Fountain Pens

[stilgar]

My wife is looking for a set of fountain pens. Not only for herself but for some friends.

Since I have never done any other pens besides slimline and cigar, I do not know these kits.

I don't want to spend too much on a kit but am interested in quality. She likes the tradtional pens and wants to use them for calligraphy.

Cheers

 

[wdcav1952]

Brian,

I am certainly no expert, but consider starting with the Baron kit from ArizonaSilhouette. It is a nice kit, a fairly simple one to turn and assemble (read the directions!!!) and you can buy fine, medium and broad nibs.

If she likes larger pens, consider the El Grande from either ArizonaSilhouette or BeartoothWoods. It also has the three nib sizes.

FWIW,

 

[bjackman]

Not sure exactly what you are refering to as "traditional". I would equate traditioal and calligraphy with dip pens, which there really aren't kits out there for.
You can get a calligraphy nib with section from CSU that is roughly a medium width for calligraphy nibs. It can be used in most of the mid size pens from both CSU and others. I currently use one in a baron that started life as a rollerball. The El Grande is a really nice kit that isn't too pricey, even better when BB has them on sale [] But, there is no "drop in" calligraphy nib for this size/kit, that I have found yet.
Anthony is/was offering some neat Schafer calligraphy kits at very reasonable prices. I got one of the mini kits from him and have had fun playing with it. Gives you a nice feel for what different widths of nib do and how they work.
Most capped style pens are offered in either rollerball or FP versions and the only difference is which section and ink supply is put into the end of the finished pen. I often buy the rollerball version of the kit and buy a FP nib/section to go with it and offer it as either RB/FP or both to buyers for a small increase in price.
Hope that helps.

 

[stilgar]

I should have also said that since I am in Australia, at this time, I need a place that will ship internationally. The last time I checked ArizonaSilhouette, they will not ship outside the US anymore.

 

[its_virgil]

Check Berea Hardwoods directly. ArizonaSilhoutte sells their kits. Only problem, Berea has no online order. http://www.penkits.com

Earnie McFarland at http://www.beartoothwoods also sells Berea Hardwoods kits and he has online ordering.

Other choices could be Craft Supplies USA in provo, Utah. Their url is http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com, Ryan Polokoff at http://www/woodturningz.com and they resell PSI kits. PSI's website is http://www.pennstateind.com

I would order from the resellers since they often sell cheaper than the kit companies.

Good luck!

do a good turn daily!
Don

Originally posted by stilgar
<br />I should have also said that since I am in Australia, at this time, I need a place that will ship internationally. The last time I checked ArizonaSilhouette, they will not ship outside the US anymore.

 

[wdcav1952]

Brian,

For what is is worth, I know that Beartoothwoods will ship internationally.

 

[ed4copies]

Brian,

Better clarify with your customers what they want in calligraphy. I've been told the nibs are very different and our attempts are not so good.

FWIW-an ounce of prevention..........etc

 

[Old Griz]

Brain, If your wife if looking for calligraphy pens, then you probably will not be satisfied with any of the kit pens available to us... there is only one calligraphy nib available and it is a very scratchy broad italic...
IF she is interested in doing true calligraphy I suggest you make her a dip pen handle and she can go to a good hobby shop tp purchase different calligraphy nibs especially for that purpose....
If you do a search you will find some real nice calligraphy pens that Anthony Turchetta made... and probably some made by others also...

 

[AdamB]

Any idea where to get the nib holders?

I would be interested in a handfull of dip pen nib holders.

 

[Geo in Winnipeg]

I believe Deere41h was selling some a few months back. He may be able to help.

 

[joeatact]

CALLIGRAPHY NIB INSERTS I will keep them in stock. Found at this location as
a convenience for all.

Since they are hard to find here in the states and have to come from England
otherwise



http://tinyurl.com/gj4va

I have about 15 or so on hand. More on order