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#1
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Cheap Sheaffer fountain pens disappearing?
I've been using cheap ($5) Sheaffer fountains for a number of years, now,
and like them just fine. Sure, the quality is variable, but at that price, if one acts up, I just discard it or trade parts with another. No problam. There's no way I'd pay more than $10 for a pen; I lose too many, travelling around. So far as I can tell, I'd have to pay a LOT more to get anything much better. And I hate fat pens. The cheap little Sheaffers can sit in my shirt pocket all day without getting in the way, and they don't make me feel like I'm writing with an elephant pen. The problem is, I don't seem to be able to find these pens any more. The local stationery warehouses seem to have stopped carying them. The closest thing the Sheaffer web site comes is something called the "Reaktor", which looks like a toy. Comments, suggestions, please? /kenw Ken Wallewein CDP,CNE,MCSE,CCA,CCNA K&M Systems Integration Phone (403)274-7848 Fax (403)275-4535 www.kmsi.net |
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#3
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wrote in message ... | I've been using cheap ($5) Sheaffer fountains for a number of years, now, | and like them just fine. Sure, the quality is variable, but at that price, | if one acts up, I just discard it or trade parts with another. No problam. | | There's no way I'd pay more than $10 for a pen; I lose too many, travelling | around. So far as I can tell, I'd have to pay a LOT more to get anything | much better. And I hate fat pens. The cheap little Sheaffers can sit in | my shirt pocket all day without getting in the way, and they don't make me | feel like I'm writing with an elephant pen. | | The problem is, I don't seem to be able to find these pens any more. The | local stationery warehouses seem to have stopped carying them. The closest | thing the Sheaffer web site comes is something called the "Reaktor", which | looks like a toy. I believe you are referring to what was commonly known as the Sheaffer cartridge pen. They have been discontinued. The Reacktor is its sad replacement. I would buy a supply of Sheaffer school pens, available from Sam at Pendemonium ( http://www.pendemonium.com ). When the current supply of those is gone, they, too, will be history. I also strongly recommend the Pelikano, which Sam also carries. A bit more than you have been spending, but a lot more reliable, better quality, and uses standard short European cartridges available everywhere. The pen also does not dry out anywhere near as quickly as the Sheaffer. john cline ii, who hopes this helps |
#4
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In article , "john cline ii"
wrote: wrote in message ... | I've been using cheap ($5) Sheaffer fountains for a number of years, now, | and like them just fine. Sure, the quality is variable, but at that price, | if one acts up, I just discard it or trade parts with another. No problam. | | There's no way I'd pay more than $10 for a pen; I lose too many, travelling | around. So far as I can tell, I'd have to pay a LOT more to get anything | much better. And I hate fat pens. The cheap little Sheaffers can sit in | my shirt pocket all day without getting in the way, and they don't make me | feel like I'm writing with an elephant pen. | | The problem is, I don't seem to be able to find these pens any more. The | local stationery warehouses seem to have stopped carying them. The closest | thing the Sheaffer web site comes is something called the "Reaktor", which | looks like a toy. I believe you are referring to what was commonly known as the Sheaffer cartridge pen. They have been discontinued. The Reacktor is its sad replacement. I would buy a supply of Sheaffer school pens, available from Sam at Pendemonium ( http://www.pendemonium.com ). When the current supply of those is gone, they, too, will be history. I also strongly recommend the Pelikano, which Sam also carries. A bit more than you have been spending, but a lot more reliable, better quality, and uses standard short European cartridges available everywhere. The pen also does not dry out anywhere near as quickly as the Sheaffer. john cline ii, who hopes this helps There is really another way which a lot of people here seem to forget about... You can pick up LOTS of very nice pens on ebay. I find the best pens are the vintage pens- after all, they were made when the fountain pens was virtually the only pen anyone wrote with. Although ballpoints have been around for along time they were not popular back then. I routinely pick up vintage pens on ebay for between 10-20 bucks on ebay. Often, I get them new in box (NIB) old stock- meaning they are from perhaps the 50's, 60's, or 70's and were never sold or used. They were probably found in some old store's basement or something and are still in the original wrapping, etc. Recently I picked up a Sheaffer white dot Imperial 330 pen/rollerball set, still in the original box, with the original price tag in it. It has the rollerball cartridge, plus an ink cartridge and a convertor for the fountain pen. Mint does not begin to describe the condition. I got it on ebay for $16.50! (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=2186772 560). Look for seller "ultra-collections". He has lots of good stuff. There are also other modern pens on ebay- totally new- also well made, and also averaging between 5 and 15 bucks! Look for user "u-savexpress". Here are two items I bought from him/her (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=21916569 18) for $8.50 and (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=21898128 47) for $5.00. I have tried these pens and they write beautifully. I gave them as gifts- one to my wife, the other to another women we know who admired my fountain pen. These two pens are not fat at all (although I prefer a little bit fatter pen for my use). In fact, I am bidding a few of his pens right now!!! Some are as low as a buck!!! |
#5
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kcat wrote:
I don't know what model of cheap Sheaffer pen you're talking about. There are too many. I'm not a huge fan of modern Sheaffers. if you can determine what model you have or can post a picture of it on one of the other forums (not here) you might be able to find more like what you have. Sorry, I don't know of any other fora. Could you be more specific, please? I have to admit I don't understand the "disposable" approach you're taking. I expect (and have gotten) many years of proper function from my pens. I have not had to throw out parts or worry about these pens "acting up." As I said in my previous posting: There's no way I'd pay more than $10 for a pen; I lose too many, travelling around. I'm a consultant to small businesses, and spend little time in my own office. I've lost a number of pens in the last year or two and, realistically, expect the pattern to continue. I'd happily buy them by the box. You might want to check with Norman Hasse at www.hisnibs.com Thanks, I'll try that. He carries Sheaffer School pens and might know what you're looking for. I don't know much about them other than they're cheap and lots of people like them for the price. And there are other cheap pens out there that you might like. don't know what your needs are for nibs or filler type. I would avoid the Reaktor - it has gaping holes in the cap that make for quick ink evaporation (that's a bad thing) and the pen hiccoughed and spit whenever it pleased. Good advice -- thanks! /kenw Ken Wallewein CDP,CNE,MCSE,CCA,CCNA K&M Systems Integration Phone (403)274-7848 Fax (403)275-4535 www.kmsi.net |
#6
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"john cline ii" wrote:
I also strongly recommend the Pelikano, which Sam also carries. A bit more than you have been spending, but a lot more reliable, better quality, and uses standard short European cartridges available everywhere. I'd also consider the Parker Vector or, somewhat higher in price (but still under 15 euros for the most inexpensive model), the Parker Frontier. -- Steve My e-mail address works as is. |
#7
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"Stephen Hust" wrote: | "john cline ii" wrote: | | I also strongly recommend the Pelikano, which Sam also carries. | A bit more than you have been spending, but a lot more reliable, | better quality, and uses standard short European cartridges | available everywhere. | | I'd also consider the Parker Vector or, somewhat higher in price (but | still under 15 euros for the most inexpensive model), the Parker | Frontier. Agreed. But then, Parker cartridges are significantly more expensive than European cartridges. Either pen from Parker or the Pelikano can be fit with a converter, solving that problem. The Parkers take the slide converter, the Pelikano a Pelikan converter (duh!)... john cline ii who hopes that helps |
#8
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There is a great 10 dollar fountain pen called the CGB 2500.
It will soon be available for the first time in the US, sold directly by the importers (us!). You can catch a review of this pen on www.pentrace.com, the pen is comfortable to use, sturdy, well balanced and a very smooth writer. It used standard International size cartridges. We are distributing the pen with the firm belief that it is THE best value for money fountain pen in the USA. Check it out! Regards, Giovanni "john cline ii" wrote in message ... Agreed. But then, Parker cartridges are significantly more expensive than European cartridges. Either pen from Parker or the Pelikano can be fit with a converter, solving that problem. The Parkers take the slide converter, the Pelikano a Pelikan converter (duh!)... john cline ii who hopes that helps |
#9
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On Sat, 27 Sep 2003 18:22:19 GMT, wrote:
kcat wrote: I don't know what model of cheap Sheaffer pen you're talking about. There are too many. I'm not a huge fan of modern Sheaffers. if you can determine what model you have or can post a picture of it on one of the other forums (not here) you might be able to find more like what you have. Sorry, I don't know of any other fora. Could you be more specific, please? sure... check out www.pentrace.com Specifically, there is a listing on the market board (click on Shopping/Pen Market) by "einv" that might be of interest to you. also www.penlovers.com - they combine sales and discussion in one board so you might be able to ask there for the pens you're looking for. As others have already mentioned - the Sheaffer Cartridge Pen seems to be what you're seeking. As I said in my previous posting: There's no way I'd pay more than $10 for a pen; I lose too many, travelling around. I'm a consultant to small businesses, and spend little time in my own office. I've lost a number of pens in the last year or two and, realistically, expect the pattern to continue. I'd happily buy them by the box. yeah - I understand. If I were losing them often I'd be more concerned too. I don't get out much. And when I do, I don't take my "pricier" pens - I take a CGB 2500 that I love that is a $9.95 pen. But it's one of the few cheap pens I really enjoy using. I used to lose pens quite a bit. it was my need for a consistently working writing instrument when I was working (but not on travel) that drew me to mechanical pencils and fountain pens and taught me how to hang on to them. That and a boss that had a habit of borrowing my pencils, coffee cups, pens... Good luck on your search - haven't read the other replies yet but you may have already received some good sources. Do not rule out other pens of similar design and price (except of course, the Reaktor :P) You might check with "arcamax" - sorry, that's all i know it as but it should be easy to find with a search engine. They often have great prices on Sheaffer pens. best, kcat |
#10
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On Sat, 27 Sep 2003 22:22:34 GMT, "Giovanni Abrate"
wrote: There is a great 10 dollar fountain pen called the CGB 2500. It will soon be available for the first time in the US, sold directly by the importers (us!). You can catch a review of this pen on www.pentrace.com, the pen is comfortable to use, sturdy, well balanced and a very smooth writer. It used standard International size cartridges. We are distributing the pen with the firm belief that it is THE best value for money fountain pen in the USA. Check it out! Regards, Giovanni This is the one Ken! Really it is a great pen. |
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