Olde Tyme Writing Set Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I specifically asked for this set for Christmas, and upon receiving it as a gift, I was super excited. Didn't take me long to fall out of love with the set though.
1) The seven interchangeable tips are actually 4 tips, and three of them have twins. So it's really 4 tip styles.
2) Only one tip would even fit into the feather pen until I took a pair of pliers to them to get them to fit. This shouldn't be required of a product at all.
3) The feather constantly falls out of the metal piece, they didn't attach it to the metal in any way other than just slipping it in.
4) The wooden pen is painted, and missing paint in spots, and that looks tacky. It also was messed up and I had to take a knitting needle to the inside of it to get the part that holds the nibs to straighten out.
5) The wooden pen is not very good at holding the tips in straight and steady, they like to wobble once you've used them for about 5 minutes, and at that point you have ink in it and it's difficult to straighten it back up without getting everything all messy.
6) The ink it comes with is really thin, and fades out a lot when using it. Not a big problem, but I much prefer my Speedball ink to this ink.
7) Also my feather was too long to fit into the box, so it messed up the end of the feather, which is now sorta crinkled, and the feather has a split in it as well that I can't seem to fix. It looks more like a tear than an imperfect, like in the product picture.
I got mine from Think Geek, sadly I thought they had better quality control than this. :(

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Calligraphy Pen Set Review

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(More customer reviews)Bought this for the wife, who is just beginning to use different ink and quill/pen sets. She loves it. Looks great feels great and works very well. I expected it to be a bit "cheaper" feeling than it is, for the price, but it's a great deal.

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Lamy Safari Pink - Limited Edition Medium Point Fountain Pen - L013PKM Review

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(More customer reviews)this is a lovely pink shade and the service from the seller was very good - no complaints. my comment is with the design of the pen's grip. By all accounts it works well for a lot of people. But, if you are like me, left handed, and an "over writer" who holds her nib parallel to the line she's writing on, you won't like the grip on the pen. It's triangulated to "guide" your fingers to hold the nib to where most folks will find it works well. But that same "guide" does not work well for those who write the way I do - a simple circular grip is my preference.
I'd also comment, as you may hear from many folks, that Lamy nibs tend to write on the "fat" side of whatever they're designated - this medium is a very fat line, and I also have a Studio (love that pen) with an F nib that looks pretty close to a true medium.
so: pretty pen, and totally grand if the grip works for you. No problems with nib smoothness or ink flow. If not, it is at best a signature pen, unfortunately.

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Aurora Refills Blue Bottled Ink - 125B Review

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(More customer reviews)A lot of people are hardcore about their fountain pen ink. I am not one of them. If you are, check out what is available on the internet. For me the Aurora blue was a blue which appealed to my senses of what blue should be on paper. If flows nicely out of my Lamy Persona. The bottle is nice and your get a fair amount for the money. The seller shipped quick.

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Staedtler Calligraphy Pen Set, 33 Pieces Review

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(More customer reviews)It baffels me how many people wrote negative reviews on a product they obviously knew nothing about. I checked out this pen set and one of the first things I noticed was when it said it was a great set for BEGINNERS. Of course you're not going to get the same quality from these pens as you would from a several-hundred-dollar professional set, but it's great for what it is. It's a great set to start out with. So far I haven't had a problem with ANY of the pins or nibs. When I got it I immediately inserted an ink cartridge into each nib and went to town. Was able to doodle and scratch around for quite a surprising time before the ink ran out. The ink does bleed through the paper some, but alot of that can be countered by the pressure you put on the pen, as well as adjusting the angle/speed of your stroke. While the "instruction booklet" is more of a letter guide, showing you multiple calligraphic alphabets, but does not show you how to make each letter (tho with a little common sense and practice it can be figured out pretty easily). One thing that pleasingly surprised me about this set was the fact that you don't have to worry about "Lefty-Splatter" (a condition common to left handed people as with certain strokes we're actually pushing the nib across the paper instead of pulling it, which sometimes causes the nib to splatter extra ink on the page, a problem which I have yet to encounter.
So basically, to sum this up, it's not a high dollar professional set, but for a beginner it is a fine starter set.

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Aurora Refills Black Bottled Ink - 125N Review

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(More customer reviews)I use Aurora Black ink in Lamy Italic pens, my specially ground gold flexible fine nib Pelican and My fine gold tip Mont Blanc. I also use it in several antique foundtian pens from time to time and in Osmiroids purchased in the 1970's. Since I use the Lamy pens the most, and since they provide a broad stroke, it is important to me that a black ink be really black. It is also important to me that the ink flow well (as I sometimes use it in pens which are very dry) and that the ink dry fairly quickly, so that I don't smear it. Aurora has the best flow of any ink I've used. While Aurora stays wet for 5-7 seconds, after that it is dry in the uses to which I put it. I also use Brilliant Black Pelican, which is very black, (maybe even a tad blacker than Aurora?) somewhat less costly than Aurora, and flows well, but not as well as Aurora. Pelican black seems, for the uses to which I put it, to take forever to dry (... at least a full 50-60 seconds.) I keep using the Pelican occassionally, only to stumble on the dryness issue. I've had the same bottle of Pelican for at least four years. I go through several bottles of Aurora annually.

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Parker 35979 Calligraphy Gift Set, Four Nib Selections, Six Ink Cartridges, Blue, Black, Red Review

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(More customer reviews)The set contains all the basics for beginner to mid-level clligraphers.
Quite a good deal for the price. Comes with a booklet that is useful for beginners. Over all I rate this as a very good starter kit that would carry you to the mid-level work. If you don't expect a comprehensive set of options (like left-handed or hollow writing tips) you would not be disappointed.

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Elegant calligraphy writing doesn't have to be a lost art. This aluminum tin gift box contains all you'll need to learn the classic and beautiful craft. You'll be able to create dramatic, hand lettering for cards and invitations. The set includes everything you'll need: six ink cartridges, two each of black, blue and red, plus four nib selections and an instruction book.

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Sailor Profit Special Script Calligraphy Fountain Pen Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)When I placed the order I was hoping to have a clear list of the parts and options. There was no mention if the pen would come with cartridges or with a reuseable pump for the ink. I was hoping that I could have a mechanism to refill the pen with my own inks. This needs to be stated and a chance given to order what one wants.

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Montblanc Meisterstuck Platinum P146 Medium Legrand Fountain Pen 02851 Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased this writing instrument in Japan a little under a year ago and out of the small collection of fountain pens I own, it is the one I use the most for my Spencerian style handwriting. The broad nib allows for a smooth and comfortable feel on even the simplest strokes and the girth of the barrel is just right for even someone with smaller hands (such as myself) when writing long letters or taking precise notes. The piston filling system is also much more economical and less dependent on proprietary parts than other fountain pens I've used with cartridges and flexible bladders.
My only complaint would be that the "precious resin" used in the construction of the barrel and cap is rather fragile considering the price. It chips and cracks easily so the utmost care should be taken if it is carried around on your person while working or traveling. Luckily Mont Blanc will repair any component for a fraction of the cost (about 1/3) of a complete replacement, so it's not too much of a problem even if you do happen to let it drop to the floor from desk height or push the cap down too firmly onto the barrel before writing.
Also, as it is a luxury item it is best to follow the instructions given by the manufacturer regarding what inks ought to be used. Although it is possible to use other branded inks (such as Pilot) small factors such as the shape of the inkwell and minute differences in the composition of the inks can cause some problems with build-up of particulates that may negatively effect the pen's ink flow. This problem is easily solved by taking it to a Mont Blank store for cleaning (which is a free service), but I imagine it would be better these days to save time and money to just buy the proper ink in the first place.

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Calligraphy Pen Set Review

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(More customer reviews)I had always wanted a calligraphy pen set but never actually bought one until now. Not one like this anyway. I've used ones from like Michael's and it was ok but this set I love. It's really easy to use and write beautifully. There are no ink blots when you're trying to write and taking care of the nibs are super easy. I'm constantly using it now instead of my regular pens. I would definately recommned this set to anyone who would like to try it themselves or get it as a gift.

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Sheaffer Calligraphy Mini Kit, Fine, Medium, Broad (SH/73403) Review

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(More customer reviews)I wore my old calligraphy pen out and was delighted when I found a replscement that I was familiar with. Even better was the improved window in the barrel that lets me know when I am getting low on ink. Just what I needed.

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Sheaffer Viewpoint Calligraphy Fountain Pen Fine Nib Review

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(More customer reviews)Similar to the older Sheaffer calligraphy pens. The grip is decent. Did not like the openings on the body that show the cartridge. Just for FYI, its not fine enough to use for routine writing.

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Bulletproof BLACK EEL Noodler's Fountain Pen Ink Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I loaded three pens with the Black Eel. My collection isn't nearly as extensive as many people's, so I chose an assortment; a new Scheaffer Agio (medium), a 20-some year old Montblanc Meisterstruck (medium) and a fairly older Parker 21 (fine) in need of restoration. I also loaded it into a couple cheaper models (all fine) I have around, a Wearever, etc., just to see how it worked.
I performed the tests on Hammermill 20lb great white copy, on some random archival paper I had around, on 3x5 index cards and on standard legal pad paper.
The color is, as far as I could discern, the exact same as the regular black. Side by side under natural and flourescent light yielded the same darkness and opacity.
Indeed, in the very fine steel nib which was in need of restoration, the ink seemed to lubricate a bit better than the standard ink. Enough to make a significant difference, probably not. With the better flowing ink I feel I held the pen a bit lighter as well, and not being an accomplished scribe, that helped my technique so there were compounding factors.
When writing with the medium nib, the flow was like a stick of butter on a plate of glass. I liked the feel although at times it got a bit sloppy, and I wasn't properly forming the letters. Again, someone with superior penmanship would not have an issue with this.
Regardless, I didn't notice that much creep or feathering even with the cheaper paper. The fine nibs still had a tendency to scratch here and there, in particular when writing quickly (such as note taking) but it never dropped, spattered, blobbed or otherwise.
Drying time, water resistance, etc. all comparable to the standard black.
I was going to do a more extensive review, but honestly I don't feel like there's all that much to review, at least not for the pen-paper combinations I employed. If I had to choose between the two, I'd go with the Eel because it is the same price and works well with all the pens I currently own. If I owned many pens, and kept different inks in them, then I may prefer to specialize, but the black eel presented itself to me as a very good value, multi-purpose ink.

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Art Alternatives Pen & Ink Sketch Fountain Pen Set Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I read the reviews already posted and I am baffled. If you follow the instructions that come with the pen, you should have no problems with it. I love my pen. It's the best 20 dollars I ever spent. One reviewer complained the nib wasn't flexible enough. It's a fountain pen not a crow's quill nib!
I personally think that this is a great pen for the money. Also, I might add that Pen & Ink brand fountain pen ink is wonderful too. Once it dries, you can use watercolor washes and it doesn't bleed!

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Sheaffer Calligraphy Maxi Kit (SH/73404) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This set is a great 'beginner' set for anyone who would like to learn calligraphy. The pens included are not high quality, but they are more than sufficient for practice. The paper provided is like tracing paper, and allows you to place it over a practice source and trace each letter or sentence. Sometimes the ink can bleed through the paper, so be careful not to press too hard.
Pros:
Many ink refills included in the package
A good basics of calligraphy book included
Priced very well
Cons:
The pens are not high quality, but that hardly matters at the price.
Summary:
This is a great bargain for anyone who would like to start calligraphy. Also would be a great Christmas present for an artistic child.

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Sheaffer Calligraphy Maxi Kit.Comes with 3 Viewpoint Calligraphy pens with color coded caps & nib rings, 3 nibs (fine, medium, broad), 14 assorted Skrip ink cartridged, instruction booklet.

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Kaimei Natural Hair Sumi Brush Pen Review

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(More customer reviews)I was so excited to see a "natural hair" brush rather than the synthetics so common in a brush pen these days. Believe me the difference was IMMEDIATELY apparent as soon as the brush hit the paper! Beautiful! It took about 5 minutes for the ink to reach the hairs and meet the paper, but once it did it flowed freely and nicely. The ONLY problem I can see with this brush is the ink that is chosen to accommodate it. It's way too thin and not a true black. Is there a solution? I think so! I took out (unscrewed) the "dummy cartridge" that comes installed with the pen, emptied out the water solution in it and as the little ball fell to the bottom,..I proceeded to fill it with a tiny eyedropper with REAL black ink! Now I have a champ on my hands!!! This is a thing of beauty! REAL hair brush and no dipping! Nice!!!!
There is an $80.00 model too but I sacrificed the classy shell and wider girth for the longer stem so I could fully test this at a reasonable price.

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Pilot Pen Parallel Pen 2-Color Calligraphy Pen Set, with Red and Blue Ink Cartridges, 1.5MM Nib, 90050 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Great pen if you are learning Gothic, med-evil and some other forms of calligraphy. But for those interested in penmanship in general or styles similar to the copperplate sign, this is not the pen for the job.

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