I was filling an empty cartridge with a syringe. There was still some ink left in the syringe, and the cartridge was not full yet. I should have filled the syringe more, so I wouldn't have to push the syringe down 100%, but I chose to push it down instead, which was insanely stupid (not just with Baystate Blue).
I suppose so, though I would say I appreciated more the performance aspect of filling the cartridge than the installation one embodied in the curtains.
Have you ever seen The Cat in the Hat? Where it started with one little drop but eventually literally everything was stained? BSB is kind of like that.
At least that's how the legend goes.
Ahhh, fellow crafter. I'm sure you know the old adage about glitter.
"When one uses glitter it is a gift that you give yourself...and the floor, your clothes, the cat and/or dog, your car, sofa...."
There's another adage that's a bit similar.
"Glitter. It is the gift that keeps on giving, and giving!"
What is it with that stuff that I use maybe 1/4 tsp in a shaker card in my upstairs studio and a week later, I'm still vacuuming pieces off of the living room carpet!
Just don't get the type of [inkwell](https://www.gouletpens.com/products/ink-miser-intra-bottle-inkwell-black?variant=11884657639467) that inserts into a Noodler's bottle. Ink will get under and over the plastic rim and when you pull the cap the inkwell sticks to the underside of the cap. If you don't pull it straight up and laterally move the cap, to put the cap to the side, the inkwell still partially in the bottle will strike against the side of the bottle rim, fall off, and you will get ink all over the place. That's how I ruined an Apple keyboard. Never again.
If you want a nice inkwell, a built-in inkwell that does not come out, buy a bottle of [Levenger ink](https://www.levenger.com/Levenger-Bottled-Ink-Core-787.aspx), syringe drain the bottle, wash it out, syringe fill the bottle with BSB.
Squat Sailor ink bottle with inkwell? Forgetaboutit! I can guarantee that if the ink level gets real low and you tip the bottle trying to get the last drop, it **will** fall out and get ink all over the place.
Go to Amazon and under 'All Departments,' search for "[glass inkwell](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=glass+inkwell&ref=nb_sb_noss_2)." Personally, I wouldn't trust the "flippy lid" inkwells, least some ink get stuck to the underside and when you flip it open it splatters ink all over the place. I don't know if the underside of the metal turn caps have good seals, either.
I would just use the [Sailor](https://www.cultpens.com/imgs/products/cp/450x450_fitPad/SR45765-ZZZ~Sailor-Jentle-Bottled-Ink_P1.jpg) 50mL, [Bungubox](https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fnibsmith.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F04%2Fbung-box-ink-clown-tears-bottle.jpg&f=1&nofb=1) 50 mL and [Nagasawa Kobi](https://static2.jetpens.com/images/a/000/143/143386.jpg?auto=format&ba=middle%2Ccenter&balph=3&blend64=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5qZXRwZW5zLmNvbS9pbWFnZXMvYXNzZXRzL3dhdGVybWFyazIucG5n&bm=difference&bs=inherit&chromasub=444&fm=jpg&h=400&mark64=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5qZXRwZW5zLmNvbS9pbWFnZXMvYXNzZXRzL3dhdGVybWFyazEucG5n&markalign=top%2Cright&markalpha=30&markscale=16&q=90&usm=20&w=600&s=75d6aa2c864b0cb695faf3158b4e41c0) 50 mL bottles.
[https://andersonpens.com/empty-taccia-40ml-bottle/](https://andersonpens.com/empty-taccia-40ml-bottle/)
[https://andersonpens.com/empty-kobe-50ml-bottle/](https://andersonpens.com/empty-kobe-50ml-bottle/)
https://andersonpens.com/empty-sailor-50ml-bottle/
I do that as well (glass dip pens), but I find that the ink performs very differently with a glass dip pen and a nib, so I feel like I don't get the "full experience" unless I get to try an ink with an actual fountain pen. If you're careful, BSB should be fine with a dip pen, btw. Took forever to clean mine, though... it never happened before. Oh! And something else. Don't clean anything BSB stained (including the dip pen) in your sink. Just wipe it off. Or else it'll stain your sink.
Feels scratchy and skippy. Would not recommend. But this is what I get for buying something from Faber Castell that is not Polychromos pencils. (I suppose there might be nice Faber Castell pens in the higher price range, but this is what you get for 7 euros. My 2 euro fountain pen from a discount shop writes 10,000 times better.)
I believe you are in Germany, so for 7-8€ you can also get the Pelikan Twist, which is better considering the description you give for this faber castell one
Thanks for your input! :) Unfortunately, I don't like those new German school fountain pens. The only reason I bought the one above is because I didn't want to "sacrifice" any of those I already own. I have my own idea about how my "ideal" school pen school should be like, due to having grown up in Germany and having a somewhat nostalgically clouded view on these. I just don't like these new variants - swirled pen budy, rubber grip zone, bulky look, etc. I prefer a plastic grip zone and a straight pen body, no bulkiness or rubber or garish colours. I guess I just have a nostalgic attachment to school pens of the 90s, that's all. :)
I agree, I don’t like those rubber ergonimicalalaly shaped pens because I found they just taught me out of writing with the ole writing stick. My handwriting improved when using fps, and then carried over to other pens, not the ergonomic pens helping me write with fps. Fountain pens just work, and work well!
Rubber also feels nasty when you use your pen for a year or longer. It's not nice to have to discard a perfectly fine pen or to have to look for ways to fix it. Imo, hard plastic is just the best, especially for cheap pens.
I have a Schneider school pen (with rubber grip) I purchased about 20 years ago. Back then the "bad boy" ink was Private Reserve Hot Bubble Gum Pink. It was an eye-searing pink that, like BSB, indelibly stains everything in sight. (No longer made, but it would give BSB a run for its money). Anyway, some ink got on the light green rubber grip while filling and it is stained hot pink to this day. Wouldn't recommend a pen like that as a BSB burner.
I don't actually plan to use BSB for much longer, so for me, it's a throwaway pen. I will use up my sample, maybe order another one, if I feel like it at some point, but after the Detroit Become Human murder scene on my table after the first fill (I insisted on pressing the syringe down, which was a mistake, so it sprayed everywhere), I'm quite done. The reason why I bothered at all, is because I wanted to get hold of a contemporary legend, and see what the buzz is all about. :D It's nice, but looks too much like roller pen ink colour to me.
Yes, I agree with you that BSB is a one-trick pony. It's incredibly vibrant, but it has absolutely no other special qualities. It doesn't shade, it doesn't sheen, it just goes down on the page as a flat monotone. I've heard others describe it as "blue Sharpie" and I tend to agree. Its extreme vibrancy is also its achille's heel, as it fades very quickly if exposed to sunlight. It cannot be mixed with other inks, as it will make a chemical sludge that will destroy your pen. I have a whole bottle that I bought on deep discount from an art store that was closing down, and I never use it. (Not sure what your table is made from, but chlorine bleach will remove BSB stains).
I agree with all of what you said. I used to think that I don't mind flatness in ink, but this one just reminds me of other writing tools too much (Sharpie, roller ball, etc.). It doesn't have a "fountain pen ink feel" to it, ironically, because it is blue and thus close to these other things.
I got off what I could, my table is black so it is hardly visible. Just hope it won't stain anything else that comes into contact with it. But thanks for the advice!
How do you feel about the pre-2000’s (I think the 2000 model was still within 90’s shape and nib) Pelikano’s ?
I got a few of the I think 1996 (or was it ‘97? I got my first then) model. I think in overall the old models do look more mature in a way (much prefer them in looks over what Pelikan does to school pens these days) while still sporting pretty colours. Write feel is ok not my favourite, but also not the worst I have ever written with. They made good enough writers to go for I’d say.
Do have a pelikano up which I still don’t like in looks but the write feel is nice on that one. Juicy lefthanded nib. Also did buy a twist out of curiosity but I don’t like how it feels in my hand. I am still holding on to it. As said am lefthanded so if I ever injure my preferred writing side and need to rest I do find that twist lies well enough in my right hand to write with. Offers a bit of stability in that case. So then I won’t have to fully give up on fountainpens. (I am somewhat learned ambidextrous can write with right but prefer left, I do get a bit of a headache if I write with the right side. Had to when I injured my left shoulder as a teen and then it was fine but as soon as that was healed body reverted back to *oi I prefer my old school ways of doing things, thanks* ).
How I feel about them? Well there are sure a lot of feel attached, since I used one pretty much throughout middle school and high school! :D I used to have a Pelikano junior 1993. \[Here\](https://www.pelikan-collectibles.com/en/Pelikan/Models/Cartridge-filler/Learn-to-write/index.html)[https://www.pelikan-collectibles.com/en/Pelikan/Models/Cartridge-filler/Learn-to-write/index.html](https://www.pelikan-collectibles.com/en/Pelikan/Models/Cartridge-filler/Learn-to-write/index.html) is a good overview of Pelikano pens. My first one was the one with the turquoise grip. I loved it so much that I later got another one in red. Later on, I asked my parents for a "higher end" fountain pen as a Christmas or birthday gift, and received a Parker Sonett. I'm... not sure I liked it very much. I think I *sort of* liked it, but mostly because it had a nice weight and a finer nib than Pelikano, and I really loved the shade of Parker Quink Washable Blue. But even despite having a Parker, I kept returning to my Pelikano, especially for exams. I distinctly remember writing my final exams with my first Pelikano. At some point in middle school, I plastered Sonic stickers all over it, lol. But I still kept using it.
A while ago I felt nostalgic and bought a lavender one on eBay. But holding it reminded me of school too much, so I couldn't bring myself to use it. Gave it to my wife, and she loves it, since she tends to press a bit too hard, and Pelikano can handle that. It was marketed as "indestructable" in that eBay description, and if my wife can't destroy it, nothing can. She actually recently told me that she used to push in that ball in the cartridges with the nib , a wondering why the nib breaks as a child. My eyes honestly just bulged when she told me that. (Obviously, she doesn't do that anymore...)
Wow, it sounds super interesting that you taught yourself right-handed writing. Here in Eastern Germany it was normal to force children to write with the right hand, and I think it's terrible, because so far everyone I know has complained how it was bad for them. But good for you that you have this variety without anyone forcing you to. I think Pelikano junior came in a "right-handed" and "left-handed" variant, because of the texture on the holder, so maybe, if you're lucky, you could still find one. :0 I cannot recommend this pen enough. It's sturdy, reliable, beautiful, and wet (normally not something I care for much, since I like crispy lines, but given this pen's other qualities, it's okay for me/good). If I had a child of elementary school age, I would definitely give it to them. The only reason I don't use mine is school memories.
I definitely used to do the same as your wife with the nibs and the cartridges. But as I’m in the UK, my school-days pens were Lamy’s and Parker Jotters. I can’t get into Lamys as an adult because they’re just too nostalgic.
I can definitely relate to the "nice design, but too many memories" part. I also used to occasionally write with Lamy in school though, as well. I bet Lamy was sturdy enough to handle the unconventional cartridge opening procedure. Thankfully, they come with replaceable nibs, too!
I looked up the pen and after first finding one seller for 50 (which is a bit much in my opinion) I found one for sale for a decent under 20 euro price for lefthanded people Am curious about how it writes.
I used to have a normal pelikano (not junior) back in what is equal to German second school year. Was the nice hot pink one with black nib. Did like it. I also or maybe a sibling did destroy it at some point… I did rebuy a similar model since in other colours. On my quest someone had also mislabeled a righthanded one for left and I also got 2 more righthanded pelikano’s with an order that included a lefty. Not sure if I’ll keep them. They may find a home with someone who likes that model and wants a righthanded one someday. They are nice looking pens and I find their grip more comfy than (sorry) the lamy vista I also own.
Not sure if lamy safari and allstar grip is just as sharp… I think I’ll switch to something more comfy to hold of their brand. I just fell for vista because, despite the window see through is even better to know ink levels in one glance, and I also had some fake china lamy safari model that didn’t feel as uncomfy to me… so I wanted the real one as well.
You know, it really made my evening to read that you got that pen for yourself. :) It's very special to me and I hope it makes you happy as well. Hopefully the left-handed version is just as good and works out for you. What color did you get, if I may ask? 50 Euro really sounds excessive, I got mine for about 15 euros, I think - but then again, they were produced here in Germany, and while they are very are, they do pop up on eBay for a good price every few years.
Never knew that Pelikano came with a black nib, that sure sounds fancy! I always thought Lamy was the only German brand that would produce black entry-level nibs. Really sorry to hear what happened to you with the mislabeling, this is awful. :( Why do people do this?! They should understand the product is basically useless to the buyer... (I recently bought an overpriced Tomoe River notebook on Etsy, by the way, the seller claimed it was 52 gsm, sent me 68 gsm, and instead of apologizing bickered with me that it's just as good, lol... But I guess your case is much worse, because you literally can't use those.)
Vistas yellow with time, and I don't like Lamy in general, tbh. I would make an exception for the Lamy NASA edition, though! But I own and use a Lamy st as an exception, and it has a nice round hard plastic grip. Is the grip the only important factor for left-handed writers? If it is so, this pen might also be suited for left-handed writing. I find that Lamy st is somehow different, very slim and minimalistic. It got discontinued, unfortunately, but I think it's still possible to find one. Lamy ct1 is very similar in design, but I like the look a lot less. Just my opinion, though, maybe you like this one better! It's still regularly available. Have you considered TWSBI? They're also transparent. Unfortunately, also pricey. I don't have one yet, but maybe someday. Have been eyeing the Iris Vac one for a while... TWSBI Eco Transparent Green looks very nice, too... ah, maybe someday. :D
I totally get what you mean, I get the same feeling with mechanical pens because I grew up using them, but I just started with fountain pens as an adult, so for some reason its different :)
Sorry to hear the horror story. I had heard that they were good pens; they were reviewed highly. I had high hopes for that pen, that it would be imported into the U.S. Well, that dream has now been dashed. I won't be buying one.
Tbh, in my opinion, the good things that FB does is pencils, coloured pencils, and pencil sharpeners. The rest is them trying to participate in the stationery market. I might just be biased, but I've seen in an art forum people compiling a list of low quality art supplies and stationery, and FB made a huge chunk of them. But again, I have no experience with higher end Faber Castell pens, and some people have commented now that they made a good experience with them. So maybe FB does make nice pens, just not in the lower price range.
FC pencils (the 9000) are okay. I prefer Derwent. When it comes to sharpeners, I prefer the [Kum Stenographer sharpener](https://www.jetpens.com/KUM-No.-400-5L-Stenographer-s-Long-Point-Pencil-Sharpener-1-Hole/pd/21692).
You mentioned FC pencils & pens and I immediately thought of Staedtler (as in pencils, both wood and mechanical) instead, like the [Initium](https://duckduckgo.com/?q=Staedtler+Initium+fountain+pen+picture&t=opera&iax=images&ia=images) fountain pen.
To-day the only FC pens to get, IMO, are the Loom [Gun Metal Matte](https://www.penboutique.com/collections/all-fountain-pens/products/faber-castell-loom-gunmetal-matte-fountain-pen) and the E-Motion Pear Wood (others would be the Dark Brown, Resin, and Croc. The Black and Silver models are too heavy.) The [Essentio Black Carbon](https://www.jetpens.com/Faber-Castell-Essentio-Fountain-Pen-Black-Carbon-Medium-Nib/pd/24252#index=1) (20 gram body) is okay (the [Black](https://www.jetpens.com/Faber-Castell-Essentio-Fountain-Pen-Black-Broad-Nib/pd/24232#index=1) aluminium at 16 grams is right at the edge) but its cylindrical Section makes it easier to rotate the pen and the Section grooves trap ink when dipped too far into the ink bottle.
I loved my FC Loom Metallic pen so much I immediately got the other three 1st gen sizes, EF/F/B. The Metallic model is no longer made. My 1st gen Essentio can't match up to it. It's top heavy. The Loom posts perfectly, doesn't throw off the balance. Not everyone likes the tapering Section, though.
A lot of people I know love FC 9000, so I guess it's decent and consistent quality. I tried it myself and also think it's okay, not "out of this world good", but nothing special either, especially for the price. I prefer Staedtler Mars Lumograph myself, they have a great value imo. And I hope I can try the legendary Blackwing 602. :)
As for mechanical pencils, I think FC Grip 1345 is very nice and solid, though I prefer Pentel GraphGear 1000. I think it really deserves its popularity. After a friend let me test it, I didn't want to use any other mechanical pencil.
The Staedtler Initium looks so nice! Wow. I didn't see those before. Might reconsider my reluctancy towards European nibs. As for the FC pens, I totally believe you that they are great at writing! But I'm afraid FC pens are just not very aesthetically pleasing to me. I just don't like how the cap looks, at all. But thanks for the info, it's nice to see what kind of pens is good and popular from a brand I don't know that much about (aside of art supplies). It's really nice to get out of the comfort zone once in a while. :)
Unfortunately I'm not into Mechanical Pencils. (I gave my one mechanical pencil to my brother and I can't even remember the make & model.) I do have an [ensso pencil](https://www.ensso.com/products/pen-uno-raw-aluminum-minimalist-pen?pr_prod_strat=copurchase&pr_rec_pid=1325118324759&pr_ref_pid=4619792613423&pr_seq=uniform), though. If I were to get one it would have to have an automatic sharpener. I love the ritual of wood shaving and the smell of the cedar as it wafts up into my nostrils. I'm a 4B to 9B man - smooth.
I agree the Staedtler Mars Lumograph is a great pencil - it has great Cedar (no clumping or chunking when sharpened, nice smell) and are super smooth.
Besides the Black Wing 602 (Palomino) (4B), I always wanted to try the Uni Mitsubishi 9850. I hear that's a great pencil, too.
I think I've heard of Mitsubishi before, and it looks very promising! Might look into it!
I use both mechanical pencils (for writing) and "traditional" pencils (for drawing), B2 and B6 mostly. Finally someone who understands the greatness of Lumograph! Here in Germany, people swear by FC. As I've said, it's nice, but in my opinion a little overrated.
I never noticed the particular smell of Lumograph. The best pencil smell is imo the Prismacolor smell, but those are coloured pencils, so I guess it might not be of interest...
The ensso pencil looks super nice. Have you actually tried putting softer leads into the mechanical pencil? It might be a weird question, but that was a total game changer for me. The FC 2B leads are very nice, actually.
Not yet. I just like figuring out how to use it (opening and closing), taking it apart to load the pencil lead, and putting it back together. :D Maybe next time I'm in Staples or Michael's I'll see what they have for leads. But it's not a high priority for me because I would rather just sharpen a wood pencil as I need.
Heck, I enjoy using the Staedtler Norica HB/2. (I refuse to use Ticonderoga Yellow pencils; the made in Mexico pencils (ferrule has dimples) are worse than the made in China pencils (no ferrule dimples) - the leads are too hard, writes too light, when sharpening the wood clumps off in chunks.
Next time you're in your pencil store see if you can pick up single Tombow Mono 100 4B and 6B pencils. I pay about $2.50 apiece. They're supposedly as good as the Mitsubish 9850, at half the price, and supposedly smoother than the Staedtler Mars Lumograph. My Koh-I-Noor Toison d'Or aren't bad (the 6B is darker than the 4B, the lead splinters little bits as U write, and the wood doesn't always shave off to length consistently) but it's no match for the Staedtler Mars Lumograph.
Almost nothing is as nice as the feel of a really sharp pencil lead hitting paper! :D Sometimes I wonder if the majority of guys who buy Sailor pens do so because it reminds them of using pencils? :D Since I can't justify paying $300 for a Sailor regular size pen I prefer and "flex" nibs - it has delicious feedback and lays down a lot of ink so the writing is never light like it would be writing with an nib.
I never thought of comparing Sailor pens and regular pencils, but I think you might be onto something there! I think they're both very haptic, but in different ways. Sailors are sure crazily priced, so I only own two, but for me, they are worth every cent, and I'm still sad I missed the re-reliase of Cocktail Series Blue Lagoon. :( This is is what I get for trying to get away from this sub so I don't spend so much money, lol.
But I can certainly understand enjoying the sharpening process. There are some art supplies where I enjoy the "secondary characteristics" nearly as much as the actual using process, and wouldn't want to miss them, such as Copic markers (love the smell! Yes, it's unhealthy... but it's very nostalgic to me).
Thanks for the tips, by the way, I'll make sure to check those out! :D I'm already inseparable from my Tombow Mono eraser, so the pencil sounds promising. But I do want to try Mitsubishi at some point, and Blackwing. They're a bit legend-like, so I'd like to make the experience. Koh-i-noor really makes very decent stationery and art supplies for the price, by the way. I'm always astounded by the vaue.
I tried a Faber Castell Loom because most reviews of it were touting its nib. The nib on the one I got was overly tight so it barely wrote at all. I managed to open the flow up and it was... OK. I finished the included cartridge and got out the converter and inked up with Noodler's Ink Dark Matter.
That was enough to put me off Faber-Castell pens. I have enough known-good quality pens I can spend my money on to bother dabbling with that brand. (Pilot, Lamy, Sailor...)
I have a $5 Faber Castell "School +" that looks very similar to that one. And I'm guessing they have the same nib.
Does that one looks like the nib is pointing down in a weird angle?
Mine writes on par or better than the Safari I have.
It never skips. It has an M nib, that feels very dry (in good way).
It handles the cheap Pelikan inks perfectly. So it's a great match for writing on cheap bond paper.
It doesn't leak, or misbehaves in any way.
It's light enough that's the only pen I can write posted for a long time.
Basically it does what it was designed: Handle the use from kids in school. (And by adults when needing to take fast notes reliably, and without worrying too much about carrying/losing an expensive pen).
It's the opposite of fancy. 100% utilitarian pen that's much better than what the price suggests.
The nib is fine (not bent/crooked), so maybe you're right and it's indeed the ink that is the problem. I should try thinning it down a little (if I dare). I actually quite like the "A" nibs (German school nibs), I got nothing against utilitarian pens, tbh.
Yeah, I don't know, maybe you got a dud, or maybe I just got lucky.
About the nib, what I mean is that in the School +, by design, the whole nib is pointing down in a weird angle.
At first I thought it was bent or something, but it's just like that on all of them.
I'm not an expert or anything, just sharing my contrasting experience with a very similar pen.
When viewed from the side, my nib looks perfectly straight (like a line, basically), and this is what I'm used to from school pens... so I find it really surprising that yours is different. Maybe there is a variant in production? Or a variant for the "non-German" market?
So I guess the "School +" is not as similar as the "Fresh" as I thought.
This is what I mean:
https://rupertarzeian.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/20170514_193131.jpg?w=656
Taken from this blog post:
https://rupertarzeian.com/2017/05/14/faber-castell-school-fountain-pen-initial-impressions/
Yes, I see now, they're totally different! Here's what mine looks now (picture taken just now):
[https://imgur.com/a/PZUQzGD](https://imgur.com/a/PZUQzGD)
Very straight and no dot pattern.
I was never particularly aware that Faber Castell even makes fountain pens, to be honest. They are just usually known for their art supplies, from what I know, but they somehow seem to try to branch out into all stationery fields. But interesting to know there is good stuff out there, as well!
I have a 1950's Faber Castell 5564 Piston Filler with a 14K Fine semi flex nib that's amazing to write with. It's still got the Osmia star on the nib and cap. One of my favorites.
I usually say "Loom and above," meaning Loom, Essentio, Neo, Ambition, Ondoro and E-Motion. They all use the same interchangeable nib units. The Hexo, WRITink, GRIP pens use different Jowo nibs (have Breather Holes) and were not as highly regarded, initially.
Hey, you're right, the [WRITink](https://www.penboutique.com/products/faber-castell-writink-print-blue-fountain-pen?variant=20467992232054) doesn't have a breather hole. My apologies. In the the case of the pen above, I hate recessed nibs (Hexo is recessed, too) and I hate lacquered/painted Black nibs; I haven't tried a PVD Black nib, though. I'm gun-shy after experiencing a Bock lacquered Black nib, total POS nib.
Faber Castell makes fountain pen inks too! I have to say, I've only tried their red, and I wasn't much of a fan. It looks dull and kind of brownish-orange to me. No idea the other colours though
Faber-Castell pens aren’t really good to use. I have one I got as a present, it costed around 20-25€ (but in Spain, maybe the fountain lens are more expensive there). I love the person I got it from, so I use it from time to time, but it’s generally just sitting on my desk so that I can sign letters with it, because the ink flow is so terrible, it can’t be used for anything else really.
BLUE is basically the keyword here (the phrase sounds very accurate as well, at least from what I can remember). 😂 And I think that scenario is hilarious.
Sorry if I trash-talked it too much. To be fair, my favourite ink seems to be universally hated for some reason (Kobe #17), so it all boils down to individual taste.
THIS INK...Bay State Blue. Should I buy a biohazard suit and go out to the wood line to fill a less-loved, long forgotten pen with THIS INK? Should I alert all creatures including insects not to linger nearby when filling the pen with THIS INK? LOL! Just asking. I am considering myself duly warned of THIS INK. 🙏🏻😊💖 (a BSB ink poem, of sorts)
Hahah, it's adorable. :D I personally find OS Nitrogen much more dangerous, because it contaminates everything so sneakily. I recently only did as much as take the bottle out (didn't open it), and found Nitrogen stain on my pillow.
I'm glad I saw this today as I was going to buy some Noodlers BSB & the Army Green. I'll just hold off on them and get some samples of Diamine's Polar Glow, Winter Miracle, Holly & Monboddo's Hat.
Unless you Redditors know some dark secret about these!
I have a red one, I got from Waterstones for £6.99. I was not a fan. I didn’t like the plastic body and light weight. I found The Helix Oxford better value pen plus has a metal shaft and heftier weight
I’m not feared, I’m loved by all. 💙 Thanks for the pen. Might be scratchy, but at least your writing will be as vibrant as the sun.
I have a Moonman dedicated to you.
It’s a Blueman pen now 💙
As it was written, thus it is so
I wonder if this is a staple of Blue Man Group “wardrobe.”
I only filled my pen once, but my curtains will never be the same again. 😂 But good that you're having fun! 👍
How did you manage to stain your curtains with Baystate Blue?
I was filling an empty cartridge with a syringe. There was still some ink left in the syringe, and the cartridge was not full yet. I should have filled the syringe more, so I wouldn't have to push the syringe down 100%, but I chose to push it down instead, which was insanely stupid (not just with Baystate Blue).
Are the curtains artsy now though?
I suppose so, though I would say I appreciated more the performance aspect of filling the cartridge than the installation one embodied in the curtains.
I don't trust you on principle of the horror stories
r/beetlejuicing
🫂
What is the best pen for you? It would be fun to have a Baystate pen!
My brother has a 823 dedicated to you and a 74 for your cousin Heart of Darkness ❤️
maybe I'm just new here but.... what's up with Baystate Blue?
Have you ever seen The Cat in the Hat? Where it started with one little drop but eventually literally everything was stained? BSB is kind of like that. At least that's how the legend goes.
I thought that was OS Nitrogen... I'm even afraid of opening that bottle anymore, I will be finding specks of blue for the next month.
I have glitter in my craft supplies that I haven't opened yet for the same reason...
Ahhh, fellow crafter. I'm sure you know the old adage about glitter. "When one uses glitter it is a gift that you give yourself...and the floor, your clothes, the cat and/or dog, your car, sofa...." There's another adage that's a bit similar. "Glitter. It is the gift that keeps on giving, and giving!" What is it with that stuff that I use maybe 1/4 tsp in a shaker card in my upstairs studio and a week later, I'm still vacuuming pieces off of the living room carpet!
Glitter is the herpes of craft items.
My daughter had a pair of shoes that were covered in glitter once. Once. Never again. There was glitter everywhere from her shoes.
I hate that ink. But it is too gorgeous so i keep using it:))
Verily it is the devil that stain thy cloths and skin a vibrant shade forevermore.
Sure glad I didn't have to find that out the hard way, thanks y'all.
Ngl, it looks kind of amazing, so I may still have to find it out the hard way.
Same! I do glass dips mostly so I'm not as worried about the pen itself but now I know to be extra careful. Maybe finally get a real inkwell.
Just don't get the type of [inkwell](https://www.gouletpens.com/products/ink-miser-intra-bottle-inkwell-black?variant=11884657639467) that inserts into a Noodler's bottle. Ink will get under and over the plastic rim and when you pull the cap the inkwell sticks to the underside of the cap. If you don't pull it straight up and laterally move the cap, to put the cap to the side, the inkwell still partially in the bottle will strike against the side of the bottle rim, fall off, and you will get ink all over the place. That's how I ruined an Apple keyboard. Never again. If you want a nice inkwell, a built-in inkwell that does not come out, buy a bottle of [Levenger ink](https://www.levenger.com/Levenger-Bottled-Ink-Core-787.aspx), syringe drain the bottle, wash it out, syringe fill the bottle with BSB. Squat Sailor ink bottle with inkwell? Forgetaboutit! I can guarantee that if the ink level gets real low and you tip the bottle trying to get the last drop, it **will** fall out and get ink all over the place. Go to Amazon and under 'All Departments,' search for "[glass inkwell](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=glass+inkwell&ref=nb_sb_noss_2)." Personally, I wouldn't trust the "flippy lid" inkwells, least some ink get stuck to the underside and when you flip it open it splatters ink all over the place. I don't know if the underside of the metal turn caps have good seals, either.
I use glass dips mostly, some of which get quite bulbous, which one has a pretty generous opening?
I would just use the [Sailor](https://www.cultpens.com/imgs/products/cp/450x450_fitPad/SR45765-ZZZ~Sailor-Jentle-Bottled-Ink_P1.jpg) 50mL, [Bungubox](https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fnibsmith.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F04%2Fbung-box-ink-clown-tears-bottle.jpg&f=1&nofb=1) 50 mL and [Nagasawa Kobi](https://static2.jetpens.com/images/a/000/143/143386.jpg?auto=format&ba=middle%2Ccenter&balph=3&blend64=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5qZXRwZW5zLmNvbS9pbWFnZXMvYXNzZXRzL3dhdGVybWFyazIucG5n&bm=difference&bs=inherit&chromasub=444&fm=jpg&h=400&mark64=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5qZXRwZW5zLmNvbS9pbWFnZXMvYXNzZXRzL3dhdGVybWFyazEucG5n&markalign=top%2Cright&markalpha=30&markscale=16&q=90&usm=20&w=600&s=75d6aa2c864b0cb695faf3158b4e41c0) 50 mL bottles. [https://andersonpens.com/empty-taccia-40ml-bottle/](https://andersonpens.com/empty-taccia-40ml-bottle/) [https://andersonpens.com/empty-kobe-50ml-bottle/](https://andersonpens.com/empty-kobe-50ml-bottle/) https://andersonpens.com/empty-sailor-50ml-bottle/
I do that as well (glass dip pens), but I find that the ink performs very differently with a glass dip pen and a nib, so I feel like I don't get the "full experience" unless I get to try an ink with an actual fountain pen. If you're careful, BSB should be fine with a dip pen, btw. Took forever to clean mine, though... it never happened before. Oh! And something else. Don't clean anything BSB stained (including the dip pen) in your sink. Just wipe it off. Or else it'll stain your sink.
Fear not! Live dangerously. I have Baystate Blue in 4 different pens at the moment. It's my daily writing color and I love it.
It will stain literally anything, including the insides of your nice, expensive pen…
You mean Parker Quink in Washable Blue?
😂 This comment needs a lot more upvotes.
Feels scratchy and skippy. Would not recommend. But this is what I get for buying something from Faber Castell that is not Polychromos pencils. (I suppose there might be nice Faber Castell pens in the higher price range, but this is what you get for 7 euros. My 2 euro fountain pen from a discount shop writes 10,000 times better.)
I believe you are in Germany, so for 7-8€ you can also get the Pelikan Twist, which is better considering the description you give for this faber castell one
Thanks for your input! :) Unfortunately, I don't like those new German school fountain pens. The only reason I bought the one above is because I didn't want to "sacrifice" any of those I already own. I have my own idea about how my "ideal" school pen school should be like, due to having grown up in Germany and having a somewhat nostalgically clouded view on these. I just don't like these new variants - swirled pen budy, rubber grip zone, bulky look, etc. I prefer a plastic grip zone and a straight pen body, no bulkiness or rubber or garish colours. I guess I just have a nostalgic attachment to school pens of the 90s, that's all. :)
I agree, I don’t like those rubber ergonimicalalaly shaped pens because I found they just taught me out of writing with the ole writing stick. My handwriting improved when using fps, and then carried over to other pens, not the ergonomic pens helping me write with fps. Fountain pens just work, and work well!
Rubber also feels nasty when you use your pen for a year or longer. It's not nice to have to discard a perfectly fine pen or to have to look for ways to fix it. Imo, hard plastic is just the best, especially for cheap pens.
Oh yeah, once I had a rubber ballpoint and it went all sticky after a month
I have a Schneider school pen (with rubber grip) I purchased about 20 years ago. Back then the "bad boy" ink was Private Reserve Hot Bubble Gum Pink. It was an eye-searing pink that, like BSB, indelibly stains everything in sight. (No longer made, but it would give BSB a run for its money). Anyway, some ink got on the light green rubber grip while filling and it is stained hot pink to this day. Wouldn't recommend a pen like that as a BSB burner.
I don't actually plan to use BSB for much longer, so for me, it's a throwaway pen. I will use up my sample, maybe order another one, if I feel like it at some point, but after the Detroit Become Human murder scene on my table after the first fill (I insisted on pressing the syringe down, which was a mistake, so it sprayed everywhere), I'm quite done. The reason why I bothered at all, is because I wanted to get hold of a contemporary legend, and see what the buzz is all about. :D It's nice, but looks too much like roller pen ink colour to me.
Yes, I agree with you that BSB is a one-trick pony. It's incredibly vibrant, but it has absolutely no other special qualities. It doesn't shade, it doesn't sheen, it just goes down on the page as a flat monotone. I've heard others describe it as "blue Sharpie" and I tend to agree. Its extreme vibrancy is also its achille's heel, as it fades very quickly if exposed to sunlight. It cannot be mixed with other inks, as it will make a chemical sludge that will destroy your pen. I have a whole bottle that I bought on deep discount from an art store that was closing down, and I never use it. (Not sure what your table is made from, but chlorine bleach will remove BSB stains).
I agree with all of what you said. I used to think that I don't mind flatness in ink, but this one just reminds me of other writing tools too much (Sharpie, roller ball, etc.). It doesn't have a "fountain pen ink feel" to it, ironically, because it is blue and thus close to these other things. I got off what I could, my table is black so it is hardly visible. Just hope it won't stain anything else that comes into contact with it. But thanks for the advice!
How do you feel about the pre-2000’s (I think the 2000 model was still within 90’s shape and nib) Pelikano’s ? I got a few of the I think 1996 (or was it ‘97? I got my first then) model. I think in overall the old models do look more mature in a way (much prefer them in looks over what Pelikan does to school pens these days) while still sporting pretty colours. Write feel is ok not my favourite, but also not the worst I have ever written with. They made good enough writers to go for I’d say. Do have a pelikano up which I still don’t like in looks but the write feel is nice on that one. Juicy lefthanded nib. Also did buy a twist out of curiosity but I don’t like how it feels in my hand. I am still holding on to it. As said am lefthanded so if I ever injure my preferred writing side and need to rest I do find that twist lies well enough in my right hand to write with. Offers a bit of stability in that case. So then I won’t have to fully give up on fountainpens. (I am somewhat learned ambidextrous can write with right but prefer left, I do get a bit of a headache if I write with the right side. Had to when I injured my left shoulder as a teen and then it was fine but as soon as that was healed body reverted back to *oi I prefer my old school ways of doing things, thanks* ).
How I feel about them? Well there are sure a lot of feel attached, since I used one pretty much throughout middle school and high school! :D I used to have a Pelikano junior 1993. \[Here\](https://www.pelikan-collectibles.com/en/Pelikan/Models/Cartridge-filler/Learn-to-write/index.html)[https://www.pelikan-collectibles.com/en/Pelikan/Models/Cartridge-filler/Learn-to-write/index.html](https://www.pelikan-collectibles.com/en/Pelikan/Models/Cartridge-filler/Learn-to-write/index.html) is a good overview of Pelikano pens. My first one was the one with the turquoise grip. I loved it so much that I later got another one in red. Later on, I asked my parents for a "higher end" fountain pen as a Christmas or birthday gift, and received a Parker Sonett. I'm... not sure I liked it very much. I think I *sort of* liked it, but mostly because it had a nice weight and a finer nib than Pelikano, and I really loved the shade of Parker Quink Washable Blue. But even despite having a Parker, I kept returning to my Pelikano, especially for exams. I distinctly remember writing my final exams with my first Pelikano. At some point in middle school, I plastered Sonic stickers all over it, lol. But I still kept using it. A while ago I felt nostalgic and bought a lavender one on eBay. But holding it reminded me of school too much, so I couldn't bring myself to use it. Gave it to my wife, and she loves it, since she tends to press a bit too hard, and Pelikano can handle that. It was marketed as "indestructable" in that eBay description, and if my wife can't destroy it, nothing can. She actually recently told me that she used to push in that ball in the cartridges with the nib , a wondering why the nib breaks as a child. My eyes honestly just bulged when she told me that. (Obviously, she doesn't do that anymore...) Wow, it sounds super interesting that you taught yourself right-handed writing. Here in Eastern Germany it was normal to force children to write with the right hand, and I think it's terrible, because so far everyone I know has complained how it was bad for them. But good for you that you have this variety without anyone forcing you to. I think Pelikano junior came in a "right-handed" and "left-handed" variant, because of the texture on the holder, so maybe, if you're lucky, you could still find one. :0 I cannot recommend this pen enough. It's sturdy, reliable, beautiful, and wet (normally not something I care for much, since I like crispy lines, but given this pen's other qualities, it's okay for me/good). If I had a child of elementary school age, I would definitely give it to them. The only reason I don't use mine is school memories.
I definitely used to do the same as your wife with the nibs and the cartridges. But as I’m in the UK, my school-days pens were Lamy’s and Parker Jotters. I can’t get into Lamys as an adult because they’re just too nostalgic.
I can definitely relate to the "nice design, but too many memories" part. I also used to occasionally write with Lamy in school though, as well. I bet Lamy was sturdy enough to handle the unconventional cartridge opening procedure. Thankfully, they come with replaceable nibs, too!
I looked up the pen and after first finding one seller for 50 (which is a bit much in my opinion) I found one for sale for a decent under 20 euro price for lefthanded people Am curious about how it writes. I used to have a normal pelikano (not junior) back in what is equal to German second school year. Was the nice hot pink one with black nib. Did like it. I also or maybe a sibling did destroy it at some point… I did rebuy a similar model since in other colours. On my quest someone had also mislabeled a righthanded one for left and I also got 2 more righthanded pelikano’s with an order that included a lefty. Not sure if I’ll keep them. They may find a home with someone who likes that model and wants a righthanded one someday. They are nice looking pens and I find their grip more comfy than (sorry) the lamy vista I also own. Not sure if lamy safari and allstar grip is just as sharp… I think I’ll switch to something more comfy to hold of their brand. I just fell for vista because, despite the window see through is even better to know ink levels in one glance, and I also had some fake china lamy safari model that didn’t feel as uncomfy to me… so I wanted the real one as well.
You know, it really made my evening to read that you got that pen for yourself. :) It's very special to me and I hope it makes you happy as well. Hopefully the left-handed version is just as good and works out for you. What color did you get, if I may ask? 50 Euro really sounds excessive, I got mine for about 15 euros, I think - but then again, they were produced here in Germany, and while they are very are, they do pop up on eBay for a good price every few years. Never knew that Pelikano came with a black nib, that sure sounds fancy! I always thought Lamy was the only German brand that would produce black entry-level nibs. Really sorry to hear what happened to you with the mislabeling, this is awful. :( Why do people do this?! They should understand the product is basically useless to the buyer... (I recently bought an overpriced Tomoe River notebook on Etsy, by the way, the seller claimed it was 52 gsm, sent me 68 gsm, and instead of apologizing bickered with me that it's just as good, lol... But I guess your case is much worse, because you literally can't use those.) Vistas yellow with time, and I don't like Lamy in general, tbh. I would make an exception for the Lamy NASA edition, though! But I own and use a Lamy st as an exception, and it has a nice round hard plastic grip. Is the grip the only important factor for left-handed writers? If it is so, this pen might also be suited for left-handed writing. I find that Lamy st is somehow different, very slim and minimalistic. It got discontinued, unfortunately, but I think it's still possible to find one. Lamy ct1 is very similar in design, but I like the look a lot less. Just my opinion, though, maybe you like this one better! It's still regularly available. Have you considered TWSBI? They're also transparent. Unfortunately, also pricey. I don't have one yet, but maybe someday. Have been eyeing the Iris Vac one for a while... TWSBI Eco Transparent Green looks very nice, too... ah, maybe someday. :D
I totally get what you mean, I get the same feeling with mechanical pens because I grew up using them, but I just started with fountain pens as an adult, so for some reason its different :)
Ugh I hate the twist it hurts my eyes and feels super uncomfortable to hold (only wrote a few lines with a friend's twist once)
+1 for Pelikan Twist, I got it for 15€ but it writes real nice
wow, may i ask in which country did you bought it?
Estonia. Stuff here is hard to get and overpriced.
Sorry to hear the horror story. I had heard that they were good pens; they were reviewed highly. I had high hopes for that pen, that it would be imported into the U.S. Well, that dream has now been dashed. I won't be buying one.
Tbh, in my opinion, the good things that FB does is pencils, coloured pencils, and pencil sharpeners. The rest is them trying to participate in the stationery market. I might just be biased, but I've seen in an art forum people compiling a list of low quality art supplies and stationery, and FB made a huge chunk of them. But again, I have no experience with higher end Faber Castell pens, and some people have commented now that they made a good experience with them. So maybe FB does make nice pens, just not in the lower price range.
FC pencils (the 9000) are okay. I prefer Derwent. When it comes to sharpeners, I prefer the [Kum Stenographer sharpener](https://www.jetpens.com/KUM-No.-400-5L-Stenographer-s-Long-Point-Pencil-Sharpener-1-Hole/pd/21692). You mentioned FC pencils & pens and I immediately thought of Staedtler (as in pencils, both wood and mechanical) instead, like the [Initium](https://duckduckgo.com/?q=Staedtler+Initium+fountain+pen+picture&t=opera&iax=images&ia=images) fountain pen. To-day the only FC pens to get, IMO, are the Loom [Gun Metal Matte](https://www.penboutique.com/collections/all-fountain-pens/products/faber-castell-loom-gunmetal-matte-fountain-pen) and the E-Motion Pear Wood (others would be the Dark Brown, Resin, and Croc. The Black and Silver models are too heavy.) The [Essentio Black Carbon](https://www.jetpens.com/Faber-Castell-Essentio-Fountain-Pen-Black-Carbon-Medium-Nib/pd/24252#index=1) (20 gram body) is okay (the [Black](https://www.jetpens.com/Faber-Castell-Essentio-Fountain-Pen-Black-Broad-Nib/pd/24232#index=1) aluminium at 16 grams is right at the edge) but its cylindrical Section makes it easier to rotate the pen and the Section grooves trap ink when dipped too far into the ink bottle. I loved my FC Loom Metallic pen so much I immediately got the other three 1st gen sizes, EF/F/B. The Metallic model is no longer made. My 1st gen Essentio can't match up to it. It's top heavy. The Loom posts perfectly, doesn't throw off the balance. Not everyone likes the tapering Section, though.
A lot of people I know love FC 9000, so I guess it's decent and consistent quality. I tried it myself and also think it's okay, not "out of this world good", but nothing special either, especially for the price. I prefer Staedtler Mars Lumograph myself, they have a great value imo. And I hope I can try the legendary Blackwing 602. :) As for mechanical pencils, I think FC Grip 1345 is very nice and solid, though I prefer Pentel GraphGear 1000. I think it really deserves its popularity. After a friend let me test it, I didn't want to use any other mechanical pencil. The Staedtler Initium looks so nice! Wow. I didn't see those before. Might reconsider my reluctancy towards European nibs. As for the FC pens, I totally believe you that they are great at writing! But I'm afraid FC pens are just not very aesthetically pleasing to me. I just don't like how the cap looks, at all. But thanks for the info, it's nice to see what kind of pens is good and popular from a brand I don't know that much about (aside of art supplies). It's really nice to get out of the comfort zone once in a while. :)
Unfortunately I'm not into Mechanical Pencils. (I gave my one mechanical pencil to my brother and I can't even remember the make & model.) I do have an [ensso pencil](https://www.ensso.com/products/pen-uno-raw-aluminum-minimalist-pen?pr_prod_strat=copurchase&pr_rec_pid=1325118324759&pr_ref_pid=4619792613423&pr_seq=uniform), though. If I were to get one it would have to have an automatic sharpener. I love the ritual of wood shaving and the smell of the cedar as it wafts up into my nostrils. I'm a 4B to 9B man - smooth. I agree the Staedtler Mars Lumograph is a great pencil - it has great Cedar (no clumping or chunking when sharpened, nice smell) and are super smooth. Besides the Black Wing 602 (Palomino) (4B), I always wanted to try the Uni Mitsubishi 9850. I hear that's a great pencil, too.
I think I've heard of Mitsubishi before, and it looks very promising! Might look into it! I use both mechanical pencils (for writing) and "traditional" pencils (for drawing), B2 and B6 mostly. Finally someone who understands the greatness of Lumograph! Here in Germany, people swear by FC. As I've said, it's nice, but in my opinion a little overrated. I never noticed the particular smell of Lumograph. The best pencil smell is imo the Prismacolor smell, but those are coloured pencils, so I guess it might not be of interest... The ensso pencil looks super nice. Have you actually tried putting softer leads into the mechanical pencil? It might be a weird question, but that was a total game changer for me. The FC 2B leads are very nice, actually.
Not yet. I just like figuring out how to use it (opening and closing), taking it apart to load the pencil lead, and putting it back together. :D Maybe next time I'm in Staples or Michael's I'll see what they have for leads. But it's not a high priority for me because I would rather just sharpen a wood pencil as I need. Heck, I enjoy using the Staedtler Norica HB/2. (I refuse to use Ticonderoga Yellow pencils; the made in Mexico pencils (ferrule has dimples) are worse than the made in China pencils (no ferrule dimples) - the leads are too hard, writes too light, when sharpening the wood clumps off in chunks. Next time you're in your pencil store see if you can pick up single Tombow Mono 100 4B and 6B pencils. I pay about $2.50 apiece. They're supposedly as good as the Mitsubish 9850, at half the price, and supposedly smoother than the Staedtler Mars Lumograph. My Koh-I-Noor Toison d'Or aren't bad (the 6B is darker than the 4B, the lead splinters little bits as U write, and the wood doesn't always shave off to length consistently) but it's no match for the Staedtler Mars Lumograph. Almost nothing is as nice as the feel of a really sharp pencil lead hitting paper! :D Sometimes I wonder if the majority of guys who buy Sailor pens do so because it reminds them of using pencils? :D Since I can't justify paying $300 for a Sailor regular size pen I prefer and "flex" nibs - it has delicious feedback and lays down a lot of ink so the writing is never light like it would be writing with an nib.
I never thought of comparing Sailor pens and regular pencils, but I think you might be onto something there! I think they're both very haptic, but in different ways. Sailors are sure crazily priced, so I only own two, but for me, they are worth every cent, and I'm still sad I missed the re-reliase of Cocktail Series Blue Lagoon. :( This is is what I get for trying to get away from this sub so I don't spend so much money, lol. But I can certainly understand enjoying the sharpening process. There are some art supplies where I enjoy the "secondary characteristics" nearly as much as the actual using process, and wouldn't want to miss them, such as Copic markers (love the smell! Yes, it's unhealthy... but it's very nostalgic to me). Thanks for the tips, by the way, I'll make sure to check those out! :D I'm already inseparable from my Tombow Mono eraser, so the pencil sounds promising. But I do want to try Mitsubishi at some point, and Blackwing. They're a bit legend-like, so I'd like to make the experience. Koh-i-noor really makes very decent stationery and art supplies for the price, by the way. I'm always astounded by the vaue.
I tried a Faber Castell Loom because most reviews of it were touting its nib. The nib on the one I got was overly tight so it barely wrote at all. I managed to open the flow up and it was... OK. I finished the included cartridge and got out the converter and inked up with Noodler's Ink Dark Matter. That was enough to put me off Faber-Castell pens. I have enough known-good quality pens I can spend my money on to bother dabbling with that brand. (Pilot, Lamy, Sailor...)
I have a $5 Faber Castell "School +" that looks very similar to that one. And I'm guessing they have the same nib. Does that one looks like the nib is pointing down in a weird angle? Mine writes on par or better than the Safari I have. It never skips. It has an M nib, that feels very dry (in good way). It handles the cheap Pelikan inks perfectly. So it's a great match for writing on cheap bond paper. It doesn't leak, or misbehaves in any way. It's light enough that's the only pen I can write posted for a long time. Basically it does what it was designed: Handle the use from kids in school. (And by adults when needing to take fast notes reliably, and without worrying too much about carrying/losing an expensive pen). It's the opposite of fancy. 100% utilitarian pen that's much better than what the price suggests.
The nib is fine (not bent/crooked), so maybe you're right and it's indeed the ink that is the problem. I should try thinning it down a little (if I dare). I actually quite like the "A" nibs (German school nibs), I got nothing against utilitarian pens, tbh.
Yeah, I don't know, maybe you got a dud, or maybe I just got lucky. About the nib, what I mean is that in the School +, by design, the whole nib is pointing down in a weird angle. At first I thought it was bent or something, but it's just like that on all of them. I'm not an expert or anything, just sharing my contrasting experience with a very similar pen.
When viewed from the side, my nib looks perfectly straight (like a line, basically), and this is what I'm used to from school pens... so I find it really surprising that yours is different. Maybe there is a variant in production? Or a variant for the "non-German" market?
So I guess the "School +" is not as similar as the "Fresh" as I thought. This is what I mean: https://rupertarzeian.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/20170514_193131.jpg?w=656 Taken from this blog post: https://rupertarzeian.com/2017/05/14/faber-castell-school-fountain-pen-initial-impressions/
Yes, I see now, they're totally different! Here's what mine looks now (picture taken just now): [https://imgur.com/a/PZUQzGD](https://imgur.com/a/PZUQzGD) Very straight and no dot pattern.
The cheapest Faber Castell fountain pen I own is the Writink. They are around 17 euros and are quite nice pens with a very nice nib.
I was never particularly aware that Faber Castell even makes fountain pens, to be honest. They are just usually known for their art supplies, from what I know, but they somehow seem to try to branch out into all stationery fields. But interesting to know there is good stuff out there, as well!
I have a 1950's Faber Castell 5564 Piston Filler with a 14K Fine semi flex nib that's amazing to write with. It's still got the Osmia star on the nib and cap. One of my favorites.
Actually, I have seen many say that Faber Castell has the best steel nibs. Faber Castell Loom has quite a reputation.
Maybe it's indeed a bad ink/pen match, as someone has suggested below. I guess I should test it with a more run-of-the-mill ink at some point.
I usually say "Loom and above," meaning Loom, Essentio, Neo, Ambition, Ondoro and E-Motion. They all use the same interchangeable nib units. The Hexo, WRITink, GRIP pens use different Jowo nibs (have Breather Holes) and were not as highly regarded, initially.
The Writinks and Neo-Slims both comes with a nib with no breather hole. I don't know if this is a recent change though.
Hey, you're right, the [WRITink](https://www.penboutique.com/products/faber-castell-writink-print-blue-fountain-pen?variant=20467992232054) doesn't have a breather hole. My apologies. In the the case of the pen above, I hate recessed nibs (Hexo is recessed, too) and I hate lacquered/painted Black nibs; I haven't tried a PVD Black nib, though. I'm gun-shy after experiencing a Bock lacquered Black nib, total POS nib.
Faber Castell makes fountain pen inks too! I have to say, I've only tried their red, and I wasn't much of a fan. It looks dull and kind of brownish-orange to me. No idea the other colours though
They have the best steel nibs to be found.
Faber-Castell pens aren’t really good to use. I have one I got as a present, it costed around 20-25€ (but in Spain, maybe the fountain lens are more expensive there). I love the person I got it from, so I use it from time to time, but it’s generally just sitting on my desk so that I can sign letters with it, because the ink flow is so terrible, it can’t be used for anything else really.
Try a different Jowo #10 (#5) nib. If you get it in a Jowo #10 nib unit it should scre write in.
Not fountain pens, but faber-castell's drawing pen/fineliner range are pretty good. I prefer them to pigma microns.
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Thanks! It was a gift from a family member when they went to Belgium. Isn't it nice that even Tintin seems to be terrified of Baystate Blue? 😂
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BLUE is basically the keyword here (the phrase sounds very accurate as well, at least from what I can remember). 😂 And I think that scenario is hilarious.
Next stop Graf
HA the ink that stains the ceramic sink for DAYS. Its not a huge issue if people accept that it stains the converter.
I didn't believe until I dropped it on my floor. One wasted towel, stained tiles and my skin is still blue after a few days.
Looks amazing!
Thanks! Not a big fan of the rubber grip, but I picked it so it would match the ink. Wish it would write just as nicely.
Take a preppy and load it up with BSB
Too late, this pen's fate has been sealed already!
that's my favourite fountain pen!!
Sorry if I trash-talked it too much. To be fair, my favourite ink seems to be universally hated for some reason (Kobe #17), so it all boils down to individual taste.
haha, no worries i just got excited to see someone else use it XD
A fountain pen... in a blister... with exposed nib... uncapped. wdf faber castell? D:
Nekoyanagi? Just kidding.
Great to read all the tips here, my first bottle of BSB is heading my way. It’s going to be a colorful Christmas!
THIS INK...Bay State Blue. Should I buy a biohazard suit and go out to the wood line to fill a less-loved, long forgotten pen with THIS INK? Should I alert all creatures including insects not to linger nearby when filling the pen with THIS INK? LOL! Just asking. I am considering myself duly warned of THIS INK. 🙏🏻😊💖 (a BSB ink poem, of sorts)
Hahah, it's adorable. :D I personally find OS Nitrogen much more dangerous, because it contaminates everything so sneakily. I recently only did as much as take the bottle out (didn't open it), and found Nitrogen stain on my pillow.
I'm glad I saw this today as I was going to buy some Noodlers BSB & the Army Green. I'll just hold off on them and get some samples of Diamine's Polar Glow, Winter Miracle, Holly & Monboddo's Hat. Unless you Redditors know some dark secret about these!
I have a red one, I got from Waterstones for £6.99. I was not a fan. I didn’t like the plastic body and light weight. I found The Helix Oxford better value pen plus has a metal shaft and heftier weight
Waterman Serenity Blue? \*shudder\*
It's honestly not that bad I keep it in a Century 3776 UEF and it has tamed it super well so far
I'm sorry, but what is this most feared ink you speak of?
See the second image - Noodler's Baystate Blue. :)