What fountain pen(s) should I buy?
Re: Fountain Pen Users
I like the Pilot Vpen disposable, Fine in blue ink. Order by the box.
There is no hassle, but you get the good tactile response and line pressure variation.
I never worry about where I left them and I actually prefer the feel to other more expensive models I've tried.
This is a plastic outer so it is not built to impress, but I doubt Bogleheads are all that much impressed by "precious resin" anyway.
There is no hassle, but you get the good tactile response and line pressure variation.
I never worry about where I left them and I actually prefer the feel to other more expensive models I've tried.
This is a plastic outer so it is not built to impress, but I doubt Bogleheads are all that much impressed by "precious resin" anyway.
Re: Fountain Pen Users
I'm a Pilot Vanishing Point fan, but I hardly hand write anything anymore. I find that, when I do, using a wax stamp to seal the envelope always delights the recipient.
Re: Fountain Pen Users
I enjoy vintage fountain pens. The history behind them is very interesting to me and it takes you back to a different era. They aren't all expensive either. There are a lot of great brands out there to choose from.
Re: Fountain Pen Users
I like taking handwritten notes during in person meetings. During a trip to New York a few years ago I stopped by the Lamy store thinking I’d get a 2000. They had a “limited edition” scala in a glacier blue color with a gold nib. The color was perfect for me, and I’ve been using that since.
This is the model: https://goldspot.com/products/lamy-scal ... al-edition
This is the model: https://goldspot.com/products/lamy-scal ... al-edition
- Sandtrap
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- Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2016 5:32 pm
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Re: Fountain Pen Users
One of the most well thought out and presented courses in writing "American Cursive" by Sull
Available Amazon.
This is one of the "gold standard" courses on writing cursive in its degree of thoroughness.
It is a very thick stack of looseleaf pages that are hole punched and ready to put into a 3 ring binder.
Consists of sample pages and lesson practice pages.
Link to Amazon.com
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/098 ... UTF8&psc=1
I practiced every day for 1 year, using this course.
The goal was to clean up my ancient 1800's "Palmer Business Script" as taught to me in the 50's with the occasional swatting of a yardstick on a wrist or body part. Or, loudly on the deeply etched face of an ink stained desk with wads of dried bubble gum stuck underneath it.
j
Available Amazon.
This is one of the "gold standard" courses on writing cursive in its degree of thoroughness.
It is a very thick stack of looseleaf pages that are hole punched and ready to put into a 3 ring binder.
Consists of sample pages and lesson practice pages.
Link to Amazon.com
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/098 ... UTF8&psc=1
I practiced every day for 1 year, using this course.
The goal was to clean up my ancient 1800's "Palmer Business Script" as taught to me in the 50's with the occasional swatting of a yardstick on a wrist or body part. Or, loudly on the deeply etched face of an ink stained desk with wads of dried bubble gum stuck underneath it.
j
Last edited by Sandtrap on Mon Nov 22, 2021 9:54 pm, edited 1 time in total.
- Sandtrap
- Posts: 19582
- Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2016 5:32 pm
- Location: Hawaii No Ka Oi - white sandy beaches, N. Arizona 1 mile high.
Re: Fountain Pen Users
Currently corresponding monthly in hopefully well thought out prose while putting fountain pen nib to fine paper to about 15 people around the world. At least one is a "boglehead".
Some of my fountain pens:
1941 Pelikan 400NN
1943 Parker Senior Duofold
1945 Parker 51
1947 Parker Vacumatic
1940 Skyline Eversharp
Namiki Falcons (several)
Pelikans (newer, several)
TWSBI's Diamond 580 ALR (several)
Lamy 2000
I tend to write with about 4-6 pens that fit my writing and so forth.
I also use several vintage restored typewriters.
PM me as you wish to correspond via snail mail.
j
Short article: "The Power of Writing By Hand".
https://www.artofmanliness.com/characte ... g-by-hand/
Fountain Pen Network Forum
https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/
Snail Mail Forum
https://s-mail.proboards.com/forum
Some of my fountain pens:
1941 Pelikan 400NN
1943 Parker Senior Duofold
1945 Parker 51
1947 Parker Vacumatic
1940 Skyline Eversharp
Namiki Falcons (several)
Pelikans (newer, several)
TWSBI's Diamond 580 ALR (several)
Lamy 2000
I tend to write with about 4-6 pens that fit my writing and so forth.
I also use several vintage restored typewriters.
PM me as you wish to correspond via snail mail.
j
Short article: "The Power of Writing By Hand".
https://www.artofmanliness.com/characte ... g-by-hand/
Fountain Pen Network Forum
https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/
Snail Mail Forum
https://s-mail.proboards.com/forum
Re: Fountain Pen Users
Franklin-Christoph, an American firm, makes fine pens too. (No affiliation). I have one of theirs: a Pocket 40 Fire & Ice (discontinued), it’s an eyedropper with a gold nib ground by the nibmeister Mike Masuyama AKA “Mike-It-Work”. http://mikeitwork.com/
Last edited by Nicolas on Thu Jan 13, 2022 5:15 pm, edited 1 time in total.
- Jazztonight
- Posts: 1333
- Joined: Tue Feb 27, 2007 11:21 pm
- Location: Lake Merritt
Re: Fountain Pen Users
Fountain Pens are an easy "collectible," probably because of their price (although there are jewel-encrusted and precious metal pens costing many thousands of dollars).
For me, it's always been about the writing and the "non-disposable" aspect of the pen. So I'm not personally in favor of disposable pens.
(But to each their own.)
If you are looking for a pen and browse the fountainpennetwork website, you will quickly be sucked down the vortex/rabbit hole. So, beware!
Here is an example of one of my favorite pens:
https://smile.amazon.com/PELIKAN-M400-F ... INSTRUMENT
Here's a lower priced model:
https://smile.amazon.com/Pelikan-M200-F ... UMENT&th=1
You can find these and similar pens at a variety of sources.
For me, it's always been about the writing and the "non-disposable" aspect of the pen. So I'm not personally in favor of disposable pens.
(But to each their own.)
If you are looking for a pen and browse the fountainpennetwork website, you will quickly be sucked down the vortex/rabbit hole. So, beware!
Here is an example of one of my favorite pens:
https://smile.amazon.com/PELIKAN-M400-F ... INSTRUMENT
Here's a lower priced model:
https://smile.amazon.com/Pelikan-M200-F ... UMENT&th=1
You can find these and similar pens at a variety of sources.
"What does not destroy me, makes me stronger." Nietzsche
Re: Fountain Pen Users
I use a 3ml syringe with a blunt tip needle. This gives me good control on filling. My biggest risk of getting ink on my fingers is from opening and closing the ink bottle.
https://www.amazon.com/Shintop-Dispensi ... 196&sr=8-3
Along with this, wearing gloves will prevent stains. I have a lifetime supply of gloves leftover from the early days of COVID.
People say nothing is impossible. I do nothing all day.
- ResearchMed
- Posts: 16761
- Joined: Fri Dec 26, 2008 10:25 pm
Re: What fountain pen(s) should I buy?
Ages ago, I used to enjoy fountain pens, and even some really nice ball point pens. Some of those latter just had a very nice "feel" (balance?) to them.
And I wrote in neat, clearly readable cursive.
Now that I've spent "some" ( = too many!) years tap tap tapping away, my cursive has deteriorated very badly. Even my "signature" isn't really the same as it used to be. Alas, it's not the "scribble" type that isn't really meant to be legible. Mine is now just "sloppy". And I can't really fix it by trying to slow down. Hand coordination deteriorating from age, maybe?
So I just don't want to write by hand much anymore, and the cycle continues...
RM
And I wrote in neat, clearly readable cursive.
Now that I've spent "some" ( = too many!) years tap tap tapping away, my cursive has deteriorated very badly. Even my "signature" isn't really the same as it used to be. Alas, it's not the "scribble" type that isn't really meant to be legible. Mine is now just "sloppy". And I can't really fix it by trying to slow down. Hand coordination deteriorating from age, maybe?
So I just don't want to write by hand much anymore, and the cycle continues...
RM
This signature is a placebo. You are in the control group.
Re: What fountain pen(s) should I buy?
Since I originally posted the thread, I bought a Lamy 2000 and have been stupidly happy with it. I can't fathom spending any more than it. The nib is smooth as silk and the body construction is super solid, even though the material is light.
That said, I'd love to hear more about budget options as one thing the Lamy 2000 doesn't give me is variety
That said, I'd love to hear more about budget options as one thing the Lamy 2000 doesn't give me is variety
-
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Re: What fountain pen(s) should I buy?
The only pen anyone should every write with is a Mont Blanc.
- Sandtrap
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- Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2016 5:32 pm
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Re: What fountain pen(s) should I buy?
For those interested in restored vintage fountain pens (and new):
Peyton Street Pens.
https://www.peytonstreetpens.com/
D Nishimura Vintage Pens
https://www.vintagepens.com/vintage_pens_catalog.shtml
Parker 51 (for those dedicated to this classic unique pen).
https://parker51.com/
And, newer pens.
The Nibsmith. (will do custom nib tuning on pens they sell).
https://nibsmith.com/
j
(online pic)
Looks like Palmer Business Script with flourishes. (not a flourish fan)
I wish I could write this consistently. . . ..
Peyton Street Pens.
https://www.peytonstreetpens.com/
D Nishimura Vintage Pens
https://www.vintagepens.com/vintage_pens_catalog.shtml
Parker 51 (for those dedicated to this classic unique pen).
https://parker51.com/
And, newer pens.
The Nibsmith. (will do custom nib tuning on pens they sell).
https://nibsmith.com/
j
(online pic)
Looks like Palmer Business Script with flourishes. (not a flourish fan)
I wish I could write this consistently. . . ..
Last edited by Sandtrap on Tue Nov 30, 2021 6:53 am, edited 2 times in total.
Re: What fountain pen(s) should I buy?
waterman phileas, medium or fine tip. writes better than the lamy. though ive just learned its been discontinued but available as new old stock from some vendors.z91 wrote: ↑Wed Nov 24, 2021 12:55 am Since I originally posted the thread, I bought a Lamy 2000 and have been stupidly happy with it. I can't fathom spending any more than it. The nib is smooth as silk and the body construction is super solid, even though the material is light.
That said, I'd love to hear more about budget options as one thing the Lamy 2000 doesn't give me is variety
why?Rasputin13 wrote: ↑Wed Nov 24, 2021 6:50 am The only pen anyone should every write with is a Mont Blanc.
Re: What fountain pen(s) should I buy?
+1 for Peyton Street Pens. It’s where I got my 1930s celluloid lever-filler Waterman 32V fountain pen, black, extra fine flex nib. Flex nibs are great fun. They reconditioned it with a new sac. It was $155 in 2014. Great outfit. I’ve only inked it with Noodler’s bulletproof black.Sandtrap wrote: ↑Wed Nov 24, 2021 1:00 pm For those interested in restored vintage fountain pens (and new):
Peyton Street Pens.
https://www.peytonstreetpens.com/
- bertilak
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Re: What fountain pen(s) should I buy?
I bought a TWSBI based on a recommendation on this (I think) forum. A 580 AL R model. It is very nice.
I do feel my handwriting is greatly outclassed by the pen!
I do feel my handwriting is greatly outclassed by the pen!
May neither drought nor rain nor blizzard disturb the joy juice in your gizzard. -- Squire Omar Barker (aka S.O.B.), the Cowboy Poet
- Sandtrap
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- Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2016 5:32 pm
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Re: What fountain pen(s) should I buy?
+1
I've tried a boatload of various TWSBI's and the Diamond 580 ALR series is solid. If the nib feels wrong or scratchy, their factory return and full refund policy is excellent. A great one out of the box stays great. Trouble free and large ink capacity and outstanding value per dollar.
j
- Sandtrap
- Posts: 19582
- Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2016 5:32 pm
- Location: Hawaii No Ka Oi - white sandy beaches, N. Arizona 1 mile high.
Re: What fountain pen(s) should I buy?
Also have a Lamy 2000.z91 wrote: ↑Wed Nov 24, 2021 12:55 am Since I originally posted the thread, I bought a Lamy 2000 and have been stupidly happy with it. I can't fathom spending any more than it. The nib is smooth as silk and the body construction is super solid, even though the material is light.
That said, I'd love to hear more about budget options as one thing the Lamy 2000 doesn't give me is variety
Less spendy options.
Namiki Pilot f-EF soft flex nib variable line.
TWSBI Diamond 580 ALR
j
-
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- Joined: Mon Apr 20, 2020 6:30 pm
- Location: Tualatin Valley
Re: What fountain pen(s) should I buy?
Worthwhile and inexpensive fountain pens include the Pilot Metropolitan, the TWSBI Eco, and the Lamy Safari or Al-Star. The TWSBI uses only bottled ink, which is the way to go if one is to bother with a fountain pen. The range of bottled inks vastly exceeds that of cartridges. Pilot Metropolitans and Lamys can take converters, which allow you to use bottled inks rather than be limited to cartridges.
The Pilot has the best nibs, particularly if your writing is small and you require a fine nib. But it is the smallest pen, and you may find that you prefer the somewhat larger TWSBI or a Lamy for longer writing sessions. A smaller pen has the advantage of easy fit in a shirt pocket.
Some people here have recommended Jet Pens, and my experiences with them have been good. For more expensive purchases, I have gone with Goulet Pens. Like, Jet, they have good information on their website about pens and inks. Paper is the third part of the equation, too, when it comes to fountain pens, as you will find out.
The best online information resource I know of that of the Fountain Pen Network.
I think it is best to start with a few inexpensive pens in different nib widths to figure out your preferences. Over time I went in the direction of the Pilot 823 (in medium and fine), and I use them a great deal. But they are too expensive to recommend for someone starting out, and I do not carry them around. For carrying I prefer my smaller Pelikan M200 or a TWSBI Eco. Incidentally, some people posting here mention the TWSBI 580; it, too, is a good pen, but it does not post, so I use mine less frequently.
The Pilot has the best nibs, particularly if your writing is small and you require a fine nib. But it is the smallest pen, and you may find that you prefer the somewhat larger TWSBI or a Lamy for longer writing sessions. A smaller pen has the advantage of easy fit in a shirt pocket.
Some people here have recommended Jet Pens, and my experiences with them have been good. For more expensive purchases, I have gone with Goulet Pens. Like, Jet, they have good information on their website about pens and inks. Paper is the third part of the equation, too, when it comes to fountain pens, as you will find out.
The best online information resource I know of that of the Fountain Pen Network.
I think it is best to start with a few inexpensive pens in different nib widths to figure out your preferences. Over time I went in the direction of the Pilot 823 (in medium and fine), and I use them a great deal. But they are too expensive to recommend for someone starting out, and I do not carry them around. For carrying I prefer my smaller Pelikan M200 or a TWSBI Eco. Incidentally, some people posting here mention the TWSBI 580; it, too, is a good pen, but it does not post, so I use mine less frequently.
Re: What fountain pen(s) should I buy?
I prefer bottled ink but you can also fill empty cartridges from a bottle with a syringe. So if you have a pen that takes only cartridges you also have many ink options. But a piston, lever-filler, or eyedropper is more fun, and they usually hold more ink.Lambert Strether wrote: ↑Fri Nov 26, 2021 6:19 pm Worthwhile and inexpensive fountain pens include the Pilot Metropolitan, the TWSBI Eco, and the Lamy Safari or Al-Star. The TWSBI uses only bottled ink, which is the way to go if one is to bother with a fountain pen. The range of bottled inks vastly exceeds that of cartridges. Pilot Metropolitans and Lamys can take converters, which allow you to use bottled inks rather than be limited to cartridges.
The Pilot has the best nibs, particularly if your writing is small and you require a fine nib. But it is the smallest pen, and you may find that you prefer the somewhat larger TWSBI or a Lamy for longer writing sessions. A smaller pen has the advantage of easy fit in a shirt pocket.
Some people here have recommended Jet Pens, and my experiences with them have been good. For more expensive purchases, I have gone with Goulet Pens. Like, Jet, they have good information on their website about pens and inks. Paper is the third part of the equation, too, when it comes to fountain pens, as you will find out.
The best online information resource I know of that of the Fountain Pen Network.
I think it is best to start with a few inexpensive pens in different nib widths to figure out your preferences. Over time I went in the direction of the Pilot 823 (in medium and fine), and I use them a great deal. But they are too expensive to recommend for someone starting out, and I do not carry them around. For carrying I prefer my smaller Pelikan M200 or a TWSBI Eco. Incidentally, some people posting here mention the TWSBI 580; it, too, is a good pen, but it does not post, so I use mine less frequently.
When I started using fountain pens many years ago I thought fine point nibs were best but over time I found that broad nibs were more to my liking as laying down a bold line is very satisfying. If you have a flex nib you have some of both.
-
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- Joined: Mon Apr 20, 2020 6:30 pm
- Location: Tualatin Valley
Re: What fountain pen(s) should I buy?
That’s very true about refilling cartridges with bottled ink. Most people start out preferring fine nibs for a couple of reasons. One is that copy paper can become unreadable when a wide nib deposits too much of a free-flowing ink. The other is that the ballpoint pens with which we learn require more pressure than do fountain pens. One of the main reasons I use a fountain pen is that I’ve always written with a light touch. I also like broad nibs, though for ordinary writing a medium works well. And then there is the matter of matching up the nib with an ink that suits it. That’s when it helps me to read ink reviews from the Fountain Pen Network.Nicolas wrote: ↑Fri Nov 26, 2021 8:21 pmI prefer bottled ink but you can also fill empty cartridges from a bottle with a syringe. So if you have a pen that takes only cartridges you also have many ink options. But a piston, lever-filler, or eyedropper is more fun, and they usually hold more ink.Lambert Strether wrote: ↑Fri Nov 26, 2021 6:19 pm Worthwhile and inexpensive fountain pens include the Pilot Metropolitan, the TWSBI Eco, and the Lamy Safari or Al-Star. The TWSBI uses only bottled ink, which is the way to go if one is to bother with a fountain pen. The range of bottled inks vastly exceeds that of cartridges. Pilot Metropolitans and Lamys can take converters, which allow you to use bottled inks rather than be limited to cartridges.
The Pilot has the best nibs, particularly if your writing is small and you require a fine nib. But it is the smallest pen, and you may find that you prefer the somewhat larger TWSBI or a Lamy for longer writing sessions. A smaller pen has the advantage of easy fit in a shirt pocket.
Some people here have recommended Jet Pens, and my experiences with them have been good. For more expensive purchases, I have gone with Goulet Pens. Like, Jet, they have good information on their website about pens and inks. Paper is the third part of the equation, too, when it comes to fountain pens, as you will find out.
The best online information resource I know of that of the Fountain Pen Network.
I think it is best to start with a few inexpensive pens in different nib widths to figure out your preferences. Over time I went in the direction of the Pilot 823 (in medium and fine), and I use them a great deal. But they are too expensive to recommend for someone starting out, and I do not carry them around. For carrying I prefer my smaller Pelikan M200 or a TWSBI Eco. Incidentally, some people posting here mention the TWSBI 580; it, too, is a good pen, but it does not post, so I use mine less frequently.
When I started using fountain pens many years ago I thought fine point nibs were best but over time I found that broad nibs were more to my liking as laying down a bold line is very satisfying. If you have a flex nib you have some of both.
Re: Fountain Pen Users
I am running low on pens and just ordered some of those today, though in black ink. A good way for me to start.
I don't think I need the instructive course. I can remember and visualize from 48 years ago what I'm supposed to put on the paper, including three-humped m's and a very large 2 for the capital Q, though my hands have never been able to duplicate what is in my mind. I learned good printing in college too. I need to slow down again to get it right, or at least better, and then speed back up as I gain more skill.
- Sandtrap
- Posts: 19582
- Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2016 5:32 pm
- Location: Hawaii No Ka Oi - white sandy beaches, N. Arizona 1 mile high.
Re: Fountain Pen Users
Tips to recover or gain consistent legible cursive:tooluser wrote: ↑Fri Nov 26, 2021 9:46 pmI am running low on pens and just ordered some of those today, though in black ink. A good way for me to start.
I don't think I need the instructive course. I can remember and visualize from 48 years ago what I'm supposed to put on the paper, including three-humped m's and a very large 2 for the capital Q, though my hands have never been able to duplicate what is in my mind. I learned good printing in college too. I need to slow down again to get it right, or at least better, and then speed back up as I gain more skill.
(Improve)
1
Available Amazon.com
“Sulls:American Cursive” course in a thick stack of loose leaves that you put into your own binder.
Follow the sequence and do 1 practice page per night/day.
Takes minutes.
Over time, muscle memory and mentation happens by itself and your cursive will be renewed and improved.
2
Correspondence via snail mail letters.
(Letters must be answered, mind and skillsets engaged.
3
Daily journaling.
j
- ResearchMed
- Posts: 16761
- Joined: Fri Dec 26, 2008 10:25 pm
Re: Fountain Pen Users
Hmmm.... is this "Sull: American Cursive" really something useful for Geezers (or wannabe Geezers!) who have simply been "only tap-tap-tapping" for so long that the handwriting quality has faded away? And not for those wanting to start learning cursive?Sandtrap wrote: ↑Sat Nov 27, 2021 9:16 amTips to recover or gain consistent legible cursive:tooluser wrote: ↑Fri Nov 26, 2021 9:46 pmI am running low on pens and just ordered some of those today, though in black ink. A good way for me to start.
I don't think I need the instructive course. I can remember and visualize from 48 years ago what I'm supposed to put on the paper, including three-humped m's and a very large 2 for the capital Q, though my hands have never been able to duplicate what is in my mind. I learned good printing in college too. I need to slow down again to get it right, or at least better, and then speed back up as I gain more skill.
(Improve)
1
Available Amazon.com
“Sulls:American Cursive” course in a thick stack of loose leaves that you put into your own binder.
Follow the sequence and do 1 practice page per night/day.
Takes minutes.
Over time, muscle memory and mentation happens by itself and your cursive will be renewed and improved.
2
Correspondence via snail mail letters.
(Letters must be answered, mind and skillsets engaged.
3
Daily journaling.
j
I'm assuming there might also have been some fine muscle, er, deterioration, if for no other reason than lack of use for so long.
Do you know how it compares to his
"The Art of Cursive Penmanship: A Personal Handwriting Program for Adults Spiral-bound – Illustrated, July 3, 2018"
The former is apparently for "grades 5 - adult" (per Amazon summary).
RM
This signature is a placebo. You are in the control group.
- Sandtrap
- Posts: 19582
- Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2016 5:32 pm
- Location: Hawaii No Ka Oi - white sandy beaches, N. Arizona 1 mile high.
Re: Fountain Pen Users
I've tried most of the books and cursive courses available to buy, over the many years.ResearchMed wrote: ↑Sat Nov 27, 2021 10:14 amHmmm.... is this "Sull: American Cursive" really something useful for Geezers (or wannabe Geezers!) who have simply been "only tap-tap-tapping" for so long that the handwriting quality has faded away? And not for those wanting to start learning cursive?Sandtrap wrote: ↑Sat Nov 27, 2021 9:16 amTips to recover or gain consistent legible cursive:tooluser wrote: ↑Fri Nov 26, 2021 9:46 pmI am running low on pens and just ordered some of those today, though in black ink. A good way for me to start.
I don't think I need the instructive course. I can remember and visualize from 48 years ago what I'm supposed to put on the paper, including three-humped m's and a very large 2 for the capital Q, though my hands have never been able to duplicate what is in my mind. I learned good printing in college too. I need to slow down again to get it right, or at least better, and then speed back up as I gain more skill.
(Improve)
1
Available Amazon.com
“Sulls:American Cursive” course in a thick stack of loose leaves that you put into your own binder.
Follow the sequence and do 1 practice page per night/day.
Takes minutes.
Over time, muscle memory and mentation happens by itself and your cursive will be renewed and improved.
2
Correspondence via snail mail letters.
(Letters must be answered, mind and skillsets engaged.
3
Daily journaling.
j
I'm assuming there might also have been some fine muscle, er, deterioration, if for no other reason than lack of use for so long.
Do you know how it compares to his
"The Art of Cursive Penmanship: A Personal Handwriting Program for Adults Spiral-bound – Illustrated, July 3, 2018"
The former is apparently for "grades 5 - adult" (per Amazon summary).
RM
There is no comparison IMHO in completeness and effectiveness and simplicity.
This course fits any "hand" and cleans up what one already has and/or fills in the gaps of what is missing.
The looseleaf stack is available on Amazon.com and other places online, (google) for less.
https://smile.amazon.com/American-Cursi ... =ABIS_BOOK
As for deterioration: with cognitive decline and an addled brain and loss of concentration, as well as arthritic fingers/hands, I think I manage a fairly descent (yes. . descent). . . Palmer Business Script as invented in the 1800's and taught in the finest disciplinarian parochial schools in the 1950's.
The Sull's folder course teaches American Cursive which is quite simple and very easy compared to Palmer and Spencerian. It is effective, leggibles, and easy to write and form letters and words, even for the most "Geezered" of Geezers and Geese.
But, one has to be consistently motivated for at least a few minutes a day over months, or years if one is a very very old Geezer or an unmotivated young'un.
j
Re: What fountain pen(s) should I buy?
Hello,
I enjoy fountain pens as a writer and collector. I use one everyday. I would suggest a good starter pen is a Pilot Metropolitan. They are inexpensive and reliable. They can be filled with a cartridge or from a converter to use bottled ink. I used a Pilot Metro but eventually shifted to vintage pens. An excellent choice for vintage pens, in my opinion, is a Parker 45. They were in production for over forty years. They are plentiful, reliable and inexpensive. Another under rated pen is the Esterbrook J series. They are attractive, plentiful and well built. They have easily interchanged nibs. Good luck in your search.
I enjoy fountain pens as a writer and collector. I use one everyday. I would suggest a good starter pen is a Pilot Metropolitan. They are inexpensive and reliable. They can be filled with a cartridge or from a converter to use bottled ink. I used a Pilot Metro but eventually shifted to vintage pens. An excellent choice for vintage pens, in my opinion, is a Parker 45. They were in production for over forty years. They are plentiful, reliable and inexpensive. Another under rated pen is the Esterbrook J series. They are attractive, plentiful and well built. They have easily interchanged nibs. Good luck in your search.
-
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Re: Fountain Pen Users
Your post inspired me to find my fountain pen collection (first ones purchased in the 1980s). My late father had a Pelikan on his desk, and I recall the distinct color even today. Wrote out all my holiday cards today using one the the "old reliable" Cross fountain pens today (after cleansing the nib -- hadn't been used in years.) I purchased this one after seeing one of my mentors write with one, and it performed better than my Waterman.Sandtrap wrote: ↑Mon Nov 22, 2021 9:53 pm Currently corresponding monthly in hopefully well thought out prose while putting fountain pen nib to fine paper to about 15 people around the world. At least one is a "boglehead".
Some of my fountain pens:
1941 Pelikan 400NN
1943 Parker Senior Duofold
1945 Parker 51
1947 Parker Vacumatic
1940 Skyline Eversharp
Namiki Falcons (several)
Pelikans (newer, several)
TWSBI's Diamond 580 ALR (several)
Lamy 2000
I tend to write with about 4-6 pens that fit my writing and so forth.
I also use several vintage restored typewriters.
PM me as you wish to correspond via snail mail.
j
Short article: "The Power of Writing By Hand".
https://www.artofmanliness.com/characte ... g-by-hand/
Fountain Pen Network Forum
https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/
Snail Mail Forum
https://s-mail.proboards.com/forum
Now have to try and gently clean the nib of a Montblanc with the all-gold plated nib (crafted long before the nibs went to mostly rhodium).
Thank you for the trip down memory lane.
Retirement is best when you have a lot to live on, and a lot to live for. * None of what I post is investment advice.* |
FIRE'd July 2023
Re: What fountain pen(s) should I buy?
The pen is important, but the paper is also just as important.
I'm an educational therapist and I teach cursive to students with dysgraphia. I start them off with just a Pilot fountain pen, but I use a Lamy. Once they have mastered cursive, I buy them a Lamy as a reward, which they love!
These pens are so important because students must slow down enough so they can get the ink flowing at a consistent pace.
Some of the papers have a subtle dot pattern that helps the writer without being distracting.
https://www.jetpens.com/blog/The-Best-F ... iderations
Beware! Trying out different fountain pens/papers can become a bit of an obsession.
I'm an educational therapist and I teach cursive to students with dysgraphia. I start them off with just a Pilot fountain pen, but I use a Lamy. Once they have mastered cursive, I buy them a Lamy as a reward, which they love!
These pens are so important because students must slow down enough so they can get the ink flowing at a consistent pace.
Some of the papers have a subtle dot pattern that helps the writer without being distracting.
https://www.jetpens.com/blog/The-Best-F ... iderations
Beware! Trying out different fountain pens/papers can become a bit of an obsession.
- Sandtrap
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- Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2016 5:32 pm
- Location: Hawaii No Ka Oi - white sandy beaches, N. Arizona 1 mile high.
Re: What fountain pen(s) should I buy?
Great points.mrsbetsy wrote: ↑Sun Nov 28, 2021 10:37 am The pen is important, but the paper is also just as important.
I'm an educational therapist and I teach cursive to students with dysgraphia. I start them off with just a Pilot fountain pen, but I use a Lamy. Once they have mastered cursive, I buy them a Lamy as a reward, which they love!
These pens are so important because students must slow down enough so they can get the ink flowing at a consistent pace.
Some of the papers have a subtle dot pattern that helps the writer without being distracting.
https://www.jetpens.com/blog/The-Best-F ... iderations
Beware! Trying out different fountain pens/papers can become a bit of an obsession.
Well said
My “go to” after many years is either Rhodia lined or dotted. I notice that lined Rhodia has a wider line spacing than dotted. Half or full sheets.
Rhodia is perfect for fountain pens especially fine to EF nibs.
j
Re: Fountain Pen Users
I received the Pilot Vpens today and tried one out. Pretty good. I will have to practice keeping track of which way the nib is pointing. I have bookmarked the Sulls course, but will likely not have time for it until after I retire.Sandtrap wrote: ↑Sat Nov 27, 2021 9:16 amTips to recover or gain consistent legible cursive:tooluser wrote: ↑Fri Nov 26, 2021 9:46 pmI am running low on pens and just ordered some of those today, though in black ink. A good way for me to start.
I don't think I need the instructive course. I can remember and visualize from 48 years ago what I'm supposed to put on the paper, including three-humped m's and a very large 2 for the capital Q, though my hands have never been able to duplicate what is in my mind. I learned good printing in college too. I need to slow down again to get it right, or at least better, and then speed back up as I gain more skill.
(Improve)
1
Available Amazon.com
“Sulls:American Cursive” course in a thick stack of loose leaves that you put into your own binder.
Follow the sequence and do 1 practice page per night/day.
Takes minutes.
Over time, muscle memory and mentation happens by itself and your cursive will be renewed and improved.
2
Correspondence via snail mail letters.
(Letters must be answered, mind and skillsets engaged.
3
Daily journaling.
j
In the try-out of the new pens, I was supremely aware of when I was rushing, and it makes a noticeable difference in the penmanship. This is from years of rushing to complete sentences while my thoughts, and/or the thoughts of the speaker I am taking notes on, hurried to completion.
- Sandtrap
- Posts: 19582
- Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2016 5:32 pm
- Location: Hawaii No Ka Oi - white sandy beaches, N. Arizona 1 mile high.
Re: Fountain Pen Users
Remember.tooluser wrote: ↑Fri Nov 26, 2021 9:46 pmI am running low on pens and just ordered some of those today, though in black ink. A good way for me to start.
I don't think I need the instructive course. I can remember and visualize from 48 years ago what I'm supposed to put on the paper, including three-humped m's and a very large 2 for the capital Q, though my hands have never been able to duplicate what is in my mind. I learned good printing in college too. I need to slow down again to get it right, or at least better, and then speed back up as I gain more skill.
Name and Grade and Date in the upper right hand corner of the page.
The letters of the alphabet in print and cursive used to be above the blackboards in our school.
j
Re: What fountain pen(s) should I buy?
I just bought a special edition TWSBI at auction (ebay). I think this hobby is starting to get dangerous
Re: What fountain pen(s) should I buy?
Anyone have a Moonman (Majohn?) pen? Heard good things and may pick up their new A1.
Re: What fountain pen(s) should I buy?
Got an itching for more pens..I haven't bought any in a while but my current stable is getting boring. Anyone have recommendations on some "fun" ones to try?
Re: What fountain pen(s) should I buy?
I've occasionally thought about buying myself a "nice" pen ($200-800 ish), and tried a few at pen stores. Haven't pulled the trigger.
That said, among the rotating collection of cheap pens that seem to float in and out of my pen-holder, I recently have been using a Bic Velocity. Probably a $2 pen? The thing writes SO smoothly. Yeah, it looks like a cheap $2 pen (albeit it does have a nice, fat grip that I like).
But in performance terms, I wonder if even a $500 pen would be better. (I realize that $500 pens are not REALLY about writing in the same way that $5000 watches aren't REALLY about telling time, but still...)
That said, among the rotating collection of cheap pens that seem to float in and out of my pen-holder, I recently have been using a Bic Velocity. Probably a $2 pen? The thing writes SO smoothly. Yeah, it looks like a cheap $2 pen (albeit it does have a nice, fat grip that I like).
But in performance terms, I wonder if even a $500 pen would be better. (I realize that $500 pens are not REALLY about writing in the same way that $5000 watches aren't REALLY about telling time, but still...)
- Sandtrap
- Posts: 19582
- Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2016 5:32 pm
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Re: What fountain pen(s) should I buy?
FPN back online.Nicolas wrote: ↑Wed Dec 02, 2020 6:07 pm I’ve been using fountain pens for decades. I favor Pelikan especially the Souveräns. This website is devoted to all things Pelikan. https://thepelikansperch.com/ and don’t forget The Fountain Pen Network though it’s currently offline for a forum software upgrade. https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/
j
- Sandtrap
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- Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2016 5:32 pm
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Re: What fountain pen(s) should I buy?
To OP:
Pelikan M200 or better, TWSBI (Diamond 580 ALR), Parker, etc.
(be sure nibs are tuned and custom polished which is world's different than out of the box)
Vintage Pelikans, Parker Duofolds, etc.
From reliable shops, mint to near new and completely restored. Nibs custom tuned and polished.
Rhodia paper is made for fountain pen writing.
Inks: Diamine, Iroshizuku, etc.
Practice your; Palmer Business Script, or Spencerian, or . . . . . . ????
Global corresponding is what keeps the fountain pens alive and eager to come out and play.
j
Pelikan M200 or better, TWSBI (Diamond 580 ALR), Parker, etc.
(be sure nibs are tuned and custom polished which is world's different than out of the box)
Vintage Pelikans, Parker Duofolds, etc.
From reliable shops, mint to near new and completely restored. Nibs custom tuned and polished.
Rhodia paper is made for fountain pen writing.
Inks: Diamine, Iroshizuku, etc.
Practice your; Palmer Business Script, or Spencerian, or . . . . . . ????
Global corresponding is what keeps the fountain pens alive and eager to come out and play.
j
Re: What fountain pen(s) should I buy?
Wow! Certainly not my experience. My 580 has a scratchy nib and a skipping/starting problem. TWSBI CS said send it in for repair. They returned it, saying that they had also "replaced some parts that are prone to fail" (??). The nib was unchanged. I contacted them again, they said send it back. I did, and it came back to me unchanged.Sandtrap wrote: ↑Wed Nov 24, 2021 3:12 pm+1
I've tried a boatload of various TWSBI's and the Diamond 580 ALR series is solid. If the nib feels wrong or scratchy, their factory return and full refund policy is excellent. A great one out of the box stays great. Trouble free and large ink capacity and outstanding value per dollar.
j
I consider that a very peculiar interaction, in that 1) there is no way anyone could write with this pen and say that it is working properly, and 2) it would be easy and cheap for TWSBI to pop in a new nib and gain customer satisfaction. Strange, and would make me stay away from the brand given all the other choices out there.
Re: What fountain pen(s) should I buy?
Yes, very much so in my experience.
TWSBI pens tend to develop stress fractures in various places and often fail by falling apart, Yep. I had 2 TWSBI 500 series pens literally fall apart in my hand, and others have developed hairline fractures and been retired from use. One pen developed cracks just sitting in a drawer, never used. I have never had a similar experience with any of my 100ish pens in over 60 years of FP use..
Their pens write well and their customer service is pretty good at replacing defective parts, but my feeling is that they shouldn't be selling faulty products to begin with. There are less troublesome brands out there. Pilot, Lamy, Sailor, Pelican, to name a few.
- Sandtrap
- Posts: 19582
- Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2016 5:32 pm
- Location: Hawaii No Ka Oi - white sandy beaches, N. Arizona 1 mile high.
Re: What fountain pen(s) should I buy?
+1tm3 wrote: ↑Fri Jan 06, 2023 11:19 amWow! Certainly not my experience. My 580 has a scratchy nib and a skipping/starting problem. TWSBI CS said send it in for repair. They returned it, saying that they had also "replaced some parts that are prone to fail" (??). The nib was unchanged. I contacted them again, they said send it back. I did, and it came back to me unchanged.Sandtrap wrote: ↑Wed Nov 24, 2021 3:12 pm+1
I've tried a boatload of various TWSBI's and the Diamond 580 ALR series is solid. If the nib feels wrong or scratchy, their factory return and full refund policy is excellent. A great one out of the box stays great. Trouble free and large ink capacity and outstanding value per dollar.
j
I consider that a very peculiar interaction, in that 1) there is no way anyone could write with this pen and say that it is working properly, and 2) it would be easy and cheap for TWSBI to pop in a new nib and gain customer satisfaction. Strange, and would make me stay away from the brand given all the other choices out there.
Very true.
I went through at least a dozen TWSBI Diamond 580 ALR's and returned them. Finally got a great one that's worked well to this day. Especially after I tuned and polished the nib. The large ink capacity is a plus. But, I only have a couple TWSBI's.The rest are Pelikan's, Parker, and Pilot, higher end.
But, of course, There are wonderful Pelikan's to be had from reputable shops that will custom tune and polish the nib and those pens will write trouble free seemingly forever. Even vintage Pelikans.
The main thing to me is that they are inked and used regularly as I am not a collector of fountain pens.
j
Re: What fountain pen(s) should I buy?
Your post echoes what I have come across in other forums, i.e. QC issues with TWSBI pens. It seems that those who get a "good one" are happy, and those who get a "bad one" end up like me -- preaching to others to not take the risk.ByThePond wrote: ↑Fri Jan 06, 2023 12:04 pm
TWSBI pens tend to develop stress fractures in various places and often fail by falling apart, Yep. I had 2 TWSBI 500 series pens literally fall apart in my hand, and others have developed hairline fractures and been retired from use. One pen developed cracks just sitting in a drawer, never used. I have never had a similar experience with any of my 100ish pens in over 60 years of FP use..
Their pens write well and their customer service is pretty good at replacing defective parts, but my feeling is that they shouldn't be selling faulty products to begin with. There are less troublesome brands out there. Pilot, Lamy, Sailor, Pelican, to name a few.
Re: What fountain pen(s) should I buy?
The thing that I like about the TWSBI, and that induced me to buy it, is the size, weight, and balance. Really nice, and a shame that it is useless to write with. But, to me at least, it's not nice enough to jump through all those hoops to get a good one!Sandtrap wrote: ↑Fri Jan 06, 2023 1:12 pm
+1
Very true.
I went through at least a dozen TWSBI Diamond 580 ALR's and returned them. Finally got a great one that's worked well to this day. Especially after I tuned and polished the nib. The large ink capacity is a plus. But, I only have a couple TWSBI's.The rest are Pelikan's, Parker, and Pilot, higher end.
But, of course, There are wonderful Pelikan's to be had from reputable shops that will custom tune and polish the nib and those pens will write trouble free seemingly forever. Even vintage Pelikans.
The main thing to me is that they are inked and used regularly as I am not a collector of fountain pens.
j
Re: What fountain pen(s) should I buy?
Yup, I am in the camp of having a few TWSBIs without issue, so I recommend them. I had a question and after I hit send, they responded back (I think only 45 seconds had passed).
Re: What fountain pen(s) should I buy?
Their communication with me was fine. I hope you don't ever have to experience their customer service.
Re: What fountain pen(s) should I buy?
It's definitely hit or miss, but I've mostly heard good things so I will keep buying their stuff. It's also very reasonably priced, so even if they wouldn't make due on the warranty I'd just write it off.
- Sandtrap
- Posts: 19582
- Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2016 5:32 pm
- Location: Hawaii No Ka Oi - white sandy beaches, N. Arizona 1 mile high.
Re: What fountain pen(s) should I buy?
-
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Re: What fountain pen(s) should I buy?
I love Pelikans. Sturdy and great nibs. I would not do Montblanc, expensive and didnt last me long. Pilot 823 pen is also good, but you need to leave the top untwisted to work, which makes it less desirable than Pelikan.
Re: What fountain pen(s) should I buy?
What do you think of the Parker Duofolds?
“And how shall I think of you?' He considered a moment and then laughed. 'Think of me with my nose in a book!” |
― Susanna Clarke, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell
- Sandtrap
- Posts: 19582
- Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2016 5:32 pm
- Location: Hawaii No Ka Oi - white sandy beaches, N. Arizona 1 mile high.
Re: What fountain pen(s) should I buy?
Vintage large body Like new refurb Parker Duofolds,
Pelikan large body and capacity with twist fill.
buy from shops that will tune and polish the nib.
Pens with ink converters for ink have tiny ink capacities and can be problematic.
TWSBI Diamond 580 ALRs are great value but nibs are scratchy and touch n go but gret return policy until you get a keeper.
Fad brands and cheap pens are just that.
Rhodia fountain pen paper is made for fountain pens. Not any paper.
lots on "www.fountainpennetwork.com"
jazztonight also a member and great fountain pen fellow and professional piano player musician.
pm as you wish
j