For $25.00, this pen is a huge disappointment. Just plastic; nothing even near the heft of a Lamy Vista or Safari (my comparison only, not theirs). No ink or empty cartridge. So, to recap, I received a box with lots of air, cheap plastic, and a bit of metal in it...far less than the quality expected from F-C. If you want starter pens, go buy five disposable fountain pens for your money - like a smooth-writing Pilot Varsity.