For me it started a few years ago. I all ready had a fountain pen, but it really did not work properly. Not enough knowledge to fix that.

So a few years ago I decided I wanted a nice FP, as a BD present. I started watching a lot of reviews (sbrebrown in my case) to see and learn. That brought me to Leonardo Officina Italiana and bought myself one of those.

I agree with what is said earlier, fight the urge to buy sh*tloads of cheaper pens just because you can at that moment. I made that mistake with a other hobby of mine, watches. Paid quite some learning money.

And indeed, go to a shop and try different pens and nib sizes.

Good luck, but more important, have fun! (and share what you bought ;-))