Cross Century II Medalist Fountain Pen with Polished Chrome and 23 Karat Gold Plated Appointments and 23 Karat Gold Plated Nib - Medium

As both an amateur writer and artist, I was looking for a pen that would fulfill several roles. Here are some points on this pen from both points of view, categorized:

I just seem to like fountain pens, despite my young age. Also, if anyone wants to know why I'd use a fountain pen over a dip pen for drawing, its the mobility - I can use them anywhere.

2.) Ink - width, cartridge-loading, converter & bottle-loading: Ever since I first used a rollerball as opposed to a normal ballpoint, I loved the strong, black line that some of them gave. It made my work stand apart from others. Fountain pens are even better. The stroke this pen gives is a powerful, thick black (assuming, of course, that black ink is used! I'm willing to bet that for those who like, for example, blue, that this would look beautiful with blue ink. =:o).

When used with the provided Cross black ink cartridges (I bought some extras), it goes on fluid & slick, and dries quickly.

Montblanc Meisterstuck Legrand Fountain Pen Black - Medium

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Pelikan M200 GREEN MARBLE Fountain Pen-Broad

Excellent Pen for the money; smoother than most similarly priced pens. The one drawback is the small size of the 200 which makes it more difficult to hold comfortably for those with arthritic and/or large hands. In that case the 600 or 800 (and similar size pens)will be much better, particularly if writing a lengthy exposition such as a Blue Book or professional exam. Of course, they cost quite a bit more but you do get an even better nib and stronger construction. I have generally found Pelikan pens to be superior to Mont Blanc when is comes to reliability, leakiness, etc.

Cross Century II Black Fountain Pen with 23 Karat Gold Plated Appointments and 23 Karat Gold Plated Nib - Medium

My work demands a lot of interpersonal contact, face-to-face, over-the-phone, and written. Recently I have moved the more intimate of these communications off the electronic impersonality of email and onto quality stationery. At the same time, I've bought two fountain pens, my first ever, combining this black Cross Century II with its silver-and-gold twin. One stays at the office and one by my writing desk here at home.

In the mix, I find that I'm discovering a new art form and means of personal expression. Always an illegible writer, the stationery and the fine pen slow me down just enough to realize that I actually *can* write.

It is difficult to overestimate the potency of a hand-written note in the Age of Email. It is a bit of chosen retro-referencing upon which the recipients of my letters comment with appreciation. And it doesn't take *that* much time.

The Cross Century II can be considered near the top of the entry-level pens. I chose them because of good experience with Cross ballpoints, not wanting to spend too much until I figured out whether this was going to work, and my routinely bad experience with base-entry-level products.

I believe this pen is likely to serve me for years to come. As I learn the beauty of a fine or solid stroke, however, I also widen my peripheral vision and discover there's a high-end pen store at my local shopping center.

Uh-oh.

MontBlanc Meisterstuck Platinum Line Classique Ballpoint Pen - Black

If you want to know how it feels to write with a pen that is the epitome of "class"--then this pen is for you! Its weight is perfect; the line is smooth and even; and every word feels exquisite.

I've never been so happy with a pen--and I'd wanted this very pen for the longest time. Best buy I've ever made!

Parker Vector Blue Fountain pen Medium nib, SM50136042

Vector is Parker's answer to the array of nouvelle lightweight fountain pens that have come on the market in recent times. Like many of its competitors, Vector utilizes cartridges to make for cleaner easier use for fountain pen novices or those wanting to use something a little different than the standard cheap Bic disposable. Much like today's lightweight ballpoint pens, the Vector is quite lightweight and is also very stylish, streamlined, and attractive. The Vector is a little thicker than a standard ballpoint, making for a nicer writing experience, but may not be as thick as some may want. The refills aren't always easy to find outside of a stationary store or pen shop, but thanks to online they're also not as hard to find as you may think. The pen operates without the mess and staining usually associated with fountain pens thanks to the largely contained cartridge operation. While the nib does seem rather cheap compared with the Parkers of old it's still a nice fountain pen that gives your everyday writing use a touch of flair!

Montblanc Meisterstuck Legrand Document Marker Bordeaux

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