this post was submitted on 22 May 2026
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Fountain Pens

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Welcome fountain pen enthusiasts from around the world! Share your fountain pen obsession with fellow enthusiasts. Pens, inks, paper - everything fountain pen related is welcome!

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Where do you recommend for pen purchases? In the past I've used Goulet but there was a post (maybe here?) awhile back about them that inclined me to not give them money any more.

Background : I teach a class about once a year and I like to gift my graduating students a pen because I find it unique and interesting - you don't see fountain pens much anymore. I usually go with a Lamy Safari (but am up for recommendations on similar starter pens; see bottom). In the past they (Lamy) sold a gift set that was the pen and 5 or so of the disposable cartridges in various colors (no Z28 included) and that was my go-to. They don't appear to sell that particular product anymore so I'd reverted to just the standalone Safari and including one extra disposable cartridge since I have quite a few but don't use them.

Preferably a US based distributor.

While we're at it, any suggestions for a good, comparable, starter pen besides the Lamy Safari? Around $30 USD is my max price range since some times I have up to 15 students and that gets... pricey : ) Main consideration is that it's a decent pen that won't frustrate new users but something nicer than a disposable (EG: Pilot Varsity).

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[–] vi_zzyzx@mstdn.social 2 points 22 hours ago

@clif if you’re in the PNW/Oregon https://seasidepenshop.com/ — I’ve gotten some really fun stuff from them, including a bunch of rare Lamys, but in general the price of everything fountain pen has jumped up due to the tariffs.

I think Goulet/goldspot/vanness might be running dads and grads deals over Memorial Day weekend

Team “give them safaris” since they’re super easy to swap nibs on (and lamy also makes lefty friendly nibs)