Inspired by a post on Inky Imaginings, I decided to accept the challenge and pick the 10 fountain pens I’d keep. I’m glad I didn’t have to include non-fountain pens in this list.
This was a fun adventure and it was interesting to see that, for the most part, I picked similar pens from the last couple challenges but the model or color may have changed. I think when I think about only having 10 pens, I chose more neutral exterior colors so I could choose any color ink. When I choose a distinctly colored pen body, I want to choose an ink to match. If I only have 10 pens, I want to be able to use ALL the inks.
The Modern Pens
When I started collection pens for this challenge, I wanted to feature both modern and vintage pens. I am such a Sailor fan, I had to pick two Sailors but there are other modern pens that made the cut.
1. Sailor Pro Gear Slim
I own about 6 different colorways of the Sailor Pro Gear Slim but if I could only keep one, I’d save the Starburst Galaxy model. Even though I have two versions of the the Nagasawa Original Pro Gear Slim (Gakuen-Toshi Fresh Green) I continue to go back to the lovely, everyday useful Starburst Galaxy. It has shown up in my 21 Pen Questions and You Can Only Keep One lists in the past so clearly, I continue to favor this pen. It’s my version of a Black Pen Society pen… they never said it couldn’t have sparkles!
2. Sailor ProColor Custom
This is a pen that I love to use, love the silliness of an inexpensive ProColor (originally a $60-ish pen with a steel nib) that was upgraded with a gold-tone 21k gold nib (approx $200 upgrade). It’s the only 21k Sailor nib I own and it really is a great nib.
3. Schon Dsgn Brass Faceted “Ferrara Rocher”
I continue to love this pen . Its a hand carved brass faceted model of the Schon Dsgn which makes a marvelous pocket pen. But there is an emotional attachment too. The nib is a custom Franklin-Christoph nib that Audrey ground so its got an extra special nib. Then both of my best friends bought the same pen and we all put F-C nibs on ours. So, every time I use it, I think of my friends — the ones who made the pen, modified the nib and write with the same model.
4. Kaweco Sport White Iridescent
I love the color of the Kaweco Sport White Iridescent. Its one of the first experiment that Kaweco took making unique material colors. This is another pen that I had Matthew Chen grind a custom nib from a BB stock nib making the nib twice as expensive as the original purchase price for the pen.
5. BENU Skull & Roses
The BENU Skull & Roses is another pen that I was excited to purchase because it was so fun but then I had Richard Binder modify the nib to an extra fine Waverly style nib. Silly pen with an equally extreme needlepoint nib. I think every time I get a special nib grind on a pen, it becomes even more special to me.
6. Pelikan M600 “Ghost”
This has been my go-to “big girl pen” the white-on-white stripes are timeless and the nib is beautiful. Even the EF nib is still a little wide for me but with only 10 pens, it gives me the chance to get it custom ground in the future.
The Vintage Pens
Esterbrook J-Series
One of the first fountain pens I ever purchased was a vintage Esterbrook J-Series. The one I bought finally became unusable due to cracks so I replaced it with this model (and several others). I love the classic Esterbrooks and they continue to remain my favorite pens. They were beautiful, customizable and priced for the every user.
Lady Sheaffer Skripsert XXXV Damask Gold on Silver with “Brilliants”
Picking ONE Lady Sheaffer Skripsert is so hard! I have so many including prototypes, an entire retail display filled with pens and so much more so I chose the most classic, coveted design. The “wedding ring” style is one of the designs people look for most often. Its unique, beautiful and such a “ladylike” pen. One day I’ll do a post revealing the whole embarrassing collection. Someon asked if I was “still collecting” Skripserts and I had to admit I seldom find a design I don’t already have.
Platinum Vintage Fountain Pen
I am not sure the specific model but this pen that looks like my beloved Sheaffer Skripserts. The surprise besides the 14k nib is the turquoise grip section when the cap is removed. This is a beautiful pen that writes as beautifully as it looks. These Japanese “ladies” pens have become my new collecting focus. The remind me of the “jewelry quality” of the Skripserts with beautiful, often 14k nibs.
The Weirdo
Platinum Carbon Desk Pen
I still love my original Platinum Carbon Pens. The new versions that do not have the “fingernail nib” (partially hooded) and do not seem as fine so I covet the older models. This is my favorite drawing tool, filled with Platinum Carbon Ink so that it is 100% waterproof for multimedia creations.
So, that’s my “only 10” collection. If you could only have 10 fountain pens, what would you pick?
Only 10? You triggered my twitch….