Need advise on first

[Goin2drt]

I currently just use a MB Starwalker roller ball and Porsche Design rollerball.

I want to get myself a new pen. Everyday use fountain pen. Something cool. I do not want a big thick calligraphy nib, one just something that would write a finer line if that makes sense.

I have been lurking for a while, looking at many of your collections, even ventured over to the Nakaya website but wow that one lost me as SO many options.

Thoughts, suggestions?

[Bisquitlips]

Let me suggest a Twsbi Vac 700 with a fine nib.

About $70.00 or less and I promise it will be a positive experience.

[Juantxo]

The Nakaya line of pens became simple to understand for me when I saw them as follows:
1) Size. They are all six inches capped, except for the Piccolo which is 5.1 inches. 2) Other than size, the 6" pens just differ in shape. Some look like a cigar, others like a gondola, etc. - you pick the shape you like. Piccolos are all the same. 3) You can order your Nakaya with a clip to secure it to your shirt pocket, or not. 4) There are different finishes to the pens. Some are made of a single color lacquer, others with a sort of two tone lacquer, others have designs and so on. 5) You can also choose the color of your nib and clip from a list of options.

Where it becomes confusing is when you try to follow the names of the colors in Japanase. Just look at the pictures and select the one you like. Classic Fountain Pens (nibs.com) is the best site where to look at Nakaya pens in order to choose the one you like.

Once you get over the confusion, and the steep,prices, choosing a Nakaya is very easy.

[Goin2drt]

Originally Posted by Juantxo

The Nakaya line of pens became simple to understand for me when I saw them as follows:
1) Size. They are all six inches capped, except for the Piccolo which is 5.1 inches. 2) Other than size, the 6" pens just differ in shape. Some look like a cigar, others like a gondola, etc. - you pick the shape you like. Piccolos are all the same. 3) You can order your Nakaya with a clip to secure it to your shirt pocket, or not. 4) There are different finishes to the pens. Some are made of a single color lacquer, others with a sort of two tone lacquer, others have designs and so on. 5) You can also choose the color of your nib and clip from a list of options.

Where it becomes confusing is when you try to follow the names of the colors in Japanase. Just look at the pictures and select the one you like. Classic Fountain Pens (nibs.com) is the best site where to look at Nakaya pens in order to choose the one you like.

Once you get over the confusion, and the steep,prices, choosing a Nakaya is very easy.

I was getting lost on the writing style questions, where you hold, angle, strength etc etc. I obviously know how I write but not how it compares or how I would fill all that out.

[Goin2drt]

All the nib questions

[jar]

Great questions.

Some fountain pen basics that are different than ball points or rollerballs.

Fountain pens like a very, very light hand. Ink is put down simply by capillary action and there is no need to press at all. You don't need to create the drag needed to turn the ball in the other formats.

You won't know what part of the section you will hold until you try some so don't worry about it. On sections, the Neo-Standard section is longer than the Portable or Naka-ai BUT it also takes more turns to cap or uncap the pen.

As you make the transition from ballpoint and rollerball to fountain pens you will likely need to change the angle. With the former you needed to hold the pen at a high enough angle to keep the ball rolling in the socket. That's not an issue with fountain pens. You hold a fountain pen like a baby bird, so lightly that your fingers only touch the body to keep the pen from rotating.

So now on to ordering from John.

Forget the form. Call. Talk to a human. Explain you are making the transition to a first fountain pen and understand that you will likely make changes in your procedures as you gain experience. Ask them to tune the pen to be moderately wet and adjust the nib so it is smooth at both a higher 60-70 degree angle and more normal 45-50 degree angle. Ask for a relatively stiff nib, not a flexible one. Tell them you would like a moderately thin line.

The urushi coated pens (from almost all makes) are meant to be used without posting the cap on the end of the pen. This is for several reasons, to keep from scratching the finish but mainly because the cap lips are thin and posting can over stress them.

Then let them set it up for you.

Now to other choices. There are lots.

It's pretty hard to go wrong with a pen from any of the Big Three Japanese firms. Again, in general, the pens from Pilot tend to be longer than those from Sailor and Platinum but the pens from Platinum and Sailor tend to be slightly wider than those from Pilot.

Some great places to start might be:

From Pilot Custom 743, 742 or 74. All the classic "Balance shape" and Platinum brand cartridge/converter filled.

From Sailor the 1911L (large). Sailor brand Cartridge/converter filled.

From Platinum the #3776 Century. Cartridge/converter but there is also a $1.00 adapter that allows you to also use the widely available International Standard cartridges.

From left" Pilot 743, 742, 74; Sailor 1911L; Platinum #3776 Century; Sailor 1911S (standard)

[tifosi]

For your first fountain pen I can not recommend Sailor enough.

https://www.nibs.com/brand/sailor

They write freaking fantastic as their 21K nibs are amazing. They are about 1/2 the price of Nakaya, but dare I say I enjoy the actual writing process equally. Where the Nakaya wins for me is the craftsmanship. Holding a piece of art. The finishing and feel of the Urushi lacquer is like no plastic pen.

As far as a an out and out amazing writer....go to CFP site, check out some Sailors and give them a call.

Report back with what you decide.

[Goin2drt]

Wow this is all great info and what I was looking for. I think I am going to check out these three. Was lookin at Sailor last night and really like many of their offerings. I am sure I will have more questions as I finalize the purchase.

[jar]

A thread comparing Pilot and Sailor Flat Top Pens.

[Juantxo]

Originally Posted by Goin2drt

Wow this is all great info and what I was looking for. I think I am going to check out these three. Was lookin at Sailor last night and really like many of their offerings. I am sure I will have more questions as I finalize the purchase.

If you try Classic Fountain Pens (nibs.com) tell them you're a member of TRF. They'll treat you right.

[tifosi]

Originally Posted by Juantxo

If you try Classic Fountain Pens (nibs.com) tell them you're a member of TRF. They'll treat you right.

CFP treats me right and they don't know I'm a member, haha. Best in the biz.

[Juantxo]

Originally Posted by tifosi

CFP treats me right and they don't know I'm a member, haha. Best in the biz.

Good for you.

[Goin2drt]

Thanks for all the help.

Called nibs.com, ordered today.

I will post when it comes in. I went total beginner to make sure I like it

[jar]

Originally Posted by Goin2drt

Thanks for all the help.

Called nibs.com, ordered today.

I will post when it comes in. I went total beginner to make sure I like it

So what did you order?

[Goin2drt]

Originally Posted by jar

So what did you order?

I was going to surprise you all but since you asked.

Sailor Pro Gear slim black/silver with medium fine and set up just like you recommended. Figured it was a safe beginner.

There were a few others I liked and could become an issue

I checked out Sailor, Platinum and Pilot. They all had offerings I liked a lot.

[jar]

Originally Posted by Goin2drt

I was going to surprise you all but since you asked.

Sailor Pro Gear slim black/silver with medium fine and set up just like you recommended. Figured it was a safe beginner.

There were a few others I liked and could become an issue

I checked out Sailor, Platinum and Pilot. They all had offerings I liked a lot.

That is a great starting place. Here's my PURPLE one on the bottom.

[tifosi]

Originally Posted by Goin2drt

I was going to surprise you all but since you asked.



Sailor Pro Gear slim black/silver with medium fine and set up just like you recommended. Figured it was a safe beginner.



There were a few others I liked and could become an issue



I checked out Sailor, Platinum and Pilot. They all had offerings I liked a lot.

The Sailor medium fine is probably my favorite stock nib. It's amazing.

Great choice!

[Dashimmy]

I like your SS Braided pen. Looks like Braided fuel hose. You must be a car guy. Anyway, I like that pen!

[Goin2drt]

Originally Posted by Dashimmy

I like your SS Braided pen. Looks like Braided fuel hose. You must be a car guy. Anyway, I like that pen!

Yep, my other baby.

[Goin2drt]

Originally Posted by jar

That is a great starting place. Here's my PURPLE one on the bottom.

I like that purple, almost got that or the orange for a little color.

[tifosi]

Originally Posted by Goin2drt

Yep, my other baby.
Attachment 829333

Oh dear Lord

[Goin2drt]

Have to say I am getting really excited to get my new pen. This could be a problem if I really enjoy this. I have spent the time while waiting searching on how to fill the pen but after that quick search I have scrolled through EVERY fountain pen nibs.com sells and I think this could become an expensive problem if I like writing with them. There are about 12 pens I really like and they are not cheap.

The wait continues, at least it is en route.

[jar]

Originally Posted by Goin2drt

Have to say I am getting really excited to get my new pen. This could be a problem if I really enjoy this. I have spent the time while waiting searching on how to fill the pen but after that quick search I have scrolled through EVERY fountain pen nibs.com sells and I think this could become an expensive problem if I like writing with them. There are about 12 pens I really like and they are not cheap.

The wait continues, at least it is en route.

Fortunately fountain pens are not as expensive a vice as many other such critters like cars or golf or sailing or craft beers or fine wines or tennis or skiing or ...

And they take up far less space.

[Goin2drt]

Originally Posted by jar

Fortunately fountain pens are not as expensive a vice as many other such critters like cars or golf or sailing or craft beers or fine wines or tennis or skiing or ...

And they take up far less space.

Clearly you are an enabler in this area...I like it.

[Goin2drt]

Just received it but had to run out the house. Unboxing.




Looks like it came with two cartridges and the converter.

Quick question. Leaving Monday on business. Can I take my pen on a plane?

Will try loading it up tonight.

[Goin2drt]

Here she is.

Ok first rule for all newbie's, wear gloves when trying to fill the ink with the converter.

Besides that I think I am going to really like this. It writes so nice and to not have to use hardly any pressure is fantastic.

Pen is a little small (length wise), I figured that might be the case buying the smaller one. I like the medium fine but think I would also be happy with fine. I kind of changed at the last minute from fine to medium fine.

Also think I may play around with some ink and colors.

[jar]

Yes, modern pens do fine on planes. General guidelines...keep it stored nib up when not in use. Do not use it during ascent or descent; basically if your ears detect a pressure change don't use the pen.

Other than that you may be required to write with it to get through the stupid security check.

I find that I really need to use my Pro Gear Slim posted for the max control and comfort. It's funny, my Nakaya Piccolo is even shorter but wider and I have no issue using it un-posted.

[Bisquitlips]

This is a good thing! Inky Fingers!

Actually, it should never go away if you are a serious FP aficionado. Except for church and some funerals.