gday.
i worked for a Pen Shop (yes they do exist and sell exclusively pens up to $50,000!!) for several years and can offer pretty good opinion on pens.
First out... Mont Blanc are a wanker's status symbol and a crap pen...we know it, they know it, but damn it sells well.
If you are a ballpoint user go for a Cross or a Waterman (excellent), Lamy, Fisher Space Pen (personal favourite), or a Rotring.
If you like fountain pens, definately head more towards the Waterman or the Montegrappe...but they can be pricey. If you are a pencil man, then Faber Castelle, Lamy or Rotring are excellent.
These i recommend because of weighting, ease of writing, value for money, and excellent warranty. I'd generally say spend up to $250US will still result in quality for money...after that it's artwork, silver, brandname, prestige...etc...
enjoy!
PS Personal use : Space Pen. writes anywhere. kicks ass for engineers. Otherwise a Montegrappe Heritage is my point of choice!
Slashdot Mirror
gday. i worked for a Pen Shop (yes they do exist and sell exclusively pens up to $50,000!!) for several years and can offer pretty good opinion on pens. First out... Mont Blanc are a wanker's status symbol and a crap pen...we know it, they know it, but damn it sells well. If you are a ballpoint user go for a Cross or a Waterman (excellent), Lamy, Fisher Space Pen (personal favourite), or a Rotring. If you like fountain pens, definately head more towards the Waterman or the Montegrappe...but they can be pricey. If you are a pencil man, then Faber Castelle, Lamy or Rotring are excellent. These i recommend because of weighting, ease of writing, value for money, and excellent warranty. I'd generally say spend up to $250US will still result in quality for money...after that it's artwork, silver, brandname, prestige...etc... enjoy! PS Personal use : Space Pen. writes anywhere. kicks ass for engineers. Otherwise a Montegrappe Heritage is my point of choice!