Sheaffer Prelude Black Lacquer w/Horizontal Line Engraving and Medium Nib Fountain Pen

When I went off to college, I was given a Silver Shaeffer pen by an uncle. It was a metal body one, with the one piece nib. I don't remember what model it was, but I knew that it was expensive from all the looks I got. It was the heaviest writing instrument I had ever held in my hand! I held it in my hand as if I had been handed a one pound ingot of gold! It felt good! It was even better at writing. Those were the days where you wrote with a pencil, or one of the Bic type ball pens that would leave a Morse Code trail of ink, and if you stopped for too long, they would leave a sticky puddle. This was before the days of roller ball pens, and felt tip pens, etc. I used that Shaeffer pen through out college, but after graduating, I found I had to fill in multi-part forms with carbon sheets, and checks with duplicates, which needed a ball point pen. So my Shaeffer, through which many ounces of ink had flowed, was retired. With all the moves I have made since then, it has been "lost". Probably in one of the un-opened moving boxes from three or four moves ago that still clutter my basement.Now with copying and fax machines, laser printers, the internet, digital photography, etc. There are less and less places that require a "carbon" copy of a document. You fill one in, and then fax it, or more often, you fill it in on-line and print or e-mail the completed copies to as many people as you need to. Because of this, it is now easier to use a fountain pen. Modern disposable pen technology has improved to the point that a fountain pen is redundant, but all the same, you can use one in regular writing situations, like signing a check, or writing out a list, etc. Surprisingly, it may also be more economical, with an ounce of ink going a long way. Factoring in the cost, and longevity of one of these pens, it could become cheaper in the long run than paying $12.00 - $15.00 for 10 disposable pens.But economy is not why you use a fountain pen. A fountain pen forces you to write with a more delicate stroke, to avoid damage to the nib. The modulation of the force varies the width of the stroke almost imperceptibly, but still noticeable in a side by side comparison. It forces you to form your letters better, and makes you remember those penmanship classes that you had to take! Almost every time I take out my pen to write something, people comment on the pen. The younger generation are fascinated, and the older ones become nostalgic, relating stories of their first or favorite fountain pen, and how it took them through school or college.This particular Shaeffer pen is similar to one I had owned in the past. It is metal bodied, with a deep black satin finish. It does not feel slippery in your hands. The gold accents really make it stand out. It is a handsome pen, and something you would be proud to display. The nib is a separate piece, and you grasp the nib holder away from the ink containing parts of the nib. This, I find works better for me, since I don't seem to get ink on my fingers as much. The one piece nib pens tend to hold some ink away from the tip, and if you are the type who grabs the nib close to the end, your finger ends up with ink stains. I bought ink and use the provided filler, after finishing the cartridges that came with it. Cartridge ink is way too expensive if you plan on using this as your main writing instrument. I would suggest Noodlers ink (Also bought on Amazon.com) which is great ink, and cheaper than Shaeffer Ink. One fill of ink lasts me about 3 to 4 days, but it is not a big deal. I have just made it a habit to fill up with ink before I leave home in the morning. If I forget a day or two, I still know I won't run out. I do carry a roller ball pen, for the odd carbon sheet form I may fill out.The packaging was very good, and protected the actual case that insturment came in. It was promptly delivered.Buy the pen as a fashion statement, or for nostalgia, or any other reason, but it is still a great practical writing instrument, which will improve your hand writing. I think they would make great graduation gifts once again!Noodler's Ink Refills Blue Bottled Ink

I have a thing for pens. After several Mont Blancs that didn’t really write any better or last any longer for me than any other pen I started shopping around for good looking pens with only difference being the body. I can buy a helluva lot of less expensive, but still nice looking, pens that work great for the price of one MB. I loved my MB Starwalker but it kept falling apart until I finally lost some parts I couldn’t find. Anyway, I don’t mind paying for a pen that’s reliable, looks good and writes well. Personally I prefer a rollerball pen. They’ve gotten much more reliable over the years and I just like the smooth flow and feel of the cartridge. What I really liked is how it looks. I just love a red pen and I really love the stripes. I get just as many compliments on my Schaefer as I did my MB. I really did love that Starwalker though so it’s good I can’t find another one. I’ve only had this pen a short while so I can’t speak to its long range durability yet but I’m 110% happy with it and I have dozens and dozens of custom made pens. My recently purchased custom pen with a poison opal body is probably a favorite but it costs 6 times as much and just a rollerball like my Schaefer. Plus it’s very heavy. Right now my Schaefer is my go to everyday pen. Plus we really don’t write much anymore do we. A tragedy of modern times. But when I do fill out a medical form on paper or just sign my name I go to my good looking red striped Schaefer Prelude Merlot Lacquer with horizontal line engraving Rollerball. Take that MB.

Don’t believe the negative reviews — this is an incredible fountain pen, with a feel and appearance of quality rivaling much more expensive models. Within 10 minutes of placing the cartridge, I had beautiful ink flow from a gold plated medium nib — just like I like it, just like Sheaffer always does. This nib outperformed pens costing twice as much and required no adjustments. Just smooth, wet ink flow out of the box. Moreover, the cobalt blue and rose gold combination is very businesslike and attractive. This pen is bargain-priced and should have the European competitors taking notice of its quality.

I've just received this pen and I must say, I am very satisfied with this purchase so far. I do not have a prime membership and I opted for free shipping, which usually takes easily more than a week for most sellers. This pen came in after 3 days in a carefully wrapped, beautiful box, with a hand-written thank you on the receipt (I hope it was written with a fountain pen). And I have to say, this is an absolutely gorgeous pen! It is a bit smaller and lighter than I expected but the weight is very well-balanced in the hand, either posted or not. The pen is in excellent condition, tines well aligned, and mine came with a converter as well. Right away I inked it up and it was ready to write! The writing is smooth, and the medium nib is just right for me. Great price for a great pen!