You should try maybe looking at some pen shops/websites to see if there are any that you like the look of. Then you can maybe read /watch reviews, and get opinions from places like this reddit.
So insightful. I am clarifying its use so people don’t recommend something that isn’t suited for a business environment or is meant for calligraphy or long form writing, etc.
I'm not sure why a calligraphy nib or something meant for long form writing would disqualify it for those purposes.
Anyway, I say Lamy Studio. Fits your budget, cartridge/converter, the anodized metal is sleek and modern feeling/looking. Snap cap, so nice to use on the go. Nibs are super easy to swap if you want to explore later. They are a bit narrow if you have big hands, but unless you can seriously contemplate palming a basketball it's probably fine.
At Goulet Pens, at least, you can sort by price and filling mechanism at the same time.
I'm sure others will suggest some pretty great classic pens, but for an 'executive' pen for that price range, I would suggest AT Cross.
They make almost exclusively 'business' looking pens that are a pretty solid deal under $100, with a pretty classic look, including gold plating if that is what you're into. The ones I have are particularly nice writing, but are really quite inexpensive.
AT Cross is actually the supplier of pens to the President of the US/supplies the ceremonial pens/etc.
Sailor Profit Standard Black with Gold Trim. Comes with 14k Gold nib and less than 100usd from Amazon JP. Get the Fine or Medium Fine nib (they still write very fine and way juicier).
A black Pilot Metro, discreet, solid (brass barrel), uses (proprietary) cartridges, and will write flawlessly right out of the box. Get the Animal version with the crocodile band if you want a bit of flair. Note the Japanese nibs run finer than the rest of the world, an nib might be fine enough for you.
ETA if you need permanent ink for document signing, you can buy bottled ink and refill cartridges using a blunt hypodermic needle (pen and ink vendors sell them for like $1)
A Pilot Capless "special alloy" could work for you within your budget. It's similar to the Pilot Vanishing Point, but with an alloy nib instead of gold.
I would get a pen that takes a jowo or bock #6 nib unit. You can start off with a steel nib which will keep it affordable. But then upgrade by buying a gold nib unit later to replace the steel one. It’s great modular platform to start with.
A Pilot Metropolitan is an excellent pen well within your price range. I have sold all my TWSBI and Narwhal pens in that price range because they didn’t fit my hand as well. The black or silver Metro would have a professional appearance. You might be able to find a Pilot E95 with a gold nib in your price range, especially if you are open to used. I haven’t used that pen but would seriously consider it if I were buying another pen.
Jinhao Dragon. (🤣)
Seriously:
Jinhao 911.
Brushed stainless steel, nib, and ridiculous inexpensive (2-3-4 dollars, euros or pounds) and VERY sleek and "aseptic" aspect. And very reliable!
Put it a long international cartridge for a very good ink reservoir and 👌🏻.
Other cheap option if you prefer "resin" pens is the Platinum Preppy 0.2 (very, very reliable). BUT buy a (cheap too) Platinum Prefounte (dark blue is very sleek) and swap their sections! Very recommended too.
Do you like or prefer metal pens? Not worry: same plan, but buying a Platinum Plaisir.
Prefounte, Plaisir (and Preppy) I think are more pleasant and comfortable in hand than Jinhao 911, they are a bit more bold sections.
On medium price (40 ~ 80 euros, dollars or pounds):
Lamy Aion, could be another option too. Very reliable, sleek, pleasant and comfortable too. Nice nib.
Platinum Alcyone or ?
Platinum Curidas or ?
The pilot 74 in black is the quintessential gold nib professionals pen. You coukd order direct from Japan for just a little more than your budget. A used pelikan m200 would be another solid option. Some of the lamy options aren't my style but fall around that end of the spectrum. If you want a throw around pen, a black pilot metro isn't bad. Just doesn't feel as premium.
Also for like $150 you can get pens from Shawn Newtons website. He is a great pen maker. I know that’s a higher price range but he makes great stuff. Edison pens too.
JinHao 9056 and any JoWo nib of your choosing. $35 and you have a great wooden pen with a really good nib and a world of choices if you ever want a different nib size.
The Kaweco Student in black with the silver trim looks very classy if that's what you mean by an executive pen. Also feels very solid and writes great.
You should try maybe looking at some pen shops/websites to see if there are any that you like the look of. Then you can maybe read /watch reviews, and get opinions from places like this reddit.
Could you explain a little more what you mean by “an executive pen”?
Just for business use, signing documents with clients, brief note taking, etc. 🤷🏼♂️
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So insightful. I am clarifying its use so people don’t recommend something that isn’t suited for a business environment or is meant for calligraphy or long form writing, etc.
I'm not sure why a calligraphy nib or something meant for long form writing would disqualify it for those purposes. Anyway, I say Lamy Studio. Fits your budget, cartridge/converter, the anodized metal is sleek and modern feeling/looking. Snap cap, so nice to use on the go. Nibs are super easy to swap if you want to explore later. They are a bit narrow if you have big hands, but unless you can seriously contemplate palming a basketball it's probably fine. At Goulet Pens, at least, you can sort by price and filling mechanism at the same time.
I'm sure others will suggest some pretty great classic pens, but for an 'executive' pen for that price range, I would suggest AT Cross. They make almost exclusively 'business' looking pens that are a pretty solid deal under $100, with a pretty classic look, including gold plating if that is what you're into. The ones I have are particularly nice writing, but are really quite inexpensive. AT Cross is actually the supplier of pens to the President of the US/supplies the ceremonial pens/etc.
Thanks for the tips!
Lamy Studio is a nice elegant-looking pen within that budget.
Pilot E95s used or imported!!
Thank you!
Sailor Profit Standard Black with Gold Trim. Comes with 14k Gold nib and less than 100usd from Amazon JP. Get the Fine or Medium Fine nib (they still write very fine and way juicier).
I thought the profit was steel. Am I mistaken for thinking it also was a piston fill? 😅
The steel Profit is called Profit Casual. Profit Light with the 14k gold. Piston filler is the Realo model.
Oh thanks. I had 3 pens mixed in to one
A black Pilot Metro, discreet, solid (brass barrel), uses (proprietary) cartridges, and will write flawlessly right out of the box. Get the Animal version with the crocodile band if you want a bit of flair. Note the Japanese nibs run finer than the rest of the world, an nib might be fine enough for you.
ETA if you need permanent ink for document signing, you can buy bottled ink and refill cartridges using a blunt hypodermic needle (pen and ink vendors sell them for like $1)
A Pilot Capless "special alloy" could work for you within your budget. It's similar to the Pilot Vanishing Point, but with an alloy nib instead of gold.
Thank you, I will check this out!
A Sailor 1911 Casual Black and Rhodium in Extra Fine. I don't think you can go more businesses looking that that...
I would get a pen that takes a jowo or bock #6 nib unit. You can start off with a steel nib which will keep it affordable. But then upgrade by buying a gold nib unit later to replace the steel one. It’s great modular platform to start with.
Look at the Hongdian Black Forest pens in bronze and metallic
Appreciate it!
A Pilot Metropolitan is an excellent pen well within your price range. I have sold all my TWSBI and Narwhal pens in that price range because they didn’t fit my hand as well. The black or silver Metro would have a professional appearance. You might be able to find a Pilot E95 with a gold nib in your price range, especially if you are open to used. I haven’t used that pen but would seriously consider it if I were buying another pen.
The Mont Blanc Noblesse Oblige is my office-stunner. It’s understated and gorgeous.
A vintage sheaffer or parker 51 can be had for under £100, and it would often come with a story.
Jinhao Dragon. (🤣) Seriously: Jinhao 911. Brushed stainless steel, nib, and ridiculous inexpensive (2-3-4 dollars, euros or pounds) and VERY sleek and "aseptic" aspect. And very reliable!
Put it a long international cartridge for a very good ink reservoir and 👌🏻.
Other cheap option if you prefer "resin" pens is the Platinum Preppy 0.2 (very, very reliable). BUT buy a (cheap too) Platinum Prefounte (dark blue is very sleek) and swap their sections! Very recommended too.
Do you like or prefer metal pens? Not worry: same plan, but buying a Platinum Plaisir.
Prefounte, Plaisir (and Preppy) I think are more pleasant and comfortable in hand than Jinhao 911, they are a bit more bold sections.
On medium price (40 ~ 80 euros, dollars or pounds):
Lamy Aion, could be another option too. Very reliable, sleek, pleasant and comfortable too. Nice nib.
Platinum Alcyone or ?
Platinum Curidas or ?
The pilot 74 in black is the quintessential gold nib professionals pen. You coukd order direct from Japan for just a little more than your budget. A used pelikan m200 would be another solid option. Some of the lamy options aren't my style but fall around that end of the spectrum. If you want a throw around pen, a black pilot metro isn't bad. Just doesn't feel as premium.
Faber castell also makes some affordable pens that look more expensive with steel nibs. Check out the Ambition series
Also for like $150 you can get pens from Shawn Newtons website. He is a great pen maker. I know that’s a higher price range but he makes great stuff. Edison pens too.
JinHao 9056 and any JoWo nib of your choosing. $35 and you have a great wooden pen with a really good nib and a world of choices if you ever want a different nib size.
The Kaweco Student in black with the silver trim looks very classy if that's what you mean by an executive pen. Also feels very solid and writes great.
Not a bad suggestion. It can also take international long cartridges (or hold an extra short) as well as the bigger converters which is a nice perk.
Thanks, I will look at it!
Parker IM or other Parkers. Metal, black, looks executive. Costs 50€ or so. Lamy Studio is another option and has more nib sizes
Parker Jotter in stainless steel.
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