Fountain pen help needed!

[amyinva]

My eldest son is graduating from college this spring, and I'd like to get him a really nice fountain pen. However, I know nothing about them, so can anyone give me the scoop? I think I maxed out my Google research skills when buying him a gorgeous razor for Christmas. ;-)

[Guest]

Pilot Namiki.  It is a wonderful weight, nib, and there's no cap to mess with...it retracts.  I have many fountain pens, but this is my favorite for writing a LOT with.  (bad sentence structure...oops).  I gave this to godsons for their graduations.  Only the ones who actually know how to use an actual pen or pencil though.  As in, my son did not get one.  LOL

 

[Guest]

I also like this one:  http://www.twsbi.com/products/twsbi-diamond-580-clear-fountain-pen

If you get this one, get the inkwell that is made to go with it...it's so SUH-weet.  

 

And this is the other pen I use a lot.  

[Peach]

Some links for you:

 

Goulet pens:  gouletpens.com (Check the blog and their Fountain Pens 101 area. Brian Goulet does great videos on just about anything pen related)

 

The Gentleman Stationer: http://www.gentlemanstationer.com/blog/2016/2/6/25-resources-to-jump-start-your-pen-addiction (this has lots of good links to introduce the FP world)

 

http://edjelley.com (Lots of reviews)

 

One thing to keep in mind - if he is going to be a cartridge user (instead of bottled ink), some styles/brands use proprietary cartridges which may have limited colors, while a lot will use the international standard ones that are more a one size fits most cartridge and can be found in just about every conceivable color.

Edited March 23, 2016 by Peach2

[EndOfOrdinary]

I was going to suggest Goulet as well.

[Alessandra]

Also seconding Goulet suggestion.

 

And adding Writers Bloc.

 

http://www.shopwritersbloc.com

 

They have a great help page about choosing pens. And a nice selection of notebooks with paper made for fountain pen writing.

[Peach]

I thought of you yesterday Patty Joanna. I have a TWSBI 580AL on its way to me to add to my growing collection.

[SparklyUnicorn]

Hm.  Do you think he'd like it and use it?  I only ask because my son received one as a gift from a relative and he tried it once and that was it.  He doesn't like using it.  It takes some getting used to. 

[Guest]

I thought of you yesterday Patty Joanna. I have a TWSBI 580AL on its way to me to add to my growing collection.

:0)

 

I have got my fountain pen jones on again thank to this thread.

 

I noticed my TWSBI had a crack in the barrel so I sent an email to their customer service, and offered to send a picture. I asked if replacement barrels were available. In two minutes, I had a response from a person, not an automated system. No picture needed. Send your address so we can send a replacement barrel. And five minutes after I sent my address, I got another email with the UPS tracking number in it.

 

I was floored. I had expected to BUY a replacement barrel, to have lots of back and forth and automated responses. This is extraordinary customer service, if you ask me.

[Peach]

That's pretty amazing but I've heard from others that their customer service is really good.