I love fountain pens. I have only a few, and they aren't anything special when compared to some folks that have both expensive and extensive pen collections. What I do love about them, however, is how they write, especially on good writing paper.
Fountain pens also fit in my wheelhouse for long lasting non disposable equipment. I own camera, darkroom and photography items that were produced over the last 75 years or so. The whole idea of using and keeping a pen for a lifetime fits in nicely with my personal feelings about using items that last, and can be reused multiple times. I also enjoy how they can be refilled with ink. Such a refreshing idea when compared to the multitude of plastic single use pens on the market.
My current favorite pen is a Kaweco Classic Sport, which as others have pointed out is "the perfect pocket pen." Kaweco has been making pens in Germany since 1883 and the Sport since the 1930's. Mine is black with a gold clip and a gold steel fine nib.
Because the pen cap is large, it both makes the pen full sized in length when writing, and very compact when closed. The cap also screws onto the body of the pen, keeping the pen closed and preventing it from opening up while being carried around. The pen measures 4 inches when closed, and 5 1/4 inches with the cap posted.
I bought a set of mini international cartridges, and syringe fill from an ink bottle once the cartridges are exhausted. This way I can keep the plastic out of the landfill, and use the empty cartridges many times over.
It is the perfect EDC (Every Day Carry) pen that fits perfectly in my front pants pocket. It is barely larger than a tube of ChapStick, and a nice companion with my mini Victorinox Midnite Manager@work pocket knife.
I've carried it with me every day. I use it to jot notes, write in my journal, and find it such a pleasant writing experience. The screw top is nice insurance against the pen opening up accidentally, and I have had no spills or ink leaks, which is exactly what I was looking for in an every day pen I carry in my pocket.
I'm thoroughly enjoying the slower more deliberate writing style with a fountain pen while keeping a few plastic bits out of the waste stream at the same time. I hope to use this pen for a lifetime.
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