Any pen freaks out there?

GregR · Post by **GregR** » Tue May 01, 2007 2:16 pm

Calling all those knowledgable on pens... anyone?

Loooking to buy a pen as a present, and am shocked at the range in prices. Looking at higher end stuff than Bics and Biros, more like Cartier or Mont Blanc. Anyone tell me the best place to go (read cheapest) and give me some pointers on what to go for? Looking for a ballpoint/rollerball.

Looking on the web, the choices are silly - e.g. what's the difference between 'must le cartier' and cartier

all help greatly appreciated

Scotty C · Post by **Scotty C** » Tue May 01, 2007 2:23 pm

Duty free is about the best place to get discount.

Apart from that haggling your local dealer/ jeweler. You should get -10%/ to -20%.

Scotty

Titanium S1 111S (gla) · Post by **Titanium S1 111S (gla)** » Tue May 01, 2007 2:31 pm

Canâ€™t help Iâ€™m afraid.

A fountain pen man myself.

I use a Cross which was a present years ago and was about £100 although I have since acquired an identical one from e-bay. Unwanted present, still in box, never used £25.00.

Iâ€™d say pick a budget and get the one you like best within that.

gorrie · Post by **gorrie** » Tue May 01, 2007 2:34 pm

There's a couple of jewellers at McArthur Glen... maybe they are cheaper?

tenkfeet · Post by **tenkfeet** » Tue May 01, 2007 2:53 pm

I have some Concorde pens like the one on this page http://www.concordecollectables.com/aca ... Items.html . If the person is into planes may be of interest.

H8OAG · Post by **H8OAG** » Tue May 01, 2007 4:06 pm

Not a Pen Freak but......

Have some of the aforementioned

Cartier and Mont Blanc now have a Thatcherite Eighties stigma about them , so never used

Some of the Dunhill pens are worth a look but pricey

The Cross gets my vote as a nicely weighted everyday tool
Oh er Matron!

GregR · Post by **GregR** » Tue May 01, 2007 4:30 pm

I'm a cross man myself, but was looking for tips as to which models of Mont Blanc/Cartier are the best/most popular or worst/most overpriced.

As for eighties stigma, I'm all for it

dlogan · Post by **dlogan** » Tue May 01, 2007 5:05 pm

I got given a Le Grande Meisterstuck Mont Blanc Rollerball. Black and Platinum for my 30th b'day.

Its a loverly pen, but I always worry bout losing it.

I aint no pen freak so have no advice for you Sorry

Sanjøy · Post by **Sanjøy** » Tue May 01, 2007 5:18 pm

Another vote for Cross, have a couple, everyday pen and then my dads one. They are more the BMW rather than the bentley of pens though.
Pen shop in Princess Sq. in GLA.

2p

dezzy · Post by **dezzy** » Tue May 01, 2007 8:02 pm

I've got a couple of Waterman ballpoints from the pen shop in Princess Square that Sanjoy mentioned. No idea where these sit in the ranks of quality pens, but they've been absolutely fantastic and are really nice pens. Use them for work every day for a couple of years and they've never leaked. Very nice, but not stupidly expensive, but not sure what you're wanting to spend. Think they were around £35 each but can't remember.

Sanjøy · Post by **Sanjøy** » Tue May 01, 2007 8:49 pm

I actually cannot write very well with a biro, if needs must it has to be a liquid ink thing. Must have been taught wrong like.

Mr Momo · Post by **Mr Momo** » Tue May 01, 2007 9:32 pm

Parker...

Yes, M'Lady ?

Cross are OK, but Parker better

Victor Meldrew · Post by **Victor Meldrew** » Tue May 01, 2007 10:24 pm

GregR wrote:I'm a cross man myself, but was looking for tips as to which models of Mont Blanc/Cartier are the best/most popular or worst/most overpriced.

As for eighties stigma, I'm all for it

Caveat Lector · Post by **Caveat Lector** » Tue May 01, 2007 11:30 pm

shooomer wrote:Don't have a Mont Blanc but have read they leak?? Meisterstuck, I think is one to have?

I've got both a Meisterstuck roller ball and fountain pen. I've had them for about 6 years and I've never had either of them leak. Like all fountain pens filled from a bottle of ink (versus little ink catridges) if you don't clean up properly after filling it it can get all over your fingers, but otherwise no problems.

If I lost one I'd replace it straight away. I'd certainly go for that if the budget's up to it.

rossybee · Post by **rossybee** » Wed May 02, 2007 12:06 pm

http://www.penisland.net/