I was raised on the mechanical pencil and ballpoint, but it would be many years later when I'd discover the joy of writing with a more ancient kind of writing instrument: the fountain pen.

While most people would wince at the idea of bothering with a fountain pen when a cheap disposable ballpoint will get the job done reliably, there are some people who see the merit behind using a fountain pen.  The line control, variation, and tactile feel of a nib gliding across paper is an experience that the average person used to be well acquainted with.  It's now mostly forgotten.  True, a fountain pen demands a certain skill and knowledge to use it effectively, there are plenty of reliable models available that simplify the whole matter.  And in the end, if you care about how your writing appears, you just can't beat the lines made by a fountain pen.

Although I have a strong appreciation for a number of pen brands (Parker, Sheaffer's, Montblanc, Waterman, etc.), most of my attention has been focused on the Pilot and Lamy pen brands.  Maybe it's the timeless conservative appearance, the ingenious designs, or the wonderful nib performance.  In any case, I've decided to write some reviews about my favorite pens so I can share it with anyone else who might be interested or curious.  If you have any feedback for me, you can make contact by searching for my membership name "MYU" on FPN (The Fountain Pen Network).