Fountain Pens: Who uses them, and why?

[theinterchange]

Thank you again for the helpful advice!

Randy

 

[Shangas]

I should also add this piece of advice...

Only buy what you're going to use.

I know this sounds bloody stupid and obvious, but a lot of people these days see fountain pens as luxury items like mercedes and pocket watches, to be brought out once a month when they go to a White Tie dinner-party or something.

Fountain pens were made to be USED. So buy it and USE it. You're not going to waste $200 on a pen and then just sit it on your desk and drool over it, are you?

If you're uncomfortable with the pen or if you're self-conscious about using it, either don't buy it and keep searching, or say 'to hell with everyone else' and use it anyway.

 

[John in Covina]

Pen Shows

Speaking of pen shows for those interested here are some in the US this year.

Little Rock
March 12 - 13, 2010
Location: Robinson Center 426 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR
Show Info: Sam Highsmith, 501-231-1005 arpenclub@sbcglobal.net
Show Website: www.thewritepen.net/LRShow.htm

Atlanta
April 9 - 11, 2010
Hotel: Crowne Plaza - Atlanta Perimeter NW
6345 Powers Ferry Road, Atlanta, GA 30339
Hotel Phone: 770-955-1700
Show Info: Jimmy Dolive or Mort Epstein Phone: 888-867-7367
Show Website: www.atlantapenshow.com/

Chicago
April 30 - May 2, 2010
Hotel: Westin O'Hare (Rosemont)
Hotel Phone: 800-937-8461; 888-625-4990
Show Info: Don Lavin Phone: 847-272-2745
Email: dlpens@aol.com
Show Website: www.chicagopenshow.com

New England
May 15 - 16, 2010
Hotel: Somerville Holiday Inn, 30 Washington Street Somerville, MA
Hotel Phone: 617-628-1000
Show Info: Rob Morrison Phone: 828-293-0331
Email: robmorrison@charter.net
Show Website: www.vintagewriting.com/new_england_pen_show.htm

MIAMI
July 16 - 18, 2010
Hotel: The Biltmore Hotel - Coral Gables, FL Hotel Phone: 800-727-1926
Show Info: Bert Oser Phone: 301-468-6939
Email: bertoser@bertramsinkwell.com
Show Website: www.miamipenshow.com

Virginia
August 12 - 15, 2010
Hotel: Shearaton Premier Hotel -Tyson's Corner, Vienna, VA
Hotel Phone: 703-448-1234
Show Info: Bob Johnson Phone: 864-963-3834
Email: bjohnson@pencentral.com
Show Website: www.pencentral.com

Dallas September 24 - 25, 2010
Note New Location!
Hotel: Doubletree Hotel Dallas -- Galleria 4099 Valley View Lane
Hotel Phone: 972-385-9000
Show Info: Larry Bedinghaus PH: 972-529-5860, email: larrybedinghaus@tx.rr.com
Show Info: Pete Kirby PH: 972-529-6364, email: conrad.kirby@sbcglobal.net

We just had the LA show February 12-14

 

[Leading Edge]

John in Covina,
Do you know of a show coming to the Pennsylvania area? Also, what's a good clearinghouse-type of site for information about such shows?

BTW: Please accept this formal thank you.
Some time ago, you suggested writing the word "Egypt" when trying out a new pen. That suggestion definitely saved me from wasting money buying by "the eye" instead of "the hand".
Thank you.

 

[John in Covina]

Don't know about PA but the Pen Collectors of America may list something. Aslo if you google pen shows various sites like stores or clubs may list other info.

 

[Shangas]

NOTICE TO MELBOURNE FOUNTAIN PEN USERS & FEDORA LOUNGE MEMBERS:

2010 Melbourne Pen Show. Sunday, 21st NOVEMBER. Amora Hotel, 649 Bridge Road, Richmond. Starts 10:00am Ends 5:00pm

 

[MikeBravo]

NOTICE TO MELBOURNE FOUNTAIN PEN USERS & FEDORA LOUNGE MEMBERS:

2010 Melbourne Pen Show. Sunday, 21st NOVEMBER. Amora Hotel, 649 Bridge Road, Richmond. Starts 10:00am Ends 5:00pm

Awesome Sounds like a real droolfest

 

[Shangas]

Hopefully some of our melbourne members can make it there! I'll be at the show displaying my pens as one of the (five, i think) exhibitors for the Melbourne Pen Club.

 

[HHISIII]

Heads up to anyone near a tuesday morning store:
All of the ones near me have gotten a lot of pens in. Mostly 'Retro 51' brand, the one I bought is a decent pen and only $10, but there are some Parkers and the like...

 

[Lou]

Do you know of a show coming to the Pennsylvania area?

In case you haven't seen it, the Philadelphia Pen Show will be held January 21-23, 2011. Here's the Web page:
http://www.philadelphiapenshow.com/