and are amenable to most styles of handwriting. If you absolutely want this to be a gift/surprise, I suppose I'd recommend a Pelikan m600. It's medium-sized, classically styled and a good performer. I also like Waterman pens, and the Exception is a nice option for a slightly more formal pen.

lee_44106 · May 5, 2008

Conceptually fountain pens are real nice, classic, gentlemanly, the "lost art of writing in the age of e-mail" and all that romantic/nostalgic stuff.

However, it takes some getting used to, it can be messy and a bit of hassle to those not used to it, and in some eyes a bit pretentious.

Best safe bet, not knowing what the recipient's taste/preferences is like, is to either give a ballpoint or rollball pen. The exact configuration/brand is another matter.

Renault78law · May 5, 2008

Originally Posted by dopey

+1
Lamy 2000

I love the Lamy 2000 as well. Much less than $300, to boot.

I have to echo the other posters' comments, if you're getting a fountain pen, it helps to know what size nib be prefers.

lefty · May 5, 2008

Thanks, fellows. I'll look at the recommendations.

It's a gift, so he needs some flexibility if he wishes to exchange it. Is there a good pen shop in NYC?

lefty

TheFoo · May 5, 2008

I'd be careful about picking a fine nib. They tend to write less smoothly. To be safe, I'd stick to medium. If your friend prefers fine or extra-fine, he can always exchange the pen before filling it.

A Lamy is fine pen, but more of a pen I'd buy for myself. I'd pick something a little less utilitarian as a gift. Pelikans are great, if not a bit stiff--but if he's a pen collector, and doesn't have one, he should. My personal favorites are Caran D'ache and ST Dupont. Purists reject them because the aren't piston fillers, but they are made extremely well and the nibs are as smooth as you can hope for.

lefty · May 5, 2008

Originally Posted by mafoofan

I'd be careful about picking a fine nib. They tend to write less smoothly. To be safe, I'd stick to medium. If your friend prefers fine or extra-fine, he can always exchange the pen before filling it.

A Lamy is fine pen, but more of a pen I'd buy for myself. I'd pick something a little less utilitarian as a gift. Pelikans are great, if not a bit stiff--but if he's a pen collector, and doesn't have one, he should. My personal favorites are Caran D'ache and ST Dupont. Purists reject them because the aren't piston fillers, but they are made extremely well and the nibs are as smooth as you can hope for.

He's not a pen collector, but is a soon-to-be unemployed writer. I'm hoping it's an appropriate gift.

lefty

TheFoo · May 5, 2008

Originally Posted by lefty

He's not a pen collector, but is a soon-to-be unemployed writer. I'm hoping it's an appropriate gift.

lefty

You can't go wrong with a Pelikan. It's well-respected by pen people, nicely finished, and reliable. Regardless of your expertise or interest in pens, nothing is more frustrating than a pen that doesn't flow properly.

Personally, I think a black Dupont Olympio would be perfect. Who wouldn't like a pretty black pen that writes really smoothly?

voxsartoria · May 5, 2008

Originally Posted by mafoofan

My personal favorites are Caran D'ache and ST Dupont.

ST Dupont Olympio/Orpheos are my favorite fountain pens. Mostly, because the nibs are exceptionally smooth writing, and while stiff like a contemorary pen, they still manage to give a vintage flexiness in writing feel.

The brass bodies are made like vaults, and the even the basic black Chinese lacquer has a liquid depth that is both subtle and luxurious (there are elaborate optional finishes available also, of course). Everything about the construction is first rate.

The filling system is pedestrian, but I dislike pistons because I can never escape having ink weep into the cap.

I have four of them, so you can say that I like them a lot.

Here's a big Orpheo sitting on the Valextra wallet in one of my WAYWRN accessory shots:

- B

Dmax · May 5, 2008

Originally Posted by lefty

Thanks, fellows. I'll look at the recommendations.

It's a gift, so he needs some flexibility if he wishes to exchange it. Is there a good pen shop in NYC?

lefty

Fountain Pen Hospital is probably the best pen store in NYC. Joon is OK too but generally looses to FPH in selection and the quality of sales help. Prices are similar (20%-25% off list price is standard for most brands).

lefty · May 5, 2008

Originally Posted by Dmax

Fountain Pen Hospital is probably the best pen store in NYC. Joon is OK too but generally looses to FPH in selection and the quality of sales help. Prices are similar (20%-25% off list price is standard for most brands).

Thanks, D.

I'll check it out. Now I want a new pen for myself as well.

lefty

Big A · May 5, 2008

My choices, in no particular order: A Pelican fountain pen, a Cross ballpoint, and a Foray Rollerball. The first is a smaller pen, good for travel (assuming you want to travel with a fountain pen, which may not be so smart); the second is my everyday pen; the third I keep a stock of in my office. Sorry for the lousy pic - hopefully the next iphone will have a decent camera

As for Mont Blanc pens, I used to have a Boheme with the retractable nib, but I lost it. Still pisses me off today, I really liked it. Taught me not to travel with an expensive pen

speedster.8 · May 5, 2008

Originally Posted by lefty

Thanks, D. I'll check it out. Now I want a new pen for myself as well. lefty
I looked at a simmilar thread here some time a go ... I have now found my self wanting a Sailor King kobra (only for the nib) ... Even considered bying a complete set @ rautken for a short time (but im not that NUTS)

I could after all get lots of shoes for the 7000$ or so the complete set of NIB's would have cost me ... I stil want a pen from them, but il start in the lower end.

Originally Posted by Big A

My choices, in no particular order: The first is a smaller pen, good for travel (assuming you want to travel with a fountain pen, which may not be so smart); the second is my everyday pen; the third I keep a stock of in my office. As for Mont Blanc pens, I used to have one of these but I lost it. Still pisses me off today, I really liked it. Taught me not to travel with an expensive pen
I travel a lott, and my Lamys hold up nicely thank you. Have a wide nib 2000, a limited ed 2000 balpoint (ceramic /sterlingsilver) and a 2000 quadro (I have swaped out the green with PDA tip) But as a gift i think a Parker 100 or a Waterman Carene would be nice. But then a gain I DONT like MontBlanc

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