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Fountain Pens: Who uses them, and why?

Shangas

I'll Lock Up
Messages
6,116
Location
Melbourne, Australia
I should also add this piece of advice...

Only buy what you're going to use.

I know this sounds bloody stupid and obvious, but a lot of people these days see fountain pens as luxury items like mercedes and pocket watches, to be brought out once a month when they go to a White Tie dinner-party or something.

Fountain pens were made to be USED. So buy it and USE it. You're not going to waste $200 on a pen and then just sit it on your desk and drool over it, are you?

If you're uncomfortable with the pen or if you're self-conscious about using it, either don't buy it and keep searching, or say 'to hell with everyone else' and use it anyway.
 
Messages
11,579
Location
Covina, Califonia 91722
Pen Shows

Speaking of pen shows for those interested here are some in the US this year.

Little Rock
March 12 - 13, 2010
Location: Robinson Center 426 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR
Show Info: Sam Highsmith, 501-231-1005 arpenclub@sbcglobal.net
Show Website: www.thewritepen.net/LRShow.htm

Atlanta
April 9 - 11, 2010
Hotel: Crowne Plaza - Atlanta Perimeter NW
6345 Powers Ferry Road, Atlanta, GA 30339
Hotel Phone: 770-955-1700
Show Info: Jimmy Dolive or Mort Epstein Phone: 888-867-7367
Show Website: www.atlantapenshow.com/

Chicago
April 30 - May 2, 2010
Hotel: Westin O'Hare (Rosemont)
Hotel Phone: 800-937-8461; 888-625-4990
Show Info: Don Lavin Phone: 847-272-2745
Email: dlpens@aol.com
Show Website: www.chicagopenshow.com

New England
May 15 - 16, 2010
Hotel: Somerville Holiday Inn, 30 Washington Street Somerville, MA
Hotel Phone: 617-628-1000
Show Info: Rob Morrison Phone: 828-293-0331
Email: robmorrison@charter.net
Show Website: www.vintagewriting.com/new_england_pen_show.htm

MIAMI
July 16 - 18, 2010
Hotel: The Biltmore Hotel - Coral Gables, FL Hotel Phone: 800-727-1926
Show Info: Bert Oser Phone: 301-468-6939
Email: bertoser@bertramsinkwell.com
Show Website: www.miamipenshow.com

Virginia
August 12 - 15, 2010
Hotel: Shearaton Premier Hotel -Tyson's Corner, Vienna, VA
Hotel Phone: 703-448-1234
Show Info: Bob Johnson Phone: 864-963-3834
Email: bjohnson@pencentral.com
Show Website: www.pencentral.com

Dallas September 24 - 25, 2010
Note New Location!
Hotel: Doubletree Hotel Dallas -- Galleria 4099 Valley View Lane
Hotel Phone: 972-385-9000
Show Info: Larry Bedinghaus PH: 972-529-5860, email: larrybedinghaus@tx.rr.com
Show Info: Pete Kirby PH: 972-529-6364, email: conrad.kirby@sbcglobal.net

We just had the LA show February 12-14
 

Leading Edge

One of the Regulars
Messages
181
Location
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
John in Covina,
Do you know of a show coming to the Pennsylvania area? Also, what's a good clearinghouse-type of site for information about such shows?

BTW: Please accept this formal thank you.
Some time ago, you suggested writing the word "Egypt" when trying out a new pen. That suggestion definitely saved me from wasting money buying by "the eye" instead of "the hand".
Thank you.
 

Shangas

I'll Lock Up
Messages
6,116
Location
Melbourne, Australia
NOTICE TO MELBOURNE FOUNTAIN PEN USERS & FEDORA LOUNGE MEMBERS:

2010 Melbourne Pen Show. Sunday, 21st NOVEMBER. Amora Hotel, 649 Bridge Road, Richmond. Starts 10:00am Ends 5:00pm
 

Shangas

I'll Lock Up
Messages
6,116
Location
Melbourne, Australia
Hopefully some of our melbourne members can make it there! I'll be at the show displaying my pens as one of the (five, i think) exhibitors for the Melbourne Pen Club.
 

HHISIII

One of the Regulars
Messages
196
Location
Hilton Head, SC
Heads up to anyone near a tuesday morning store:
All of the ones near me have gotten a lot of pens in. Mostly 'Retro 51' brand, the one I bought is a decent pen and only $10, but there are some Parkers and the like...
 

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