Reddit mentions of JINHAO 992 Fountain Pen (Translucent)

If you don't know if you like the triangle grip of the Safari, best bet would be start with the Jinhao 599, same basic shape, much cheaper to try. This link is to a set of hooded fine nib 599s, they also come in exposed nib medium.

> would love to find one that comes with multiple nibs

This is my opinion only, but there are a lot of good pens at the low end of the market price wise that are still very good pens, the Pilot Metro you have is one of them. Find out what the nib variance is using these pens, and as you move to more expensive pens, buy the nib for the task you want the pen for. Forget about many nibs for a single pen, it really is more hassle than having a pen with the nib you want.

Also note if you want to move to pens by someone like Lamy, the M you have on the Metro is more like an F or EF on the Safari, depending on the luck of your grind from Lamy.

Now for some basic recommendations, besides the Wing Sung 698, the Wing Sung 659 and Jinhao 992 might interest you. The links are Amazon, but you might find them cheaper elsewhere like aliexpress.

Hope this helps some, lots of info as you get started, but also lots of fun as you begin this journey and explore.

OK, I'm going to take a slightly different path than /u/AGOTL, although the preppy is an OK choice I don't really like it for a number of reasons.

I would recommend you pick up a Jinhao 992, https://www.amazon.com/JINHAO-992-Fountain-Pen-Translucent/dp/B06XYFK681 or six https://www.amazon.com/BinaryABC-Fountain-Jinhao-Student-Transparent/dp/B06XS8NY43 If you are willing to wait, you can get them under $2 shipped from Aliexpress also.

My thoughts on this choice, you get a really good pen, with converter that can be converted to an eye dropper if you want, I would stick to the converter personally. At this point, you are ready to go.

For inks, you have good recommendations, and the 30ml Diamine are great values. Add to the list [[Noodler's V-Mail GI Green]], great vibrant green, for a subdued green, [[Seitz-Kreuznach Tundra Green]] is a nice one.

Now, if you want to step one step up on the pen, take a look on ebay for the Wing-Sung 698, that should be a pen that will serve you well for quite a while and look really good with green ink sloshing around in it.

And don't worry about hand writing, not all of us have great penmanship game.

Pen: Jinhao 992
Ink: [[Noodler's Saguaro Wine]]
Paper: cheap printer crap
Song: Tennessee Whiskey by Chris Stapleton

Special thanks to /u/jzpenny who gave the pen and ink from the contest. Sorry for taking so long to finally use it! I was out of town for a few months then moved. I cant wait to finish this ink and try the [[Noodler's Harmonious Green]] next.

Excellent way to use your fountain pens indeed! I like to copy recipes and song lyrics. And, my grocery list this week is in "rainbow fashion", haha!

I will have you know that, after seeing your post, I went and purchased another two of these 659 babies. They are just so pleasurable.

I also ordered a few more Jinhao 992's as I enjoy demonstrators very much. For that price ($8 w/Prime) I couldn't not order! I just inked up the one I bought last month and it is just as nice as the WingSung. If you are in the market for another, inexpensive demo, I recommend trying one :O)

These pens will tide me over for some time and make me happy.... One day, I will upgrade to a "big girl version"... The Pilot CH 92. For now, my wallet is taking a break.