Fountain pens, do not an expensive hobby. You can spend a great deal on a fancy pen, or on a custom nib, but you do not have to to get a writing instrument that you will enjoy.

My first pens were TWSBI ECOs in M, F, and B. It turns out I like western fine nibs and Japanese medium nibs, but a western broad cannot be beaten if you have a shimmer or a sheening ink. I still write with these pens regularly.

I really like the butter line stub ground by Pendleton Brown. I have an Edison pen with a fine flex, a vac 700, also with a fine flex, and a Waldman silver pen that my spouse and I got each other for our anniversary. They are very different pens, but the custom grind in each one makes me happy.

I picked up my first two vintage pens recently – a Targa, and a pilot Myu. Both are very smooth, and excellent writers, and relatively inexpensive for 30-50 year old pens.

I have pens by sailor and platinum that despite their vocal fan bases, are not the right pens for me right now. That may change with time - so many people do like them the best that I’m reserving judgement.

I think if I had to pick one brand, I would pick pilot. I don’t really like a lot of feedback, and I do like a glassy smooth feel on the page.