Kit recommendation?

Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad

cjester

Member
Joined
Nov 26, 2015
Messages
157
Location
Illinois
I made a fountain pen for my wife a while back. Now that she's used it for a while, she has a couple complaints. I'd like to make another one, but I'm having trouble picking out the right kit.

Cartridge size: She wants to stick with a cartridge, but would like something larger than the tiny cartridges most of the kits use. Parker makes a larger refill that she likes, but I haven't found any kits that will take the Parker cartridge.

Slimmer size: Most of the fountain pen kits tend to be chunky. She'd prefer something on the smaller side that's easier for her to hold.

The best answer is probably to jump in the deep end of kitless pens and make something custom for her, but I've got a lot of other projects in the queue right now, so if there's a suitable kit out there, it will get done a lot faster.

Any recommendations are appreciated. Thanks!
 
Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad

Mr Vic

Member
Joined
Aug 11, 2008
Messages
1,865
Location
Falcon, CO
Take a look at the Navigator. A lot slimmer then most. The Navigator can use a convertor and most fountain pens that will accept the International Convertor will accept the long cartridges. A quick test is to install the regular cartridge and then drop a spare into the body. If they both fit then they will use the longs.
 

darrin1200

Member
Joined
Mar 17, 2010
Messages
1,835
Location
Lyn, Ontario, Canada
I'm not sure which would be best for slimness, but the cartridge is fairly easy.

Private Reserve carries a long cartridge that fits the international. I believe Waterman and Montverde do as well.

It is a good excuse to go kitless though.
 

DaveT

Member
Joined
Feb 6, 2010
Messages
44
Location
NW Indiana
Parker cartridges are proprietary. Look for standard international long cartridges. If needed, you can make the body of the pen longer without too much effort to accommodate the longer cartridges.

Exotic blanks has some from Private Reserve and Monteverde.
 

ed4copies

Local Chapter Manager
Joined
Mar 25, 2005
Messages
24,523
Location
Racine, WI, USA.
The "navigator" recommended above is made by Berea. Berea dealers (including Exotics) sell it as the baron, the sedona is the same size and has rounded components--to me it looks more feminine.
 

cjester

Member
Joined
Nov 26, 2015
Messages
157
Location
Illinois
The "navigator" recommended above is made by Berea. Berea dealers (including Exotics) sell it as the baron, the sedona is the same size and has rounded components--to me it looks more feminine.

Ah, excellent! I was just looking at the Sedona last night. Glad to know it's a viable option.

BTW, I'm just a bit south of you. I'm in Hainesville, straight west of Six Flags. I'll wave from the highway next time I run up to Kettle Moraine.
 
Top Bottom