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Thread: Looking for suggestions for a ‘professional’ looking fountain pen for work

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    Default Looking for suggestions for a ‘professional’ looking fountain pen for work

    I’ve been using fountain pens for over four years. I’m starting a new position and would like to get a nice, professional-looking fountain pen, preferably black (shiny or matte) screw cap (preferred, but snap is ok), and replaceable nibs, with a price point between $50 - $100. It will be used on the production floor (heavy industrial), departmental, and corporate meetings.

    My LAMY’s, or Pilot Metropolitan are great writing instruments, but not classy enough for my new position at work.

    So I’m asking this community your recommendations.

    Thank you!


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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    Senior Member Pterodactylus's Avatar
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    Default Re: Looking for suggestions for a ‘professional’ looking fountain pen for work

    Hi Flintlock,

    Pelikan M200 (gold trim), M205 (silver trim) are excellent classy pistons fillers (also available in black) which meet all your requirements (about 80€ )

    I don’t own one in black but this is one of mine (Blue):


    Quote 021 by Ptero Pterodactylus, auf Flickr



    Quote 022 by Ptero Pterodactylus, auf Flickr



    Quote 023 by Ptero Pterodactylus, auf Flickr

    (Pelikan M205 Blue-Marbled - B EMF ..... Mystery ink #16 provided by Scooby 921)



    BTW, you posted in the Sheaffer subforum........but I had not the impression that you looked in particular for a Sheaffer recommendation.
    Last edited by Pterodactylus; December 12th, 2020 at 09:03 AM.

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    Default Re: Looking for suggestions for a ‘professional’ looking fountain pen for work

    You cannot go wrong with a Pelikan....

    Here is a list on Goulet's
    Black, between 50-100$. You can adjust your search for whatever you want.... Alternatively you can buy a black Lamy Safari

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    Default Re: Looking for suggestions for a ‘professional’ looking fountain pen for work

    and here's another list from Pen Chalet

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    Default Re: Looking for suggestions for a ‘professional’ looking fountain pen for work

    A Pelikan M205 meets all your criteria:
    nice, professional-looking fountain pen - check
    preferably black - check
    screw cap - check
    replaceable nibs - check
    between $50 - $100 - check

    Black205.png

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    Senior Member Yazeh's Avatar
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    Default Re: Looking for suggestions for a ‘professional’ looking fountain pen for work

    I couldn't find a Pelikan for that price....
    However, Lamy Studio might do the job... And if you want to go over budget, Lamy Studio All Black at 108$
    Last edited by Yazeh; December 12th, 2020 at 09:34 AM.

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    Default Re: Looking for suggestions for a ‘professional’ looking fountain pen for work

    Quote Originally Posted by Yazeh View Post
    I couldn't find a Pelikan for that price....
    Take a look at Endless Pens that sells the M205 on pre-order for $90.90: https://endlesspens.com/collections/...21023453151332
    Cult Pens has the M200 (gold trims) for 72.92 pounds that comes out to $96.44 at todays rate: https://www.cultpens.com/i/q/PK17379...tain-pen-black

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    Default Re: Looking for suggestions for a ‘professional’ looking fountain pen for work

    Quote Originally Posted by carlos.q View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by Yazeh View Post
    I couldn't find a Pelikan for that price....
    Take a look at Endless Pens that sells the M205 on pre-order for $90.90: https://endlesspens.com/collections/...21023453151332
    Cult Pens has the M200 (gold trims) for 72.92 pounds that comes out to $96.44 at todays rate: https://www.cultpens.com/i/q/PK17379...tain-pen-black
    The black ones are always cheaper than others (they seem always to be the least favorited color variation.....and I kind of agree, personally I would not take a black one.... the only Color I dislike more is the Taupe one (even being a special edition))

    On German Amazon:

    Black M200 (81,5 €):
    https://www.amazon.de/Pelikan-983064...7793336&sr=8-2

    Or even cheaper the brown marbled one (72,4 €)
    https://www.amazon.de/Pelikan-808811...7793587&sr=8-3

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    Default Re: Looking for suggestions for a ‘professional’ looking fountain pen for work

    Quote Originally Posted by 40calFlintlock View Post
    I’ve been using fountain pens for over four years. I’m starting a new position and would like to get a nice, professional-looking fountain pen, preferably black (shiny or matte) screw cap (preferred, but snap is ok), and replaceable nibs, with a price point between $50 - $100. It will be used on the production floor (heavy industrial), departmental, and corporate meetings.

    My LAMY’s, or Pilot Metropolitan are great writing instruments, but not classy enough for my new position at work.

    So I’m asking this community your recommendations.

    Thank you!


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    The Lamy Al Star, IMHO, is the quintessential professional pen in the true Bauhaus tradition given that it is functional for daily use, durable, and easily maintained.

    The Parker 51 and some Sheaffer models were and can still be a tool for daily, professional use.

    The Wing Sung 601 is very well made, attractive, and durable, especially the new "flighter" model.

    I personally do not consider the MB 149 a professional tool. I had on in the early '90's. I now consider them pocket jewelry and while quite beautiful, not something I would consider professional.

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    Default Re: Looking for suggestions for a ‘professional’ looking fountain pen for work

    I think the Lamy 2000 is a better deal than a Pelikan m200, though it usually sells for a bit more. On occasion you can get the Lamy 2000 for close to $100, for example during Endless Pens’ recent sale.

    I have never enjoyed using a m200. The nibs are dull blob-tipped affairs, like those on any other modern Pelikan. I never noticed any particular “springiness “ to the nib. To me the m200 seemed expensive for a pen that was so meh.

    I do use and enjoy the L2K, whose nibs still give some line variation in the broader widths. I also like the looks: not too flashy, just functional.

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    Default Re: Looking for suggestions for a ‘professional’ looking fountain pen for work

    If you’re looking for something inexpensive but with a quality build, you might want to consider the Monteverde Ritma in black and gunmetal. It’s retail cost is $45 and, with holiday sales, might be available for less. The barrel is black and the cap/trim is a dark gunmetal gray; the nib is black. The cap is magnetic snap; I imagine it would be very satisfying to click and unclick in boring meetings, LOL. The pen also has a solid weight to it (metal rather than plastic). I’ve tried a 1.1 stub and it’s a really quite a nice writer.

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    Default Re: Looking for suggestions for a ‘professional’ looking fountain pen for work

    Quote Originally Posted by guyy View Post
    I think the Lamy 2000 is a better deal than a Pelikan m200, though it usually sells for a bit more. On occasion you can get the Lamy 2000 for close to $100, for example during Endless Pens’ recent sale.

    I have never enjoyed using a m200. The nibs are dull blob-tipped affairs, like those on any other modern Pelikan. I never noticed any particular “springiness “ to the nib. To me the m200 seemed expensive for a pen that was so meh.

    I do use and enjoy the L2K, whose nibs still give some line variation in the broader widths. I also like the looks: not too flashy, just functional.
    Never had a problem with a M20x (even prefer the M20x springy steel nib e.g. over the M600 gold nail nib) but preferences are different, the Lamy 2000 has a classical design and is for sure also a good pen.

    But at least in Germany, Austria it starts at about 145 € (never saw it for less than 130€)

    So if you can get a new one for 100$ which equals today 82,5€ today than this is more than a bargain.
    For 82€ I would consider buying one myself (even I‘m not a fan of it‘s classical Bauhaus design).

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    Default Re: Looking for suggestions for a ‘professional’ looking fountain pen for work

    I would suggest the L2K as well. It's a shame, because just 2 weeks ago Endless had their annual $99 sale on those. No matter, a good search will find one near that and it is worth the price. Only caveat is you won't be swapping nibs, though this pen's duty doesn't seem to warrant it. The pen will be a bit more substantial than the M200. The other big point of the Lamy is that they are very sturdy pens. Happy shopping.
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    Default Re: Looking for suggestions for a ‘professional’ looking fountain pen for work

    Mont Blanc and Pelikan are prestigious and professional looking. Diplomat would be a good choice if you want something less expensive and won't hurt if it is 'lost'.

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    Default Re: Looking for suggestions for a ‘professional’ looking fountain pen for work

    Other good piston filler options in the price range would be TWSBI pens, obviously less prestigious but really good pens.

    The only completely black pen they have is the classic, but I would prefer a 580, Mini , VAC700 or VAC Mini.

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    Default Re: Looking for suggestions for a ‘professional’ looking fountain pen for work

    Quote Originally Posted by carlos.q View Post
    A Pelikan M205 meets all your criteria:
    nice, professional-looking fountain pen - check
    preferably black - check
    screw cap - check
    replaceable nibs - check
    between $50 - $100 - check

    Black205.png
    Yes.

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    Default Re: Looking for suggestions for a ‘professional’ looking fountain pen for work

    Pelikan.

    I already have a black with gold trim M200 that Ptero suggested. It's my favorite! I'm now on the endlesspens website getting that lovely blue marbled Ptero also showed.

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    Default Re: Looking for suggestions for a ‘professional’ looking fountain pen for work

    Pelikan M2xx certainly ticks most of the boxes. I'd be slightly concerned about "used on the production floor (heavy industrial)" and whether it was robust enough. Hard to say and one for the OP to judge. Also size and weight, or rather lack thereof, might also tell against it, as some people just can't get along with them for that reason.

    Also, fwiw, I notice that Lamy Safaris turn up in the hands of professionals more than you might imagine, at least here in the UK. I've seen both doctors and politicians wielding them. In an industrial setting it would, to me, give a definite vibe of getting the job done, rather than showing off how much you spent. But workplaces is wyrd.
    In the words of Paul Simon, you can call me Al.

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    Default Re: Looking for suggestions for a ‘professional’ looking fountain pen for work

    Quote Originally Posted by grainweevil View Post
    Pelikan M2xx certainly ticks most of the boxes. I'd be slightly concerned about "used on the production floor (heavy industrial)" and whether it was robust enough. Hard to say and one for the OP to judge. Also size and weight, or rather lack thereof, might also tell against it, as some people just can't get along with them for that reason.
    Good input weevil.

    For heavy duty use cases a Schrade tactical might be the better option, and you would be prepared even for the zombie apocalypse (if you get additional to the pen also a decent amount of toilet paper).




    Unfortunately these pens are discontinued,.... but who knows in these times it might get a revival.

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    Default Re: Looking for suggestions for a ‘professional’ looking fountain pen for work

    If it's unbreakable the OP's looking for then there's always Pineider Avatar with ultra resin...supposedly you can drive on it and it won't break...

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