Quote Originally Posted by Dedrix View Post
Hi, I'm Dedrix!

I'm relatively new to the fountain pen obsession. I've started journaling after a long hiatus. I'm finding I love to journal as much as I did many years ago and my fountain pens are making it even more enjoyable. I've started with the Pilot Metropolitan (fine nib) and the Pilot Kakuno (fine nib). I bent the nib on my Kakuno and managed to straighten it; however, it is a bit scratchy. Any help here would be appreciated (I'd rather experiment on more inexpensive pens). I've tried a few Chinese pens and have found that they are nice but do not have the same smoothness as the Pilot pens. I have a Pilot Prera that should be arriving in a few days, so it'll be nice to see if it is as nice as the Metropolitan. My fantasy pens are the Pilot Custom 74 and the Pilot Vanishing Point. I'd also like to try the TWSBI eco. I do like the finer nibs of the Japanese pens; however, I still enjoy a buttery smooth writing experience. If you all have any suggestions, I'd be willing to listen. My journal of choice is a Moleskin XL. I'd be willing to try out other papers as I'm really enjoying my writing experience. Suggestions would be appreciated.
Your journey is starting off a lot like mine (and many other people's) did. The Pilot Metropolitan seems to be the gateway drug of choice. From there it's a short step to the Prera (I'm sure you'll love yours as much as I love mine). Eventually I developed a more serious dependency. The Custom 74 is nice, but not nearly as elegant-looking as my Sailor 1911. The Custom 823, however, has been winking at me. But it was the discovery of German nibs that upped the ante. After buying a Lamy and a Nemosine, I was hooked. At the moment I have a Pelikan on the way. You want a suggestion? Right now Birmingham Pen Company has Nemosine Singularities on sale for $14.99. Amazing writers. Buttery. Smooth.