There are as many answers to your questions when it comes to fountain pens as if you asked similar questions about watches.
The pens from the top tier companies like the watches from the top tier makers are meant to be used and not simply pretty jewelry. And just as in watches, there are some really expensive fountain pens that exist on advertising and marketing rather than the actual product.
So I happen to have a filled fountain pen that has been sitting unused for at least two and maybe three weeks. I picked it up, uncapped it and it wrote without hesitation.
Honestly, I would expect the same from any of my fountain pens; even the Montblancs.
But for an assured pleasant first experience I would have a few suggestions. Along the line of somewhat understated elegance combined with exceptional functionality I'd recommend one of the following as an introductory fountain pen.
- Sailor 1911 L
- Platinum #3776 or President
- Pelikan M 600
- Pilot Custom 743 or 742 (743 slightly larger and larger nib)
Of those, all but the Pelikan M 600 are cartridge/converter pens. The M 600 is piston filled from a bottle of ink only.
From left to right:Pilot 742, 74; Sailor 1911L, 1911S then the flat top equivalent pens.
From left to right: Platinum President, Izumo; Montblanc 149.
Platinum #3776 Chartres Blue.
The Blue one and Black one in the center are both Pelikan M 600s, the Blue the new style and the Black one the original style.
