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5
Aug 19, 2018
What do you look for in a fountain pen? Reliability, and comfort in hand. Because I have large hands, that usually means large pens, but there are exceptions -- because there are always exceptions, aren't there?
What kind of nibs do you prefer? Medium to extra-fine, depending, tending towards fine, with a little give in them. Special mention to the Sheaffer Triumphs (never met a Triumph-nibbed pen that I didn't like) and the Esterbrook line, from the most mundane 1551 Medium to the noodly 9128 Flex Extra Fine.
Are there particular models and brands you like? The Esterbrook J and LJ (the SJs are a little too small for me) line is my all-time favorite. They're like VW (Classic) Beetles -- they're easy to restore and maintain, and just last forever, and you just can't go wrong with that gorgeous late Art Deco styling. The above-mentioned Triumph-nibbed Sheaffers are favorites, too. And the Parker numbered line (21, 51, 61, etc) -- I keep a 21 desk set at work, tanked up with Iroshizuku Shin-Ryoku.
Among modern pens, the Pilot Vanishing Point is a good, meaty pen, reliable and sits well in the hand. I've had good luck with some of the modern and recent Chinese pens -- I'm fond of the Jinhao 611 even though it's a very slim pen, but it writes beautifully, and the Wing Sung 233 may be a Sheaffer knock-off, but it's a decent one. These last two have been my regular daily carries for the last couple months, usually loaded up with Private Reserve Sepia and Levenger Amethyst, respectively.
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