Faber-Castell Basic Fountain Pen Discussions | Drop

Apr 1, 2017

I see some confusion about the converters. I am wondering if the Basic will take an international long cartridge ? Or even the combi-converters with the two different end sizes ? The pen looks long enough - just wondering if there is enough room in the barrel, both length and diameter for one to fit ? I see many positive reviews of the Basic and most all noted that the nib is excellent - Any one have feedback about the F-C Basic ? Thanks.

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Apr 2, 2017

j-e-gJ-e-g,
i dont have a basic, but I do have a Loom, and I can attest to its excellent nib--they use the same one, I believe. I like the Loom because no kerfuffle with converters--it can just use standard int'l, unlike the basic. It's only a few dollars more, $40 I think on Goulet, and I would recommend it over the basic for that reason and also because it posts better according to accounts.

Apr 2, 2017

writerstephenSo, both the Loom and Basic look very similar. Basic is 13.5 cm and 34 g the Loom 130 mm and 32 g - Very similar at first glance. The cap and clip are different. I am guessing the grip experience would be different, the Loom is chrome and the Basic has the soft touch. I want to say the soft touch with the grooves might provide a good grip, but that Diplomat had a soft touch grip section. Not sure if it is the same - being different brands ? Could you guess if it would take a standard international long cartridge ?? It looks plenty long enough....

Apr 2, 2017

j-e-gI would guess yes, but can tell you for sure oN Monday ... my loom and long cartridges are at the office.

Apr 2, 2017

writerstephenI will be interested to find out - Thanks

sallen

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Apr 2, 2017

writerstephenI too would like to know if the international long cartridges will fit. If possible could you also consider the possibility of trimming the international long cartridge a little bit to fit, even if a little stiff.
I love pen hacks, especially ones that increase ink capacity.
Nothing worse for the creative process to be in the middle of a good, long writing session when your favorite pen runs dry forcing a stop. Now you have a choice, either a refill or switch to another pen, which might not be as precious as the one that is now empty.

Apr 2, 2017

j-e-gA standard international long cartridge will fit. The basic comes with one short cartridge and a "cleaning" short cartridge both of which come inside the pen. The long cartridges are 73mm long. While the short is 38mm.
The reason a "standard" international converter doesnt work in this pen is the interior diameter of the body is to small. You can force the converter into the body but it gets stuck and requires pliers to remove. The faber castell converter isnt as girthy and works.
As for the nibs that faber castell uses. Its the same nib in all of the following pens. Ondoro, Basic, Loom, Ambition, and E-Motion. Now some would say its sad that the emotion uses the same nib as the basic but i think its a lovely nib and am glad i know what i can expect if i wish to purchase any of these That i dont currently own.
Overall its the pen that got me into fountain pens, and i recomend it to everyone.

Apr 2, 2017

jsolar@jsolar Thank you so much for the information !!! I much prefer converters, but I do have a few pens that are too narrow for converters or way too loose for standard converters. leaving them to rattle about or fall out ... both rather annoying. You and @writerstephen are having me really consider this pen :) Thanks !

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Apr 2, 2017

j-e-gNo problem. I found the information several months back when i was looking for nibs for the pen. I think i picked up the converter info from Brian Goulet.
I finally found his video on it and if youre planning on getting the pen give this a watch first. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjz3GjTSCPM

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Apr 3, 2017

j-e-gHi again, j-e-g,
I can confirm that a standard international long cartridge will fit in the LOOM fountain pen as well.
I tested with my own pen, but here's a review that mentions it as well:
http://penhabit.com/2015/05/16/pen-review-faber-castell-loom/
Anyway, best of luck whichever pen you decide upon.
--s

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Apr 3, 2017

writerstephenThanks - I watched the video that @jsolar linked and, as always, it lead me down the rabbit hole of fountain pen videos. One noted that the Loom was the better of the two pens - apparently they are much different in terms of grip and overall diameter. Also that the caps are not quite the same ?? The Loom has a sturdier cap ?? I will check a little more... I want to re-watch that video - I am still interested in on or the other since several have commented that they are great writers... :)

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Apr 4, 2017

j-e-gI've heard the same, and since the price is so similar, I have to recommend the Loom.
The grip, while metal, has subtle grooves that make it easy to hold. Plus, it's way more attractive in my opinion!

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Apr 4, 2017

writerstephenI have a loom also and can attest to it beig a great pen. One plus is that the cap on the loom seals very nicely. Ive had diamine magical forest in it for close to 8 months now. I only ise it every once in a while (meaning still havent used up that converter fill) and havent had a problem with the broad nib having hard starts or drying out. I did end up getting the leather basic for my friend 3 years ago tho so it is also a great pen. Would i say one is better build or more sturdy than the other. Probably not. Especially if you compare the metal basics to the loom. The loom is nice for the cap color options (i have the blue and mate metal). But i prefer the rubberized grip that the basic has.

Apr 4, 2017

jsolarIt is a true fact how much personal preference goes into our love for fountain pens.
@j-e-g , if you have your heart set on the Basic, I say go for it.

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Apr 4, 2017

writerstephenI agree. This is a great price for the chrome options. I am actually getting one my self, in fine. Itll open up my loom to more writing as well, since the nibs can simply unscrew and swap. Once you get a few fountain pens you tend to lean towards the, must have more stage. So you will probably end up getting both in the end anyhow. :D

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