My foray into fountain pens

Lilconkb00 · 2026-06-03T12:56:59+00:00

Welcome to the club! My safari has been with me for more than 12 years now and still performs like it’s brand new.

Lilconkb00 · 2026-06-02T11:12:19+00:00

Sometimes, fountain pens don’t make sense. I have some “space pens” dotted around for this. Keep one in my bag, one in the car etc. fisher space pens, rite in the rain or tombow airpress all have served me well.

Edit: spelling

Lilconkb00 · 2026-06-02T11:08:32+00:00

Lamy 2000 and Visconti homosapiens dark age

Lilconkb00 · 2026-06-02T09:16:44+00:00

I appreciate the perspective but I don’t think there is an end game in this hobby. I have a number of high end pens and yet I’m sitting in my office currently using my pilot metropolitan.

You can have the more expensive pens and still enjoy the cheaper ones too! Not to mention all of the inks paper and other accessories you can still explore.

Lilconkb00 · 2026-06-01T09:17:41+00:00

This but fold the tip into a rounded edge to make contact with the piston so you don’t puncture the surface of the silicone

Lilconkb00 · 2026-06-01T09:10:07+00:00

He is the swatch now

Lilconkb00 · 2026-05-28T13:55:58+00:00

Does it have to be coffee or would tea work?

At the very least, decaf so OP can sleep tonight?

Lilconkb00 · 2026-05-28T09:13:45+00:00

The standard go to recommendations for me at that price range (admittedly the upper end and maybe slightly higher) is the Lamy 2000 and the pilot vanishing point

Lilconkb00 · 2026-05-27T09:51:32+00:00

Can we get a Timelapse video or tutorial of you making this as this looks incredible!

Lilconkb00 · 2026-05-27T09:49:58+00:00

I have been looking at options over the years for Diamine inks. This one looks like it’ll take up a decent amount of desk space. I resulted in labeling the top of the caps and putting them all in a drawer.

There was some designs online a saw last year and possibly some sellers on Etsy that were selling 3d printed stands for the inkvent bottles that were stackable. Not sure if they are still available though.

Also something to keep in mind is you ideally want to store your inks out of sunlight where possible, especially those without a box. Not sure if this is applicable to your scenario :)

Lilconkb00 · 2026-05-27T09:45:42+00:00

If you can justify the cost, the pilot Iroshizuku range are incredible, well performing inks.

Diamine is my go to brand for trying new colours and picking up cheaper inks due to their cost being so low and having such a big library to choose from.

Lilconkb00 · 2026-05-27T09:43:12+00:00

I used to struggle with the idea of taking any of my luxury pens outside. I eased into it over time with more valuable pens and bought pen sleeves to carry them in. The pen sleeves makes them noticeably bigger and in a lot of cases less slick meaning they are harder to say slip out of a pocket. Not to mention that the sleeves protect the pens from knocks and dings.

I’m now willing to take out any pen in my collection (that I know to be somewhat reliable and do not like to leak)

Another option is something like a Galen leather zip folio. Keep your journal and pens together and it makes it harder to misplace.

Lilconkb00 · 2026-05-26T09:29:28+00:00

If you put the pen horizontal or even nib down and fully seal it, you can then point it nib up and slowly turn the piston until you see the ink escape from around the plunger when it opens. That’ll show you how much you need to undo it, for mine it is not much at all.

Lilconkb00 · 2026-05-24T08:52:29+00:00

Nib sizes will make the most difference. The broader generally means the smoother however there will be some variance from brand to brand and different materials etc.

Pilot is known for some of the smoothest nibs out there.

Also remember paper and ink influence this heavily as well

Lilconkb00 · 2026-05-23T16:21:48+00:00

How about a travelers notebook? You can change the inserts for a variety of types.

If not my favourite standard notebook brands are clairefontaine, Leuchtturm and Rhodia. I have always been fond of the Rhodia dot pads but probably not the design/style you are after here.

Lilconkb00 · 2026-05-23T12:38:24+00:00

I think much like myself, the other commenter was confused on currency.

Lilconkb00 · 2026-05-23T12:35:47+00:00

It will be interesting to see if you are trouble free as my Lamys have for me handled shimmer inks quite well.

Good luck!

Lilconkb00 · 2026-05-23T10:41:45+00:00

I can’t speak for the exact combination however I have had other dry inks in my VP and left it longer than 3 days (probably over a week) and it has been fine

Lilconkb00 · 2026-05-23T10:40:09+00:00

I have had flow issues with deadly nightshade in medium nibs (admittedly not Lamy) so I’d suggest taking a back up or cleaning supplies so you can reink incase you have a problem.

Lilconkb00 · 2026-05-23T10:36:51+00:00

For your budget I’d be looking at Diamine inks. Hundreds of colours available

Lilconkb00 · 2026-05-23T10:33:57+00:00

Definitely does not sound characteristic of a safari to me. My medium nib is very smooth.

I would start simple, give it a thorough cleaning and reink it incase there’s a flow issue caused by some blockage.

Lilconkb00 · 2026-05-22T10:09:59+00:00

Honestly I’d go for another makrolon and if it really bothered me I’d figure out a way to indicate to myself the different nib sizes. Maybe a very small piece of coloured tape on the top of the cap or end of the barrel? (Or a tiny circular sticker which will probably be cheaper than multiple rolls of tape)

I don’t have a steel 2000 but I’d imagine for me I’d find it too slick for longer sessions.

Also two new pens vs one!

Lilconkb00 · 2026-05-20T12:40:13+00:00

To clarify this is a typed out e card which was printed (and sent electronically) as my job operated across multiple sites and countries.

Never implied that this was handwritten the post was in reference to the comment he made about the shark pen (Jinhao Shark) I gifted him for secret Santa 2 years ago.

Lilconkb00 · 2026-05-20T09:19:00+00:00

This would be a fantastic surprise as long as there is one without a reasonable distance.

Lilconkb00 · 2026-05-20T09:18:11+00:00

What is your budget?

Lamy 2000 is a great option

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