Hello Fr Skip (Newbie...)

[Skip]

New now (but also again) to this FP thing. ~Wasn't new to it back in the 1940's tho, when it was either desk inkwells and single dip wood-handle pens or leaky FPs, used in 'grammar schools' (K-6) in da Bronx. I usta get a new FP every year in my Christmas stocking, prolly the $1.00 Esterbrooks or even cheaper knock-offs...
Now have:
1} 1 Lamy AL Star
2} 1 Platinum Prefounte
3} 3 Pilot Varsity colorful disposables
4} 1 Pilot Metropolitan (on order.)
(All used with cartridges, -converters and ink bottles will come later...)

My ratings:
The Lamy writes beautifully; smooth and easy, with ink always ready. But I find it unattractive (fat bodied with HUGE pocket clip) and awkward to use (~awful notched grip IMO!)

The Platinum Prefounte is ~meh?~ at best. ~Always have to first shake and scribble a lot to restart ink flow. (Am now storing it nib down to fix this?) And it's tiny nib is very scratchy. It is very good for writing in small tight spaces (such as checkbook registers) tho.

The Pilot Varsity Disposables are surprisingly good IMO! I was stunned at their easy ink flow (always available), and the smoothness of their tiny nibs on all kinds of paper. And their bright ink colors (red, aqua, blue) are FUN! ~Unfortunately disposables are not very friendly for the environment. ~Don't know yet how long they'll last either...

Pilot Metropolitan: On order, to come soon...

So, thas it for now for this recycled beginner.
Glad to be here,
Skip

[OCArt]

Welcome aboard! You'll have a lot of fun poking around the archives of this site.l The current spam deluge is, I hope, only temporary.

[Yazeh]

[Brilliant Bill]

The Pilot Varsity may surprise you. I've had them for years and never yet had one run out of ink. Also, people have found ways to refill them. Enjoy!!

And I resonate with your early experiences, although mine were fifties.

[Bisquitlips]

Looks like you have a nice start!

Welcome!