Skip to main content

Venturing into the World of Fountain Pens

Exploring the World of Fountain Pens

I've become interested in fountain pens and spent a few weeks researching online to develop a plan for approaching this newfound hobby. My goal is to invest in about half a dozen pens over a period of sixteen months and hopefully acquire a decent level of knowledge and experience in using and maintaining fountain pens. I also aim to develop some degree of penmanship.

1. Practice Phase (Pilot Varsity, Pilot Metropolitan) - 2016 (1 Month)

Having absolutely zero experience using a fountain pen, I am starting small with some Pilot Varsity and Metropolitan pens.

Pilot Varsity - October 2016

Online, there have been many rave reviews about the basic $3 Pilot Varsity or Platinum Preppy, and I was okay getting either one. My local office store had the Varsity in stock, and I picked up a pair to begin writing. The selection was limited; they had only Medium Point in Purple Ink (other choices were Red or Pink).


Pilot Metropolitan - October 2016

I went ahead and ordered a Pilot Metropolitan from Amazon for $13, along with a dozen blue ink cartridges. This will be my first true fountain pen, and I plan to carry it around for the next few months as my everyday work pen.

 

2. Training Phase (Platinum #3776) - 2016 ~ 2017 (12 Months)

At this point, I'll be ready for some serious pens and will invest in the Platinum #3776.

Platinum #3776 - November 2016

I've heard a lot of good things about this pen, and it will become "My Signature Pen" to replace the Metropolitan. I am drawn to this pen based on its innovative cap and seal system that allows the ink to stay wet for much longer. Otherwise, I would have considered going straight for a Platinum President. Another reason for choosing this one is its price: about $75 for a Fine Point, whereas the President costs $225.

 

3. Graduation Phase (Platinum #3776 Again) - 2018

To close out my entry into fountain pens, I'll add one more pen in early 2018, likely a second Platinum #3776.

Why a Second Platinum #3776?

Based on my research, this pen seems to be right at the sweet spot on the cost-benefit curve. While there are certainly many fantastic pens to choose from, they often cost several hundred dollars and don't offer much more than the #3776. I would like to own the Red and Blue standard #3776.

4. Future Plans

I am avoiding making specific future plans for now, but I will likely pick up more pens as I discover new aspects of this hobby. My goal is to limit my purchases to exceptional pens and focus on "Quality" over "Quantity." It would be far more interesting to share something rare and exceptional versus a collection of decent but plain pens.

Update (11/18/16)

After learning that Platinum pens could take months to order from Amazon, I decided to place an order immediately. To my pleasant surprise, it arrived within a few weeks, even though it was expected in January 2017.

I also invested in a bottle of Iroshizuku Kon-Peki ink. This has prompted me to review my original plan, and I am likely to deviate by purchasing additional Pilot Metropolitans and several bottles of Iroshizuku ink to experiment with different colors. For now, I plan to buy the 3-sampler (15 mL) bottle sets and select different blue, green, and red inks.

I'm leaning towards Shin-Ryoku (Green) and Asa-Gao (Blue) to add to my collection, along with another Pilot Metropolitan (Green) to join the family.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Sony MDR-ZX100 vs ZX-110 vs ZX310 Series Headphones

Sony ZX Series Headphones Review: A Budget-Friendly Sound Choice If you’re on the hunt for budget-friendly headphones with decent quality, the Sony ZX Series is definitely worth considering. I happen to own several models from the lineup: ZX-100 ZX-110 ZX-310 Let’s dive into how they compare in terms of build quality, cost, specs, sound, and overall value. Build Quality: ZX-310 Takes the Lead The Sony ZX series headphones primarily feature a durable plastic construction. My ZX-100 has lasted over 2½ years, enduring countless tosses into my backpack and car without any issues. However, the lower-end ZX-100 and ZX-110 models have a significant downside: poor-quality earpads. Over time, these earpads disintegrate, leaving vinyl flakes that stick to your hair and ears. The ZX-310, on the other hand, comes with upgraded earpads that don’t suffer from this problem, making them a clear winner in the build department. Cost Comparison: ZX-100/110 Wins for Affordability While the ZX-310 model co...
9 comments
Read more

Casio G-Shock 5600 vs 6900 vs 9000

G-Shock Preferences and Favorites After trying out several G-Shock models, I've developed a better sense of the specific features and design elements I appreciate most. While features are always a plus, my main priority is size . Here's how some of the models I've tried stack up. Size Preference: DW-5600 Series For overall size, the DW-5600 series stands out as a favorite due to its compact, comfortable form. It’s slim, lightweight, and fits well on my wrist without being too bulky. Although the 6900 series provides the benefit of a well-placed front illumination button, the 5600 remains the ideal size for everyday wear. Best Compromise: G9000 Mudman Series If I had to choose a balanced option between size, comfort, and functionality, the G9000 Mudman series would be it. The buttons are slightly tough to press, but the layout and form factor resonate with what I prefer in a G-Shock. Despite having different module versions (GLX, G, and DW), I find that these models offe...
Post a Comment
Read more

Casio MTD 1010 the $30 Submariner Homage

Casio MTD-1010: The Best Budget Submariner Homage If you’re on the hunt for an affordable watch that channels the classic diver aesthetic of the Submariner, look no further than the Casio MTD-1010 . Priced at around $30 on eBay , this model offers incredible value for anyone who loves a good deal. Affordable Elegance The MTD-1010 strikes a balance between style and practicality. While it features a quartz movement , it captures the essence of the iconic Submariner without being a direct replica or knockoff. This watch embodies the classic diver look with its bold dial, rotating bezel, and luminous hands, making it a fantastic choice for both everyday wear and special occasions. Function Over Frills What sets the MTD-1010 apart is its straightforward functionality. Casio focuses on delivering a reliable timepiece that doesn't get bogged down by unnecessary high-end features. This approach ensures that the watch is both accessible and functional, making it ideal for those who appreci...
2 comments
Read more