A few suggestions for fountain pen newbies

From time to time, I am asked by fountain pen newbies what advice I have for them as they enter the wide world of fountain pens. What follows is a Facebook conversation...

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Question: 

You will never believe the words that are about to come from me....I think I may want to invest in a fountain pen *gasp* would you be able to provide some good wisdom on this?

My answer: 

Yes!!! How much do you want to spend? Go to an article on jet pens about choosing your nib. Read up on the kind of nib you want.

Go to Goulet Pens to watch a video and read about getting started. I really like Goulet Pens. I think the couple who started the company share my faith in Christ. I read recently that they enjoy singing in their church choir and that the choir is actually how they met.

Also check out Pen Addict for an article called the beginner's guide to fountain pens.

Do you want line variation? Do you want a flex nib?

The Noodler's pens are fairly inexpensive flex nibs. You can get Noodler's pens from Goulet pens.

Do research tonight and let's talk tomorrow before you order.

:))))))))))))))))))

Comment: 

Hahaha! I knew this would be a text that would bring you joy! I will do my homework tonight! And yes I want line variation. I don't like writing with a thin pen. It makes me feel limited in what I can do with it.

My next reply: 

Well maybe you could purchase a Jinhao pen that we can fit with a #6 italic nib. Or else you could get a Noodler's pen. You can search for Noodler's pens on Goulet Pens website. You'll find lots of color options in Noodler's Nib Creapers Flex, Noodler's Konrad Flex, and Noodler's Ahab Flex.

Someone else saw the FB conversation and asked: 

What was the name of that "intro" pen you have talked about? I believe it was in the $15 range and available at local department stores?

I answered: 

A great intro pen is the Pilot Metropolitan.

Another reader chimed in: 

I received one for Christmas two yrs. ago....has the plastic ink cartridge....if I don't use it a lot the ink dries out. I love using fountain pens and I love writing CURSIVE with them!

I wrote: 

Please use it!!! The fun part is using different inks. You could get a converter so you can buy ink in bottles. Much cheaper than cartridges.

Finally, another reader wrote: 

I prefer wider nibs also. While at school, I tend to leave pens behind, so it's not practical for work.

I wrote back: 

If you spent $25-$50 on a pen, I bet you wouldn't leave it behind. And just think, FPs are environmentally friendly. Just sayin... Here are a couple of pros and cons regarding that issue.

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So, for all you newbies, welcome. Hope this post helps a few folks join the Fountain Pen World.