The familiar black cap and green striated barrel of Pelikan is conservative and refined. The M1000 also comes with a black cap and barrel. It is a classic writing instrument meant for writing, not just a flashy piece of jewelry. My M1000 has the OBB nib and is a joy to use. The oversized nib lays down a wet line with wonderful shading due to the oblique nib. The OBB nib is too big for everyday writing, but the Pelikan screw-in nib is easily changed without tools. I could purchase another nib for normal writing and save the OBB for bold signatures. The nib is responsive, though not a true flex, and the piston filler holds plenty of ink. I have large hands with long fingers, so I prefer oversized pens. The pen is light for its size, and well balanced, even when posted. The pen is perfect for unposted writing, which I prefer. A smooth writer, the M1000 is one of my favorites.

The M800 is available in the familiar green striated barrel with a black cap. It also comes in blue or red striated barrels, or a solid black barrel. All come with black caps and have gold plated trim. The nibs screw in and are easily changed without tools. My M800 has a responsive OM nib that lays down a smooth, wet line with shading. Even with the generous ink flow, the piston filler holds plenty of ink. The M800 is slightly smaller than the M1000, but still oversized. Like the M1000, the M800 is light and well balanced, whether used posted or unposted. For some people, the M1000 is too big for their hands. If the M1000 is to bulky or uncomfortable for you, try the M800.

The M200 is available in black, marbled blue, and marbled green barrels with black caps and gold plated trim. A special black Italic M200 is available with a medium italic nib, but is not covered under this review. The M200 has screw in nibs that are easily replaced without tools.

The Pelikano is an inexpensive “school” pen. It is a smooth, wet writer and a perfect “first” fountain pen. Pelikanos do not have the screw in nib of the “M” series pens and only come with three nibs; F, M, and a special nib for left handed writers.

The Kaweco Sport (available in “Ice” or Metallic” versions) is a modern pen reminiscent of the vintage Sheaffer Tuckaway. It is very compact when capped, yet the long cap gives it extra posted length. Although the only available nib is medium, it writes a smooth, wet line and its generous tipping allows for a custom grind. The Sport does not come with a clip, but a metal accessory clip is available. The thin diameter of the Sport is too small to be comfortable in my hand for extended writing, but I have big hands and tend towards oversized pens.

The Phileas is a $50 pen that can usually be found for under $40. I picked one up new for $25. Phileas nibs run a little broader than normal, so take this into account. Both of mine are medium nibs and they write smoothly with plenty of ink flow. The nib is stiff and unresponsive, but well tipped, allowing for a custom nib grind (both of mine have been reground to cursive italics).

The Lamy Safari is a good, no-frills pen. The nib is a nail, devoid of response, but sturdy enough to lend to a ham-fisted brute and come back unharmed. The wire clip grips well in either my shirt pocket or my thick Mackinaw wool vest, yet slides smoothly, without snagging pocket material.

For the “Newbie” who wants to try a piston or eyedropper filler for under $20, I recommend the Wality 69L. Wality is made in India for the Indian market. It is a smooth writing pen, handles well posted or unposted, and holds a ton of ink, especially the eyedropper model.