🖋️New Pen Day

The ECO Heat has arrived. I got it with a Fine job because strangely, I have no Fine ECOs. Will ink it up Wednesday when a new ink I want to try is delivered.

The color seems a bit different than the promos, but I still really like it.

@craigmcclellan I think I have the same pen! It’s great.

@craigmcclellan Looks cool. I want a low maintenance fine nib pen for desk use. Beginner/intermediate level. Don’t love the Preppy that others recommend. Any suggestions? Not afraid to spend more.

@Mtt That depends on what you mean by low maintenance and "more" in terms of spending.

If you like that look of that ECO, it's a great way to go. The piston filler makes cleaning and refilling a breeze. It can't take cartridges though, only bottled ink. They run about $32.

@craigmcclellan @Mtt They have other, more desk friendly colors as well.

@craigmcclellan How much extra stuff do I need to refill it (other than ink)? New to that obviously. I’m a huge fan of blue/black ink if you have recommendations for that.

@Mtt The beauty of the piston filler is you don't need anything else. Filling is easy.

So many good Blue Blacks. It may be boring, but standard Pilot Blue Black is great. So is Pilot Iroshizuku Shin-Kai.

@craigmcclellan Going to order tonight. Any other suggestions for the cart?

@Mtt Do you have some good, fountain pen friendly paper?

@craigmcclellan Yeah, at least I think so. I’ve always been particular about paper. I have a lot of Rhodia stuff and I’ve been using Studio Neat notebooks at my desk. But maybe I just think those are great?

@Mtt Just know ahead of time that, while the Pilot Iroshizuku ink is very good, it’s very wet and really requires the best of fountain pen friendly paper. @craigmcclellan

@gdp I’m open to other suggestions as well. May get a few things to trial and error it all.

@Mtt It really is a sort of trial and error thing to see what you like, which is part of the fundamental. I love the Iroshizuku ink, but it’s just too wet for my use as a middle school administrator. I need it to dry quicker. But it may be perfect for you. Lamy ink is a great all-around ink. It’s what I use most of the time.

@gdp @Mtt agreed. I haven’t had the best luck with fountain pens and studio neat stuff, but I know some people do. Rhodia is good. I also love Midori notebooks and paper.

@gdp I just realized I’ve never used any Lamy ink. Ever. I need to correct that. I’ve at least got a few cartridges that have come with pens. I’ll throw one in.

@Mtt I still haven’t found a fountain pen I like more than the Pilot Kakuno.

@gregmoore Hmmm interesting.

@jessekelber That’s good to know. Will give it a shot.

@Mtt Did you end up getting any pens and inks? How are they working out for you?

@craigmcclellan Sweet! How does the fine TWSBI Eco write? I haven't had luck with quality nibs the last few TWSBI's I've bought.

@craigmcclellan I ordered an Eco and some ink you (or someone) suggested. Can't remember who. Had some shipping issues so it had to be sent again. Got in a couple weeks ago, but haven't used it yet. I also got some Rhodia notebooks and such. I need to find some time to sit down and set it all up.

@chrisfoley it seems fine to me. It feels a little dry, but it could also be the ink I chose. I probably have 10 TWSBIs (is it bad I can’t think of the exact count?), and have had one stinker nib. But overall they’re fine.