The perennial dilemma - which pen?

[Lloyd]

Have you looked into the MB146 (I view this as the peer of the M800)? Does urushi or other pen-body art entice you? Do you have a preference in filling system or weight? Does nib softness/firmness matter? Have you looked into Dupont?

Since your you're having very bad health, could this be just a temporary distraction which will quickly turn into a disappointment regardlessof the pen's characteristics? Have you considered just more fully loving and (most importantly) using your current pens more heavily while you can? I'm not aware of anyone saying that they regretted not purchasing a luxury item before they left this place.

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[Lloyd]

Is there a reason you don't want to buy second-hand from a dependable seller?

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[Jon Szanto]

1. The purchase of Pelikan occurred a few years ago, and much of this has been transitional. There have been a number of issues, from nib quality problems to labor disputes. That said, the pens are still, in the main, well-made pens.

2. This business about the transparency of the barrel has only recently come up and, in my readings, has not started in production yet. Even if they had begun dong this last week or something, there is still a lot of recent new stock sitting with pen vendors all over the world and you could order a 'new' Pelikan that would still have the old material. You haven't mentioned *which* of these pens you want, one that would be affected by this (many of the pens do not use that type material on the barrel) so it is unclear which pen(s) you are trying to source that are now going to be unsuitable to your tastes.

3. If you value that 'look' and let go of the need for new, there certainly are reputable vendors of Pelikan to deal with, who routinely have stocks of older, desirable pens. That only works if you are comfortable with a vintage and/or pre-owned pen.

I hope you settle on something that you think will bring you enjoyment. There are so many pens that could. Lastly, the rest of my conversation I'll send in an email, as it is better than speaking about these things in a public forum. Closing with well-wishes sent your way.

[Lloyd]

While I own (and have owned a well as tried) pens that most here would place in the luxury class, I don't find anything magical about them. Sure, I love using my MB149 and Danitrios, but no more than my Opus88, Parker51s, Newton, Namiki/Pilots, and Rangas. They're all unique but great to use. Heck, Richard Binder, who's used virtually all types of pens and could select most of them as his favorite, lovingly relied on a Parker51 (vacumatic).

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[Lloyd]

There's a great deal of irrationality behind my search. I get that, and won't apologise for it. There is also a mix of complex reasons with superficial ones.

Ok. Given that you are usually extremely logical and philosophical, I wanted to make sure you were aware of your own search for the unobtainable perfect pen.

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[eachan]

Surely the connections that you have here can advise on at least the retail part of the secondhand market.

[Jon Szanto]

Engaging in threads hardly represents connection.

It's a start. And, since this is all personal perspective, I can say that many of the pen friends I have, spanning the globe, are people whom I first encountered in a discussion on a pen forum. People who have now routinely fixed pens, worked on nibs, sold me pens, purchased pens, and most importantly, become friends and valuable pen-related resources. I can see where some people never have that happen, but it is something that I have been very pleased with over the last 10+ years in this particular field of interest.

[Lloyd]

Then you are infinitely more fortunate than me. I can't really recall ever making enduring connections here that cross over into non-forum space.

Have you tried?

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[Lloyd]

Of all the pen's you've used, what has been your favorite and why? What's lacking that you're looking to upgrade into?

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[Lloyd]

From what I recall, the modern Pelikan 80x nib is wet and broader than the labeling, firm, and smooth. Not exciting but pleasant. I wouldn't pocket carry it as the caps can unscrew easily.

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[Lloyd]

Sounds like "Man of LaMancha"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oo7VlD66ISM


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[Dougc]

I see that this thread started in August 2021.

Are you still looking or have you made a decision? I'm just curious since I have just cherry picked some of the comments and might have missed something.

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[Dougc]

Thanks for the update. I have all but the MB but my other MbS don't thrill me

My KOP has the Naginata Togi nib which I initially didn't care for but is now one of my favorite nibs.
Good luck on your search and keep us updated.

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[calamus]

My two favorite pens are my Sailor and my Pelikan. What you need to know about Sailor nibs is that unless you've had them worked on by a nibmeister, they usually have a very well-defined sweet spot, and unless you angle the pen just right, the nib can seem a little scratchy. Some people take to them immediately, because the pen wants them to write the way they already do, or else they adapt very easily, and some people just can't or won't adjust their writing habits to accommodate the pen.

Pelikan nibs are very smooth right out of the box, and writing with them is a sheer delight.

My opinions based on my experiences.

[Prettypenguin]

I love my M800. It’s a really smooth writer, an M nib is bit big for the size of my regular chicken scratch, but when I am writing nicely, it’s a pleasure to maneuver on the paper and watch the words form. The piston filler is fun. I like using it with the Edelstein ink line. It’s worth going used if you want the old style barrel. It’s been in my top 5 for about 30 years and looks new.

[Dougc]

I have 12 Viscontis and although they get a bad wrap for their QC, mine are all gems. That includes ones I have sold.

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[Lloyd]

I have 12 Viscontis and although they get a bad wrap for their QC, mine are all gems. That includes ones I have sold.

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I'm glad this post didn't end with "except for the ones I have sold".

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[fountainpenkid]

Sailors and Platinums are injection-molded, no? And Leonardo and FC are turned from cast acrylic? I may be wrong abt that, but lathe work does make a significant labor difference, and cast acrylic can increase the longevity (and improve the feel) of a pen design.

[Dougc]

I have 12 Viscontis and although they get a bad wrap for their QC, mine are all gems. That includes ones I have sold.

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I'm glad this post didn't end with "except for the ones I have sold".

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[Lloyd]

Given the low mass of a nib, what the cost difference between a high faluting gold nib and a high quality steel nib?

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