Hi. Been lurking for while. Figured time to post since these are two of my hobbies. Wet shaving and fountain pens! Been collecting and using fountain pens for a long time. To the OP I have had two issues with leaking. The first, I had a great Pelikan demonstrator that I used daily. Great pen. It got crushed in my bag after a refill so ink got all over and pen ruined. Not really a leak but... Second time I took my aurora epsilon on a flight and by the time I got to my hotel it had leaked. I suspect it was being in a pressurized can for a few hours that did it. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Tornus Pens = Lathe Pens. I hand make pens of all types (just the body of the pen of course). Fountains are awesome. I used one every day while in class last semester. If you get a converter instead of the little plastic cartridges it is better. You get to use the ink that you want (brand and color). There are tons of options available out there. I havent used a converter yet, but they are inexpensive, the fountain I carry takes a short cartridge any way but I can get about 3 weeks or so using it for notes. As long as you dont leave them lay around for more than a few weeks maintenance isnt to bad. If you use it often it is better IMO. Here is a picture of my best one to date, it is a Roller Ball as asked for. it is alligator jaw and blue acrylic.
I would offer some even more basic questions: 1) What is its usefulness? Let's face it...in today's society, there just isn't much use for a pen. Personally, I use nice pens for writing personal notes, keeping score in family table games, and writing cards for others. I don't use them a lot, but I do use them some. If you are a banker or businessman, I could imagine the use, but if not...do you really NEED a nice pen? 2) What else could the money be used for? Would you rather spend it on sonething else such as a shave soap, a dinner out, or (depending on how much you want to drop on a pen), a weekend vacation? 3) Price? You can really drop some cash on these. I was literally at a friend's house yesterday and he was showing me his $450 cartier pen that was collecting dust. (He used to be an insurance salesman and used it frequently... until they went to electronic signatures, that is). A nice $20-$30 parker ball point pen works for me. I kind of want a montblanc too, but do i really need a $100+ pen for writing cards? Is it really any better than my parker pens? Would I rather have the pen or a new straight razor?
I've recently acquired my first fountain pen since the late 1990's. The Esterbrook LJ's caught my attention being made in the 1950's. The one'ts I got have the 2556 nibs, but couldn't be more different in writing. For daily use I chose a 2017 Special Edition Lamy Al-Star and am using a z24 converter. I will post some photos later.
So, got this Esterbrook "transitional" model and let it soak a bit. Then I discovered the sac had completely fallen apart. This will be my first restoration. I have new sacs, shellac, and talc in route.
I've recently acquired a blue LJ Esterbrook pen with matching pencil, a collection of calligraphy type nibs and wooden holder, a black LJ with a 9000 series nib. I also have spare nibs in route. Having success on the first restoration has sort of gotten me hooked. I am just focusing on the vintage Esterbrooks. Can anyone explain if there is a hole that allows the ink to flow through the back of the nib to the tip. The nib that I have was obviously bent and I think it is preventing the ink flow. This is why I am purchasing replacement nibs.
Replacement nib, a 9550 solved the pen problems and allowed it to fill using the bladder. For Esterbrooks with a damaged of missing J bar for depressing the sac, a hypodermic needle and syringe can save the day. I bought four syringes and a pack of 16x1 needles yesterday at a farm supply. I grind down the tip so as not to puncture the sac. Works like a charm.
That's a nice collection. I found a black LJ era pencil with 9mm lead. I am trying to find a deluxe and aeromatic.
I've been interested in the famous Parker 51, but found the price off putting. This is a Chinese copy, Wing Sung 601. It is made well and writes well.
That Wing Sung 601 is a nice pen! I have the 601A, which is the same thing, but with a Sheaffer Triumph nib. Great writers at a bargain price.
My latest interest is vintage Esterbrook fountain pens from the '30's through the early '50's From left to right, 1934 Dollar Pen, late '30's-early '40's transitional, large double jewel J, 1940's Deluxe, and a couple small LJ's with a mechanical LJ pencil. I've restored each one using videos and replacement internal parts. This hobby costs a lot less than razors and you use them every day, all day long. Thought you might enjoy seeing.
