What got you into Pens?

[BigMac53]

So what is it about pens and writing instruments that perks your interest? I myself do not own any high end writing instruments, I have a very nice Swiss Army/Victronix pen but it is definitley not in the same ballpark as a Mont Blanc.

Anyway, I do a lot of writing between work and school, and my trusty Dr. Grips have always stood up to the daily rigors I put them through. I have never thought about upgrading my equipment until recently, and mostly because of this forum.

What is it about these high end writing instruments draws you to purchase and in some cases collect? And for a little parlay question, do you actually use your high end instruments on a daily basis, or are they merely pocket/desk candy?

I can't find any reason to buy one except for the fact that they are beautiful and I would love to own one "grail pen" for lack of a better term. Is their quality superior? Is it mostly a "status symbol" type of thing? What is it???

[TattooedGQ]

Honestly, it was TRF that did it for me. I'm a gadget guy, and I always like fountain pens since I was little, but never owned a good one. Then one of the guys' sig (don't remember who and I'm too lazy to look it up hahaha) had some kind of statement about it not being fitting to wear an expensive watch and write with a cheap pen...I started looking at my wrist, then hand....and I was like.....Damnit, he's right.....then 6 nice pens (not all crazy expensive) followed hahahaha...damn TRF.

[Numismatist]

Absolutely TRF did it! I kept researching them but couldn't quite get a handle on them until Steve created the Pen sub-forum. Now I have three, and use all almost every day.

[Rebel]

About 20 years ago, I noticed friends of mine having a Mont Blanc in their pocket or writing with them. I thought they were quite attractive and after writing with one....I realized they felt great in my hand.

20 years later I have the same ballpoint pen I use everyday.

[Lion]

I've always enjoyed fine writing instruments and looked into buying a MontBlanc fountain pen for over 10 years before buying one(I bought a Waterman because it was cheaper). I'm glad I took the plunge and there is a certain feeling when a FP glides over the paper as you use it to write (I've been using MontBlanc fountain pens for 11 months and there are other brands which are just as good). It uses no pressure like a ballpoint pen and you have many inks to choose from. Yes, I use my fountain pens everyday and they have become my main pen for all everyday usage. Go to a pen store and try a fountain pen out...I think you will find that you prefer their writing style over all the others!!!

[Timpala]

I was that weird kid in middle school with a fountain pen. Don't know why, just to be different I guess. Always liked a nice shiny chrome Cross. Then I started having MB envy in the 90's but kids, etc. I never bought one.

My wife was in Paris with a friend last June and saw a MB store near the Eiffel Tower. It was the perfect gift from Europe. Near as I can tell though it's just a heavy plastic pen (LeGrand) and as I stated in another thread it doesn't really write all that well. I use a Moleskine planner so the paper is of a decent quality, don't know...

Anyway, I doubt that I'd purposely go buy another MB but I like using this one in meetings. Either I show I'm somewhat successful and reliable or that I'm an idiot for having a multi-hundred dollar pen.

[MoonDogJerry]

In 1992 my father was diagnosed with cancer and died within a month. Before he died he had my sister pick me up a Mont Blanc classic BP pen. I was 40 at the time. I have used it almost every day since. The next year my mother bought me the matching mechanical pencil. I also use it almost every day.

[Shangas]

I've always been fascinated with history. Hardcore fascinated. It almost runs my life. When I was seven, I discovered what a fountain pen was.

About ten minutes after this discovery, I never touched another ballpoint ever again.

That's my story in its simplest form.

[blackmsport]

the pleasure of writing and the pleasure of having beautiful pens in my hand

[Widows Son]

When I went away to college (1977) my dad bought me my first FP.

[gelshocker]

Combination of FPN, TRF and this brick and mortar shop that I pass by everyday to work. Not good! Cheers,

[2careless]

It started when I got a MB as my wedding present.

[scarhead]

I have sort of an ironic story. In school, we were not allowed to use a pen until we demonstrated nearly perfect penmanship to the teacher. Ms. Constance, my teacher at the time, absolutely refused to grant me permission to use a pen because she thought my handwriting was "deplorable." I actually remember her saying that at parent/teacher conference.

Eventually, I got into the "Pen Club" as it was called. Ever since then I have been into pens and handwriting. I get compliments all of the time and I have a colleague who says my handwriting should be a font

Throughout high school and the university I favored fountain pens. I used a Parker FP (the actual model I don't think they make anymore) and then found a MB 149 in need of some repair. That, by the way, was one of my best purchases ever.

Soon, I'll snap a photo of my handwriting to see what fellow enthusiasts think. I'll also include a photo of that Parker FP to see if anyone can ID it.

Anyway, that's what got me into pens.

[Zed Homme]

This board did a lot, but I was always aware of MB. I had bought several that I gave away as gifts, but then started thinking that I ought to have one as well. I bought a MB BP, and loved it. Using this sub forum, I took the plunge and bought a FP. I've been completely enamored with it since. I use my pens everyday, but the FP tends to stay home. Away from home I use the BP. I use both pens almost daily...

[SeanTRF]

I like Dr. Grip pens and pencils. They definitely have a place in my writing rotation.

I do a lot of writing and editing. The great thing about fountain pens is they require no pressure when writing so you can really write effortlessly. So when I am at home or in my office, I write with fountain pens. But when traveling or bouncing between meetings, a ballpoint or rollerball is the better option.

I wrote with fountain pens years back (as something different) and restarted a couple years ago with a Namiki Vanishing Point fountain pen. From there, I migrated to Montblancs mainly because (1) they write really well (2) they are easy to sell if you grow tired of one.

Sean

[dddrees]

The ability and desire to have some of finer things in life and this forum.

I had a Waterman rollerball, however I fugred it was time for an upgrade.

[Damage Inc.]

I guess it would be the CEO of a former company. I was given a MB rollerball as a 5-year service award...I've used it daily since then (~10 years).
However, I was perfectly happy with that one pen until I started looking at the pen forum here on TRF. Now I've purchased a 'Writer's Edition' MB and my first (cheap) fountain pen...and am looking at some others.
So, I blame TRF for in no small way fueling my desire for nice pens!

[Lion]

You will never be sorry in choosing and using a high quality pen. My suggestion is to use and write with a fountain pen but each to their own!!!

[JBat]

All the pen-heads here got me into it. My wife bought me my first, a Montblanc, and it's been downhill ever since!

[JBat]

I love FP's because of the quality of the writing experience they give you. There just isn't anything else made that can compete with the smoothness and visceral feel of a well-tuned fountain pen. The fact that they are aesthetically pleasing factors in, too, much like it does with wristwatches. The feeling of quality just can't be matched by any ball pen I've tried. And yes, I use mine every day, usually for journaling.

[Lion]

Yep John, it sounds like you are hooked(like me)and have it bad!!!

[blackmsport]

The ART OF WRITING instead of THE PAIN OF TYPING / TOUCHING SCREEN got me into Fountain pens

[NewEnthusiast]

Thread bump time. I came across this when browsing.

My dad always writes with a fountain pen and I vividly remember being captivated by his pen as a boy. It was a thing of beauty.

I "played" with cheap fountain pens all my early life until dad gave me my first real fountain pen when I was about 14. I've rarely written with anything else since.

I love the feel of writing with a good pen and the way that the ink flows over the paper. I also love the fact that they're a bit "different" in today's world of disposable biros. And the novelty of filling a pen from a bottle still hasn't worn off despite doing it every couple of days for over 15 years.

[Bisquitlips]

Man...! This is an old thread but a great question!

I had a friend that purchased a really nice Parker FP. That led me into what now is a collection of fountain pens that number above 100.

I also have always enjoyed journaling.

If you love to write then you are already primed to fountain pen addiction! But a LOVELY addiction it is.

[Bisquitlips]

Originally Posted by Bisquitlips

Man...! This is an old thread but a great question!

I had a friend that purchased a really nice Parker FP. That led me into what now is a collection of fountain pens that number above 100.

I also have always enjoyed journaling.

If you love to write then you are already primed to fountain pen addiction! But a LOVELY addiction it is.

I must say.... I agree with myself heartily!

[Lion]

Originally Posted by Bisquitlips

I must say.... I agree with myself heartily!

Sort of like patting yourself on the back!!!

[iliketime]

I've always liked my writing instruments and have been a member of The Fountain Pen Network since I was in high school. I collect fountain pens and ball point pens. In the hospital it is still good to have nice clicky pen. Starting around high school, I always had a parker jotter in stainless steel in my pocket and was quite content that it was nigh indestructible. However over the years, theyve been torture tested and ive gone through a few stainless steel jotters. Unfortunately I didnt have money for the brass threads versions back in college, but I do now. I have quite a small stock pile of various pens, and they serve in different functions, from sunday cross word just a 12k rolled gold century classic, to my work pen various jotters.

[Eriktaylor]

I've always wanted the finer things in life including pens. I've always wanted a nice MB FP. It wasn't until I became financially stable that I started seriously looking at pens. I've always had cross pens mainly because they fit into my budget and was a nice upgrade to a disposable Bic. However, I now have a Meisterstuck 149 and love it. It stays at home at my desk and my Cross pens travel with me until I decide what ballpoint I want to carry with me in my messenger bag.

[Bisquitlips]

Originally Posted by Lion

Sort of like patting yourself on the back!!!

Yes!


I just wish I could reach the spot that really itches!!!!

[Lion]

Originally Posted by Bisquitlips

Yes!


I just wish I could reach the spot that really itches!!!!

Oh man…..I know what you mean…..I hate when I can't reach that spot and relieve the itch. And a back scratcher doesn't always do it for me or using the corner where two walls come together!!!

Take care…..Leo