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submitted 2 months ago by clif@lemmy.world to c/fountainpens@lemmy.world

Where do you recommend for pen purchases? In the past I've used Goulet but there was a post (maybe here?) awhile back about them that inclined me to not give them money any more.

Background : I teach a class about once a year and I like to gift my graduating students a pen because I find it unique and interesting - you don't see fountain pens much anymore. I usually go with a Lamy Safari (but am up for recommendations on similar starter pens; see bottom). In the past they (Lamy) sold a gift set that was the pen and 5 or so of the disposable cartridges in various colors (no Z28 included) and that was my go-to. They don't appear to sell that particular product anymore so I'd reverted to just the standalone Safari and including one extra disposable cartridge since I have quite a few but don't use them.

Preferably a US based distributor.

While we're at it, any suggestions for a good, comparable, starter pen besides the Lamy Safari? Around $30 USD is my max price range since some times I have up to 15 students and that gets... pricey : ) Main consideration is that it's a decent pen that won't frustrate new users but something nicer than a disposable (EG: Pilot Varsity).

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[-] JakeSparkleChicken@retrolemmy.com 3 points 2 months ago

Have you looked into the Pilot Explorer/Lightive? It runs about $20, and has a really nice nib. The Pilot Metropolitan shares the same nib assembly, is a metal pen, but can run a little bit more expensive. If you're willing to pick one up from Amazon/AliExpress/Etsy, the Hongdian 1851 is less than $20, metal, and a great writing experience. It even comes with a converter, so you're not stuck with cartridges.

[-] clif@lemmy.world 3 points 2 months ago

I hadn't seen the Pilot Explorer - looks pretty nice for the price, I'll add it to the list.

I'd looked into the Metropolitan before and almost got one for myself but I feel like I've already got too many pens. It is just slightly over my price point but will keep it on the list for when I have a small class.

Thank you

[-] Unattributed@feddit.online 2 points 2 months ago

Wait, are you telling us there is such a thing as too many pens? 🤣

[-] clif@lemmy.world 2 points 2 months ago

Crazy right? I just learned about this myself.

[-] clif@lemmy.world 2 points 2 months ago

O, I just realized I'd missed the Hongdian 1851 suggestion when making my list. That is a pretty great looking pen for the price... I'm intrigued.

I do try to avoid amazon and ali when I can but next time I make an order I might need to throw one of these in to check it out. Thanks again.

this post was submitted on 22 May 2026
24 points (100.0% liked)

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