LamyAl-Star Fountain Pen, Graphite (L26F)

heavily used for around 1year; stable and solid

I'm a fountain pen virgin. Or, I was until I recently ordered this LAMY Al-Star pen, refill converter, and Sailor Kiwa-Guro Pigmented Black Ink.I've spent the past several years buying packs of uni-ball black pens because the ink's thickness was just right. And I never had to shake them in order to make them work. They're solid pens. But as I thought about the number of pens I went through - and their cost - I thought it might make more sense to go the fountain pen route. So I hit up the old Google and - after perusing a few fountain pen-aficionado sites - finally decided on this pen to begin my fountain pen journey.And all I can say is "Wow! What a difference a fountain pen makes!" This is a solidly built pen that writes beautifully. The nib isn't too big so the line it draws is about the same as that of my uni-ball fine pens. I wouldn't mind eventually venturing out and trying some different nibs but as an every day nib, this one is perfect. Likewise, the aluminum casing gives it a modern finish and leaves it feeling light in the hand.Likewise, the inside of the pen is well made and feels solid. Some people might not like the angled grip but I happen to like the fact that it directs your fingers exactly where to go. It's also so easy to fill/re-fill that anyone can learn how in a few minutes. The only complaint I have is that it doesn't include any instructions. I got on YouTube to make sure I was getting it set up correctly.As you can see from the images there is a little window in the sides that allow you to see how much ink you have left. This is a nice feature though ultimately unnecessary. I'll know I need ink when my pen quits writing.There's not really anything I would change about it.This may be my first fountain pen but it won't be my last.

I have been looking at a Dupont Liberte among other pens for a while but I'm relatively new to fountains (about 6 months regularly using a Varsity) and was hesitant to pull the trigger since I wasn't quite sure what kind of tip I wanted. After reading so many great reviews of the Safari I figured it couldn't hurt to try something in between before going for a Dupont. So ordered up a Al-Star with a fine tip and some Noodler's. I've only had it a couple hours but without a doubt this is my new daily writer.What I like:* It's definitely a thicker grip, but the angles in the grip fit my hand perfectly. Obviously this is a YMMV kind of deal but for me it's just right.* Even though it's a fine tip it's not "scratchy" even on the worst of papers I've found so far. Even writing on a piece of cardboard is tolerable. (There's a little bit of ink on pretty much every piece of paper on my desk now)* Even though I generally like the feel of a heftier pen, the medium weight of the aluminum body feels just heavy enough in my hand and it won't weigh down my shirt collar.* Ink delivery is beautiful. No spotting at pauses and no visible wet spots or bleed through if I shade in an area solid unless I really hammer it with ink. This obviously can be a result of the Lamy ink drying fast or inherent to a fine tip, but either way I'm super happy.What I'm not crazy about:* As comfortable as the grip is, it is still plastic. Given how well the grip contour fits my hand I wish material was metal or something with a nicer tactile quality.Closing thoughts:I'm wondering if I should have gone with an extra fine. I honestly can't say it's not a true fine (it's definitely finer than the Varsity) but it writes so nicely I'm wondering if I could have gone to extra fine. I guess I'll just have to order another one in an extra fine and I can keep one loaded blue, one loaded black.Rest assured I'll update this if my opinion changes.

I am a fan of this pen by Lamy. The seller, not Lamy the manufacturer, sent the pen in a bubble wrap package with no box, replacement nib, or backup cartridge that normally comes in the Lamy Al-star package. The pen was bent in transport.

I write with heavy hand, and was taught to start my penmanship using fountain pen as a child. It was a requirement using fountain pen in middle school of my youth.After using my sterling silver 18k nib Montblanc for what seemed ages I retired that pen when I retired from my professional work. I found the Lamy pen when I went shopping with my grandson; he was using a clear plastic Lamy fountain pen. I tried out the one in the store and immediately fell in love with how that medium nib Al-Star model behave when I pressed down on the trial paper pad. I bought that one in gold color for $47 in store plus sales tax.After expensed a box of the cartridge ink in a few days and piles of ink filled paper I practiced on, I found that the design with the two flat holding areas really let me write without causing discomfort in my hand and on my finger tips. I wanted to try one with fine nib, and at the cost of $27 for this purchase I was sold. The pen arrived quickly and I found ink in the nib when I did a routine wash prior to installing new ink cartridge. The nib surface has light stretch markings, but I was very happy to find that it flows smooth on any types of paper I put it on. Evidently this pen's nib was hand lapped and tested prior to shipment. My grandson's clear plastic Lamy with fine nib was scratchy and did not write anywhere like this one. Although the physical weight of both models are almost the same, the handling between them are quite different.I am glad I bought this silverfish charcoal Al-Star fine nib one to accompany the gold color medium nib Lamy.