Present for friend (writing supplies)

billwill

Hey guys,

My buddy loves writing and he especially loves doing it by hand. His birthday is coming up, and since he just used a normal pen and paper, I thought it would be nice to maybe get him a special kind of notebook, with nice paper, and a very nice pen.

Can anyone point me in the right direction? I have no idea even where to start looking for quality stuff.

corky842

I've never personally used one, but this company gets thrown around a lot for Kindle covers. Turns out they have notebook covers too:
http://oberondesign.com/journal-covers-5/oberon-journals.html
Maybe one of their moleskine covers if he prefers lined paper?

billwill

Wow, some of those look amazing. Especially since he loves writing fantasy. Thanks so much!

And what about nice pens? I don't know how to choose a nice pen. Or, as I said before, what even to look for in a pen. xD

godmode

I bought a pen as a gift for a writer on www.cross.com - lots of options and designs, monograms, the works.

billwill

Thanks, godmode.

I'm currently eyeing this one: http://www.cross.com/century-ii-classic-black-fountain-pen.aspx

I'm also considering picking up a pen for a female friend, who is also a writer. She is very tiny though (about 4'11" and 100 pounds or less). Would the above pen be too big or something for her?

Here's the biggest thing I'm curious about: What's the advantage of a fountain pen? I understand it makes it easier to write, no? Because you don't have to use much pressure? Are there any cons (besides expense)?

godmode

As you can see on the size comparison on that page, that pen is shorter than a pencil and barely more wide. I think she should be fine! As for writing with them, it does take some getting used to. For starters, I would definitely recommend getting the ink cartridge conversion if it's available to cut down on some of the mess. The standard fountain pen has to be filled from an inkwell, which has the potential to get ink on every nearby surface imaginable for the unfamiliar fountain pen filler, and then there's the problem of messy nibs. Once you start putting pen to paper, yes it is a bit easier to write with physically, but it requires a smooth hand and quality paper so you're not bleeding lots of ink through it all. The main draw is the kind of special feel to it: stylistic writing with a classy instrument. But again, the main disadvantage is the messiness of the thing. Definitely not a pen that you want floating around inside a hip pocket or a purse, or you're likely to create a huge mess.

billwill

Interesting. So doing the ink cartridge conversion would cut down on some, but not all, of the mess? I think I would like for her to have something she could take to class, too, but this doesn't seem very good for that.

I am eyeing this one, though: http://www.cross.com/classic-century-medalist-ballpoint-pen.aspx

What are your thoughts on that model?

P.S. If I get the journal corky842 suggested, is that "quality paper"? I honestly don't know and want to make sure, because I'll probably get her a notebook from them, too. I like their designs. Of course, if you have another suggestion concerning that aspect of the thread, please bring it up. I've spent almost an hour poking around that pen website.

EDIT: Also, what is the difference between ballpoint and rollerball?

godmode

Yes, cartridge conversion reduces messes, but messes may still be made :P That one you link there is much more portable, and doesn't sacrifice style. As for the paper necessary for a fountain pen, I would just recommend not trying to write on plain recycled or loose leaf notebook paper because it tends to be too thin, leading to bleed-through. Those journals you linked there seem to have decent weight to them, though it's hard to tell.
Lastly, I believe the difference between ballpoint and rollerball is the type of ink. Ballpoint is like your standard BIC, rollerball is more like what you find on gel pens like the Pilot G-2s.

wonderpug

Moleskine, nice at their stuff is in general, is not a good paper for fountain pens. Leuchtturm journals are fountain pen friendly, as are Rhodia and Clairefontaine.

I would recommend you gift a handmade coupon to go fountain pen shopping at a nice pen shop. The 'perfect pen' is such a personal preference, and a $100 or even a good $50 fountain pen can last a lifetime. It'd be great if the recipient could try a few and see which one feels right.

V1m

corky842 wrote: »

I've never personally used one, but this company gets thrown around a lot for Kindle covers. Turns out they have notebook covers too:
http://oberondesign.com/journal-covers-5/oberon-journals.html
Maybe one of their moleskine covers if he prefers lined paper?

Must...resist...


Curse you, corky842!