So I’ve said before that I’m on the search for the perfect flex pen. I know that nothing will come as close to the perfection of a dip pen with a Nikko G, or a Blue Pumpkin, or my personal favorite the Brause 66 nib. Not unless you use those nibs on a fountain pen, which is possible, just not without its own logistical issues.
No, I want to find a flex fountain pen that I really enjoy writing with everyday. A fountain pen with an ultra responsive flex nib that I can also use as an everyday writer. Something that isn’t going to leak ink everywhere, but is still quite wet to write with.
So rather than look forward, I’ve started looking back, to vintage fountain pens. And I think that I’m looking in the right direction.
My very first vintage pen purchase was the Waterman 94 with a Super Flex BB Stub nib from http://www.vintagepens.net.
It has the majority of what I’m looking for in a flex pen. Ultra responsive nib, that doesn’t leak ink all over my hands, but still writes wet. As it’s a stub nib, it doesn’t have that fine upward stroke quality that I usually like with my calligraphy, but regardless it’s so enjoyable to write with that who cares.
There is a noticeable difference between this 14k gold Waterman flex nib and the steel nib that I’ve previously used with the Noodler’s Ahab. The experience is much smoother and the flex responds with the least amount of pressure. Even the Pilot 912 Heritage with FA nib doesn’t seem to compare, in my estimation.
There’s just something special about this super broad flex pen, that I haven’t experience with any other flex pen to date. When I figure out what it is, I’ll be sure to let you know. Meanwhile vintage pens has opened up an entirely new rabbit hole to fall into. And no, I don’t consider these pens, once fully restored, very affordable. But that hasn’t stopped me from looking, and it also doesn’t mean that unrestored pens are off the table. In fact I think figuring out how to restore these pens yourself might be an interesting area to explore along the way.
Since these types of fountain pens can be found at estate sales, and antique stores, you can never tell when you’ll find a totally rare vintage pen, so keep your eyes pealed.
The search for a pen, to me, is just as enjoyable as the writing experience it provides.
Thank You For Reading!
The Pentastic 