The Christopher Ward of Pens

Post by **welshlad** » Sun May 12, 2024 1:42 pm

Ok, confession time. I collect fountain pens and inks. Indeed, that is all I use to write with, even at work.

I currently have about 100 pens and around 220 inks in my collection.

I think it was me who introduced Lindsey to this rabbit hole, but she had the strength of character to get out before it was too late!

JAFO wrote: ↑Sun May 12, 2024 8:49 am I would have thought the two everyman brands of pens, that represent proto luxury would be Parker and Papermate. Maybe Shaeffer and Waterman also.

I think if I had a pen company, I would be more than happy for it to be compared to Parker in particular as entry level luxury.

You're about 30-40 years out of date, Dave. These four companies are a shadow of their former selves, and their modern pens are distinctly average at best. Parker, in particular, are awful nowadays. Of course, their vintage pens still work and there is an active market in them. The Parker 51, in particular, is an absolute classic pen that is still beautiful to use.

JAFO wrote: ↑Sun May 12, 2024 8:49 am I had never heard of Montblanc pens for instance, until the last 5 years or so, when I became more interested in watches

Montblanc are a bit like the Rolex of the pen world. They are well known and are the typical aspiration for someone wanted a luxurious, top-of-the-range fountain pen. Like Rolex, their product is, indeed, very good, but also like Rolex, there are other companies out there with products which are as good, if not better, for a similar price.

In terms of which pen manufacturer is the equivalent of CW in the fountain pen world, it is hard to say. If you want something designed and made in the UK (other than the nibs which are probably German - a la Swiss in the watch world), I would suggest a company called Onoto. This was, historically, a famous UK/Scottish brand before World War II. Nowadays, it has been resurrected and is based just outside Norwich, and makes very high quality pens, with distinctive designs, at reasonable prices.

Other non-UK pen companies offer high quality products for generally lower prices than Montblanc include:

Pilot (especially the Custom 823)
Sailor (especially the Pro Gear Large)
Pelikan (especially the Souveran range)
Faber-Castell (their steel nibs are excellent and not at all expensive)
Lamy (especially the 2000 and their other models with gold nibs)
TWSBI (especially good at the cheaper end)

Just stay away from ballpoints altogether. And only use rollerballs in an absolute emergency!

Hope that helps.

maclink · Post by **maclink** » Sun May 12, 2024 1:56 pm

After spending some time down the rabbit hole of Fountain pens, I find that they are so much like Watches. There are the big, well known brands, from high end to affordable. There is quite a large range of microbands as well. There are competing brands across shores with the Germans, Japanese and Italian brands having the lions share of the market. The Italian pen brands emphasise beauty in their pen designs while the Germans and Japanese emphasize functional excellence, ie, pen reliability and nib performance.

Like movements, nibs are a big deal in terms of materials used (steel vs gold vs titanium), whether they are made in house or are 3rd party, the big players being Bock and Schmidt nibs.

The Rolex brand in the world of pens has to be Montblanc. The Pen community is just as divided. The Meisterstuck range of fountain pens would be like the submariner, explorer and datejust.

Assuming CW would mean affordable but well put together, I’d look at Platinum, Pilot and Sailor. Although these brands do sell higher end pens, they do have reasonably priced and very functional offerings. There’s also a brand called TWSBI that sell great pens. Lamy… another affordable brand.

So much to say about it.

Greatpotfarm · Post by **Greatpotfarm** » Sun May 12, 2024 2:01 pm

"Daily Writer" and place holder in my notebook...
.9mm vintage Shaeffer with fast glide, long last 2H lead

JAFO · Post by **JAFO** » Sun May 12, 2024 2:22 pm

welshlad wrote: ↑Sun May 12, 2024 1:42 pm Ok, confession time. I collect fountain pens and inks. Indeed, that is all I use to write with, even at work.

I currently have about 100 pens and around 220 inks in my collection.

I think it was me who introduced Lindsey to this rabbit hole, but she had the strength of character to get out before it was too late!

JAFO wrote: ↑Sun May 12, 2024 8:49 am I would have thought the two everyman brands of pens, that represent proto luxury would be Parker and Papermate. Maybe Shaeffer and Waterman also.

I think if I had a pen company, I would be more than happy for it to be compared to Parker in particular as entry level luxury.

You're about 30-40 years out of date, Dave. These four companies are a shadow of their former selves, and their modern pens are distinctly average at best. Parker, in particular, are awful nowadays. Of course, their vintage pens still work and there is an active market in them. The Parker 51, in particular, is an absolute classic pen that is still beautiful to use.

JAFO wrote: ↑Sun May 12, 2024 8:49 am I had never heard of Montblanc pens for instance, until the last 5 years or so, when I became more interested in watches

Montblanc are a bit like the Rolex of the pen world. They are well known and are the typical aspiration for someone wanted a luxurious, top-of-the-range fountain pen. Like Rolex, their product is, indeed, very good, but also like Rolex, there are other companies out there with products which are as good, if not better, for a similar price.

In terms of which pen manufacturer is the equivalent of CW in the fountain pen world, it is hard to say. If you want something designed and made in the UK (other than the nibs which are probably German - a la Swiss in the watch world), I would suggest a company called Onoto. This was, historically, a famous UK/Scottish brand before World War II. Nowadays, it has been resurrected and is based just outside Norwich, and makes very high quality pens, with distinctive designs, at reasonable prices.

Other non-UK pen companies offer high quality products for generally lower prices than Montblanc include:

Pilot (especially the Custom 823)
Sailor (especially the Pro Gear Large)
Pelikan (especially the Souveran range)
Faber-Castell (their steel nibs are excellent and not at all expensive)
Lamy (especially the 2000 and their other models with gold nibs)
TWSBI (especially good at the cheaper end)

Just stay away from ballpoints altogether. And only use rollerballs in an absolute emergency!

Hope that helps.

I'm sure you are spot on with your timing. 40 years ago was into the start of my working life, when I would have been more aware of different pen makes.

NationOfLaws · Post by **NationOfLaws** » Sun May 12, 2024 2:33 pm

I’m partial to this Otto Hutt Design 06 in ash grey (this isn’t my photo, I grabbed it from an online shop since I’m away from home) that I picked up earlier this year. I’m trying not to fall down yet another hobby rabbit hole, though.

I suspect I’ll end up with a Meisterstuck if I end up with some time in the Atlanta airport at some point soon - which happens often when I’m traveling for work. They have a Montblanc store there in the International terminal.

tikkathree · Post by **tikkathree** » Sun May 12, 2024 3:15 pm

I've always had what some call "doctor's handwriting" - pretty illegible without outside assistance and I've always found that a fountain pen slows my hand down just enough to slow the spiders from a gallop to a stately walk!

Pretty much all my adult life I've used Pentel clutch pencils, the blue P207 in 0.7mm being a lifelong favourite. The pocket clip was an absolute bonus and got me away from that risk zone of sharpened pencil dropping into a jacket inside pocket there to stab a nipple, break a point off, add colour to a white shirt or all three.

Spare leads and a rubber/eraser (for the avoidance of trans Atlantic misunderstanding!!") all neatly contained with the option to reverse the lead back into the casing out of harm's way.

Fountain pens: give me a screw-top every time please. There's nothing worse than top and pen becoming detached whilst in a jacket or shirt with the consequent "blue perspiration" stain.

For many years I prefered a Parker with a fine nib, something slender and reasonably elegant in brushed metal. Then, much later in life I started to work directly with members of the public in an open plan office and I lost track of the number of such pens which got "borrowed" when I was away from my desk. I then discovered Core System fountain pens, of which there are two in this photo. Though I lost my preferred screwcap to a simple push/click/pull my pen losses ended right there and then.

Back in 2017 I hooked into a kickstarter campaign for the Namisu Ixion fountain pen which is billed as being minimalist and titanium and benefits from a screw cap - YAY!

Ink? I'm easy. I'd prefer to fill a bladder from a bottle but all my pens are short cartridge type: it's a nod to modernity.

Blotting paper? Yes I've got a lifetime supply .... somewhere

missF · Post by **missF** » Sun May 12, 2024 3:52 pm

welshlad wrote: ↑Sun May 12, 2024 1:42 pm
I think it was me who introduced Lindsey to this rabbit hole, but she had the strength of character to get out before it was too late!

It was you Steve, and I found a bunch of friendly people on a pretty vast forum (I had no idea that pens were a even a 'thing'

). The best thing about the forum that Steve recommended was discovering that there's a share scheme in the UK whereby you can lend out your pens to other people for a short term'borrow and try' - I think this is a really wonderful thing. I was actually thinking recently that a similar scheme for trying out watch bracelets would be a really good idea....

@kev017 - I think you've taken the best approach to this by defining accurately what it is you're looking for in terms that the people here can understand clearly. Nail your question; get in and out quickly. Otherwise I fear you'll be lost

kev017 · Post by **kev017** » Sun May 12, 2024 3:56 pm

missF wrote: ↑Sun May 12, 2024 3:52 pm
welshlad wrote: ↑Sun May 12, 2024 1:42 pm
I think it was me who introduced Lindsey to this rabbit hole, but she had the strength of character to get out before it was too late!
It was you Steve, and I found a bunch of friendly people on a pretty vast forum (I had no idea that pens were a even a 'thing' ). The best thing about the forum that Steve recommended was discovering that there's a share scheme in the UK whereby you can lend out your pens to other people for a short term'borrow and try' - I think this is a really wonderful thing. I was actually thinking recently that a similar scheme for trying out watch bracelets would be a really good idea....

@kev017 - I think you've taken the best approach to this by defining accurately what it is you're looking for in terms that the people here can understand clearly. Nail your question; get in and out quickly. Otherwise I fear you'll be lost

Thanks Lindsey. I’ve LOVED reading all the replies here to my question. Thank you all.

I’m tempted to dip my toe in - perhaps a TWSBI diamond as a relatively low cost entry point (to a potential rabbit hole that I hope not to fall in to)

Post by **welshlad** » Sun May 12, 2024 4:17 pm

kev017 wrote: ↑Sun May 12, 2024 3:56 pm I’m tempted to dip my toe in - perhaps a TWSBI diamond as a relatively low cost entry point (to a potential rabbit hole that I hope not to fall in to)

The TWSBI (pronounced "Twizbee") Diamond 580 ALR is a good choice as somewhere to start. The nib units can be bought separately (and relatively cheaply) and are easy to swap over,, which is helpful if you're trying to work out if you prefer extra fine, fine, medium, broad or stub nibs. Also, as it's completely transparent, it's a great pen for understanding how piston-based pens work. They even give you a little spanner to help you take it apart for cleaning purposes. It's putting it back together correctly that's the trickier part!

kev017 · Post by **kev017** » Sun May 12, 2024 4:49 pm

welshlad wrote: ↑Sun May 12, 2024 4:17 pm
kev017 wrote: ↑Sun May 12, 2024 3:56 pm I’m tempted to dip my toe in - perhaps a TWSBI diamond as a relatively low cost entry point (to a potential rabbit hole that I hope not to fall in to)
The TWSBI (pronounced "Twizbee") Diamond 580 ALR is a good choice as somewhere to start. The nib units can be bought separately (and relatively cheaply) and are easy to swap over,, which is helpful if you're trying to work out if you prefer extra fine, fine, medium, broad or stub nibs. Also, as it's completely transparent, it's a great pen for understanding how piston-based pens work. They even give you a little spanner to help you take it apart for cleaning purposes. It's putting it back together correctly that's the trickier part!

Thank you.

Looks like there is a compatible ink bottle that screws in to the pen for idiot proof filling. Now to decide which ink. And which thickness nib!

exHowfener · Post by **exHowfener** » Sun May 12, 2024 9:41 pm

Ah yes, the appeal of fountain pens ... and nice ink. I did dabble a bit. Still have a number of TWSBI pens and bottles of Diamine ink lying around. The only problem now I'm retired is that I don't write enough to use them. My "daily driver" is a Platinum #3776 Shoji LE, which I write my journal with. All other duties are covered by a Fisher Space Pen, which is small enough to live in my pocket.

Mikkei4 · Post by **Mikkei4** » Sun May 12, 2024 9:43 pm

welshlad wrote: ↑Sun May 12, 2024 1:42 pm
Montblanc are a bit like the Rolex of the pen world. They are well known and are the typical aspiration for someone wanted a luxurious, top-of-the-range fountain pen. Like Rolex, their product is, indeed, very good, but also like Rolex, there are other companies out there with products which are as good, if not better, for a similar price.

Lovely pens, especially the Black and platinum Le Grand.

In case it's not widely known, for anybody considering buying a Montblanc but wary of the prices, there is a Montblanc outlet at Bicester Village where savings of hundreds of £s are possible depending on the models in store at the time.

magicman · Post by **magicman** » Mon May 13, 2024 8:49 am

Sorry, I cant help thinking about Pauline, now !

Regards Steve

Murphy20 · Post by **Murphy20** » Mon May 13, 2024 10:05 am

My wife bought me a lovely Mont Blanc pen as a wedding gift many moons ago, I’ve used it daily ever since (although it is a little bit like Trigger’s broom, it’s had a few replacement parts over the years).

I recently bought my first ever fountain pen from Ellington pens, I believe based in the UK. Very reasonably priced (less than £50) and it uses ink cartridges, which I find really easy to change. I bought the all black version, they have lots of others. Very happy with it so far (I’ve had it a month or so).

Stif · Post by **Stif** » Mon May 13, 2024 5:54 pm

I hate using cheap plastic pens, but I'm not enough of a writer to spend real money on them either (plus I'm a bit heavy handed with my terrible handwriting so I avoid overly inky pens generally).

My go-to is either a (metal) Parker jotter ballpoint (I have about 20...) or a Cross Click.

I got this great Spider-Man one as a gift years ago (which now go for a fair chunk of change!) and I added the Incredible Hulk version - one of these is usually attached to my notebook via a wee pen loop (I generally buy Moleskine notebooks, then add a wee stick-on loop).

Christopher Ward Forum

Christopher Ward Forum

The Christopher Ward of Pens

Re: The Christopher Ward of Pens

Re: The Christopher Ward of Pens

Re: The Christopher Ward of Pens

Re: The Christopher Ward of Pens

Re: The Christopher Ward of Pens

Re: The Christopher Ward of Pens

Re: The Christopher Ward of Pens

Re: The Christopher Ward of Pens

Re: The Christopher Ward of Pens

Re: The Christopher Ward of Pens

Re: The Christopher Ward of Pens

Re: The Christopher Ward of Pens

Re: The Christopher Ward of Pens

Re: The Christopher Ward of Pens

Re: The Christopher Ward of Pens

Independently Operated Forum for CW Enthusiasts