I've had a few Fountain pens in the past (10-40 years ago) including something I bought at the Del Mar Fair where they pierced a soda can (aluminum) and then wrote with it. These were forgotten about until I bought a Yafa at Office Depot for $12 that someone left the cartridge in and ruined the package. Then I bought a Yafa with 6 different colors of ink for my wife's birthday. This took place in February 2009.
I showed her the pens on Todd's (isellpens) website and it took off from there. She allowed me several pens and inks and picked several out for herself as well. From there I discovered Esterbrooks and their "inexpensive" costs per pen which I made up for in quantity. Then Sheaffers, Wearevers and other 3rd Tier pens.
I started with a small Valet box to store my pens (not including Todd's Pen Roll - a freebie) and after filling with 12 Esties found a Silverware box with drawer. Using the liners from "gopens" I managed to get 4 layers of about 26 per layer into it.
Now I'm waiting for another box with some pens to store more. That doesn't count the bags of pens waiting for sacs and J-bars. Mostly no-namers except for overstock of Wearevers. Gotta thank Frank for getting me started on the Wearevers. I just discovered the removable nib series as well.
Being unemployed, I'm on the "tightwad" schedule. So I'm always looking for the deals and sometimes I "score". I especially love "batches" or "lots" when nobody else wants them.
Enough for now. I'm glad to have been directed to this forum, especially since the 3rd Tier pens are dealt with here and it's not all the "High End, High Dollar" stuff.
Sounds like Ralph has the bug in a big way. Welcome to the obsession we all LOVE. If any of us can help with advice, reviews, repair know how or whatever we'll be happy to help out. I restore & sell pens for a living so if you need a piece/part or?? feel free to drop me a line. if I have it i'll be happy to share.
Dennis
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Tu ne cede malis sed contra audentior ito ~Yield not to misfortunes, but advance all the more boldly against them
Welcome from Escondido, Ralph! That pen from the Del Mar Fair sounds like the thing being sold as a set at Walgreens stores; their advertising shows it puncturing an aluminum can and being used as a dart.
I'm right with you on the unemployment budget as well.