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Thread: Cross Bailey questions

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    Senior Member mreeveshp's Avatar
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    Default Cross Bailey questions

    I just got my very first non disposable fountain pen and as you probably can guess it's a cross Bailey but I have 2 questions that someone might be able to help me with (1) no matter what I do I just can't seem to get the cap to post unless I push way to hard and even then a slight nudge or fast motion and it comes loose, is there a way to get it to post and stay there? (2) my work has me outside writing in humid environments and I have noticed that the grip is very slick especially with just slight moisture in the air do I just need to keep wiping it dry or is there a remedy to that.

    I do have the lamy safari charcoal, pilot creaper, and I can't decide on the platinum plaisir or the pilot metropolitan so if you want to add your thoughts in helping me make the decision that would be awesome too.

    Thanks in advance
    Mreeveshp

    Sent from my VS990 using Tapatalk

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    Senior Member jar's Avatar
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    Default Re: Cross Bailey questions

    The Cross Bailey does not post well. And yes, the grip does get slippery.

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    Default Re: Cross Bailey questions

    Cross Baileys don't post. I have one, and I'm going to PIF it for that reason (and two other non-posting pens).
    In my mug: Sailor 21 P-P M, Cross Solo M, Online Calligraphy, Monteverde Invincia F, Hero 359 M, Jinhao X450 M, Levenger T-W M, Jinhao 159 , Platinum Balance F, TWSBI Classic 1.1, Platinum Preppy 0.3 F, 7 Pilot Varsities, Speedball penholder, TWSBI 580 USA EF, Pilot MR, Ahab 1.1, another Preppy 0.3, Preppy EF 0.2, ASA Sniper F, Click Majestic F, Kaweco Sport M, Pilot Prera F, Baoer 79 M, Hero 616 M, Jinhao X750

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    DaveBj

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    Default Re: Cross Bailey questions

    Not all fountain pens post. The pilot metropolitan is your best bet. It posts, has many nib choices, comes in lots of different colors, and is a good writer.

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    Senior Member Marsilius's Avatar
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    Default Re: Cross Bailey questions

    If those two issues are important, you might try the Pilot Metro or Lamy Safari as reasonable priced alternatives, to name a couple. I have a Cross Stratford that post, but it is thinner than the Bailey. Not sure if it gets slippery. There is also a more matte/rough edged Bailey, but the section where the fingers grip is still smooth. Good luck!
    Fortibus es in ero

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    Senior Member RocketRyan's Avatar
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    Default Re: Cross Bailey questions

    I would say the platinum cool/balance is a better bet might be a little bit dearer but I found it much nicer to hold than the Lamy or metropolitan. If you shop around you can find them for £25.

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    Senior Member mreeveshp's Avatar
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    Default Re: Cross Bailey questions

    DaveBj sorry for my ignorance but what is PIF cause if that will make it post I'm interested.

    And thank you to everyone else for the advice on my upcoming purchase

    Sent from my VS990 using Tapatalk

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    Default Re: Cross Bailey questions

    Quote Originally Posted by mreeveshp View Post
    DaveBj sorry for my ignorance but what is PIF cause if that will make it post I'm interested.

    And thank you to everyone else for the advice on my upcoming purchase

    Sent from my VS990 using Tapatalk
    PIF is short for Pay It Forward. It is when some gifts an item usually to new users. It will not make a Cross Bailey Post.

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    Senior Member mreeveshp's Avatar
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    Default Re: Cross Bailey questions

    Thank you. I love that idea if I ever have more and can get to one I'd love to give one to someone like me that doesn't have much money just wants to get into the hobby so bad.

    I'm also thinking about the Al-Star over the safari what does everyone think about that

    Sent from my VS990 using Tapatalk

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    Senior Member Lady Onogaro's Avatar
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    Default Re: Cross Bailey questions

    If you don't like the slippery section, you can try what someone suggested to me about metal sections: wrap in in a washi tape that you like. I haven't tried it yet, but I intend to.

    I don't post my pens so the posting issue isn't a problem for me.
    Lady Onogaro

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    Senior Member RocketRyan's Avatar
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    Default Re: Cross Bailey questions

    I prefer the al-star to the safari.

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    Senior Member Lady Onogaro's Avatar
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    Default Re: Cross Bailey questions

    I prefer the Safari because it doesn't get scratched up like the AL-Star does (at least I've managed to scratch my ocean blue version by posting it, ergo, no more posting for me). But I did buy the Purple one and the Blue-Green one.
    Lady Onogaro

    "Be yourself--everybody else is already taken." --Oscar Wilde

  14. #13
    Senior Member mreeveshp's Avatar
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    Default Re: Cross Bailey questions

    I really like the blue color on them but my cross is a blue and that charcoal looks so nice to me plus it looks more textured so I'm trying to have all different colors

    Sent from my VS990 using Tapatalk

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    Senior Member mreeveshp's Avatar
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    Default Re: Cross Bailey questions

    Since the Bailey doesn't post is there a way to modify it without damaging the seals in the cap so I can post it while writing on my clipboard while working?

    Sent from my VS990 using Tapatalk

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    Member Bob's Avatar
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    Default Re: Cross Bailey questions

    The Bailey was my first pen, as well. The nib is very smooth. Just keep it indoors. You'll be fine

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