Speedball Art Products 002903 Calligraphy Fountain Pen Set

I read the other reviews and decided maybe one was bad, which happens. No. The cartridge fell out of the pen into the body while I was testing it. I spilled ink everywhere. The cap really won't go on the pen while the nib is on the pen. Cheap pens from China are much better than this. I was really looking to play around with the wide nibs, which aren't very much in demand these days. So I grabbed a universal convertor and lifted the remaining ink with a syringe, injecting it into the convertor and shoving it in the pen. The universal convertor doesn't fit either but it jams in tight enough the ink won't come out of the pen barrel. It draws lines well.Thing is the technical data sheet downloaded directly from Speedball claims it has the ability to take a universal cartridge, which is odd. I suppose it could if you build a new pen body around this nib. Save your money on this one and buy a pen that takes lots of different nibs is all I can say for this.I just so wanted to like this pen.The red ink is very pretty even though I lost half of it. So I will give it a 3, since I can sample the inks.Update:I managed to get a universal convertor in this pen. I managed to scrape around in the cap and get it to fit with the nib. I think I pushed down the plastic liner in it more deeply, so there is room for the pen nib.This is a really nice pen if you work on it. Still it wouldn't be good if you expected everything to go well right out of the box.

no problems

The pen is great. Easy to switch out nibs and ink. Sits comfortably in the hand as you write. I am a novice with calligraphy, so I am probably not the best to review. I do love the pen though. At times think can pour out a little quick as you’re writing. It doesn’t make a mess or pool, but you will want to let your paper dry completely before touching it in any kind of away. When you pick it up, after not using it for a while, it does take the ink some time to start pouring out again. I am assuming this is normal for calligraphy pens. I recommend calligraphy paper. It really makes a difference.

I really like these pens especially the different sizes and colors. I’m able to do a lot of decorative writing with these pens.

After watching a poorly explained video (no enclosed written instructions- just a few3 bullet points on the box)I finally got it assembled, heard 1``tthe click" and After numerous attempts I finally got the pen to write but not smoothly. Frustrated, I put the cap on add put it aside for awhile. After an hour or so, I decided to try writing again. When the pen top was removed, the pen came apart, ink flowed nicely all over r my fingers. I put it together again but it makes a few lines, then skips and keeps stopping. I'm very disappointed and frustrated!

Bought these as a gift for my mother, and she loves them. She noted that they are perfect for beginners as they are fairly inexpensive for what you get. Great for practicing and learning calligraphy.

I bought this set for a Christmas gift. The recipient was very pleased. It all looked good, and we expect it to be as advertised.

I would say that the plastic is a little brittle. The ink cartridges will fall out that come with it. However any other ink cartridge I put in it stays just fine. So that knocked it down in the beginner rating. It writes great and a good practice/ beater fountain pen. I use it at work so as not to have my cross or waterman stolen or lost as I work In a hardware box store hint hint.