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Thread: The "3" pens

  1. #21
    Senior Member Kaputnik's Avatar
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    Default Re: The "3" pens

    Why would I want to "convert" someone, and persuade them to turn a choice of writing instruments into a hobby? I don't feel any need to persuade people to be interested in the same things that I am.

    One coworker saw me using fountain pens a year or two ago and started asking me questions on his own. I gave him a couple of Pilot Varsities to try out, and I think recommended a Pilot Prera or a Lamy Safari, not wanting to persuade him to spend too much. But he saw me using my Pilot Custom Heritage 92, and bought one of those instead. He liked it, and used it for a while, then took it apart out of curiosity and lost a piece.

    A while after that, he was talking about getting another pen, so I just gave him my TWSBI Mini, which I'd decided I probably wasn't going to be using very often. And if he wanted to take it apart, it comes with instructions and a special wrench. He thanked me, and for all I know may use it occasionally, but I only see him using ballpoints at work.

    I gave a Pilot Metro to someone for her birthday or Christmas, I forget which, but it certainly hasn't gotten her hooked.

    A few other people have asked me questions about my pens, most ignore them. If they do show an interest, I let them know that it can be expensive compared to what they're used to, and mention a few models at different price levels. But I doubt that there is any one pen, or any three, that would perfectly suit every new user.
    "If a thing is worth doing, it is worth doing badly."
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  3. #22
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    Default Re: The "3" pens

    I would lend a Lamy safari with a fine, broad, and ultra-broad (italic) nib. Or if they don't like the triangular section, then a Studio with the same nibs. Show them how to change the nibs, give them a bottle of Waterman blue.

    That to me is the best way of making the point about why fountain pens are different. And the nibs are some ridiculously low spend compared to buying another pen.

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  5. #23
    Senior Member carlos.q's Avatar
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    Default Re: The "3" pens

    Many moons ago I was converted to fountain pens when I saw a coworker using a Waterman Man 100 and Florida blue ink.

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  7. #24
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    Default Re: The "3" pens

    Quote Originally Posted by christof View Post
    Pelikan 400 (vintage)
    Parker "51" /aerometric)
    LAMY 2000

    C.
    Exactly my choices. Given that all three will cost roughly $100 - $200 now, give them a Parker 45 to try. Buy an extra nib or two for the 45, so they can learn whether they prefer a fine or a medium nib -- assuming that a broad is something someone has to learn to like.

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  9. #25
    Senior Member azkid's Avatar
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    Default Re: The "3" pens

    This is harder than I first thought. I like fine nibs (think Japanese F to Euro EF) and nibs with some feedback. Consequently, I have few examples outside of this narrow range of preference.

    I'd want to demo different line widths, levels of feedback, wet and dry, and maybe various weights and ergonomics.

    #1 is the easiest: a Pilot Metropolitan, F, since it is what hooked me. I've given one to a few people. Takes care of feedback, dry, heavy.

    For a really smooth pen? I would offer my pretty, red Esterbrook LJ with the 9314M Relief that is slippery smooth and wet. Gives them a taste of vintage, too. And a different nib shape. And it's on the light side. And celluloid.

    I think for #3 I would go with a Lamy Safari for a sample of plastic, triangle grip, wetter, light pen. I'd use an M nib that I kept after installing an EF. These are popular and well liked so makes sense as a demo I guess.

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    Default Re: The "3" pens

    1. An old disposable ball point with a chewed and cracked end and a dried up ball
    2. A felt tip marker where the cap has been left off for a week
    3. A freshly cleaned and inked fountain pen, any make or age

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    Default Re: The "3" pens

    Quote Originally Posted by ChrisJ View Post
    1. An old disposable ball point with a chewed and cracked end and a dried up ball
    2. A felt tip marker where the cap has been left off for a week
    3. A freshly cleaned and inked fountain pen, any make or age
    Amazing!


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  14. #28
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    Default Re: The "3" pens

    I don't know much beyond what I'd give as number one:

    Number one is a Zebra disposable. No muss, no fuss, starts every time from the first stroke, no skipping, no refill. Lead them into things gently...

    Number two is probably a Pelikan, any of them from the kid-friendly models to the 800 or 1000 Souverans

    After that, they should be hooked, so the third one is kind of moot.

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    Default Re: The "3" pens

    In the exceptionally unlikely scenario that someone saw me using a fountain pen and asked for advice about trying one, I would ask them to write something in front of me with a pencil. A lot of information can be gleaned from this, such as the angle of writing, left or right hand, style of script and so on. I feel skilled enough in using various writing tools to be able to use this information to better suggest a starting pen.

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  18. #30
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    Default Re: The "3" pens

    Parker 51 aerometric.
    Parker 51 demi aerometric.
    Sheaffer Imperial, inlaid nib, Touchdown filler.

    The Parker 51s are almost indestructable.
    The Sheaffer Imperial inlaid nib Touchdown filler is easy to restore.

    Please note that I am not recommending the 51 Vac filler or the Sheaffer Snorkel, because these are not easy to restore nor nearly indestructable, even if they are interesting and good between restorations.

  19. #31
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    Default Re: The "3" pens

    In my view, for most people, it started with the visual appeal.

    Later on, after they are in, they will discover so many cool things in this hobby that "hooked" them even more.

    Take me for an example, I knew what a fountain pen is, I had memories of using one when I was little, but not until I saw photos after photos of gorgeous fountain pens that I realized it could be a new hobby.

    Therefore whenever someone asked me which pens to show to an interested person, I'd say start by showing them the most beautiful pen you've got.
    Hey, that can be a good thread.
    - Will
    Unique and restored vintage pens: Redeem Pens

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  21. #32
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    Default Re: The "3" pens

    Quote Originally Posted by TBSDSpaniard View Post
    Thank you all for all the interesting responses!

    If I had to convert someone, I was thinking of letting them handle;

    1. Sailor KOP with EF
    2. Pelican M1000 M
    3. MB 149 with OB

    My approach would be to have them handle some great writers, then have them go into the wild to find suitable replacements to match their budget if there were limitations.


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    The KoP only comes in M or B nibs.

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    Default Re: The "3" pens

    Quote Originally Posted by TBSDSpaniard View Post
    Thank you all for all the interesting responses!

    If I had to convert someone, I was thinking of letting them handle;

    1. Sailor KOP with EF
    2. Pelican M1000 M
    3. MB 149 with OB

    My approach would be to have them handle some great writers, then have them go into the wild to find suitable replacements to match their budget if there were limitations.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    Well it was you the newbie who wanted this info because you couldn't assess pens in the flesh. So why are you now advocating these models to somel other hypothetical person?? Very strange post which makes no sense at all??

    Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
    Last edited by hourwerk; February 17th, 2021 at 05:16 AM.

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    Default Re: The "3" pens

    Quote Originally Posted by guyy View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by TBSDSpaniard View Post
    Thank you all for all the interesting responses!

    If I had to convert someone, I was thinking of letting them handle;

    1. Sailor KOP with EF
    2. Pelican M1000 M
    3. MB 149 with OB

    My approach would be to have them handle some great writers, then have them go into the wild to find suitable replacements to match their budget if there were limitations.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    The KoP only comes in M or B nibs.
    M - Nib


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

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    Default Re: The "3" pens

    Quote Originally Posted by hourwerk View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by TBSDSpaniard View Post
    Thank you all for all the interesting responses!

    If I had to convert someone, I was thinking of letting them handle;

    1. Sailor KOP with EF
    2. Pelican M1000 M
    3. MB 149 with OB

    My approach would be to have them handle some great writers, then have them go into the wild to find suitable replacements to match their budget if there were limitations.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    Well it was you the newbie who wanted this info because you couldn't assess pens in the flesh. So why are you now advocating these models to somel other hypothetical person?? Very strange post which makes no sense at all??

    Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
    Wow tough crowd.

    Advocating these models to some hypothetical person from just watching videos, reading the forums, there is no real wold experience here.

    Sounds like I offended you by starting this thread so sorry about that.


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    Default Re: The "3" pens

    Quote Originally Posted by TBSDSpaniard View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by hourwerk View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by TBSDSpaniard View Post
    Thank you all for all the interesting responses!

    If I had to convert someone, I was thinking of letting them handle;

    1. Sailor KOP with EF
    2. Pelican M1000 M
    3. MB 149 with OB

    My approach would be to have them handle some great writers, then have them go into the wild to find suitable replacements to match their budget if there were limitations.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    Well it was you the newbie who wanted this info because you couldn't assess pens in the flesh. So why are you now advocating these models to somel other hypothetical person?? Very strange post which makes no sense at all??

    Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
    Wow tough crowd.

    Advocating these models to some hypothetical person from just watching videos, reading the forums, there is no real wold experience here.

    Sounds like I offended you by starting this thread so sorry about that.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    I'm sure no one is offended, just puzzled!

    Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

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    Default Re: The "3" pens

    Forget 149. There are so many writting instruments that perform better or just as well. If we have come to the point where it costs that much, better that we stick to a BIC Click.

  27. #38
    Senior Member pajaro's Avatar
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    Default Re: The "3" pens

    Quote Originally Posted by penwash View Post
    In my view, for most people, it started with the visual appeal.

    Later on, after they are in, they will discover so many cool things in this hobby that "hooked" them even more.

    Take me for an example, I knew what a fountain pen is, I had memories of using one when I was little, but not until I saw photos after photos of gorgeous fountain pens that I realized it could be a new hobby.

    Therefore whenever someone asked me which pens to show to an interested person, I'd say start by showing them the most beautiful pen you've got.
    Hey, that can be a good thread.
    Good idea. Something like Waterman Carene, or a beautiful and inexpensive Chinjese Jinhao X-450. Perhaps one of the more beautiful Sonnets. A Chinese lacque model. Form over function. Interest them in the looks. Might be more successful.

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    Default Re: The "3" pens

    Quote Originally Posted by pajaro View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by penwash View Post
    In my view, for most people, it started with the visual appeal.

    Later on, after they are in, they will discover so many cool things in this hobby that "hooked" them even more.

    Take me for an example, I knew what a fountain pen is, I had memories of using one when I was little, but not until I saw photos after photos of gorgeous fountain pens that I realized it could be a new hobby.

    Therefore whenever someone asked me which pens to show to an interested person, I'd say start by showing them the most beautiful pen you've got.
    Hey, that can be a good thread.
    Good idea. Something like Waterman Carene, or a beautiful and inexpensive Chinjese Jinhao X-450. Perhaps one of the more beautiful Sonnets. A Chinese lacque model. Form over function. Interest them in the looks. Might be more successful.
    I agree totally. I catch people looking at my Kaweco all the time, it’s not necessarily the prettiest, but it’s definitely one of the most interesting designs.


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    Default Re: The "3" pens

    For a complete newbie with no exposure whatsoever to fountain pens, I’d suggest Pilot Varsity.

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