Pen-Fi (FPs, RBs, BPs, etc...) [56k Warning]

[mrarroyo]

Originally Posted by fiddler

Guys question about my Parker Latitude fountain pen. I'm new to FP's, what kind of ink would you recommend? I just used up a disposable cartridge, but I also have a refillable cartridge. My main question is, I can use any brand of ink I like right, no need to stick to Parker or anything like that?

I am one of the few ones who likes Parker ink, it is reasonably price and it flows very nice. As an alternative the inks from Levenger seem to ve very nice as well and sometimes they are on sale. Of course you being in Canada S&H might be a bit high.

[Uncle Erik]

Originally Posted by leftnose

I'm a big fan of Noodler's inks. Of the 11 inks that I use, 5 of them are Noodler's. However, I haven't found a Noodler's blue that I really like. My two favorite blues are Visconti's and Private Reserve American Blue. If you want a dark electric blue, try the American Blue. You can also try PR's DC Supershow blue which is very similar to American Blue but darker. I like the American Blue better than the DCSS because, even though it is only marginally less dark, it has nicer shading.

I do admit that one of the five Noodler's above is Upper Ganges Blue which I use at work when something needs an original signature because it's blue and bulletproof. Its a darker subdued blue but it has a nice texture. At home for original signatures I use Noodler's Legal Lapis which, despite the name, really isn't blue at all

Have you seen Noodler's new Bay State Blue? It might be what you're looking for. I'm thinking about getting a bottle. I go back and forth between their Ottoman Azure and the Legal Lapis. I like both, but an electric blue might be fun for a change.

I used to love the old Waterman ink before they changed the formulation. I even liked the distinctive smell it had. I'd get a bottle of the violet, blue/black and black, then mix them 1:1:1. It'd have a nice, slightly faded look when dry. But I've moved away from the darker inks because of work. With so many photocopies, PDFs, etc., etc., the best way to tell an original from a copy is an obviously blue signature. The Bay State Blue would be pretty good for that.

[Barry]

You dont have to use Parker ink but there is no reason not to. It is a very good, reliable ink. The colors are unremarkable, however. Other readily available inks are Waterman and Shaeffer. Both good - I am partial to Waterman's Blue Black and many like their Florida Blue and Havana.

[leftnose]

Originally Posted by Uncle Erik

Have you seen Noodler's new Bay State Blue? It might be what you're looking for. I'm thinking about getting a bottle. I go back and forth between their Ottoman Azure and the Legal Lapis. I like both, but an electric blue might be fun for a change.

I used to love the old Waterman ink before they changed the formulation. I even liked the distinctive smell it had. I'd get a bottle of the violet, blue/black and black, then mix them 1:1:1. It'd have a nice, slightly faded look when dry. But I've moved away from the darker inks because of work. With so many photocopies, PDFs, etc., etc., the best way to tell an original from a copy is an obviously blue signature. The Bay State Blue would be pretty good for that.

Actually, I prefer darker blues but I want them to be vivid. The dark blue Noodler's all look kind of washed out to me. Visconti Blue and PR American blue are perfect for me.

I also worry about Baystate Blue. It can't be mixed with other inks and it has a reputation of staining pens. If you haven't tried it, get a bottle of Visconti Blue if you don't need a bulletproof ink. Get it in the plastic bottle though or it's ridiculously expensive

[milkpowder]

I really like Visconti Blue and Waterman Florida Blue. The glass Visconti ink bottle is a nice touch

[leftnose]

Originally Posted by milkpowder

The glass Visconti ink bottle is a nice touch

Absolutely! The trick is to buy the glass bottle the first time and then buy the plastic bottles to refill it.

[r1n7r4h]

Just ordered a Cross Townsend Medalist with medium nib and a Pelikan M200 in Black GT and fine nib, in addition to Noodler's Bulletproof Black and Bulletproof Polar Blue.

Hopefully, I have great beginner's luck and neither of the nibs will need replacement, even though both companies have great service.

This whole week can't go buy fast enough, first with high school graduation and waiting for my new writing instruments.

[milkpowder]

Yipee! Remember to post some pictures of your newly-acquired toys! Where did you buy from?

I tend to avoid bulletproof inks because they tend to stain the ink window if the pen isn't flushed often.

[r1n7r4h]

I got the pens from Goldspot.com, which I read on the FPN forums as a reputable seller, so I'm hoping for the best, if anything were to arise.

The inks are a wavering part of the order for me. I haven't visited the Vromans or Flax pen stores yet. If they have any Aurora Black or Private Reserve Midnight Blue, I definately will pick those up. I'll just use a regular pen, if I ever write checks because I always use the credit card or the bank's auto bill pay system.

Edit: Decided to just go with the Pelikan 4001 Black and Blue ink because it is really cheap and just a safe ink, according to the reviews.

[jhawkes]

My dream pen is relatively obtainable ($460) and my next planned purchase!





A Nakaya Piccolo, Urushi lacqure with Roiro finish.

Nakaya (formerly Platinum) of Japan have made some incredible bespoke Maki-e pens, such as this example "Jurogin" costing $22,500, yikes! The Maki-e craftsmanship is simply breathtaking, the details are just staggering.