Brian's Fave Pens for Each Filling Mechanism

Today I'm going to answer one of the more interesting questions I've gotten in a while! "If you could only have one pen from each filling mechanism (i.e. piston fill, eyedropper, cartridge, converter etc) what would they be?"

 

Cartridge/Converter: Pilot Custom 74

My first choice for the cartridge/converter category is the Pilot Custom 74. On a recent visit to Pilot USA, I learned that the blue Custom 74 is their most popular color in the U.S. Despite blue not typically being the top selling color, I'm told my influence might have something to do with this, as it is my favorite color! The Custom 74's beautiful shade of blue and its compatibility with the CON-70 converter make it a clear winner.

Blue Pilot Custom 74 fountain pen on a white pad of paper and desk background

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Eyedropper: Namiki Emperor

I initially considered a few options for eyedropper pens but eventually settled on the Mount Fuji 100th Anniversary Namiki Emperor. This stunning pen left a lasting impression on me, with its remarkable design paying tribute to Japan's iconic Mount Fuji. Sadly, this particular limited edition pen is no longer available, but there are plenty of other great Namiki Emperor pens out there, like the Goldfish Emperor fountain pen shown below.

Pilot Namiki Emperor Goldfish fountain pen

Runner Up:

I can't but give an honorable mention to the Opus 88 Demonstrator, a pen I use semi-regularly. Its large ink capacity and comfortable design along with its broad nib make it a fantastic desk pen.

Opus 88 Demonstrator fountain pen capped, on white and blue background on a desk

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Piston: LAMY 2000

When it comes to piston pens, I am a big fan of the Lamy 2000. I'll confess to owning six or seven of them, each with a different nib size. Its classic design and reliable performance make it a staple in my collection.

LAMY 2000 fountain pen in stainless steel finish, and black resin finish on blue, yellow and red notebooks

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Vacuum/Power Filler: Visconti Homo Sapiens Bronze Age

For vacuum or power fillers, my daily companion is the Visconti Homo Sapiens Bronze Age. I love the lava-inspired design and find it to be the perfect companion for my everyday writing needs.

Visconti Homo Sapiens Bronze Age fountain pen on dark blue notebook background

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Lever Filler: Waterman Ideal Pink (Vintage)

While I'm not typically a fan of lever fillers, I couldn't resist the charm of the Waterman Ideal Pink, a coveted vintage flex pen with a red ripple pattern. Its unique features and ebonite feed make it a remarkable addition to my collection.

 

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