$500 to spend - what do you recommend?

[everybodylovesbacon]

My mother is an avid gambler (and winner!) and recently sent me $500 in mad money. I'd like to use it to indulge in the madness. What pen(s) do you suggest and why?

I like smaller grip sections and lighter pens. I'm interested in nibs that flex (I don't have any at this point), but I'm not married to the idea of a flex nib. I'm looking for an everyday writer that is feminine, classic, and professional enough for work but whimsical enough to make me smile when I pick it up. I am willing to tinker with the pen a bit, but I'd prefer to have something that works beautifully from the get-go. I'd also prefer to buy something that's easy to find - I'm not really looking to hunt something down on ebay.

This may be the most money I ever have to spend on a pen or pens, so I've got to make it good.

Thank you in advance for your help in solving this first-world problem.

[tandaina]

Get a Nakaya, whatever Nibs.com has that comes in around $500, that should get you a base piccolo, including modifications (and do have the nib modified, John grinds amazing nibs.)

[fountainpenkid]

Soennecken 111 or 222

[Waski_the_Squirrel]

A Pilot Namiki Falcon is supposed to have good fex and I think it meets your other qualifications. Better yet, you will have "mad money" left over for something else like some inks or another pen.

ETA: you could also try an Edison pen. They can be purchased with nibs modified to flex by Richard Binder. It will be a lot more colorful than the Falcon. I can't recommend a particular model since I only know the Collier, and this is bigger than you want.

[everybodylovesbacon]

I've been looking at the Mina...

[Paul-H]

Pelikan M800. or on a good day M1000.

Paul

[klpeabody]

I've been looking at the Mina...

I was going to suggest that you might consider something custom made by Brian Gray at Edison Pens since it seems that route might satisfy all of the factors on your checklist. The Mina, the Pearlette, and the Beaumont could be good contenders for you since I think they all are on the lighter side and have smaller grip sections. The Morgan could be an option as well, but I'm not certain about the size of the grip section, so you could look more into that. I mention it, because its shape makes it comfortable to hold. Also, with a custom pen, since you are able to choose your pen's material, that alone can help present either an executive or a more whimsical appearance.

From what I understand, while one can opt for added flex with one of Brian's gold nibs, I know from the feedback of others that the gold nibs themselves are a bit "soft" and may be just as pleasant without even adding flex. Just some things to think about. Good luck. Whatever you choose, I hope you enjoy creating it, as well as using it.

[tandaina]

The Mina, sadly, can't take the new flexible gold nibs. For the flexible gold nibs you must chose a pen that takes the #6 Jowo nibs, not the smaller #5! That requires the larger pens.

[Laura N]

I would third the idea of a custom Edison if you are looking at a modern pen. A custom pen is always more personal and special, I think, and Brian's vast array of materials will let you find something that fits your other criteria: feminine, classic yet whimsical.

Other ideas are a modern Aurora Optima, in the Auroloide materials, or a modern Pelikan, which has some fun materials yet always looks professional. These are not flexy nibs (except for the M200 steel nibs). However, if you settle on flex, John can add that to a Pelikan, I think, and Richard Binder also sells flexible modern Pelikan nibs.

About flex. Flex is fun, flex is great, but if you haven't ever used one, you might be happier with a regular nib for everyday writing. JMHO. With a Pelikan or an Edison, the nibs are easily interchangeable, so you could buy an extra nib with flex, and have a regular nib for everyday writing.

However, if you do want flex, I love a vintage Pelikan. Those are flexy, with great nibs, are small and thin and light, and if you go to a good dealer you can find a nice 100N or a 400 well within your price range that will work perfectly from the get go.

Other nice choices for vintage flex are Waterman and Eversharp Skylines, the latter of which are very reasonable.

[piscov]

Montblanc 144 from the 50'ies or a Soennecken 222-

[oke]

S.T. Dupont Defi fp - maybe the Grille, Titanium or CF finish? At least, I'd like to test one of those out.

Have fun choosing!

[AndyT]

Something pretty and petite from the 1930s, like a Swan in a marbled finish with a #1 or #2 nib for instance. In view of your current preferences, a fine semi-flex might fit the bill rather well.

[stevekolt]

Another recommendation for Brian Gray @ Edison Pens. Give him a call, and let him know what you are looking for. A gold nibbed custom from him is $450 (I believe). I have a Beaumont Pneumatic filler in briar swirl ebonite, and a Menlo pump filler in blue and gold striated acrylic. They are both outstanding pens. I'm trying to decide what the third one will be...

[Bogon07]

Any Edison in translucent Pink Swirl should have a nice feminine look.
Brian Gray's stub nibs are very nice too.

[stevekolt]

Another/cheaper alternative is to go with a production Edison @ $150-$165 and add an 18K Rhodium nib for $125...

[Mags]

I would say in the US you should be able to locate a Pelikan M1000 with a B or a BB nib or set your sights on the M800 Pelikan demonstrator or Visconti Homosapien with the Dreamtouch nib in a broad. All should cost under $500 delivered as slightly used or NOS and likely unused and brand new for the Visconti. I would rank them in order listed.


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[franzdimson]

Another "Go ahead" for Edison Pens.

That was the first thing that popped in my head while reading your post. Custom made will make sure to keep you smiling each time you see it. =)

[Frisky Willy]

Your post was listed quite a while ago but i'd concur with fountainpenkid's suggestion of a Soennecken 111, adding only that you should aim for the intriguing lizard model with its tiny squares embedded in a clear resin - a masterpiece in technology for the time. Spending money on a modern pen is, speaking as a fountain pen aficionado, is a waste of money IF you intend to actually use it for writing. Otherwise, for display and "Wow" factors, there are many really interesting modern pens available.

That said, what did you buy ? ? ?