What pens are we carrying today?

[DeaconKC]

Connery, those little Varsity pens are really good little writers. Welcome to the society.

 

[Connery]

Connery, those little Varsity pens are really good little writers. Welcome to the society.

 

[JohnnyDollar]

Used those exact pens for two years at work. I started using them so folks wouldn't steal my pens figuring it was better than nothing (until I got a vintage FP), now I have a few coworkers that are using them. I still have a number of them in my desk and still like to use them occasionally.

 

[Doublegun]

I got hooked by the Varsity pens several years. Then I jumped to a Lamay Safari, ok but not great. Last week I treated myself to my first truly vintage FP, a Schaeffer Balance from the 30's. The Balance is a pretty substantial pen and the medium nib lays down a nice line. Unfortunately, I can already tell this is going to get addicting. I now have the urge to buy a Schaeffer with an inlaid nib. They just look so elegant. I bought the Balance through Payton Street Pens and Teri was a pleasure to deal with. I recommend them very highly.

JDG

 

[DeaconKC]

One of the best ways to really try a good quality fountain pen is the Waterman Phileas. Reasonably priced, very good nibs and a medium sized pen.You can [ick up a converter on the cheap and then try out various inks...........

 

[IsaacRN]

I will be carrying a Visconti Homo Sapiens ground to a 0.7mm Cursive Italic. It will be filled with Noodler's Benevolent Badger

 

[John in Covina]

i am still running with the 30's no name mostly this week. i stopped by the Fountain Pen Shop in Monrovia to pick up a bottle of the Private Reserve Velvet Black. While I was there several customers came in and it was fun to talk Pens.

 

[Doublegun]

Just ordered another FP: an NOS Eversharp Symphony 913 made in 1950. I suppose the next part of the fun will be trying different inks. I am partial to very dark/rich blue ink that is fast drying. Suggestions?

 

[ShortAndCashed]

I have a rollerball made by Waterford, and it's an amazing pen, especially if you like heavy pens. The only problem I have is needing a refill cartridge every week... I need to find a converter for it, I think...

 

[DeaconKC]

Doublegun, I am very partial to Privat reserve's American Blue, but it might be a shade light for your taste.

 

[John in Covina]

Just ordered another FP: an NOS Eversharp Symphony 913 made in 1950. I suppose the next part of the fun will be trying different inks. I am partial to very dark/rich blue ink that is fast drying. Suggestions?

I saw that Private reserve has a line of fast drying inks. Don't know much about them but the other PR inks are mixable so you maybe able to create a mix of fast drying to create a color you'd like.

 

[Doublegun]

Thanks, John. I am going to give them a try.

Cheers,

JDG

 

[DeaconKC]

Cleaned up and broke out a Pelikan 150 and Pilot Aerator, loaded with with Private Reserve American Blue.

 

[DeaconKC]

Got a new Cross Classic Century 2 today, loaded it up with Skrip Black and a very sweet writer! Definitely going into the daily rotation.

 

[Heather]

I would really like to get a fountain pen. Now that I'm keeping a journal, it seems like the perfect excuse. I was wondering if anyone could recommend a good or decent one for a beginner such as I. It would be much appreciated!

 

[Doublegun]

I would really like to get a fountain pen. Now that I'm keeping a journal, it seems like the perfect excuse. I was wondering if anyone could recommend a good or decent one for a beginner such as I. It would be much appreciated!

It's hard to beat a Pilot Varsity as a place to start. Check out Amazon - they have them. Payton Street Pens out in CA has a great selection of pens, including old new in stock FP's that have never been inked, for less than $50. Search for them on the Web. Teri is the proprietor and is great to work with - very patient and not pushing expensive pens. I recommend them highly.

 

[DeaconKC]

For traditional looks, both Cross and Waterman make some very reasonably priced FPs with excellent nibs. If you like a techno look, the Lamy Safari is also in the running.

 

[ShortAndCashed]

I found a bottle of Skrip in a trip to Hobby Lobby the other day, and it was on clearance for $2! It'll be fine in my technical pens until I happen across a good deal on a decent FP.

 

[John in Covina]

I grabbed my Parker Duofold Jr (green color) this one is a streamline model so made some time between 1929 and 1935. The nib has a little flex to it.

 

[Anthony Jordan]

Not exactly carrying, but I bought these two today (along with the cufflinks) and briefly used both:

2 1940s/1950s mechanical pencils and a pair of 1950s MoP cufflinks:

The upper of the two is a working "The Conway 50", which I assume makes it a Conway Stewart, whilst the other is a Pen-Cil-Scope, which acts as a two-in-one pencil and ballpoint pen, although only the pencil half is currently working. This I assume is American, as I have seen a 1951 F.A.O. Schwarz toy catalogue in which a sterling silver example, boxed, retailed for $6. The Conway is definitely a keeper for as long as I can find leads for it, the other and the cufflinks probably not, but interesting to have a good look at all the same.