Geekhack Handwriting Thread and Fountain Pen Thread

[Jixr]

Well for me, the design of the pen is super important, which is why my pen body cost $75

[Zapheo]

I just purchased my first fountain, a Pilot Metropolitan and I love the way it feels! Do you guys have any recommendations for improving your handwriting? My cursive is positively atrocious... (i.e. websites, videos, etc.)

Thanks,

Zap

[FrostyToast]

If you care about smoothness of a nib so much then why don't you get a nibmeister to either tune or make a custom nib?

[CPTBadAss]

If you care about smoothness of a nib so much then why don't you get a nibmeister to either tune or make a custom nib?

Agreed. You can always just skip all the steps and go to a custom nib grinder who can make the nib exactly the way you want it. I just like DIY and exploration more than going straight to customized stuff.

I just purchased my first fountain, a Pilot Metropolitan and I love the way it feels! Do you guys have any recommendations for improving your handwriting? My cursive is positively atrocious... (i.e. websites, videos, etc.)

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=59329.msg1606461;topicseen#msg1606461

[Zapheo]

If you care about smoothness of a nib so much then why don't you get a nibmeister to either tune or make a custom nib?

Agreed. You can always just skip all the steps and go to a custom nib grinder who can make the nib exactly the way you want it. I just like DIY and exploration more than going straight to customized stuff.

I just purchased my first fountain, a Pilot Metropolitan and I love the way it feels! Do you guys have any recommendations for improving your handwriting? My cursive is positively atrocious... (i.e. websites, videos, etc.)

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=59329.msg1606461;topicseen#msg1606461

Thanks, that's very helpful.

[Binge]

Iridium vs a bit of paper. I think Iridium will win. I'd just go slow and see what you can do with it. There's other smoothing materials like micromesh which Anderson Pens and Goulet Pens sells. Just don't use sandpaper. Get something real fine and go slow. Should be fine.

Thats a random no brand pen my SO got me from Pike's Peak Market in Seattle. It's made from Cocobolo wood, with an IPG steel F nib. Writes really well, and I got Noodler's Walnut specifically to match with it. haha

Interesting. I find pens like that are usually weighted poorly. Glad to see you're into it .

For CI lovers check out Nemosine's variety of #6 nibs.  Couple bits of odd variety. 

http://www.nemosine.com/collections/accessories

Huh? Aren't those .6mm and .8 mm stubs? Not the same as a CI?

It goes as follows... Italic, Cursive Italic, Stub.  This scale is from least round edges to most rounded edges.  The nemosine company states that these are calligraphy nibs and writing samples seem more CI than stub.

[Jixr]

we need to set up an ink exchange thing, I want to try some other colors, but it would take me forever to burn through a whole bottle of ink.

[Binge]

we need to set up an ink exchange thing, I want to try some other colors, but it would take me forever to burn through a whole bottle of ink.

as someone who covets his 40+ bottles of ink... NAY

[Jixr]

got my new nib in today, and while its thicker than I'd like, its really wet and writes smooth. So I guess I'll stick with  this one for a while.

[HalfSharkAlligator]

we need to set up an ink exchange thing, I want to try some other colors, but it would take me forever to burn through a whole bottle of ink.

Ink exchange would be fun, but if you just want to try a variety of inks quickly and easily without buying whole bottles, both Anderson Pens and Goulet Pens sell ink samples in 2-3ml vials for very cheap, under $3. It really lets you try some high-end inks before committing to an expensive bottle (and it's fun ).

On my last order, I ordered from literally both of them within a few hours of each other to compare. Here are my observations

Both
Great customer service
Quick confirmation and shipping emails, with tracking
I ordered in the evening and both shipped the next day
Both came on the same day (quickly, I might add, I think 2-3 days)
Both were well packaged and accurate

Anderson Pens
Slightly better value for ink samples, they sell an extra 1 ml in the vial for about the same price
Currently $2.75 for 3 ml (varies, but this seems to most common price), although I believe it was $2.50 when I ordered
Packaging and labeling wasn't quite as nice as Goulet, they used packing peanuts but it seemed like i got the bottom of the barrel as it was mostly little tiny pieces and a lot of dust, it made a bit of mess

Goulet Pens
Slicker packaging and branding / etc.
Bubble wrap
Currently $2.50 for 2 ml
Order confirmation was maybe a few hours earlier

Seriously this is splitting hairs, they were both excellent and i'd order from either of them again without thinking twice. Great to have such good vendors in this market! They are both small family-owned businesses.

[drewba]

So, I'm an absolute beginner when it comes to fountain pens. I used to mess around with my mom's fountain pens back when she used to do calligraphy & scrap book stuff but I was like 11.

Does anyone have any input on the Lamy Vista currently on massdrop for $22 shipped? Like most things on MD, it looks like I'll only save a few dollars but the reviews I've read speak highly of the Vista (and Lamy in general). Can you guys point me in the right direction?

1. Would the Vista be a good beginner option? The Pilot Metropolitan seems to be the pen that just about everyone recommends to start with. Should I start at the bottom with a $4 Platinum Preppy? 
2. Are cartridges ok, or should I just go ahead and get a converter now?
3. Fine or medium nib? I plan on using this for signatures & doodling. I'm leaning towards fine.

[Binge]

Tip: do not get a writing pen for doodling.

[CPTBadAss]

So, I'm an absolute beginner when it comes to fountain pens. I used to mess around with my mom's fountain pens back when she used to do calligraphy & scrap book stuff.

Does anyone have any input on the Lamy Vista currently on massdrop for $22 shipped? Like most things on MD, it looks like I'll only save a few dollars but the reviews I've read speak highly of the Vista (and Lamy in general). Can you guys point me in the right direction?

1. Would the Vista be a good beginner option? The Pilot Metropolitan seems to be the pen that just about everyone recommends to start with. Should I start at the bottom with a $4 Platinum Preppy? 
2. Are cartridges ok, or should I just go ahead and get a converter now?
3. Fine or medium nib? I plan on using this for signatures & doodling. I'm leaning towards fine.

1) Vista = demonstrator Safari. I have a Vista and it's great.

Safari = colored ABS
Vista = Demonstrator Safari (don't know the material)
AL-Star = anodized aluminum Safari

Nibs are all the same and the bodies are the same shape. Just diff material. As always I will say that the Metropolitan is just such a good value for a first fountain pen. I prefer the nib to the Lamy Safari/AL-Star/Vista nib. I don't know what you're looking for in a fountain pen other than use case so I will say that Platinum Preppy nibs are too fine for me.

2) I don't like cartridges. They are convenient and clean though.

3) I don't know from personal use since I really just practice cursive and write with my pens. I don't doodle so I can only say that from what I've seen, it appears artistic doodlers like finer nibs. I don't know why Binge doesn't like doodling with fountain pens. I would guess it's because it's very easy to smudge and smear fountain pen ink.

[drewba]

Tip: do not get a writing pen for doodling.

Don't tell me what to do! I'll be using this for handwriting as well

[drewba]

So, I'm an absolute beginner when it comes to fountain pens. I used to mess around with my mom's fountain pens back when she used to do calligraphy & scrap book stuff.

Does anyone have any input on the Lamy Vista currently on massdrop for $22 shipped? Like most things on MD, it looks like I'll only save a few dollars but the reviews I've read speak highly of the Vista (and Lamy in general). Can you guys point me in the right direction?

1. Would the Vista be a good beginner option? The Pilot Metropolitan seems to be the pen that just about everyone recommends to start with. Should I start at the bottom with a $4 Platinum Preppy? 
2. Are cartridges ok, or should I just go ahead and get a converter now?
3. Fine or medium nib? I plan on using this for signatures & doodling. I'm leaning towards fine.

1) Vista = demonstrator Safari. I have a Vista and it's great.

Safari = colored ABS
Vista = Demonstrator Safari (don't know the material)
AL-Star = anodized aluminum Safari

Nibs are all the same and the bodies are the same shape. Just diff material. As always I will say that the Metropolitan is just such a good value for a first fountain pen. I prefer the nib to the Lamy Safari/AL-Star/Vista nib. I don't know what you're looking for in a fountain pen other than use case so I will say that Platinum Preppy nibs are too fine for me.

2) I don't like cartridges. They are convenient and clean though.

3) I don't know from personal use since I really just practice cursive and write with my pens. I don't doodle so I can only say that from what I've seen, it appears artistic doodlers like finer nibs. I don't know why Binge doesn't like doodling with fountain pens. I would guess it's because it's very easy to smudge and smear fountain pen ink.

Thanks CPT, good stuff. I'm assuming there's a fair bit of trial & error when it comes to finding a pen that is right for you. I think I'm going to head to the art shop and see if they have any pens to test out.

[CPTBadAss]

Thanks CPT, good stuff. I'm assuming there's a fair bit of trial & error when it comes to finding a pen that is right for you. I think I'm going to head to the art shop and see if they have any pens to test out.

I think it's harder to recommend pens than keyboards. Everyone's handwriting style and preferences are so unique to them. I highly encourage you to try them out for yourself.

For example it turns out that I unconsciously roll my pens a little when I write. With a ballpoint or rollerball, this isn't an issue. But with fountain pens, especially with nibs like a 1.9mm stub, if I rotate too much I can't get the pen to write properly. I didn't even notice this until about 6 months ago. Your own handwriting may have quirks and will cause you to like X over Y.

[Binge]

So, I'm an absolute beginner when it comes to fountain pens. I used to mess around with my mom's fountain pens back when she used to do calligraphy & scrap book stuff.

Does anyone have any input on the Lamy Vista currently on massdrop for $22 shipped? Like most things on MD, it looks like I'll only save a few dollars but the reviews I've read speak highly of the Vista (and Lamy in general). Can you guys point me in the right direction?

1. Would the Vista be a good beginner option? The Pilot Metropolitan seems to be the pen that just about everyone recommends to start with. Should I start at the bottom with a $4 Platinum Preppy? 
2. Are cartridges ok, or should I just go ahead and get a converter now?
3. Fine or medium nib? I plan on using this for signatures & doodling. I'm leaning towards fine.

1) Vista = demonstrator Safari. I have a Vista and it's great.

Safari = colored ABS
Vista = Demonstrator Safari (don't know the material)
AL-Star = anodized aluminum Safari

Nibs are all the same and the bodies are the same shape. Just diff material. As always I will say that the Metropolitan is just such a good value for a first fountain pen. I prefer the nib to the Lamy Safari/AL-Star/Vista nib. I don't know what you're looking for in a fountain pen other than use case so I will say that Platinum Preppy nibs are too fine for me.

2) I don't like cartridges. They are convenient and clean though.

3) I don't know from personal use since I really just practice cursive and write with my pens. I don't doodle so I can only say that from what I've seen, it appears artistic doodlers like finer nibs. I don't know why Binge doesn't like doodling with fountain pens. I would guess it's because it's very easy to smudge and smear fountain pen ink.

I'm not trying to imply one shouldn't draw with a fountain pen.  Writing pens/nibs generally do worse when it comes to the kinds of lines you make as an artist.  It needs to have pretty heavy flow, light weight, and the ability for subtle line variation to be a decent tool for doodling.  The kind of ink you want should be permanent and dry quickly without giving you the chance to smear/smudge the ink.  Iron gall and Noodler's inks are my preference when doodling.

[HalfSharkAlligator]

So, I'm an absolute beginner when it comes to fountain pens. I used to mess around with my mom's fountain pens back when she used to do calligraphy & scrap book stuff but I was like 11.

Does anyone have any input on the Lamy Vista currently on massdrop for $22 shipped? Like most things on MD, it looks like I'll only save a few dollars but the reviews I've read speak highly of the Vista (and Lamy in general). Can you guys point me in the right direction?

1. Would the Vista be a good beginner option? The Pilot Metropolitan seems to be the pen that just about everyone recommends to start with. Should I start at the bottom with a $4 Platinum Preppy? 
2. Are cartridges ok, or should I just go ahead and get a converter now?
3. Fine or medium nib? I plan on using this for signatures & doodling. I'm leaning towards fine.

I have two Metropolitans and two Safaris.  The Metro's have much nicer nibs.  But I prefer the design of the Safari.  Neither has an awesome section.  The Safari has a sort of triangular grip section which lefties and some righties don't like.  The Metro section has a sharp edge and large differential in size from barrel to section, which I don't like.  So, YMMV.  Metro is cheaper to try for your first FP, and with a smoother nib, it's what I'd recommend. Note that nib size between them is different, a Pilot F is similar to a Lamy EF. (Japanese nibs are about a size smaller than western/euro nibs)

[drewba]

Thanks CPT, good stuff. I'm assuming there's a fair bit of trial & error when it comes to finding a pen that is right for you. I think I'm going to head to the art shop and see if they have any pens to test out.

I think it's harder to recommend pens than keyboards. Everyone's handwriting style and preferences are so unique to them. I highly encourage you to try them out for yourself.

For example it turns out that I unconsciously roll my pens a little when I write. With a ballpoint or rollerball, this isn't an issue. But with fountain pens, especially with nibs like a 1.9mm stub, if I rotate too much I can't get the pen to write properly. I didn't even notice this until about 6 months ago. Your own handwriting make have quirks and will cause you to like X over Y.

At least the price point is a bit more approachable than keyboards! Thanks again

So, I'm an absolute beginner when it comes to fountain pens. I used to mess around with my mom's fountain pens back when she used to do calligraphy & scrap book stuff but I was like 11.

Does anyone have any input on the Lamy Vista currently on massdrop for $22 shipped? Like most things on MD, it looks like I'll only save a few dollars but the reviews I've read speak highly of the Vista (and Lamy in general). Can you guys point me in the right direction?

1. Would the Vista be a good beginner option? The Pilot Metropolitan seems to be the pen that just about everyone recommends to start with. Should I start at the bottom with a $4 Platinum Preppy? 
2. Are cartridges ok, or should I just go ahead and get a converter now?
3. Fine or medium nib? I plan on using this for signatures & doodling. I'm leaning towards fine.

I have two Metropolitans and two Safaris.  The Metro's have much nicer nibs.  But I prefer the design of the Safari.  Neither has an awesome section.  The Safari has a sort of triangular grip section which lefties and some righties don't like.  The Metro section has a sharp edge and large differential in size from barrel to section, which I don't like.  So, YMMV.  Metro is cheaper to try for your first FP, and with a smoother nib, it's what I'd recommend. Note that nib size between them is different, a Pilot F is similar to a Lamy EF. (Japanese nibs are about a size smaller than western/euro nibs)

What am I about to get myself in to...but seriously thanks for the input. Luckily I have a pen shop near me that stocks Safaris & Metropolitans (AND $1000+ Mont Blancs but I digress), so I'll see what feels good in my hands.

[HalfSharkAlligator]

What am I about to get myself in to...but seriously thanks for the input. Luckily I have a pen shop near me that stocks Safaris & Metropolitans (AND $1000+ Mont Blancs but I digress), so I'll see what feels good in my hands.

These pens are a gateway drug.  I'll check back in six months and you'll have posted like eight more pens that you have purchased, in increasing cost with each purchase  )

[Jixr]

can anyone recomend a cheap FP that has a plastic see through body ( not a disposable one though )

[HalfSharkAlligator]

can anyone recomend a cheap FP that has a plastic see through body ( not a disposable one though )

Lamy Vista (clear version of the Safari/AL-Star line) ($20-25)

or, if you want a step up:

TWSBI Mini or TWSBI 580 or Pilot Prera Clear (these are all $50-60)

[terrpn]

Tip: do not get a writing pen for doodling.

i'm with binge.........use something else if just for doodling

[Binge]

can anyone recomend a cheap FP that has a plastic see through body ( not a disposable one though )

demonstrator konrad w/nemosine nib

[CPTBadAss]

can anyone recomend a cheap FP that has a plastic see through body ( not a disposable one though )

I was going to say Vista, TWSBI 580/700, or Prera. But since those have been suggested, Kaweco Sport is an option too.

[terrpn]

can anyone recomend a cheap FP that has a plastic see through body ( not a disposable one though )

there are a bunch out there, but here are a few..............

lamy safari demonstrator

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lamy-Safari-Vista-Fountain-Pen-Clear-Demonstrator-Fine-Nib-/331461503362?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d2ca52982

noodlers ahab clear demonstrater

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Noodlers-Ahab-Fountain-Pen-Demo-/271720495348?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f43cdb8f4

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Noodlers-Ink-Ahab-Piston-Fountain-Pen-Carniolan-Honey/390929603725?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D28772%26meid%3Dc9834769ee9043b6990ca703cca35223%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D4%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D271720495348&rt=nc


noodlers standard

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Noodler-s-fountain-pen-Standard-orange-transparent-/161604451064?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item25a0603af8

misc Inexpensive

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Clear-Demonstrator-Piston-Filling-Fountain-Pen-FINE-NIB-/151556112793?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item234972c199

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nemosine-Singularity-Demonstrator-Fountain-Pen-Calligraphy-0-6-Nib-/371203685572?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item566d76bcc4

[Binge]

Baltimore Pen Show was pretty fun.

[Skuloth]

Is that the same chocolate guy as the philly show?

[Binge]

Is that the same chocolate guy as the philly show?

Ye ye.  You're missing out bro

[Skuloth]

Baltimore is a long drive from Rochester

[Binge]

Baltimore is a long drive from Rochester

BUT THE CHOCOLATE!!!! T-T

[Skuloth]

Baltimore is a long drive from Rochester

BUT THE CHOCOLATE!!!! T-T

Find one closer to me and I'll join you guys

[Binge]

Baltimore is a long drive from Rochester

BUT THE CHOCOLATE!!!! T-T

Find one closer to me and I'll join you guys

I'm just gonna get fat and write bad poetry in the tub with my ink, pens, and chocolates.  When you get to be MAN enough to make the trip then we'll talk.

[CPTBadAss]

Booper sent me this lovely handwritten note that came with my Monkey keycap today. I love the ink color and her handwriting is better than the bottom of her note made it seem!

[Booper]

Since CPTBadAss outed me I guess I may as well stop lurking! Sorry for the crappy photos




My initial assessments - I'm used to writing small so the fine nibs are awesome IMO for all-the-time writing. Medium is fun though! Also, I got the cheap yafa(?) pen at the Office Depot in town. It's quite inferior to the other 3 but I like it because of the color/fine nib. I've got some ink samples ordered though for the other pens!

[Skuloth]

Show Image

Booper sent me this lovely handwritten note that came with my Monkey keycap today. I love the ink color and her handwriting is better than the bottom of her note made it seem!

Show Image

What is that monkey?

[Binge]

Show Image

Booper sent me this lovely handwritten note that came with my Monkey keycap today. I love the ink color and her handwriting is better than the bottom of her note made it seem!

Show Image

What is that monkey?

MonKEYcap :3  ooo ah ah

[Skuloth]

Show Image

Booper sent me this lovely handwritten note that came with my Monkey keycap today. I love the ink color and her handwriting is better than the bottom of her note made it seem!

Show Image

[demik]

those ti2 pens worth their price?

honest answer

[Skuloth]

those ti2 pens worth their price?

honest answer

I really like my pen. It's probably not worth it to get one of the fancy colors, but I have a hobby based spending problem. It feels really nice in my hand and is well balanced which was important to me. The hitec c ink has been dealing with Rochester's 0 degree weather quite well despite being outside for fairly substantial periods of time.

The only thing I see wearing out are the o rings, which are absurdly easy and cheap to replace. I bought ~12 purple o rings for basically $0 on ebay.

[demik]

thanks.

i have one of these

http://www.bigidesign.com/welcome/phx-pen-2/

and tbh, it feels like it's unnecessarily heavy. granted, it's only 29 bucks, stainless steel and not titanium, so i doubt a lot went into it design wise.

ive had my eye on the ti2 but found the price a little too steep and was hesitant after the phx pen on getting another metal type pen.

[GL1TCH3D]

Heya!

Been a while since I last posted.

Got myself a sailor 1911 with a 21k gold music nib but unfortunately the nib is extremely dry when I don't put any pressure.

If I glide the pen on the paper no ink comes out =/

I don't have much experience with music nibs but I feel like this shouldn't be happening (I have another sailor pen and it writes fine).

Any suggestions on diagnosing the issue?

[Skuloth]

thanks.

i have one of these

http://www.bigidesign.com/welcome/phx-pen-2/

and tbh, it feels like it's unnecessarily heavy. granted, it's only 29 bucks, stainless steel and not titanium, so i doubt a lot went into it design wise.

ive had my eye on the ti2 but found the price a little too steep and was hesitant after the phx pen on getting another metal type pen.

They are metal, so they aren't light compared with plastic pens. However, it hasn't been heavy enough for my hand to feel any more fatigue than I would with a plastic pen. I looked it up and the Ti2 weighs just about half of what your current pen weighs.

The final piece of relevant info, is that it can be taken apart into a sufficient quantity of pieces to entertain myself while in class (Somehow this is an important feature to me).

[demik]

oh, i know they weigh more.

i like heavy pens/pencils. didnt expect this one to be that much. it doesnt feel balanced at all.

[HalfSharkAlligator]

Got myself a sailor 1911 with a 21k gold music nib but unfortunately the nib is extremely dry when I don't put any pressure.

If I glide the pen on the paper no ink comes out =/

I don't have much experience with music nibs but I feel like this shouldn't be happening (I have another sailor pen and it writes fine).

Any suggestions on diagnosing the issue?

Since you mentioned it's new, did you flush it first?  Sometimes there are oils from the manufacturing process, or even dried ink if they tested it. I've had a good flush fix a new pen that was having hard starts and ink starvation.

If you already did or that doesn't do the trick, you may want to consider returning it for an exchange.  A music nib, in my understanding, should actually be wetter than a standard nib due to the width and two channels for ink flow.  There are also methods for increasing ink flow using brass shim plates, but again if it's a new pen you probably wouldn't want to mess with that if it's still exchange-able.

[CPTBadAss]

Heya!

Been a while since I last posted.

Got myself a sailor 1911 with a 21k gold music nib but unfortunately the nib is extremely dry when I don't put any pressure.

If I glide the pen on the paper no ink comes out =/

I don't have much experience with music nibs but I feel like this shouldn't be happening (I have another sailor pen and it writes fine).

Any suggestions on diagnosing the issue?

Like halfalligatorshark said, I'd flush the pen first and soak the nib in water and a bit of dish detergent. Also what ink are you using? Could be a thing where the ink and the pen aren't playing nicely.

thanks.

i have one of these

http://www.bigidesign.com/welcome/phx-pen-2/

and tbh, it feels like it's unnecessarily heavy. granted, it's only 29 bucks, stainless steel and not titanium, so i doubt a lot went into it design wise.

ive had my eye on the ti2 but found the price a little too steep and was hesitant after the phx pen on getting another metal type pen.

Other well regarded machined metal pens include the Tactile Turn Mover and Shaker as well as the Karas Kustoms pens. There's a lot of them coming out on Kickstarter as well.

[GL1TCH3D]

Heya!

Been a while since I last posted.

Got myself a sailor 1911 with a 21k gold music nib but unfortunately the nib is extremely dry when I don't put any pressure.

If I glide the pen on the paper no ink comes out =/

I don't have much experience with music nibs but I feel like this shouldn't be happening (I have another sailor pen and it writes fine).

Any suggestions on diagnosing the issue?

Like halfalligatorshark said, I'd flush the pen first and soak the nib in water and a bit of dish detergent. Also what ink are you using? Could be a thing where the ink and the pen aren't playing nicely.

thanks.

i have one of these

http://www.bigidesign.com/welcome/phx-pen-2/

and tbh, it feels like it's unnecessarily heavy. granted, it's only 29 bucks, stainless steel and not titanium, so i doubt a lot went into it design wise.

ive had my eye on the ti2 but found the price a little too steep and was hesitant after the phx pen on getting another metal type pen.

Other well regarded machined metal pens include the Tactile Turn Mover and Shaker as well as the Karas Kustoms pens. There's a lot of them coming out on Kickstarter as well.

I'll try with another ink. Using iroshizuku momiji ink. I flushed the feed and let it soak already ;( would be a shame to have to send it back to Japan. I'll try with some J herbin tonight, thanks!

[CPTBadAss]

I'll try with another ink. Using iroshizuku momiji ink. I flushed the feed and let it soak already ;( would be a shame to have to send it back to Japan. I'll try with some J herbin tonight, thanks!

How long did you let it soak? I've had to soak pens overnight sometimes to get them to write. And there should be a US or Canadian Sailor contact you could get a hold of. I don't think you'd have to send it to Japan. But that's weird. Iroshizuku ususally has no issues.

[GL1TCH3D]

I'll try with another ink. Using iroshizuku momiji ink. I flushed the feed and let it soak already ;( would be a shame to have to send it back to Japan. I'll try with some J herbin tonight, thanks!

How long did you let it soak? I've had to soak pens overnight sometimes to get them to write. And there should be a US or Canadian Sailor contact you could get a hold of. I don't think you'd have to send it to Japan. But that's weird. Iroshizuku ususally has no issues.

My Yamabudo is writing flawlessly in my Nakaya right now.
I bought the Sailor from Engeika and they have a return/exchange policy that I can take advantage of. I'll give it a nice long soak as soon as I get home. I admittedly didn't soak it for that long.

[SeeThruHead]

Is there a separate thread for notebooks and the like? I've been using a Rhodia webnotebook for a bit now but I'm thinking about picking up a midori style travellers notebook. Anyone have on of these? If so any recommendations for inserts and paper types?