Fountain Pens

[mull]

After 12 years of daily use my Mont Blanc is ready for retirement. I am interested in a new daily use, sometimes hard daily use pen, and wondered what the rabble here might reccomend.

I saw a Waterford that was interesting recently but, do not know their reputation outside of crystal.

I also saw some Acme's which are much more trendy, but may work.

Any thoughts?

[KiltedDixon]

Funny that I should read your post today.
I bought refills for my Mont Blanc yesterday.
I have used a Waterman in the past.

I like the Mont Blanc...it feels better in my hand.

Good Luck!

[kilted_brewer]

I've always liked the looks of the pens that Levenger sells, but I haven't bought from them in years. Now I'm in need of a way to clean the two fountain pens I have. Any suggestions?

[thescot]

I use two different Watermans. i really like them, and they seem to last forever. I've had both for several years, and they show no sign of wear. And I use them a lot! I have one that my grandson--the little darling--threw on the gound, bending the nib somewhat, but it still write perfectly.

On a side note, when writing personal letters these day--when you care enough to send the very best, write a letter!--I use a couple of dip pens with ink wells given my by my wife for my wife on my last birthday. I thought I liked the feel of my fountain pens until I discovered the wonder and beauty of a dip pen and real ink.

[AKScott]

Waterman and Mont Blanc are both excellent pens by all accounts.

My only "trouble" with them is they are so small and light, the "problem" is my hands are enormous.

If either of those feel too small or too light, you might consider a RotRing. It's a heavy pen. Made in Germany, I think the translation is 'Red Ring." I used it for about two years with no hiccoughs; have moved on to roller balls.

You can try soaking the nib in isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol if it gets plugged with dried up ink, but that may not be true for every pen nib out there.

[caig]

I have used a Mont Blanc fountain pen and a MB ballpoint for years and they have given me nothing but excellent service. I use the models which are thicker in the body, as they are much more comfortable with large hands.

When I have to sign an important letter, I always use the fountain pen with my trademark turquoise ink. Nothing is quite like using real ink on an important or personal letter/document.

[Maclachlan]

Apparently we don't charge enough for the ones we make!

[BoldHighlander]

Apparently we don't charge enough for the ones we make!

You make them? Any photos?

[Maclachlan]

You make them? Any photos?

All use Cross refills/5mm lead
Australian brown mallee


Blue Invisavue (acrylic)


Tulip and yellow heart


Walnut


Spalted hackberry


Curly/tiger maple


Blue/gold Acylester (acrylic)


Just a few of the ones we've made. We can also do fountain and click top as well as cushion grip. If you can think of a wood or acrylic color chances are we can get it. Prices are typically $25/pen or pencil ($45/set or $100 for a desk set that includes the pen, pencil, letter opener and magnifying glass all from the same chunk of wood). Some acrylics are more because of the time/labor involved (i.e. the first pictured would be $35 because of the two hours and the toll it takes on the tools.

My son (14 years old) is the main character in this play and he uses the profits for his college fund.

[Bing]

I'm a Parker Duofold man myself; italic nib in the larger Centennial body.