I've used Apica CD11s for years. They're small so they don't get worn out from use and travel, they're inexpensive, and they work well with FPs. They're sort of the opposite of what a lot of people think of for journaling, but they work for me.

In a way it's insurance since if your $300 piston filler starts leaking it's going to be an issue, whereas you can just replace the converter.

But I have to hesitate whenever I see a >$200 pen with a steel nib.

I guess I'd lean Safari, it's easier to use with the converter/cartridge. You can always point them toward the TWSBI for their /next/ pen.

Following up, having used it for a few pages the cap is so heavy that it makes it a little hard to write with when posted.

Think about the Vanishing Point clones - the Jinhao 10 and the Majohn A1. The biggest difference is that the Jinhao comes with a thicker nib.

I guess you figured out it was a semi-gloss calendar page which does take FP ink better than newsprint. But I'm using Pelikan Brilliant Black which is a well-behaved ink even in the wet Carene.

I figured out 63 Across but it was touch and go for a while.

There's a place for the cheap and simple pen. It can be a giveaway, or an introduction to someone who wouldn't spend anything more. Or, of course, to be used in an environment where it could be damaged or lost. I've never bought one but I've bought $3 pens from Muji that were similar.

Unspoken?

Turned out to be a good idea! I think the culprit was the clicky pen.

Wouldn't that be nice? My first rule is didn't bring anything you can't lose, so it's a Jinhao 9016 Dadao, which I brought for the huge ink capacity. The others are a Moonman and another Jinhao (82?)

Oh babe, I hate to go.

Rotring had exceptional fountain pens before they got out of the business. It's a shame since they are so satisfying to use.