Pens. Yes, really. I want to talk about pens.

Ahleckz · 22 May 2012 at 18:30

I've dreamt of owning a Montblanc pen for a long time. That isn't going to happen, but I went into a fancy pen shop and tried out a few Cross' and what not and really like the weight and feel of a 'proper' pen. Didn't help my awful handwriting at all, but never mind.

So, anyone got some nice ones?
Can you recommend any good websites to buy them from? Obviously it would be good to try before you buy, but if they are much cheaper online I could have a gamble!

RomanNose · 22 May 2012 at 18:32

I just have a cheapo Lamy, works quite nicely. I find that the Lamy is quite nice as it's a bit thick, great for those with larger hands.

Ging3r · 22 May 2012 at 18:38

I was a bad person, went into the shops to try them, then ordered online.

Similarly wanted a Montblanc but couldn't afford it. In the end I went for a Sheaffer Legacy Heritage in Black/Gold. Lovely pen, also got the matching rollerball. Really would go try some though, I really hated some in a similar price bracket - just personal preference/ writing style

http://www.sheaffer.com/writing/product_detail.php?ID=38

Dr House · 22 May 2012 at 18:47

I like pens

I use this at home, its a little too flash but its still a beautiful pen.
http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab283/nastytooth/iphone4029.jpg

This was my first pen, I don't really use it much anymore but its still nice. I give it to my little brother but he was not interested.
http://www.penplace.com/strubp.html

I use a black resin Meisterstuck day to day. Its nothing special and looks like the fee pens you get so there is not much chance of it getting stolen.
http://www.penplace.com/meblclbp.html

I would like to get this one day to replace my day to day
http://www.penplace.com/momeplplfacl2.html

I also made over 1000 pages of notes with the free pens Hertz give out and actually found it to be very comfortable

Kosmiche · 22 May 2012 at 18:49

I'd reccomend the pens at www.penisland.net

gropingmantis · 22 May 2012 at 18:58

Moses said:
Been reading http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-18071830?

I have used a fountain pen since primary school (where you didnt get much choice in the matter). Nothing quite like it. Would love a montblanc but really cant afford it so for now I use my trusty Parker. Its a bit thin for me though. Had a Cross for a while that my grandad bought for me but just could never get comfortable with it.

Its all personal preference really. Go try loads.

dirtychinchilla · 22 May 2012 at 19:00

I have this and it is beautiful.

Skillmister · 22 May 2012 at 19:01

Moses said:
Been reading http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-18071830?

I did like writing with a fountain pen. I'd probably get one again if my hand writing wasn't so god awful. (and if i actually wrote anything..)

RomanNose · 22 May 2012 at 19:07

Skillmister said:
I did like writing with a fountain pen. I'd probably get one again if my hand writing wasn't so god awful. (and if i actually wrote anything..)

I think with most people it improves hand writing.

FBi7 · 22 May 2012 at 19:08

Eames said:
I'd reccomend the pens at www.penisland.net

Lol, I first read that as penis land! Thought it was a wind-up!

Sorry OP, I have nothing of value to add to this thread

dirtychinchilla · 22 May 2012 at 19:09

RomanNose said:
I think with most people it improves hand writing.

I don't think that's true to be honest...writing with a fountain pen is effortless and fluid, so you just go for it, realising later that you're writing is dreadful. It always looks nicer with a fountain pen though.

FBi7 said:
Lol, I first read that as penis land!

Well that's awkward...

Shashman · 22 May 2012 at 19:09

Did any of you use one of these at school?

Good old Lamy ABC.

We weren't allowed to use ballpoints.

Used to collect the little plastic beads that came in the ink cartidges. Ahhh nostalgia!

StriderX · 22 May 2012 at 19:57

Free way to finding a "real" pen.

1.Find a bird.
2.Kill it.
3.Take all its feathers off.
4.There you go.

Josh P · 22 May 2012 at 19:58

I have one of these:

The one thing is the cartridges don't last all that long, I should use a bottle really.

swillsy · 22 May 2012 at 20:02

How much does your standard mont. blanc go for? That site didn't have any prices. Looks like a nice waste of money

Skillmister · 22 May 2012 at 20:03

RomanNose said:
I think with most people it improves hand writing.

Didn't work through school

Dr House · 22 May 2012 at 20:06

swillsy said:
How much does your standard mont. blanc go for? That site didn't have any prices. Looks like a nice waste of money

About £230 up for a basic model.

Amp34 · 22 May 2012 at 20:06

May I be the first to recommend a... Bic...

Fine Blue to be precise.

Seriously though, far nicer than a fountain pen and you can actually write small.

(I've always found fountain pens a pain in the ****, couldn't write with them and i would invariably end up in a mess of ink..!)

scrlk · 22 May 2012 at 20:11

Buy a Pelikan. MBs are overpriced for what they are IMHO.

Personally, my daily writer is a TWSBI Diamond 540 in smoke with F nib (great budget writer!) filled with Noodler's Dark Matter. I've also got 2 Reform 1745s, a Parker 75 in F and a Parker Arrow in M.

Sadly, Noodler's don't get exported to the UK nowadays and I'm running out of ink - yesterday I ordered Herbin Pearl Noire.

WH Smith's have the Lamy 2000 at an insane price atm - £80!
http://www.whsmith.co.uk/CatalogAndSearch/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=35315971

EDIT:
Stores I recommend:
http://www.thewritingdesk.co.uk/index.php
http://www.cultpens.com/
http://www.pelikanpens.co.uk/

Marky · 22 May 2012 at 20:11

Eames said:
I'd reccomend the pens at www.penisland.net

I actually came into this thread purely to see how many posts it took after the OP for this to get a mention. >_>'