Why has it not occurred to anyone (other than custom makers) to make a short "pocket" pen that takes a good (i.e. NOT ballpoint) refill? I consider the Zebra 301-C to be the ultimate generic pocket pen EXCEPT for the freakin' refill. Seems to me they could increase the price 50 cents & sell a boatload of them if they put a decent gel or hybrid ink or rollerball refill in them.
Interesting. Just saw a review on this. It certainly fits the bill in size, however it doesn't seem to be available in either brass or copper (yes, I'm finicky!). Now, this actually isn't that much of a deal breaker; it would be nice if it were available in brass or copper, but black or silver is doable. However, one thing struck me in the review: It sounded scratchy, as if the pen were etching the paper. see Assuming you have one of these, is this your experience with this pen as well? Also: How did you go about priming the pen, given so little of the cartridge sticks out of the end of the body of the pen?
I have small biros. In this case, I'm trying to move away from them, so as to improve my handwriting, which for some reason is better with a fountain pen than a biro.
I just ordered one two days ago. I have seen the video, he is calling that feedback as opposed to scratchiness. I was looking at this one as well, similar to the Kaweko sport and has a good review https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gullor-Fountain-Pocket-Business-Signature/dp/B07FMQP443?th=1 that was in and out of my cart about 10 times before picking the Tasche. I will probably buy it as well and put it in my work bag. ox71
LOL. Rhodia is in the 'etc etc' group. Maruman Mnemosyne is in the 'Japanese notebook' group. L'chaim! Moshe ben David
Interesting. Rhodia seems to be popular, judging on what I've seen in a couple of specialist retailers over here. Never tried them, but then the only one in the format I prefer is almost identical to Moleskin, and similar to the A6-size Leuchtturm1917 notebooks. Same goes for the Maruman Mnemosyne, which I've not tried (sizing issues, see below). I prefer my notebooks to conform to the 3½" x 5½" format, so Field Notes and similar are my normal go-to brand, as they're easily available through my preferred notebook supplier (https://www.nerosnotes.co.uk/). I've also used Calepino 3½" x 5½" dot grid notebooks, which I found to be good, although I've not tried them with a fountain pen yet. Moleskin are nothing special, and I've used them when I've not been able to find anything else in the past, but I've not used them with a fountain pen yet, mind you.
Interesting. I might give that a shot, if I can find one that doesn't seem to have a fine nib (review suggests it's a fine nib).
yes all the reviews suggest the Chinese manufactured pens have fine nibs whether it's stated they have medium or not that is unfortunate. I learned cursive writing with a sheaffer student (or several) pen in elementary school and they were poorly performing pens, the ink dried slow and I'm left handed so everything was smudged and I went home with a stained hand. I'm currently training my right hand with a Jinhao x750 and the new pen will aid in this. ox71
If you prefer 3.5 x 5.5, in a side-opening format, Rhodia may not be your ticket. I think their comparable notebook is an A7 size. Neither Field Notes nor Moleskine are really that great for FP, I've been told (not a FP fan, myself). I know bother are borderline at best for freeflowing ink delivery systems, but are ok with gel & BP
Gonna be a little difficult to score one, since they were made in the 50's. Something like that would be a great idea for shorts or pants front pocket, if they would bring it back from the dead. I would advise against the Parker gel refill--they have a propensity to leak. The Itoya refills are good, but many (including me) prefer the Schmidt EasyFlow--very smooth and the ink doesn't run if it gets wet, unlike gel.
The issue with both Field Notes and Moleskine (and others of less recognizable brand names) is inconsistent performance with FP ink. They show tendencies towards bleed-through to the back of the page, ink spreading beyond where you might expect based on nib size, etc. These traits result often in notes that are difficult to read and pages that can only be used on one side. @RogerStenning: given you are in the UK perhaps you'll be able to find Black 'n' Red notebooks in the size you want? This brand often seems to get good marks from the fp community... I've also had success with Piccadilly notebooks in the same size as Moleskine, especially with a fine nib (or Japanese medium nib ) and say Pelikan or Pilot inks... L'chaim! Moshe ben David
I'm well aware of the variable quality of FN notebook papers; this said, I've had no trouble writing on them with the Platinum Preppy and the lamy Safari I have here. I've also tried the Pebble Stationery Co. 'Tomoe River' Notebooks. Wonderful for fountain pens, apparently, but the paper's incredibly thin, almost like bank paper weight; this said, I saw no bleed through using the two working FPs I have here, the Platinum Preppy, and the Lamy Safari, both with medium nibs. The others I have here, the two Kawecos and the unbranded thing, all had problems even on that excellent paper. YMMV, of course Also - I've seen Black 'n' Red, but afaik, they don't do 3.5" x 5.5" format notebooks?
@RogerStenning: yup, Tomoe River paper is very thin. Surprised the Kaweco pens had trouble; not surprised about the unbranded thing. All I really know about Black 'n' Red notebooks is from posts I've seen over on FPN. Never used one myself - they're not all that popular here Stateside. Although... I have seen them for sale at places like Kinko's (a photocopy type place) and Staples (big box stationery chain). I've read of some folks getting a package of bagasse type paper (made from sugar cane fiber after juice is extracted) or even say a higher end HP paper (~ 32 lb) and then having a stationery shop or printer cut and bind to notebooks of whatever size they wanted. Whilst I haven't done that, I have had larger notebooks cut down in size for me at printers at very very nominal pricing. I get the impression that cut and bind paper to make a notebook isn't too expensive if it is a neighborhood print shop. Plus you can really choose the paper you want. Best of luck in your quest! L'chaim! Moshe ben David
Doesn't work that way with printer shops around here, at least, sadly This said, it's not that hard to put together notebooks in they're A6 in size (A4 folded down twice). However, I have large stocks of FN notebooks, and it would be nice if I could find a metal-bodied FP that works with them; currently only the Platimum Preppy and the Lamy work with them. Ho hum
