A Quiver of Pens (Fountain Pen Reviews) Last Updated: 5 July 2024 Happiness is a good pen, smooth paper, the right ink, and time to write. It has become zenlike to me, practically a meditative experience. Computers do not provide the same experience, and never will. In 1989 I began writing regularly in a journal. That same year, it occurred to me that the experience would be even nicer if I were to use a fountain pen. I think it's kind of like saying, "hey you know, I should try crack cocaine." First I had one pen, then I had two, then I had many. Turns out they each provide a unique experience and contribute unique sensations to the zen experience of putting your thoughts on paper through ink. Here are some reflections on the many, lovely writing instruments that have brought me pleasure over the years. ===================================================================== Cross Century My very first fountain pen experience, begun Christmas of 1989. When I requested a fountain pen for Christmas, my folks chose Cross, the brand they themselves used. It was my exposure to smooth writing and the feel of something fancy and substantial in your hand, not a cheap plastic disposable. I used it happily enough for about a year, getting used to changing cartridges and waiting for the ink to flow, etc. A brave new world! One day it slipped from my pocket on the snow-caked walk between classes, and was gone. Off I went to choose a new pen, and I'm still choosing, again and again. Positives: Slim, modern/classy, and unpretentious, with a metal barrel that set me on the path to experiencing pleasure from a pen that felt special. Negatives: In retrospective with dozens of pens to compare it to, the Cross is somewhat unremarkable, even plain, despite a gold nib (I think). Verdict: I've never been tempted by another Cross Pen. ===================================================================== Parker 75 Having lost the Cross, I withdrew from my hard-earned savings for a replacement, settling on a Parker, one of few in my limited price-range that nonetheless had a gold nib, which I already recognized as important to the writing experience. This one came from Fahrneys of Washington DC, who would continue selling me pens for the next few decades. Positives: Brass barrel with lacquer coating was gorgeous and beautiful and intriguing, with a nice weight. The nib wrote beautifully, and my first converter allowed me to start experimenting with bottled ink: I started with Pelikan South Seas Blue, a bright turqouise color that bewitched on yellow legal pads. It has a now relatively hard-to-find 18k nib that's soft like butter. Negatives: I experienced several feed issues, possibly the result of poor cleaning practice or possibly manufacturing trouble. I wound up sending it back for (free) service several times. I use it less these days because I've shifted from fine to medium nibs, and thicker diameter pens that are more comfortable in my aging hands. Verdict: Still one of my best pens and in daily usage 34 years later. ===================================================================== Sheaffer Student Purchased at the university bookstore on a whim, this cheapo pen came on what they called a bubble card or blister pack, and probably only cost $6 or so. It was a fun experiment and an introduction to Sheaffer, and it was cool to see the level of the ink cartridge through the transparent pen body. But when I sent the Parker off for servicing just as I flew overseas for my first adventure, suddenly I was left only with the Sheaffer, which became my main pen for a serious adventure. It holds a dear spot in my heart for that reason, although it also wrote very well. Positives: Great ink flow and writing experience despite having a steel nib. I have a sweet spot for Sheaffers ever since. Negatives: Cheap, lightweight plastic (obviously) and a steel nib, but worth every dollar of the six or so I paid for it. Verdict: Not a daily usage pen for me, as it is cheap. But every time I get one out and write with it I'm reminded it's a keeper. Even bought a third one - they are great travel pens. ===================================================================== Parker Vector I spotted it in a book store in Jakarta and thought it was worth a try. Medium, steel nib if I recall, and a dark blue body. Simple, unassuming, a decent travel pen I made good use of through the rest of my stay in Indonesia. I really don't remember what happened to it after the trip though. Positives: Good travel pen, lightweight, not expensive, and a decent nib. I recall the ink flow was wet and nice. Negatives: Not many, considering the price, though the Sheaffer Student had the better feed and nib overall. Verdict: Lost somehow, but I bought Vectors again when I spent a few years in rural Nicaragua - a solid travel pen. ===================================================================== Pelikan M250 Back from Indonesia and settling into a new life as a civil engineer, getting back on my feet emotionally and financially, I decided to splurge. Did anyone really need a second fountain pen? Seemed ridiculous, absurd, a superfluous and scandalous bit of excess. But the Pelikans looked so nice and the 14K gold nib seemed smooth and amazing. Bought this – the lowest cost model they sell, an entry level pen – but made sure to choose a medium nib to differentiate it from the Parker fine point - a fine attempt at justification that would set me on a pathway to repeat for the ensuing decades: if the pens are different, you can buy them both, yes? Positives: Spectacular nib, and my first piston-filler was fun and interesting. This pen has served me well over nearly thirty years and I reach for it when I want a smooth nib and a thick body while not drawing too much attention. I signed my wedding vows and license with this pen. I still use it on a regular basis, and happily. Negatives: For its size, it's somewhat light, and over the years the gold plating has begun to erode from the clip and the decorative bands. But that's about it - the nib remains spectacular. Verdict: Still in regular/heavy usage and one of my best pens. Still find myself looking at higher end models (M400, M600), so stay tuned. ===================================================================== Waterman Hemisphere A lovely and thoughtful Christmas gift as I entered the Peace Corps and began a new adventure. It was unexpected and unresearched but a hell of a good gift. Gold nib, brass body with a nice heft. I used it intensely for many years and the nib was pure pleasure, 14k gold. In hindsight, I recall it came with a bold nib that didn't work for me at all; changing it to a fine suited me better and gave many years of pleasure. Might go back and get a medium now. Positives: The nib is excellent, and the pen has a nice weight. Negatives: A bit narrow diameter now that as I age I seem to prefer bigger writing instruments. But twenty years ago it was perfect. Verdict:I don't use it much any more, but that seems to be a combination of the narrower body and fine nib, two things I have gotten away from. I wouldn't part with this pen though. ===================================================================== Retro 51 No pictures seem to exist of this bad boy. It was an experiment, a cheap pen I thought might be good for traveling and of no great consequence if I were to lose it. Its defining feature was a little roller on the end of the clip that helped ease it into your shirt pocket I suppose, and a long, showy nib that wrote terribly. Positives: I honestly can't think of any. It was a fun experiment from a company whose "Torpedo"mechanical pens and rollerballs are now a huge phenomon, and rightly so. Negatives: Possibly the worst writer I ever owned. I gave it away when I had a chance. Verdict: Moved it on. ===================================================================== Parker Vector Calligraphy Set Prepping for a two-year stay in Nicaragua where I planned to do a lot of writing but couldn't bring anything too showy, yet needed a pen I'd be happy to write with, I thought back to the Vector I'd used in Indonesia and it seemed perfect. Astonishingly, in addition to the regular one there was a model for calligraphy that came with three, varying-width italic nibs. The middle one was just perfect for journal writing. These two pens were officially "travel pens" but they were far more than that, and the italic one in particular was a good friend for years. Somewhere, I found converters that allowed me to use bottle ink in addition to cartridges. Positives: Not expensive, not too showy, an italic nib in three widths. A decent writer, and the simple piston adaptor allowed me to use bottled ink the whole time I traveled rather than worry about cartridges. Negatives: Thin, by the standards I use today. Light. Neither of these things bothered me twenty-five years ago, but I'd struggle to use them today. Verdict: Spectacular travel italic, though the regular nib wasn't great. Wouldn't buy these again - I think - but I still catch myself looking at them. ===================================================================== Aurora Ipsilon I was living in Italy, where the shop windows were filled with things I loved, and there was no dearth of clever writing instruments. I chose this as a birthday present. Positives: A good size, and the click from putting the cap back on was so satisfying I remember it to this moment. Its weight was pleasant – not too heavy or ostentatious, but solid enough to feel like a high class experience. Negatives: Steel nib, that took more pressure than I'd have liked and ultimately made it uncomfortable to write with for too long. I eventually gave this pen away when it seemed time to pare down the collection. I'd be tempted to try it with a gold nib though, because the rest of this pen was pretty nice. Verdict: Moved it on; needed to be a better writer. ===================================================================== Jean-Pierre Lepine We were passing through Paris on the way to a long stay in West Africa that would eventually become ten full years. Browsing the shops in the lovely Saint Germain neighborhood, a pen shop drew me in, where I was transfixed by a tray of these beautiful pens in gorgeous colors. This one, some kind of color like a mango, drew me to it. The pen had a stiff, steel nib, and so wasn't the best writer I've ever owned. But the cap screwed on when posting, which was interesting, and the clip was tight as a drum in a shirt pocket. Lastly, the pen was only full length with the cap posted; otherwise it was a shorter travel size, which made it interesting for trips. I lost it in a fancy hotel in Budapest some years later. Just thought to look it up again and to my surprise, found a shop in Louisiana that sells it. Testament to the comfort of that nib though, I'm probably going to pass. Positives: Beautiful colors, and a nice weight in the hand. Screw-on cap when posted was interesting. Negatives: Travel size made it short; nib was a bit stiff Verdict: Fun while it lasted, but wouldn't buy it again due to the steel nib. ===================================================================== Pelikan M150 Italic Bought this after a lovely trip to Morocco, where Arabic calligraphy had seduced me and I was eager to write in italic. As I went through the Fahrney's Catalog, this Pelikan stood out. It's one of my best writers to this day. (Interestingly, Fahrneys clearly noted in my customer profile that I like italic nibs, because I received specialized catalogs showcasing them for many years afterwards. Hey, they weren't wrong about me!) Positives: 14K gold nib, flawless, smooth, lovely to write with. Piston filler. Negatives: Seems a little light to me these days, and of course not as luxurious as higher end models in the Pelikan series. That's about it. Verdict: One of my best writers and remains in constant usage 16 years later. ===================================================================== Retro Desk Set I was signing a lot of bureaucratic paperwork and thought a desk set would be fun. Retro51 made a single deskpen set that was selling well, but a little research turned up an older model that had both rollerball and fountain pen. Turned out to be a good purchase and a fun pen. The bold nib was "Iridium" and really, really soft and comfortable. I've searched for iridium nibs since then since they are absolutely a step up from steel. I moved it on when I changed jobs and did too little paper-signing to make a desk pen worth the space it occupied in my little work area. Positives: Great nib, fun, useful Negatives: Not surprisingly, it would dry out if you didn't use it frequently enough. Verdict: Finally sold it. Don't really need a desk pen anymore. I miss that iridium nib though. ===================================================================== Chilton Golden Quill Fahrneys was promoting this interesting pen at a discount, so I went for it. It remains to this day one of the pens I keep most in rotation. Positives: Iridium nib, pretty darned smooth. A smooth writer, and really comfortable for long term writing. The wider barrel is a good weight - not too heavy, but substantial in the hand. I'd still be tempted to pick up a second one of these. The silver, iridium nib really catches the sun and I'm tempted to say it's my best non-gold nib. Negatives: Dries out if it remains uncapped for too long - probably consequence of the thinner section in the feed. The engraved logo is a negative, in my opinion: at a minimum the letters ought to have been oriented in the other direction. The biggest design flaw is that you've got to use this pen unposted, no question about it: with the cap posted, the pen is a little top-heavy and slightly awkward. Verdict: Still in semi-frequent usage and I almost bought another one. ===================================================================== Namiki Falcon I'd been reading a lot about the flexible nib. I'd once learned copperplate, using dip pens, and the idea of being able to write similarly with a fountain pen was appealing. The Namiki, Pilot, and Sailor pens are all Japanese in origin and share similar features of fabrication. The Namiki as almost the perfect shape and weight, and a screw-on cap that makes it a good choice for travel. The nib I chose – soft fine (SF) – was a bit too springy for me. Several times I considered selling it, but turns out it's perfect for my Leuchtturm daily journal, where fine nibs and close, careful writing matters. Now I love it again. Positives: Good weight and balance, possibly the perfect size. Gold nib. Good for small letters and short entries, like in a calendar. Negatives: The SF nib is springy and annoys me for longer sessions. Verdict: Still in usage. Perfect for some books/writing tasks. ===================================================================== Sheaffer 100 A splurge, but a low-cost impulse buy that worked out great. I was in the mood to try out Sheaffer again. I bought it and the Preira (below) together, thinking the more expensive Preira would be the better pen. Instead, the Sheaffer 100 was a surprise win and a great writer. For not much money you get a brass barrel that's heavier than you'd think and once you've used it a while, plastic pens start to feel cheap in comparison. A good travel pen because of cost, but it writes well too despite the nib being steel. Positives: Inexpensive but well made; good nib; a nice weight. Negatives: Narrower in diameter than the pens I seem to prefer these days. Not the best pen for really long writing sessions, but I used it frequently at work with great success and pleasure Verdict: Finally sold it after having my fun. ===================================================================== Sheaffer Taranis What a cool-looking pen. Metal body, sleek, with an interesting taper that makes the whole thing look like a rocket. It wasn't expensive and it was unlike any other fountain pen I'd ever considered, so I went for it. ... and was disappointed. Great to look at, but not great to write with, so I moved it on. Positives: Sleek, modern styling, and an interesting, hooded nib. A nice weight, and not expensive. Negatives: The cap doesn't post properly because the tail of the pen's taper doesn't give it anything to grip properly to (did no one test this?). So the cap wobbles. Secondly, the cool flat section where you put your fingers makes it a little awkward to hold. But the wobbly cap when posted was a deal-killer for me, and I moved this pen onward. Verdict: Sold it and don't miss it (though I'm tempted by the ballpoint). ===================================================================== Pilot Preira A decent every day carry pen and maybe a good starter pen for newbies. It turns out to be a shorter pen, not a full five inches in length. I liked the splash of color, top of the cap. But there wasn't much special about this pen. I finally cracked it somehow when carrying it in a pocket, and I tossed it unceremoniously. About a decade ago I went back and bought two more for fun, a CM (narrow italic) nib and a fine nib. Used them for a while and then moved them on. The transparency allowed you to see the ink flowing into and through the feed, which was enjoyable. One important point about the CM nib is that at 0.8mm wide, it's not quite as broad as a full 1.1 stub. That matters, as you can use it a lot more often for casual writing. But you've got to watch the angle of the pen as you write, as it could easily catch on upstrokes. On good paper, no worries. I really wish other companies would create calligraphic nibs at this width. Positives: Good enough nib in Fine and CM (cursive medium). Plain steel. The single best click in the cap I've ever experienced. Hard to describe, but it's extraordinarly satisfying and many, many people have told me they agree. Negatives: I'm not sure it wrote any better than the $10 Shaeffer Student pens I bought before and after. The short length of the barrel was an issue for me. Expensive for the build quality. Verdict: I've bought three and sold three. Fun but wouldn't buy again. ===================================================================== Sheaffer Heritage The single most expensive pen I ever bought, and I bought it twice: I recall vaguely hyperventilating at Fahrneys the first time as I handed over my credit card, hoping I'd seal the deal before second thoughts about the price overwhelmed me.The integrated Sheaffer nib replicates several decades of different models that used this design. My first one was a heavy, bold, cigar of a pen with a bold nib, and felt fancy, luxury, executive. Unfortunately, it didn't write well. It suffered endless dry starts; I could never be sure the first stroke of my first letter would emerge. After years of fussing with it, I sold it. Two years later I gave it another chance, and bought a medium. Horrifically, it wrote //exactly// the same as its predecessor. So much for blaming it on the bold nib. Out it went. Too bad, it was gorgeous and looked and felt great. Positives: Sheaffer. The integrated nib was really eye catching. It felt important and substantial in the hand. Not sure you'd write your manuscript with something this heavy, but you would certainly seal a deal, sign a marriage license, put your name on something important and consequential. Negatives: Oddly, I never got this pen to write well, and I can't abide a pen that doesn't start laying down ink the instant nib touches paper. (Far less expensive pens manage this just fine). Verdict: Sold and would not buy another one, though it is gorgeous. ===================================================================== Waterman Expert Found myself wondering about Waterman again and decided to reward myself one month when I was given a raise at work. Good pen, with the best clicking cap in my collection. I'd bought it with a medium steel nib, and there's no question it was steel not gold, but it was still pretty comfortable for writing at work. One day strange ink leaks led me to discover I'd somehow cracked the plastic around the nib – a hairline fracture but that's all it takes – and ink was getting all over everything. I found a reseller of nib units and decided to try out the fine nib. Similar to the medium, and pretty darned good. The body is brass with a nice lacquer finish and a bright steel cap that looks classy. The Waterman ink cartridges are of a high quality with nice, bright colors too. I wound up buying both a medium and a fine nib, and have no regrets with either - they are well balanced, spectacular writers and top participants in the current rotation of pens. Also bought a custom stub nib (which I don't like as much). Positives: Great clicky cap; good writer; a good travel pen with a classy look without being ridiculously expensive. White! In a world with few white pens. Negatives:Steel nib, not gold, so a little (but not too) stiff. Verdict: Potentially my best pens and they remain in regular usage. ===================================================================== Lamy Safari AL I'd lost my Sheaffer 100 travel pen on a trip to Africa, and it seemed like a sign from God that I should give a try one of those cool Lamys they seem to sell in the airport bookshops worldwide. So I picked up a blue Lamy Safari AL. The AL stands for aluminum. Cool, fun pen, very low key, very low stress. The nib was nothing special though, so I really don't understand the community of people endlessly collecting them and chatting about them. The nib also turned me off of the higher price Lamy Studio, an otherwise wonderful-looking pen with a really cool design aesthetic – it's the same, plain, steel nib. Positives: German engineering. The bubble cut-out that lets you see how much ink remains is a cool innovation. Not meant to be fancy, meant to be quotidian. Nice, broad diameter means it's far more comfortable in my aging hand than other, low-cost fountain pens. A modern take on a traditional instrument, how German. Negatives: The nib is simply nothing special to write home about. Good enough for jotting notes at work; not good enough for any writing of any length. The lightweight body really feels too light to me. The upturn in the end of the clip makes is a little strange to clip on some notebooks etc. (but is nice in shirts). The triangular shaped section doesn't match where I put my fingers, so I didn't enjoy the way it felt in my fingers. Verdict: Sold. I sure love the new Petrol color, but not enough to buy one again. Pilot Procyon takes its place. ===================================================================== Esterbrook J series green I wanted green pens, and this one came fully restored, which made it a good experiment. Plus, those vintage pens tended to write pretty well. No major regrets with this pen: I had my fun and moved it on. Turns out vintage is not really my thing (and these lever fillers use a rubber sac, which makes it hard to know when the ink is about to run out. Modern tech has improved on this design in important ways). Positives: It's an Esterbrook J series, so there are dozens and dozens of nibs out there of all types. This one writes pretty well over all, and it's wet and lovely. The green looks beautiful in the light. Negatives: Too small a diameter pen for my tastes these days, and really somewhat lightweight by the standards of other pens I use. This was also a reminder of why we moved away from internal ink sacks/levers to replaceable cartridges: with this pen, you're writing and suddenly you are out of ink. Cartridges were certainly an improvement. Verdict: Sold. ===================================================================== Pelikan M205 Olivine This low-cost Pelikan with its Olivine ink (ink of the year, 2018) was hard to get off my mind, so I bought it. The ink was an instant hit, probably my best shade. The pen however, despite being a Pelikan, was clearly made lower cost by use of a steel nib I never liked. I tried a fine nib and then I tried a medium nib. No dice. The fine was too springy, and the medium felt like my other gold-nibbed Pelikans but harder. There's no disguising a steel nib; it's a simple as that. I finally decided to do away with it. The styling was lovely though: the modern Pelikan cap ends are gorgeous, and this green worked really well with the silver bits. I did relent eighteen months later, and purchase the ink again. Pelikan Olivine is one of the nicest shades of dark green ink I've ever encountered (and I have several). Positives: It's a Pelikan, and the piston fill was lovely. The new piston-fill mechanism is designed to let you see all of your ink supply, which I guess is what the new generation likes. (It's a lot of ink, actually – I tend to get bored far sooner than this thing would empty). Negatives: Springy, steel nib. Verdict: Sold. Give me a gold nib or forget it. ===================================================================== Sailor Compass A splurge. As I bought the Pelikan M205, I went momentarily insane and bought another green pen, just for fun. The experiment lasted about a week before I found another home for it and never looked back. Maybe it's a fun, low-cost entry pen for people trying out their first fountain pen, but it had no value to me and it was immediately clear I'd never use it. Positives: Really not many. Somewhat inexpensive, and somewhat cool looking. Negatives: A terrible, scratchy, steel nib and far finer than you'd expect. Apparently you have to choose one nib wider when you're purchasing these Pilots. Verdict: Sold, almost immediately. ===================================================================== Sheaffer 300 It was clear Sheaffer nibs worked well for me. I was told the 300 uses the same nib as the 100, which I'd quite enjoyed, and this was a wider barreled pen. I found it on discount on Ebay, so I paid less than $50 for it. This was quite a surprise, but it was one of my top pens for years. They put all the fanciness into the cap, which is heavy and provides the weight and balance. The pen, unposted, is somewhat light and plasticy. With the cap posted, it feels quite a bit heavier and fancy. The nib is great, quite possibly the only steel nib I not only tolerate but actually enjoy. If I had to choose a single pen to carry on an extended tour, this could quite possibly be the one. It's that good. Of course it takes Sheaffer cartridges too. There's a cool shininess in the body that makes it catch the sun. I bought a second one however and learned something important: the first models like mine are acrylic (plastic) and therefore a decent weight. All later models use a steel body, and it's simply too heavy a pen. Positives: Spectacular nib for steel, really enjoyable. A low stress pen that writes amazingly well at a low price. I'd be tempted to get another one of these to make sure I'm not caught without. It's a comfortable writer without inducing stress if you lose or break your fancy pen with the gold nib and high price tag, which makes it even easier to use frequently. Negatives: For the acrylic model, you've got to post the cap or the weight is off and the lightweight body feels somewhat cheap. With the cap on, it feels fancy. For the metal body, you've got to leave the cap off or it's too heavy. In hindsight they appear to have repurposed a component they had in bulk, and did not do the engineering necessary to adjust balance and weight correctly. Verdict: Decent enough to hang onto, and a reasonable travel pen. ===================================================================== Esterbrook Estie Evergreen This pen was like your hot/sexy girlfriend who's kind of annoying to be around. Gorgeous colors and styling, and a pretty nib in length and shape. But it never won me over as a writer, and I tried bold, medium, fine, Gena (journaler, a medium stub) and 1.1 stub nibs. So I tried. Turns out it's just a Jowo #6 nib, which you can get on a pen that costs 20% of an Estie. And it just didn't have the workmanship (say, blending metallic and acrylic components) that justified either the price or the luxury mood. Finally in a fit of pique I sold it, and no regrets. Positives: Gorgeous to look at, and the colors really do capture the shades of a pine forest, which is exactly what I wanted. I have never seen another pen whose greens do that. The cap is unique in that there's a little spring pressure as you place it over the nib, which gives it a slightly more secure feeling. The Gena nib is the only thing I miss. Negatives: The nib is a bog standard steel Jowo#6, available on $20 pens that write equivalently, and the bold in particular is pretty stiff. And once you note it writes kind of average, you notice it's pretty expensive for the plastic workmanship it brings. Verdict: Sold, and would only really look at an Estie with a gold nib these days. ===================================================================== Sheaffer Valiant (1949) Wasn't so sure about buying a vintage pen, but this one had been professionally restored by an artisan/craftsman, and the price was decent. The Valiant dates to about 1949 – I grow dizzy thinking about whose hands this thing passed through and what it's seen. I was interested in the gold nib, and newly convinced that I was a Sheaffer man (it's confirmed, I am). What a cool pen, what a cool nib, what a cool design. Positives: Gold nib that stays wet, and the interesting bent-nib design is only now being copied again. It really is a pleasure to write with. A year after purchase I considered moving it on: took it out, inked it, wrote for a few days. Nope, this pen stays. Also, the cap screws on, but the thread is well thought out, and it goes from tightly capped to off in exactly a quarter of one turn. Negatives: The modern world of transparent converters and cartridges really is superior to these opaque, complicated, vaccuum mechanisms. I've learned to cope with it, but I'm never sure if I've got enough ink, and it runs out without warning. It's also somewhat light by my current standards. Verdict: Sold, but good Lord that was a great nib. Vintage is not for me. ===================================================================== Parker Sonnet Thinking back to my old Parker, what succeeded it was a long line of Sonnets, a very successful pen that sold for over a decade. I'd never had one, and remembering the heavy, professional feel, decided to try one. I went first with a medium nib but found it somewhat thin by my standards, so purchased an additional bold nib, which writes more like others' mediums. Great pen, great nib. Turns out, it's no longer so easy to buy a Parker Sonnet because this wildly popular pen has been a target for Chinese trademark infringers for a long time now, and there are hundreds and thousands of Parker Sonnets being sold for about $10 each. If that's a suspicious price, it should be - the real thing, with a proper, gold nib, costs far more. Thing is, the imitations are sometimes easy enough to spot but they are sometimes very, very good. Worth it to be sure, though, as this is a great pen and a great nib, and no regrets about buying it. Positives: 14K nib. Or maybe 18K? Either way, it's soft and beautiful, and comfortable. Brass body with a nice lacquer coating - professional finish that reeks of quality. Negatives: It's not easy to buy a Parker these days: the cheap knock-offs from China are hard to distinguish, which makes for uneasy purchasing. As noted, the nibs are a shade finer than comparable nibs from other brands, not a negative but worth noting. This Sonnet stays in rotation. Verdict: Great pen in both medium and bold nibs, and one of my best writers hands down. ===================================================================== Sheaffer 330 My second foray into vintage Sheaffers. This one boasts that cool, integrated nib I wanted again, but at a fraction of the cost of the original Heritage I'd done away with. Decent pen! Sheaffer used this cool, integrated nib over many models and at least a decade: you can see it in the PFM, 330, 440, Imperial, Targa, and several other variants. I bought this hoping I could get a smooth-writing integrated nib but realized the lighter weight of the pen's body made it feel noticeably less fancy. But it sure does write well. Positives: It is an excellent writer, with nice flow. Negatives: Extremely light. Surprisingly light, as though there were a materials shortage during the war, or they were desperate to keep the market price down. It's also got that thin coat of paint that suggests it would scratch easily (hasn't scratched yet, but I'm wary). Great travel pen though, and it uses standard Sheaffer cartridges, which makes travel even easier still. Verdict: Sold, but now I find myself looking at 440s and Imperials with the steel cap. Sure did write well. ===================================================================== Lamy 2000 (bold and medium) I'd gone in to discuss the Lamy Studio, whose design I really liked. But I was disappointed to learn it's basically the same steel nib as the Lamy Safari, so nothing really that special. Then I learned that Lamy's high end, gold nib fountain pen was the 2000. Reviews showed writer after writer gushing about how good it felt, and classifying it as one of their best pens. I was intrigued and came home with a bold nib, just for a change in pace. But it was so smooth and buttery to write with I went back about a year later and bought the medium nib too. Probably one of my top three pens, off hand. Truly comfortable, not flashy or ostentatious, and something really utilitarian about it - how very German! This is the first time I ever liked a pen so much I went back and bought another nib in the same model. Positives: Great weight, balance, texture. Not too heavy, not too light. The nib is superb: silky smooth, and wet enough but not too wet. Negatives: I really don't understand the design choice that left two little metal bits exactly where you put your fingers. I understand their purpose but somehow it seems like a design omission surprising of German engineering. Verdict: Quite probably the most comfortable writers I own. Even thinking of buying another nib version. Excellent. ===================================================================== Pilot Custom 912 Had never really paid attention to Pilot before, but I was told their nibs are spectacular. Turns out, that's a fact. I first bought the 912 in a medium nib, and considered it probably my single best writer. Then somehow it soured a bit on me - too springy? I'm actually not sure. I sold it and bought a Music Nib instead, essentially a heavy stub. That was interesting and novel but also not as comfortable as other stubs. I'm on the fence with this pen. The gold nib is a plus, and it looks like what you'd expect a luxury pen to look like. Well balanced and not as expensive as the true luxury stuff. Positives: Being able to try their different nibs was a real pleasure, as there are so many. Decent weight and balance. Negatives: Wasn't quite right for me and I'm honestly not sure why. Verdict: Sold the medium and will sell the music nib. I think the Special Edition is a better weight and balance for me. But I would absolutely recommend this pen if someone asked me. ===================================================================== Majohn T5 The cheapness of the Estie led me to this pen, thinking, could a $25 Chinese pen compare favorably? Short answer is: maybe. The plastics and build quality were great, better than the Estie. But the piston was finicky and the nib was bog-standard steel, which I don't tolerate. I swapped in medium and fine nibs easily enough, and played around with stubs and flex nibs bought at Goulet. The Majohn sometimes struggled with ink flow through the feed, but it did confirm for me the plastics you get in a pen costing more than $200 can be had for a tenth of that. Positives: For a measly $25, great pens. Can swap the nib for almost any other #6 nib on the market. Great plastics. Nice weight in the hand, and nice diameter now that I like thicker pens. Negatives: Steel nib. Finicky piston. The cap threading is too tight: it takes almost three full turns to put on the cap, which is a bit much (the Sheaffer 330 takes a single quarter turn, which is better). Verdict: Bought two and moved them both on. But I would definitely look again at cheap Chinese pens - they can absolutely compete with higher end stuff. ===================================================================== Noodlers Konrad Noodlers' Ahab is a vegetal resin pen with a legendarily bad smell. The Konrad uses something different, and had no smell at all. Having spent some time in the Marianas Islands, I of course had to go for the Marianas design, which was beautiful and interesting, and very evocative of the colors of a coral reef. Fun. The nib isn't as flexible as you'd think by looking at it, though it does flex a bit. I had my fun with it for a few days and then sold it onward with a bottle of Iroshizuku Kon Peki, which matches it perfectly. Positives: Not too heavy, decent balance, not too expensive, so a fun starter pen or splurge. Negatives: The piston didn't convince me it would work for too long, and the steel nib was scratchy and not fun. ===================================================================== Pilot Custom Heritage Special Edition I first saw the SE and thought I was glad I'd bought the larger 912. But slowly the SE began to feel more comfortable in my hand, and the nib is excellent. The green one I bought filled the niche of the Estie Evergreen (mostly) and it can due a darker blue-green like Tsuki Yo well enough without any cognitive dissonance. I did find this pen doesn't like other inks too much - had dry starts with Diamine for example. With its own Iroshizuku ink it writes perfectly. Probably one of my better pens these days - good for longer writing sessions. They make a medium and a fine nib; I sure wish they would also sell a stub, or even better, a 0.8mm stub like the Preras. That would be nirvana. Positives: Excellent writer, 14k gold nib. Negatives: Slightly uncomfortably expensive for my liking, considering it's mostly plastic. Verdict: On my top rotation of best pens for now. ===================================================================== Platinum Procyon Platinum makes three grades of pens: the Prefounte, the Plaisir, and the Procyon (OK, and the Preppy, a common starter pen but a plastic disposable). They all seem to use the same nib, so I opted for the Procyon, which still wasn't too expensive, and got both fine and medium points. Metal body - feels like aluminum to me. They are well weighted and a nice, comfortable diameter. They compete favorably with the Lamy Safari, at a similar price point and quality. Unlike the Lamy though, they have round sections rather than triangular. Positives: Great nibs, for steel - exactly what you'd expect from Japan. Very technical feeling. Nice balance, not too heavy, and you can use them posted or unposted. Great travel pens. The Platinum ink cartridges are pretty fancy, with little steel balls that keep the ink moving. Negatives: Steel nibs, so not made for extended, trancelike zen experiences. And the Platinum cartridges are proprietary, which annoys. The caps screw on, so there are threads right where I put my fingers, not ideal (still deciding if it's going to turn me off or not). Verdict: They stay, for now. ===================================================================== Waterman Carene My success with the Waterman Expert(s) made me think, wow, what could this company do with a gold nib? Plus, the Carene has an interesting, integrated nib reminiscent of the Sheaffer Heritages I'd sold. Turns out, it's a great pen. Waterman pays careful attention to the things that matter to me. The 14k gold nib is excellent and wet, the weight is perfect, the barrel is a gorgeous lacquered brass/steel and feels substantial and pleasant in the hand. Probably my most luxury pen, but unlike the Sheaffer, I am guaranteed that the Carene will ink the instant the nib touches paper, say to sign an autograph (or more likely, a check). Positives: Excellent in every way: weight, balance, and the extraordinary 14k gold nib. Negatives: The integrated nib is no joke and can't be easily repaired, so use with care. Verdict: Possibly my most professional/luxury pen, and in constant rotation. ===================================================================== TWSBI Diamond ALR 580, Eco, and Mini Quite the name: AL for aluminum section, R for ridges. OK. The folks at Reddit had nothing but good things to say about TWSBI, so I gave it a try on a whim and ordered the Prussian Blue, quite the bewitching color. And what a pen! Later I bought an Eco, and then a Mini. I'll say this: TWSBI nibs are spectacular, absolutely spectacular. They are steel, but they are smooth as silk, write effortlessly and comfortably, and are nothing but pleasure. The stub is without any question the best stub I've used on any pen ever. I bought an Eco next, with a bold nib, just for fun. Just as good. I bought a medium nib for the ALR (they're about $25 each and you can swap them in and out, fun). Still decent. Finally, I bought a mini (piston filler) with another stub nib. Still superb. Quite possibly the only steel nib that I like as much as gold. Positives: Without any doubt, the best stub nib I've ever used. It's steel, but it's smooth and effortless and just glides. It is a spectacular nib. Negatives: The ALR 580 is longer than most, and the mini is shorter (until you post the cap). Why not just make a normal pen? And I don't like the plastic in the body, which reminds me of Lexan drinking cups we used on picnics. Verdict: I sold the ALR and Eco but kept the mini, which is my best stub and in constant usage. ===================================================================== Conklin Glider (2007) I was drawn to Conklin because they have a forest green that rivals the Estie I'd sold. But consensus is that the newer models suffer in build quality and the nibs can be terrible. So what caught my eye in this older model (2007) was that it came from a previous generation of pens, and boasted an iridium nib. I am drawn to iridium like moths to a flame. This is my newest pen, but so far it appears to be one of my absolute best writers. The medium nib is just slightly stubby, not so that you'd notice it in ordinary usage, but there is unquestionable variation between horizontal and vertical strokes. Nice ink flow. Writes well, balance is good, not too heavy. Pretty. Positives: Spectacular writer. I'm really happy with this one Negatives The cap clip is unique, by which I mean a little funky. And it takes more turns of the cap to open it than other pens. Verdict: Still early days, but this promises to be a top ten in my quiver, and I'm really enjoying writing with it. ===================================================================== Pilot Metropolitan I wanted the CM nib I'd experienced in the Prera, but in a full-size and slightly fancier-feeling pen. And I was looking for a pair of pens that would become my travel pens. I bought a M and a CM nib, and set them to use. The exact same nibs as the Prera, so really pretty good writers and the CM width is really great. I desperately wish other pens would create something similar. Positives: Inexpensive enough for travel without fear if they are lost. Decent writers. Cool colors. Love that CM (medium calligraphic) nib, basically a 0.8 stub. Negatives: The oblong body means, just like the Sheaffer Taranis, you can't reliably post the cap, such adisappointment and ultimately the reason I moved them on. Verdict: Moved them on. ===================================================================== Aurora DuoCart This pen goes head to head with the Parker 51 for mid-century styling, and the hooded nib has a just slightly stubby nature to it. Originally, it had an internal bracket where you would mount one short ink cartridge for use and a spare behind it. When one cartridge emptied you could easily flip it and keep writing - very clever! Modern versions have a converter for liquid ink, which I like better. Ultimately, not a keeper Positives: Very good looking, and I adore the look of the solid color body with the shiny cap that extends half the length of the pen. It really evokes the 1950s, a great decade. Negatives: Simply impossible to keep the cap in place when posted; no ridges, no click, nothing. The cap falls off all the time. And too light if the cap isn't posted. Did no one test this? Nib was a bit scratchy as it was steel rather than iridium. Verdict: Moved it on after about a week. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Honorable Mentions A couple more writing instruments that are or were a part of my life: ===================================================================== Parker 51 This 1940s pen's style is fashionable again, so I'm seeing a resurgence in 51 style. I inherited several Parker 51s that belonged to my grandfather, but no matter how I fiddled with them, they never wrote very well and therefore never won me over. I didn't even keep them and now they're gone. I'd owned a men's and women's set (the women's pen had a narrow diameter body, and were more delicately styled, I suppose). In hindsight, kind of wish I'd kept them, but I seriously doubt they'd have become a steady part of my quiver. Positives: Retro. Negatives: Did not write well. ===================================================================== Faber Castell e-motion pencil OK, not a fountain pen, but a fancy writing instrument, and I use it every day. Again, saw it in shop windows in Bologna, Italy and was smitten. At 1.4mm, the lead is broad to be sure and for some tasks where small notes were required, it's just too wide (the Retro 51 mechanical pencil is a champ there, at 1.1mm lead). But for other things it's really great, and I love the way it feels in the hand and how softly the high quality lead marks. The cool wood grain slowly takes on the mark of your hand as you use it over the years. Positives: Excellent writer and I use pencil a lot more than I used to as a result. Fits extremely comfortably in the hand. Very fun to write with, and there's something nice about holding an instrument made of wood. Negatives: The lead is a bit broad. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Greatest Hits * The forest green colors of the Estie (and the name: Evergreen. Sigh). * The gorgeous, soft, gold nibs of the Parker 75/ Sonnet, and Pelikans * The low-stress travelability of the Procyons * The Estie Gena nib (a medium stub) or the Pilot Metro/Prera CM nib * The ink flow of the TWSBI 1.1 stub, painting bold, soft strokes * The great, soft gold nib of the Sheaffer Valiant * The perfect weight and balance of the Lamy 2000s with any nib * The classic styling of the Pilot 912 * The extraordinary and unique styling of the Waterman Carene * The effortless pleasure of the Waterman Expert * The satisfying click of the Prera cap clicking into place.