I like the Parker Vector, mainly because I used one at primary school in 1986 and have found no particular reason to change. They should be available in the US.

I like the Parker Vector, mainly because I used one at primary school in 1986 and have found no particular reason to change. They should be available in the US. (In the UK, WHSmith do some cheap own-brand fountain pens that are OK.) The ink always flows immediately, it writes smoothly, it works tolerably with the nib upside-down as a replacement for a fine-tipped felt pen, and it's fairly smart-looking and presentable. I think mine cost less than £10, which represents fair value for money given how long it's lasted me. More fountain pen reviews than you ever thought possible: http://www.youtube.com/user/sbrebrown http://www.youtube.com/user/sbrebrown Entry-level fountain pens: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UId3hHz4bjk http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UId3hHz4bjk The main issue with using a fountain pen I've found is that sometimes people will ask to borrow a pen, and now you have to vet them carefully to check that they don't hold the pen with their fist all scrunched up and the nib pointing straight down.