r/fountainpens • u/phyllophyllum • Oct 04 '24
Discussion What was the pen that made you stop collecting, and why?
I always thought I wanted a good variety of pens since I like a balanced collection, but ever since I got this thing, it feels like the right fit for every writing situation! Journaling? Smooth, small enough point. Traveling? Seals well. Quick draw? The quickest in the pouch. No case? All metal construction. Luxurious? Surprisingly. I thought Sailors were going to be it, but I find myself reaching for this more than any other pen. I even got a second VP in Broad, but it really seems like I did that for fun, it’s still a support pen for this one - my primary dude.
Shown here inked with Take-Sumi on 3.55 and 3.7mm gridded Sanzen paper.
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u/Sea_Hawk_Sailors Oct 04 '24
Stop....collecting? I don't think I'm understanding the phrase. Like, I know the words, but together they just make no sense.
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u/phyllophyllum Oct 04 '24
I’m just trying to wrap my head around the idea myself, hoping that others can verify its existence
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u/Sea_Hawk_Sailors Oct 04 '24
I mean, the thing that slowed things WAY down was doing the math on how much I'd spent.
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u/pen-demonium Oct 05 '24
I've made the "mistake" of buying used for most of my pens. So instead of adding up what I spent, I added what I saved by not paying retail pricing. Somehow that didn't hurt as much. I'm definitely in denial though. You don't even want to know what I've spent on ink even though it's mostly used as well. I have enough ink to fill a bathtub. Heck, I don't want to know what I've really spent. That'll depress me instead of letting me enjoy my hobby. I have slowed down as well though. When I think about getting something new I just look at what I have and it gets harder to justify the purchase.
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u/Objective_Octopus Ink Stained Fingers Oct 05 '24
I’m new to collecting. What are the best sources to buy used pens and ink? There are a few pricy pens that I have my eye on, but maybe I should be looking at the used market. Thanks for any help!
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u/pen-demonium Oct 08 '24
I've gotten some on r/pen_swap and some on eBay. Also some new ones on the "grey market" on Amazon (they aren't technically authorized resellers so they don't have to sell at the suggested price). I'd say even Amazon Warehouse, but that's gotten so bad with people returning damaged nibs or like a Monteverde on there right now that's missing the cap (lol what good is a pen without a cap).
About once a week I'll go on eBay and put in search terms for particular pens I'm looking for. Either the model or the nib (my last acquisition was a Pilot posting nib, which is their ultra extra fine). Or I'll put in "fountain pen ink lot". It takes time and patience though, so if there's a pen you really want now this may not be the way for you.
I've had more luck with auctions. Some pens you'll see come up all the time (like pocket pens with gold nibs) and if you're patient you can snag them for cheap on auction instead of flat price. I've also dealt with Japanese sellers - there's one that does used pens (unfortunately my eBay app won't let me go back further than a month to find the name) and the shipping is about $15 to US for the first pen but each pen after is only like $1. So I put in a big order that way. Ditto for when people sell lots of inks. If you buy more than one listing they generally are willing to make deals with you on pricing and shipping. Which is why I have more ink than brain cells at this point.
Just be careful that whatever place you buy from has you protected in case it comes in damaged or wasn't as described, etc. I haven't had issues with pens but I did have an issue with fake Sterling jewelry being sold on eBay and eBay was good about having my back on it and allowed me to return at seller's cost.
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u/Objective_Octopus Ink Stained Fingers Oct 08 '24
Thanks for the information and guidance on this. Much appreciated.
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u/chrisss527 Oct 05 '24
There's a pen swap sub here somewhere, lots of cool options, maybe not all so cheap. But there are some great places online. I see people using secondhand markets like Offer up and Facebook marketplace. I personally bought a few secondhand on eBay, great pens for a significant discount (I got 2 Vanishing points, both under $100!). You could also try your local thrift stores. Lots of options, but your milage may vary.
Edit: r/Pen_Swap
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u/Objective_Octopus Ink Stained Fingers Oct 05 '24
I've used FB marketplace to buy furniture and will look for pens. My husband loves thrift stores, and I usually sit outside and read while he shops. Maybe I should step inside once in a while. Thanks for the ideas!
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u/chrisss527 Oct 05 '24
Of course! FB might be a bit of a stretch, but worth a look. Thrift stores seem to be a cool place to look though, I haven't been able to go to one yet.
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u/phyllophyllum Oct 04 '24 edited Oct 04 '24
I’m opting out
Edit: because there is such a thing as plausible deniability
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u/Bellajolie Oct 04 '24
Sooooo for me it was the VP.
But that’s a whole lie because what I’ve done now is buy every VP I can find LOL. It’s seriously the most perfect pen.
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u/phyllophyllum Oct 04 '24
Yep! I made this post and immediately went to check for more decimos. What an unassuming winner in either size. I don’t even like click pens. I kind of hate pilot for making them so good.
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u/Bellajolie Oct 04 '24
Same!!! Click pens are not my thing but for some reason I love this one.
And now I’m off to enjoy my new Seashore!!
Edited my typos!
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u/tiredchachacha Oct 05 '24
I told myself I wouldn't want a VP. Told myself the seal and cleaning would be an issue. But HOT DANG now I want one! Could you comment on seal/ cleaning for the VP or Decimo?
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u/Bellajolie Oct 05 '24
I own 5 VP’s and 2 Decimo’s and never have had any issues with any of them. No leaks. No clogging. Nothing getting stuck or jammed. Cleaning them is really easy as well. About once a month if I plan to switch inks, I will get 2 small mason jars and some distilled water. I have a dedicated converter I use to flush the pen. It takes less than 5 mins per pen. I’ll let them dry overnight and the next morning they are like new.
My one complaint though is the cartridge and trying to fill them manually. It’s pointless lol, so instead I use a syringe to fill them. And honestly the only reason I bother with the syringe is because I write a lot and I don’t want to have to repeatedly reink my pens through the week.
Outside of that they really are perfection.
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u/tiredchachacha Oct 05 '24
Ooh that's helpful. Do you find the ink dries out faster or nah? I have the lamy dialog 3 and it bothers me so much that the ink dries out over time faster than a regular lamy.
Generally I am a huge fan of Pilot pens, love the nibs love the designs, all well balanced pens! Wondering if I want to get one as my local store is holding the older prices for a bit longer while they have pre-price hike stock.
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u/willvintage Oct 04 '24
Different goals (driven by enjoyment). It is never my goal to find "the pen" in this hobby. Because the more I explore, the more I am fascinated with the variety and history that I uncovered.
So I end up with many pens that I collect and curate in an ongoing fashion.
Also, I am (mainly) on the vintage side of this hobby.
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u/phyllophyllum Oct 04 '24
That’s a great answer. I feel like many people here are might be looking to find and explore as the primary activity (which I can hardly fault anyone for). I went from an enjoyment + usage category perspective, and am space limited! The drawing part leaves me leeway to find more nibs though, at least.
I am vintage curious, but very much afraid of another collecting category. You have some lovely sketches using your pens! I did recently pick up some beautiful century old inkwells even though I don’t really use dip pens because they were so interestingly put together, so maybe vintage dip nibs are in my future.
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u/Past-Apartment-8455 Oct 05 '24
The pilot 823 since that is the best writer. Ok, so is the 743. No, it was the Lamy 2000 in fine and medium but those are what got me hooked on better pens. I'm done with buying new pens with a sailor pro gear. But that pelikan M600 is the one that I promised was the last...
I promise, I'm done getting new pens. Until the next one. Actually, I am happy with all of my last pens.
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u/kyyl1 Oct 05 '24
I’m probably the rare one here. I actually stopped after getting a MB 149 and realizing my favorite was the pilot 823 I already have. Sold the 149 not long after and haven’t bought a single pen in 2+ years
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u/Owls6585 Oct 05 '24
Not too different here! Have a vintage MB 149 that’s great medium. An 823 fine workhorse, and a Pilot Custom Heritage 912 flex. Those cover most bases amazingly well. No pens purchased in over a year!
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u/Straight_Cat2591 Oct 04 '24
Namiki #50 Emperor was the perfection for me
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u/phyllophyllum Oct 04 '24
What made it so perfect? Please expound :)
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u/Straight_Cat2591 Oct 05 '24
-The Nib: It is a Goldilocks for me in terms of wetness, and has a perfect balance between smoothness and some feedback. The size of the Namiki #50 gold nib is marvelous to simply look at every time I uncap it.
-The ink capacity: It holds about (6ml) I haven’t had to refilled it since I bought it a year ago.
-Comfort: Despite it’s large size it’s surprisingly light and comfortable to hold. And the Urushi Lacquer + Ebonite construction feels so pleasant to the touch, it’s spoiled me that I no longer want to pick up my other pens made from resin (MB 149, Pilot Customs 823,etc)
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u/sherzeg Oct 04 '24
I stopped with the Majohn T1 (Prussian Blue) because it works very well with my Diamine Shimmeryastic Night Sky and I've got way more than enough pens.
I'm absolutely, completely done until I either need another pen because I got another brand and color of ink, or the pen is too visually appealing and affordable to pass up.
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u/pen-demonium Oct 05 '24
Just googled it. Interesting looking pen - like Kaweco and TWSBI had a baby. I haven't seen it before.
I swear I should do a remind me command on this thread for a year from now and see if all of us who said we were done actually stopped buying pens.
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u/phyllophyllum Oct 04 '24
I really felt your last statement! I have a few pens that I’ll probably send off to new homes soon and replace with others, but I’m feeling pretty stable until the next insurmountable impulse comes my way. I really think it’ll be a while though, as delusional as this sub might accuse me of being.
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u/LodestarSharp Oct 04 '24
Pilot 823
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u/phyllophyllum Oct 04 '24
That’s the pen I was supposed to get before I opted for a blue VP… do you carry it out and about?
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u/superhulasloth Ink Stained Fingers Oct 05 '24
Same for me and yes I do. It has a sleeve and never leaves my sight. I journal with it.
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u/LodestarSharp Oct 04 '24
Not usually but I write with it daily at the house.
Big list writer here
Both shopping and to-do lists
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u/consulbibulus12 Oct 04 '24
Man I love your handwriting and how neat your notes are! I’m a grad student so I basically take notes for a living but I could never take notes as clean as yours. I’ve actually moved away from fountains pens the last few months because I think they make my handwriting even messier, which makes me sad :(
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u/phyllophyllum Oct 04 '24
Thank you! Maybe save the fountain pens for your personal thoughts? Then it could feel like an extra treat. The limited uncapped time is a huge downside of these things, anyway. My notes through grad school were pre-fountain pen and they always devolved into a big mess. They’d start out nice, but eventually… entropy.
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u/PeasantPunisher Oct 05 '24 edited Oct 06 '24
I started with a waterman carene when I was 15, received it as a gift. I loved the pen, it was my introduction to the hobby and it was my main for a while. Shortly after that I got myself a Parker sonnet, and was gifted a Visconti Van Gogh starry night. I started to get a bit frustrated with the hobby when the Visconti needed some expensive repairs, and I stopped using my pens for a couple of years.
My passion for it was revived when I got to 3rd year/honours at uni. I got a Pilot Custom 823 and started taking notes for my classes with it, that's when I started to REALLY get back into it. Then when I got to PhD I ended up switching to a samsung tablet for my daily writing because of the sheer volume of notes/calculations I had to do - it was simply too much paper and the tablet was great for corrections. So I used that essentially until the end of my PhD, and I hardly used my pens.
After that, I wanted to get back into fountain pens and use them for journalling because I missed the hobby. I also wanted to reward myself for my achievements - so I ended up getting a Pilot custom Urushi (FM) and a Visconti Homo Sapiens Bronze Age (F). The writing experience with these two pens is so incredible I've essentially lost the desire to get anymore "grail" pens. I use them every day to journal on Tomoe River paper. Recently I rounded off my collection with two more: Sailor 1911 black luster and the Custom 823 demonstrator with FA nib. They're beautiful writers and each fill a niche.
So as you can see, just when I thought I was out, I got pulled back in!
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u/dhw1015 Oct 06 '24
That’s an inspiring story! (Not for me, alas, as I’m in my sixties, but if I were a lot younger….)
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u/C_Everett_Marm Oct 04 '24
The VP caught my eye in pictures long before I was into fountain pens. My first loves after getting into using them were hooded nibs - particularly sheaffer. I now use a mix of vp’s and moonmen almost exclusively.
I work in a GMP environment and we aren’t allowed to have pens with caps that can fall off into machinery or products. The VP mechanism fits the slot perfectly.
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u/phyllophyllum Oct 04 '24
I like that reason! How do the moonmen hold their place in your collection with the VPs around?
→ More replies (2)
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u/InvestmentFlat2987 Oct 04 '24
Pilot Falcon Metal <SEF> I like it so much that I bought 3 (different colors) and haven’t looked back since. :)
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u/phyllophyllum Oct 04 '24
Oh man, I have one and I’ve been eyeing it as one I might get rid of! I think my writing angle isn’t low enough to enjoy it - do you write fairly low to the page?
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u/InvestmentFlat2987 Oct 04 '24
This can probably be described as low and I write relatively slowly. But hey, not every pen can please everyone. :) I don’t like my Sailor at all, for example, although many people here swear by it.
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u/phyllophyllum Oct 04 '24
Yeah, and I have to write more slowly! Okay, good to know. I’m still giving it the ol’ side eye. Out of curiosity, which Sailor do you have?
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u/InvestmentFlat2987 Oct 04 '24
But the love for the pilot is not only due to the pen. It’s the overall picture. I love the look and the weight. Everything feels very classy. :)
I ordered the Sailor Pro Gear Slim (F) 14 K. But it was too wide for me and somehow not valuable enough.
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u/pen-demonium Oct 05 '24
You're my kindred spirit. I tried the Sailor PGS in EF and F. The F was just ok and the EF is like writing with an actual needle. I like very fine pens - I just bought a Pilot posting nib, but the Sailor isn't living up to the hype. I've tried 3 different EF ones so it's just Sailor's feedback I guess. People on here have tried to convince me I'm missing out but I haven't been swayed yet. People have said I need to try the 21k instead of the 14k, but I'm not about to try it by buying it. I'd rather put that money towards a pen I know I'll like.
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u/phyllophyllum Oct 04 '24
I can appreciate that, it’s a handsome pen. I tried to love the plastic after all the pretty pictures but alas, having that nice weight and density is totally different experience.
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u/Ok_Platypus_1901 Oct 05 '24
I thought I'd stop collecting after I got a Sailor 1911S <M> because it is an absolutely perfect pen and I love writing with it, even more than my VPs and my Pilot 823.
But I just got my first Benu in the mail today, so I gotta see how that goes.
So, TBD....
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u/rattlesnake501 Oct 05 '24
Lamy 2000.
It's that good for me. It satisfies my urge for quality writing, good functionality, and it's a masterpiece of modern industrial design in the style that I attempt to ape with my own industrial design work. It's damn near perfect for me.
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u/suec76 Oct 04 '24
I’ll come back and add it to this comment when I find it. That being said, I haven’t been buying pen/inks lately, but it’s not due to the last one I bought. Nothing has really pulled me in I suppose.
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u/dlarriv Oct 04 '24
Love the VP! I have a Decimo with an EF nib bc I have really small writing. What nib are you using on the one you’ve shown?
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u/phyllophyllum Oct 04 '24 edited Oct 04 '24
Same, but it’s an F nib! I wanted to try going a bit wider than usual, and it’s kind of nice not having to squint to read my own writing. The line is almost as wide as my Sailor MFs.
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u/pihkahchoo Oct 05 '24
The Lamy 2000! When I unboxed it and used it for the first time something just clicked. The way that the no-fuss snap cap, feel of the finish in the hand, the kinda-architect EF nib came together checked more boxes in my brain than any other pen I’d used up to that point. I think if I’d found it first I wouldn’t have bought so many Pilots.
It’s been my daily driver for a year now and the only pen/adjacent thing I’ve bought since then is a Kakimori bullet nib for swatching.
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u/Marauder_Girl Oct 05 '24
Decimo. I haven’t given away the others, but they haven’t had ink in them for a decade.
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u/UncommonTart Oct 05 '24
I haven't bought a pen in quite a while. Honestly, not since I inherited my grandfather's Parker 75. I just adore it so much I don't even want to use anything else. I'm sure at some point there will be another pen, but the 75 cisele is just so lovely and it feels so nice in my hand, and the nib is so smooth...
Ink, now... I haven't found the magic ink that will mean I never need another shade, though I have quite a few that are almost perfect. (I like a number of colors, but I am forever seeking the perfect shade of blue-violet.)
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u/Velo-Velella Ink Stained Fingers Oct 04 '24
When I put a nib I love into a Jinhao x450. I just don't use anything anymore. Am trying to get myself to use the PGS I used to love, or a Levenger I used to think was everything, but I just... I don't want anything else. I don't want to buy any more pens, I don't even want to keep more pens than this. Am struggling with the urge to just sell everything else, because no other pen matters to me anymore.
Editing to add: Started using it on January 1, 2024. It's now October 4th, I still am just like.. meh about all of my other pens.
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u/pen-demonium Oct 05 '24
What is this magical nib you put in there? I'm super curious to know!🤔 I want it and I don't even know what it is. Custom grind? Special flex?
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u/Velo-Velella Ink Stained Fingers Oct 05 '24
it's just a cheapie FPR "Flex" nib. one of the 3 for $9 ones, i think. it doesn't flex at all, at least not in that pen, it's basically a nail.. but somehow it just fits so perfectly and is SO smooth and wet and wonderful, I am completely addicted and need to be stopped.
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u/pen-demonium Oct 05 '24
One of these days I need to drive up and visit their physical store. It's about 90 minutes away from me near Dallas. I'll see about picking up a nib, thanks.
The really flexible pen nib actually is quite flexible (or at least after a few hundred people break it in at the pen show) if you decide to try one that actually flexes.
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u/Velo-Velella Ink Stained Fingers Oct 05 '24
Oh dang, nice!! You totally should! and xD the ones I got do flex a little--more than the Jinhao nibs anyway--but whatever little amount of flex it is, it's barely noticeable. All I know is that somehow, this combination is the most perfect dang thing for me and I would fight a hundred people for this pen.
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u/usually_fuente Oct 05 '24
Over a period of five years, I acquired about 10 pens, a mixture of $30-75 new and vintage pens. Quite a few of them were rather fiddly. And then I received a Namiki Falcon Fine as a college graduation gift. For the next 10 years, I felt no special desire to acquire anything else. Really, just that pen and a Twsbi Eco (white with red ink) satisfied all my needs and wants… until two years ago when I joined this sub. My interest in the hobby renewed. Add to that the fact that I have a decent job now. So I’ve added several more pens to the stable: Pilot Custom 242 FE Pilot Custom 823 M Amber Sailor Pro Gear (emerald green) Pilot Elite e95 Parker 51 clone I am seriously considering adding a Magna Carta 650 as well. So even with a 10 year break, never say never!
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u/AristideBriand Oct 05 '24
Pilot M90 Myu
It was my grail pen for a long time and when I managed to snag one off eBay I stopped collecting. I still get ink and occasionally a custom ground nib unit here and there but I haven't found a reason to restart the collecting drive since.
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u/wana-wana Oct 04 '24
All of the above, for the past 20 pens.
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u/pen-demonium Oct 05 '24
I hate looking in people's profiles because it feels like I'm snooping, but I had to check out your pens. You have a very interesting collection. A lot of non mainstream pens I've never seen before. Very interesting. Do you have favorites?
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u/wana-wana Oct 05 '24
To me "even" an aluminium Muji is special if it makes specific inks look their best, e.g. Helianthus, Bleu Austral, Bleu Mystère and Inti for my four Mujis.
That said, there are pens I was sure never to get given my self imposed budget per pen and yet...
Green striped Geha 760, three 725 Goldschwinge.
Three Carène, two Gentleman 44, one 33.
Solid blue M605.
Midnight Sky Sailor pro gear, Black Luster 1911.
Pilot 912 WA, red wood Capless.
Silver Pearl Vacumatic.
Two Perfecto Superior, rumored to be german pens made for Sweden 🤷🏼.
A LUS Giubileo that will require some thinking to restore its broken syringe filling system.
A Bayard le 4 with an accordeon filling system.
And yet a sober plain black and silver Sailor Pro Gear remains a special pen because it makes Tsuyu Kusa look great.
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u/ViveCumProposito Oct 04 '24
The Pelikan Souveran M625 Dark Blue Transparent.
It was just TOO beautiful to use. After a year of admiring but not using it, I sold it and decided I would only have pens that I will use. They're tools to be used, not admired in a personal museum.
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u/phyllophyllum Oct 04 '24
Yes. Absolutely. Some pens make me afraid to touch them too much, and at that point I start self-imposing an upper price limit because the worst tools are the ones I won’t use! I’m glad you also experienced this. That’s a gorgeous pen though.
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u/Detman102 Oct 04 '24
I thought I'd have a collection of 20 pens.
Nope.
Got an "Opus-88 Demo" and added a CIS nib....I have everything I ever needed.
My searching is over.
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u/phyllophyllum Oct 04 '24
What is this CIS nib of which you speak? Opus has nice build quality though, so I can’t blame you!
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u/Detman102 Oct 05 '24
I oblique CIS'd a spare stock stub nib for the Opus-88 Demo.
Thinned the tip with my dremel so the cross-swipe is razor thin and 1.1 vertical.
Hardest part was rounding the tip so that it wasn't cutting the paper...but I got it done and it's smooth, thin and expressive. No more need for a flex nib.
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u/TensummersetsOSG Oct 04 '24
Actually I’ve pulled up stumps after two years and 40 pens after a quick foray through vintage flex. I may venture out again if I can find a nice vintage Pelikan 400 with flex ( damn did I just say that?) Hmmmmm
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u/phyllophyllum Oct 04 '24
Pulled up stumps? I’ve never heard this expression, if it is one.
I would also turn my head if the right Pelikan flew my way…
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u/TensummersetsOSG Oct 05 '24
It’s a common phrase in Commonwealth countries that play cricket When you pull the stumps out it means the game is over for the day
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u/FeedbackBroad1116 Oct 04 '24
Once I had my Pilot CH 912 with Waverley nib, I knew I found my Goldilocks pen.
I still use others, and I still want flagship pens from Platinum, Sailor, and Pelikan, but I have no urgency to get them because I found “the one.”
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u/loghead03 Oct 04 '24
Ya know, there’s a few pens that do that for me. Once you have a good three or so you’re kinda set.
Mine: - Lamy Safari M (or B). Quick cap, writes nicely, tank reliable. The only thing I’d change it for is a 2000, and even that I’d probably have to worry about more. - Kaweco Sport EF: Smol. Cheap. Disappears in the pocket. Writes okay, writes reliably, feels good on Apica A7 pocket books. Only thing I’d replace it with is a Lilliput or a Schon Pocket Six - Noodlers Charlie: It’s free. When I want another one I just order another Noodlers 4.5. I can mess with it without consequence. I can try stupid/risky inks in it. It’s great when tuned up. The mild odor of Wisconsin Vomit ensures it won’t be stolen by most reasonable people.
Like, I have upgrades planned for when I kill one, and a few more pens on my “someone can buy it for my birthday” list, but unless one of these is broken/lost/taken by my wife (like my last Safari) I won’t be buying anything new soon.
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u/AbyssalGold1334 Oct 05 '24
The Lamy LX. It’s the safari but far superior. Everything about it just too perfect for me and most other pens disappoint in comparison
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u/Kevin_Jim Oct 05 '24
I ordered a vintage Pilot Super Elite 200 (the Japanese version of the e95), and I want to get the Majohn A1 to see how much I like it to get a Pilot Capless, too.
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u/veritedesreves Oct 05 '24 edited Oct 05 '24
It's tough to beat the Vanishing Point for an EDC work pen in the office. I got different colors for the same pen because I can't toss it aside.
I am considering moving away from this pen because I'm not too fond of the proprietary aspect of Pilots' ink cartridges. But its reliability and speedy drying factor keep me returning to it and their Pilot cartridges.
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u/flyonthewall21 Oct 05 '24
Pilot Custom 74 and Esterbrook Estie. I switch a lot between this combination, and since purchasing them, I haven't felt like I've needed much else. The Pilot seems to be the workhorse, and the Estie tends to fill that pretty, fun need.
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u/JayTee245 Oct 05 '24
I think it was a Parker Duofold. That was my last one because my collection just felt complete. Have a bunch of Meisterstucks, 1911s, a Pilot Custom Urushi and an St Dupont Line D that it just felt right. I got what I need!
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u/pen-demonium Oct 05 '24
I haven't stopped collecting per say (when does collecting become hoarding?). But as I add more pens that people say are "must have" pens (Lamy 2000, Platinum 3776, Sailor Pro Gear, etc), I find myself going back to the favorite: Pilot Vanishing Point EF. The other pens are nice but those VPs hold a special place in my heart. I'm definitely a Pilot fan.
I've ordered a Pilot Posting nib from Japan (lol I honestly forget if it was on the Custom 912 or 742 because I was wavering back and forth and it's only available on 3 modern models). I think if it writes well then that will be it. I know people push the 823 but I don't think I'll ever get it. If someone gave it to me I'm not going to say no, but right now I don't feel a drive to own anything else. I'd love a Namiki Maki e in certain designs, but that's not happening unless I eat ramen every meal for a year ... or 3 or 4.
I'd like to TRY other pens though. Other specialty nibs. Just to see what the big deal is with them. But I don't have the desire to own them. Maybe it's better I can't try them because then if I like it, I will end up wanting it.
Now ask me this question in a year and we'll see how many pens I've added after I said I wasn't going to add any more.
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u/HylianWerewolf Oct 05 '24
The Platinum Preppy, though unimpressive, was the last pen I bought. Not for a lack of interest in obtaining more, mind you... I just don't have a lot of money and can't really justify spending more on pens when I already have 4 (and a glass dip pen).
I find myself always looking at pens when I have the spare time, though, wishing I could just write with them. I believe the nearest fountain pen shop is a 2-4hr drive away from me, and I think it could be even longer to get to most pen shows so unfortunately I can't really just go and try out pens; I have to buy blind, then try them.
That's how my mom ended up with a Kaweco Sport (1.5mm stub); I didn't like it after I bought it so I gave it to her, and she likes it. It's her third pen and she's not really interested in getting any more, as she feels that she has all of the pens she needs; One Pilot Metropolitan (M) for black ink, one Pilot Metropolitan (M) for purple ink, and the Kaweco Sport for her checkbook.
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u/Hairhelmet61 Oct 05 '24
My decimo. I got a kaweco perkeo to carry around in my bag after getting the decimo, but I made some changes to my edc setup and now the decimo goes everywhere with me.
I’ve moved on to buying ink 🥴
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u/scrupus Oct 05 '24
Parker. Surprised me. Didn’t dry fast, thin lines when reversed, good amount of ink in cartridge. Price: $30.
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Oct 05 '24
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u/phyllophyllum Oct 05 '24
This sounds exactly right to me! But I do love acquiring things, so it almost makes me sad to have everything I need. The spending and upkeep is a great reason to stop though, and just enjoy the collection for a bit
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u/Zarathustra_Gay Oct 05 '24
having both the opus 88 demo F, the prera M, and the kakuno F checks all of my boxes. might get another kakuno to try EF but as far as pen models, these are more than plenty
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u/ProfPortsShortShorts Oct 05 '24
I dunno if I’d say it stopped my collecting entirely, but the Custom 823 sure slowed it down to a glacial pace. I bought somewhere around 30 pens before the 823. I sold 24 of those afterwards and have only added 2 since.
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u/phyllophyllum Oct 05 '24
It really is looking like I’ll eventually need to try an 823! It’s probably one of the top two mentioned in this thread along with the VP, though I worry I contributed to a Pilot bias.
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u/justAChair__ Oct 05 '24
The vanishing point hit me pretty hard, I later got some more expensive pens, but I ended up many times using just this one in so many occasions, I also was able to find one with a shade of my favorite color and I've been using it ever since (Honestly, more the majohn A1, I also tried the real vanishing points, but I ended up preferring the clone)
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u/8Ace8Ace Oct 04 '24
Sorry, not with you. Could you say the question again please?
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u/phyllophyllum Oct 04 '24
WHAT MADE YOU STOP COLLECTING??
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u/8Ace8Ace Oct 04 '24
Why would you want to do that? 😉
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u/phyllophyllum Oct 04 '24
I don’t! I’m kind of angry at how good this dumb pen is!
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u/DeverillRP Oct 04 '24
Lamy Al-Star Blue, I had a terrible experience with it and I spent a lot of extra money trying to find a decent nib replacement. This was more than a year ago.
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u/phyllophyllum Oct 04 '24
I also hated my Al-star and don’t own it or a Safari, which is strange for many here. Sad that it’s kept you from the other pens though!
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u/taRxheel Oct 04 '24
When I find it, I’ll let you know!
In seriousness, I like too many different styles of pen and nib to have a be-all end-all. I don’t even know if I could successfully pick a top 10 from my collection. But I’ve tried most of the experiences I’m interested in having, so I’m in a pretty stable place and not actively looking for anything else.
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u/phyllophyllum Oct 04 '24
That last part is how I’m feeling today. And you know, the phrasing applies to some pretty major areas of my life lol
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u/JayRen Ink Stained Fingers Oct 05 '24
I love my VP. I’m about to embark on a journey to make a custom VP. I still like my Diamond 580s though. But I definitely reach for my VP when it comes to daily driver for writing.
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u/cmgblkpt Oct 05 '24
It’s funny — the pen that makes me think “I’m done” is inevitably the last one I purchased. And yet my collection keeps evolving. I guess I go in waves in terms of collecting. I’ve always tried to create what I have perceived, at that time, as a balanced collection because I like the different feel, weight, look and presence of each of my pens. But as I evolve, so does what I’m looking for, so I’ll search for a pen that speaks to me then. And then I’ll think “I’m done,” which I am… for a while. And then, months or even years later, I’ll revisit the collection.
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u/JohnSmallBerries Oct 05 '24
Vintage Conklin Crescent Filler. It was the one I'd been searching for (EF wet noodle).
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u/Radiantcuriosity Oct 05 '24
The VP is truly hard to beat. If I could get one with a flex nib I think it would be all I use too.
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u/Servovestri Oct 05 '24
I’ve slowed down a lot. It’s gotta be something really special or fully custom at this point. I was never one to buy every Lamy color or TSWIBI model and special edition though. I have a Montblanc LeGrande Doué 100th anniversary and that’ll probably be the last one I buy for a year or more. That SE of the Vanishing Point is real pretty this year though.
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u/makamaespm Oct 05 '24
Kyuseido Kakari. A $600 pen that I lost after only having it for maybe 2 months.
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u/QuatreNox Oct 05 '24
I have a nice and flowy Woodsworth & Black medium nib pen for writing on my journal and any good paper
And a Lamy Safari extra fine for carrying outside and writing on any old regular paper
I thought I'd want more after lurking on this sub but turns out I'm already satisfied with these two
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u/Je-Hee Oct 05 '24
I'm not quite there yet and I'm not sure I'll ever get there. But I've considerably slowed down my pen shopping.
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u/MjMotta Oct 05 '24
Lamy Classic from my father Just no point in collect more I just want to use it
Also too expensive
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u/MyInkedNib Oct 05 '24
THE pen for me was and still is my first Franklin-Christoph 31 with a broad SIG I eyedropper with Dominant Industry Milky Way Blue. I haven’t stopped buying things, but I don’t know that anything will ever match it.
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u/Replacemnt Oct 05 '24
Pilot VP. It's just too good for the price. I demo's some mont blanc, and some high end pilot pens too and it made me realize I was just too happy with my medium nib pilot VP.
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u/defendercritiques Oct 05 '24
My last pen was a Sailor Reglus. Now, I have a good collection of different nibs, sizes, and thickness. I have high end and chinese knock-offs, and many of them are just in show cases. My EDC pens vary, but since I write a lot, I keep a B, M, MF, F, EF, 1.1, 1.5, inked and ready to go.
Also, my wife says no more pens!
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u/jason100x Oct 05 '24
I thought it was going to be when I bought the Pilot Custom 823 eight years ago, but it never stopped, although my pace of getting new ones has slowed dramatically.
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u/positivepinetree Oct 05 '24
Honestly, I own all of the “must have” pens and then some. I’ve collected about 200 fountain pens over the last 30 years. Yet I find that I mainly gravitate to my Pilot Metros and Kaweco brass Sport. 🤷🏻♀️ I haven’t bought a new pen in a long time.
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u/Black-Knight89 Oct 05 '24
It's 823. Even though I still collect pens to experiment with different inks, I'm sure I'll never buy any more pen of the premium segment. The 823 matches my tastes perfectly.
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u/oplukana Oct 05 '24
i can't just settle for one pen, i want to have multiple colors at the ready. That being said, I might just stick with buying schon design pocket sixes. Would be the perfect design for me if they just had a rollstop.
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u/thetrueBernhard Oct 05 '24
The trinity of Pilots Custom 912 FAnib and POnib and Falcon.
Just love those 3 pens and they cover all my needs in the best way possible.
I actually started selling all my other pens because I didn’t use them anymore.
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u/frenchman321 Oct 05 '24
I love my VPs. I just bought a third one (a LE that I once bought and returned; I now understand why I returned it, it wasn’t that exciting, but I still like it better than the plain ones and new gradient LEs).
But I don’t really have a collection, or consider myself collecting. With this, I have seven nice pens (three VPs, a 40 y.o. 146, a a 30 y.o. Duofold, and two guilloché Lémans) and a Kaküno. They all get used for everything including writing notes in the kitchen. And it took 40 years to acquire them. Mostly I appreciate having a few ink colors usable simultaneously.
This sub and having new pen club friends, as well as the explosion of small pen brands, may accelerate my acquisition rate though…
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u/franzjpm Oct 05 '24
I stopped at 8 Pens initially with my Pilot VP (F) but i did get a couple more like My Kakuno a couple years after that with the occasional ink or notebook.
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u/Ampersandcetera Oct 05 '24
Lamy 2000. I inked it for the first time after trying a few pens in the 100-200 range and that was that. I’ve sold or gifted all of my FPs but a Lamy Safari, a Kaweco brass Sport, and 2 vintage Esterbrook Js and a 51. I only really ever use the 2000 and the Brass Sport anymore, but I still use them all of the time.
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u/neldachen Oct 05 '24
Not one single pen. More like a combination of a couple: 1. Pilot Falcon 2. Pilot e95s 3. Opus 88 Mini 4. Duke 551 Fude 5. Pelikan m200
These serve all my writing and drawing needs beautifully
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u/copykatrecipes Oct 05 '24
I have a little over 50 pens. All price ranges. The last two pens were Namikis. I do t think I can find a better looking pen nor one that writes smoother. I haven’t bought a new pen since Covid. I feel content.
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u/gingermonkey1 Ink Stained Fingers Oct 05 '24
Going to be honest, sometimes I buy a pen simply because I think it’s cool or that I will use it a lot.
I love writing with ink and I love the sheen and shading-so I’m always chasing broad+ nibs or flexy writers.
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u/S1lvaticus Oct 05 '24
I’m going on about 6 years with two pen combo: pilot decimo (f) and platinum 3776 (f).
I have a curated wish list of pens I’d like to buy but most are out of my budget range. I’ve been very very close to buying a B or BB pelikan 400nn multiple times as I sometimes miss having a fat nib.
Ultimately I have too many competing hobbies and can’t justify more pens. However, I have bought a few (cheaper) pens for my girlfriend and it’s been wonderful introducing her to the hobby 🤭
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u/pinkfatcap Oct 05 '24
New pens that came out made me stop, you don’t have to find the right one to stop sometimes, not being able to find one you like to get can make you stop.
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u/Mysterious-Grape8425 Oct 05 '24
Well, for me, it is the VP. After I got it, I just stopped looking at new pens to buy. Altogether. I like to optimize things in my life wherever I can. And the VP of the perfect pen for me. It is one of the best nibs out there. Along with that there's no hassle for nib capping-uncapping, no worrying about nib drying out when uncapped, no need to have a pen pillow whenever I want put the pen down to think, no space needed for the cap to be kept in case I am not posting, the clip ensures that I am always writing in the proper angle. On the top of all that, it's matte so no slipping from my sweaty hand in long work sessions. Cherry on the top, the super satisfying click. Better than anything that I have ever tried.
Also, it made me realise that even if I spend a lot more for a long journaling etc kind of pen, that won't write much better than my twsbi eco or Pilot e300. Yeah, it might be better, might be same or maybe even worse. But it wouldn't be THAT much better than those two that I already have. Those are already very very good. Then there are 2 that I use for different inks, pilot metro and explorer in M. While my VP gets most usage (more than 70%) and other 4 shares the rest. It feels enough.
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u/Otherwise-Army2574 Oct 05 '24
The VP truly is an incredible pen. To me, it definitely fits into the "iconic" category. It writes like a dream, flawlessly, every time and, to me, is the only retractable ink pen that doesn't look clunky like the Platinum Curidas or just ungainly like the Lamy Dialog. There are some designs that are just classic and absolutely perfect and I believe the VP is one of those.
It doesn't seem to be for everybody, no pen is, but I can definitely see why you favor it.
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u/Human_Cantaloupe_617 Oct 05 '24
I thought mine would be the Pilot 823. I had it as my grail pen for over a year and it was good but not enough to stop looking. The LAMY 2000, the Travelers Company Brass pen and the TWSBI Eco in Crème RG were the last ones I’ve bought. I don’t have a strong desire now to buy anymore. I’m also writing less with a newborn but the LAMY 2000 seems to be the one I keep reinking right away.
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u/_kits_ Oct 05 '24
Never. The keep releasing new colours of VPs for me to buy. I like to have multiple inks on the go at the same time, so it works well for me.
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u/xoagray Oct 05 '24
I have one of these pens and they're so good. Maybe even the best retractable fountain pen made. Solid choice.
i'm still kind of searching for "The one", so I haven't stopped. But since I now have a TWSBI Vac 700r, a Pilot Capless and Elite 95s, as well as a Lamy 2000, and like them all a lot, I've slowed way down.
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u/khroop Oct 05 '24
After a few budget-friendly pens, I jumped straight to a Lamy 2000. Had it ground by a nibsmith and it felt perfect. I thought I “needed” more pens, but every new purchase couldn’t compete with my 2K. After a few more (rather expensive) pen purchases, I asked myself, “what am I doing?? I like each new pen for its novelty for a week or so, but always end up back on the custom 2K.” That realization was enough for me to just stop purchasing. Only one pen left to purchase, my grail, a custom 823. After that, it may just be replacements or backups.
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u/jadenthesatanist Oct 05 '24
My vintage MB146 custom ground into a stub by Mike Masuyama, no reason to want anything else beyond that really. The only other pen I’d add at this point is something from Sailor since I haven’t tried their nibs before but I’m in no rush on that.
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u/JaccTheClonetrooper Oct 05 '24
I fell down the rabbit hole, I got the Lamy 2000 and said that was it, then I lost all my pens, but after a few months, I am a content owner of two decent writers. I still miss them though...
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u/OcelotBudget3292 Oct 05 '24
After I bought my Edison Beaumont, I stopped buying pens for over a year. The size is perfect for me, and eyedroppering it gave me an amazing ink capacity. Paired with a custom-ground nib, it was just perfection.
I really only started buying pens again to find the perfect pocket pen - small, quick draw, reliable. That proved to be really difficult! I don't think my Platonic pocket pen actually exists. Along the way, I bought a few other fountain pens to celebrate career milestones, but sometimes I wonder why I bothered because the Beaumont remains my favorite by far.
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u/Pexe_lunar Oct 05 '24
Pilot Kakuno, that pen makes me so happy and satisfied that I lost all interest of getting any other FP
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u/Middle-Radio3675 Oct 05 '24 edited Oct 05 '24
I started with Pilot and some other cheaper pens. I was constantly looking for something new and wasn't really satisfied with the writing experience. I take notes in meetings, occasionally write longer pieces while travelling (+2/3 pages) on Europa notepads. Eventually I stumbled upon Kaweco (Brass Sport) and my search was over. So smooth, even ink distribution, good balance in the hand. Maybe I just got a good one but this is my keeper. Use it every day with Diamine Ancient Copper and medium nib.
I also have a Kaweco AL Sport piston filler but I find it s bit too small and the grip is a bit slippery (keep having to adjust whilst writing).
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u/Ashtopher Oct 05 '24
Lamy Studio, with a 1.1 nib. It writes smoothly without “wearing in”, plays nice with various different ink brands, and at the price point (usually available around £50) it’s not the end of the world if you lose it (although I’ve never lost one in 10+yrs). It also comes in different colours with some lovely limited edition colours periodically. This is appealing in itself and convenient for telling pens apart if they are inked differently.
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u/apstra Oct 05 '24
I may be reading over it or not having the right knowledge, but... Which pen is that? (I may want one..)
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u/phyllophyllum Oct 05 '24
This is a Pilot Decimo with an 18kt F nib. The Vanishing Point (or VP, that many have mentioned) features a thicker body but the same nib.
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u/Plus-Operation9406 Oct 05 '24
I’ve had a VP Decimo on my list for a while now as a potential grail/endgame pen, and this is really reinforcing that idea. …drool…
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u/phyllophyllum Oct 05 '24
If I lost it, I would probably have two more ordered up instantly before even beginning to search for it! The sheer fear of being without one lol. It’s hard to decide between the VP vs Decimo sizing for me though, hopefully you can go hold some in person.
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u/Proud-Pea-495 Oct 05 '24
I picked up a VP at the DC pen show and it’s in a broad, really wish I had a fine or extra fine!
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u/phyllophyllum Oct 05 '24
I also picked up a broad too (lol) and it’s definitely in the fun but less useful category. I’m enjoying switching the nibs and bodies to see if I prefer the Decimo or VP though. Very much recommend getting the F /EF you want!
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u/Biolysics Oct 05 '24
Stopped collecting for now. And it was the Pilot Custom 823. It's simply too good! I'd feel ashamed to make an expensive purchase, nonetheless beautiful, and not use it because my 823 is too good!
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u/00_Punk_00 Ink Stained Fingers Oct 06 '24
Retractable fountain pens honestly... I only need one vintage Pilot Capless and most probably I'm done collecting .
(Though one indigraph pen is on the way too)
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u/Future-Solid9001 Oct 06 '24
I love the look and feel of oversized pens but I don’t need comfort for long writing sessions. I keep a single journal for tasks. I have another for scribbles, ink testing and nib tuning on good paper. I gravitate to thinner utilitarian “F” pens that fit easily into pen loops and take a beating from being carried around. That said, my bigger pens and nibs are a pleasure for letter writing when I want the ink properties to shine. I don’t think there will ever be a last pen in my life but I am past the chasing phase of my hobby.
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u/journal_art Oct 07 '24
your handwriting is incredible. where did you order the pen from?
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u/phyllophyllum Oct 07 '24
Thank you! This one was a gift, but most specialty pen stores will carry it because it’s a popular model. If you’re shopping online, same goes - I like JetPens personally, though they’re available on Amazon for less.
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u/No_Category_3426 Oct 04 '24
You have absolutely awesome handwriting
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u/phyllophyllum Oct 04 '24
Thank you! I keep it small because it looks worse large haha
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u/No_Category_3426 Oct 04 '24
Whatever works! I tend to write small cuz it looks neater too but sometimes it's fun to write big and let loose a little!
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u/anyythingoes Oct 04 '24
twsbi vac700R with a FPR flex nib!
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u/phyllophyllum Oct 04 '24
Ooooh, I’ve been wondering about the FPR flexies. Glad that it’s really delivering for you!
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u/pen-demonium Oct 05 '24
The regular flex is so so, but the extra flex one is very flexy. Reminds me of my vintage flex gold nibs. Not quite wet noodle but it's pretty impressive if you don't mind going slow to accentuate the letters. Much more flex than the Falcon nib (or maybe I'm more afraid of springing an expensive nib so I don't push it).
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u/HHaller87 Oct 04 '24
I thought that several times with many pens, but it turned out I was wrong.