Does Cross make a good pen? I got a Cross Century II Medalist for a high school graduation present and it writes nice but I don't know much about pens...
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Yes; Cross does make good pen. I have three two Century Classic and One Solo. The Solo is an EF and it's very smooth for an EF. Rumor is Namiki made the nibs for Cross.
Very nice, My first pen was a Parker 45 and I still have it. But I lost the ballpoint pen. I had a Parker 51 (lost that too) and I remembered it was very smooth. I am debating to whether to get one off Ebay or get a new Hero 100 (the 51 clone).
My first FP was a Rotring Freeway. Looks ok, but I was never keen on its writing capabilities. My next one was a Lamy Safari X-Fine and it's just a dream to write with, it looks good, it is cheap, and it is damn near indestructable. So I'm hard pressed to ever upgrade beyond it.
For ink I'm using Noodler's Legal Lapis, one of their Bulletproof inks. It has feathering issues with some papers and it tends to leak slightly running down the nib - well, not exactly leak, it just tends to not stay nicely in the slit. Besides those issues it's wonderful stuff. There's a very cool feeling to dunk paper in water for an hour or so, take it out and all the ink is still on it.
My first FP was a Rotring Freeway. Looks ok, but I was never keen on its writing capabilities. My next one was a Lamy Safari X-Fine and it's just a dream to write with, it looks good, it is cheap, and it is damn near indestructable. So I'm hard pressed to ever upgrade beyond it.
For ink I'm using Noodler's Legal Lapis, one of their Bulletproof inks. It has feathering issues with some papers and it tends to leak slightly running down the nib - well, not exactly leak, it just tends to not stay nicely in the slit. Besides those issues it's wonderful stuff. There's a very cool feeling to dunk paper in water for an hour or so, take it out and all the ink is still on it.
The Lamy Safari is great. I bought this one awhile ago and am still waiting for it to arrive!
Many years ago, I was taught that you should treat your fountain pen like your toothbrush; don't let other people use it!
Helps to rinse it out every now and then, too.
You are 100% correct, but be prepared for negative comments. I realize they are being ignorant when they have an smart ass comeback but you still want to choke them. :veryevil:
My first FP... i like it so i'm considering going for the real thing now. any suggestions? honestly, i'm looking sub $50 category...
I don't have as much experience with fountain pens as others here but I've tried a few of the cheaper ones and I'm very happy with the Pelikano, but I already said that. I guess the Pelikan Future will be quite the same but looks a bit less childish. I like the look of the silver model.
For a more classic/less modern look I'd look at the Parker Frontier. If you want a pen with a bit more weight you can get a steel Frontier. I'd suggest you get one with a Fine nib since the F is already a bit wide in linewidth.
If you want to use bottled ink instead of cartridges make sure you get a converter. Maybe some Parker Frontiers come with one.
For under $50 I believe you pay for better looks, not better writers, IMHO. Although I have not tried used or vintage (or a combination of the two) pens.
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If you have a older pair of PX100 and find it dark you might wanna try my PX100 mod.
Parker Frontiers are fine writers. They are pretty good value for money IMO. I've had a few before (including the full metal versions) and highly recommend them! The only complaint I have is with the cap mechanism. The caps can get a bit loose after awhile, which might or might not put you off. That said, the cap has never ever unintentionally dropped off...
I realize they are being ignorant when they have an smart ass comeback but you still want to choke them. :veryevil:
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