The truly economical guide to fountain pens

Because I'm tired from getting angry at fútbol, I've swapped over to looking at pretty fountain pens for some eye candy and distraction. Then I started reading pen blogs again. And then I keep going back to the claim fountain pens are more economical than ballpoints.

I never quite fully felt satisfied by that particular argument, probably because the people who are making that argument are usually not the ones who ever needed to be economical with their writing instruments. Usually, those who are touting the economical aspect of fountain pens are people who own 30+ pens and at least one $700+ pen in their collection. I think their idea of economical is a little confused.

So, since cashew is taking a break from ranting angrily about fútbol, it's time to take on Fountain Pens.

( Do you like stationary? You should like stationary. You are missing out. )

Fountain pens are not economical if...

This bit here is mostly for those who have already converted to the way of the fountain pen. If you write about the economy of writing with a fountain pen, do not bring up the following points:

1. Customizable nibs - fountain pens with changeable nib units are not economical. Nib units cost anywhere between $10 and $20, as the pen they are switching into cost no less than $30 to purchase. As such, it is not possible to keep the pen's cost down if you bring in nib customization. And I won't even get into the expensiveness of custom ground nibs.
   
   
2. Ink variety - While it is true that fountain pen inks are kind of mind boggling in terms of choice, a lot of them are actually very expensive. You can see why when some advertise gold flecks in the ink. What's more, every time you switch inks, you have to flush the pen properly, and that not only drives up the water bill, it is also ecologically irresponsible. Wasting fresh water to wash pens is not the argument you want to be making.
   
   
3. Aesthetic - Do NOT talk about how pretty the pen is. Just don't. Using rare metals, expensive acrylic, volcanic rock to create unique looking pens also result in $700+ investments up front and completely destroys your economical argument. (Not to mention the production of rare metals and expensive acrylic is not environmentally friendly.)
   
   
4. Cartridge fill system - This is a mistake I keep seeing, where fountain pen enthusiasts attempt to soothe refill anxiety for the newly converted by bringing up the ink cartridge refill system (plug in new cartridge when old one is empty). While convenient, the cartridge refills also contributes to the plastic waste while costing almost twice as much per mL of ink compared to their bottled counter parts. Cartridge is not economical. Don't bring them up.
   
   
5. Piston fillers - Literally one of the most expensive filling mechanisms in fountain pens. Apparently the technology used to build the refillable ink reservoir directly into the pen body shoots the price up to the >$50 range. Most brands cost >$100. Furthermore, due to the reservoir being built directly into the pen body, if there is a defect, the entire pen is null and void. Unlike a regular converter system, where the reservoir is removable and replaceable, thus allowing you to keep using the pen either replacing the converter for less money or go without by doing an eyedropper conversion But since we're trying to convince people to switch, maybe don't overwhelm them with extra stuff they'll need to purchase outside of the pen and ink.

TL;DR — Fountain pens are both more economical and more ecologically friendly provided you get the right pen and the right ink. Otherwise, it is primarily a hobby.