This was posted 9 months ago, and might be an out-dated deal.

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[Prime] Lamy Al-Star Fountain Pen, Bronze Orange $27.62 Delivered @ Amazon Germany via AU

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[Prime] Lamy Al-Star Fountain Pen, Bronze Orange $27.62 Delivered @ Amazon Germany via AUAffiliate
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Larsson on 28/07/2023 - 21:52 amazon.com.au (3870 clicks)
Last edited 28/07/2023 - 23:16 by 1 other user
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Pen enjoyers (and hoarders) rejoice!

Probably the best price ever for Al-star? Either way, excellent deal. Ships from Amazon Germany.

Fine nib (so like 0.5mm pen)

If you don’t know fountain pens and want to try it, Lamy safari is a great place to start. Al-star is mostly a nicer looking feeling safari. I’d argue this is a great entry. LAMY pens are very reliable.

Edit: okay just checked some old posts and probably not the best price ever (excluding the colour, then it probably is) BUT the older deals were through catch and one pass only to get the free shipping. So I’d argue Amazon prime is probably readily accessible for more people.

Also few more remarks, Lamy pens are tested in plant to ensure they meet standards (which is another reason why they’re so reliable) but please expect to wash the nib before using a different colour, especially if you’re thinking of a lighter colour. (also the reason the person in the reviews with one star, complaining about someone else using the pen before them. That’s just how it comes from the factory)

Now go and OzBargain the deal friends.

EDIT2: pleasantly surprised how many people care about pens, let alone fountain pens.

Price History at C CamelCamelCamel.
Home & Garden Fountain Pen LAMY Stationery

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closed Comments

  • MaxStinge on 28/07/2023 - 22:05
    +6

    Fantastic price OP - good find. The same price as a safari. Great pens.

    • Larsson on 28/07/2023 - 22:10
      +1

      Thanks mate! I hope you enjoy it. I love my safari’s. they have been the most reliable by far and they fit my large hands and triangular grip much better than many other fountain pens.

      Also for everyone I’d totally recommend using Lamy cartridges, great and reliable ink again. Especially for new starters. But obviously a converter is available (not in the box) to use whatever ink you want.

      • maverickjohn on 28/07/2023 - 22:29

        Does using the converter cause Ink bleed or is it pretty reliable.

        • Larsson on 28/07/2023 - 22:32
          +2

          I’ll be honest, haven’t needed the converter yet. I use Lamy cartridges for my Lamy’s and twisbi with bottled inks. But never heard anyone complain.

        • lostincanberra on 28/07/2023 - 23:05
          +4

          Totally reliable. And opens up a whole world of alternative inks to use. That said, I also refill Lamy cartridges with a syringe fitted with a blunt (ie non-medical/injection) needle. That works well too.

          • Chazzozz on 29/07/2023 - 08:31
            +2

            @lostincanberra: Oh man…once you discover ink it’s a slippery-slide into hoarding collecting. All those colours and sheens - you want them all. Two great places to start are the excellent local ink makers Robert Oster from SA and Van Dieman’s Ink from TAS. Both make some amazing colours and at quite affordable prices.

            Also, the needle you’re using to refill your cartridges is called a ‘drawing needle’. I buy mine with syringes off eBay.

            Pro Tip: if you want to use different colours in the same pen it’s essential you flush it thoroughly with plain water between inks. Some inks have chemical properties that help them achieve a certain colour or saturation, and mixing them can be bad news for your pen(s). The eminent Richard Binder (widely regarded as a demigod in the fountain pen world) has written two articles which go into excellent detail on the subject.

            • lostincanberra on 29/07/2023 - 12:00
              +1

              @Chazzozz: Yes, I got mine after a debacle of trying to buy 'drawing needles' locally.

              Price high and process unfathomable (I suspect that the retailer was covering their arse - just in case I was an addict with a masochistic streak).

              In the end I got them online from Singapore. Cheaper AND, as it turned out, from the identical Australian manufacturer. They've lasted for years…

              And yes, based on your observations, I'm certainly a 'collector'. Enough inks to last me for a least 50% of my next life too!

  • bindok on 28/07/2023 - 22:19
    +3

    Thanks got one. I've always wanted to try Lamy. I got one of these converters as well https://www.amazon.com.au/Lamy-Z28-Z24-Cartridge-Converter/d…

  • bargainwhore on 28/07/2023 - 22:19
    +13

    I have more than 10 mech keyboards, is this a cheaper hobby? Anyway, I bought one to try.

    • Shroomlet on 28/07/2023 - 22:24
      +6

      Arguably. Just wait till you discover about different types of paper, ink and nib combinations…

      Fun fact, I'm sure your all aware of this already but a LAMY/German fine is a Japanese Medium

      • Larsson on 28/07/2023 - 23:10

        Japanese alphabet strikes again. A good consideration for people who often work with alphabets that have similarly fine lines

      • FrugalSquid on 28/07/2023 - 23:30

        whats a good type of paper to write on?

        • glasket on 29/07/2023 - 07:34

          I use clairfontane rules notepad from officeworks. Around $17 from memory.
          While not rocket science, generally something around 90gsm+ will be ok.

        • Kjookk on 30/07/2023 - 07:19

          I like Rhodia No.18 Lined A4 Notepad. Ink pools nicely on it.

      • Thaal Sinestro on 29/07/2023 - 06:04

        With fountain pens always use a fine or very fine nib, unless you are writing on cardboard. Medium nibs exude too much ink for paper writing.

    • Larsson on 28/07/2023 - 22:31

      Probably but just like any hobby, depends on how deep you go. This could easily be both the start and the finish though.

      • bargainwhore on 28/07/2023 - 22:33
        +2

        Thank you. It won’t be the last for me I know.

        • ATangk on 28/07/2023 - 22:36

          What’s your current keyboard that you use most?

    • iridiumstem on 28/07/2023 - 22:53

      Depends.

      Mechanical keyboards can be a cheap hobby if you stick with cheaper options.
      Fountain pens can be a cheap hobby if you stick with cheaper options.

      Don't do both though :P I am waiting for few inks and few keycap sets.

      That said, fountain pens can get far more expensive compared to mechanical keyboards because there are a lot of luxury brands in that market. Whether you need to spend more to enjoy fountain pens is a different question all together though.

    • Larsson on 28/07/2023 - 22:55

      Also, there is a reason called mechanical head pens. Deadly trio for the wallet lol.

    • harro112 on 28/07/2023 - 23:10
      +2

      Just stay away from headphones and you're good

    • ethan961 on 29/07/2023 - 12:39

      You can get rather nice pens in the $5-30 range (tons of Chinese options + cheaper pens like this (or rather, usually the Safari at this price). Inks are the more expensive/collecting part. The thing about collecting pens is that you have to maintain/clean them if you use them before storage, so I don't really "switch out" pens often like you do with a keyboard. Since you can get inexpensive pens that write really well, I don't really feel any need to buy expensive pens when the cheap ones are genuinely good pens and I'm not showing them off to anyone. MUJI paper and notebooks are great and relatively cheap if you have one nearby, and there are great local ink makers like Robert Oster.

      I've had my "endgame" board since 2015 though, so maybe I'm not the best comparison. Lucked out by trying out Topre early on, and I've yet to find an MX switch I prefer.

    • Cfer50 on 29/07/2023 - 13:10

      I suffer from the safe affliction, bargainwhore.

      I would say pens is cheaper but I'm still spending a stupid amount on stuff i dont use regularly enough.
      Instead of keycaps you are buying artisan inks, instead of keyswitches youre buying piston cartridges etc

      I think final frontier for money sink is 3d printing.

  • maverickjohn on 28/07/2023 - 22:26
    +2

    I have a pen worth $1000 and cheap ones I got for free but never ever tried Lamy lol.
    Might go with this.

    • Larsson on 28/07/2023 - 22:30
      +3

      In my experience, can’t go wrong with Lamy, Pilot, Twisbi. They all make wonderful pens, consistently…

      • maverickjohn on 28/07/2023 - 22:31

        Heard Faber Castell are pretty decent in the upper mid range.

        • Larsson on 28/07/2023 - 22:33
          +1

          Ooohh, yeah next on my list to try. But genuinely have too many pens right no. I’d like to give each a little time and enjoy before I justify another purchase haha.

        • Larsson on 28/07/2023 - 22:37

          Also a big fan of their mechanical pencils, used them for years. (Though I do love rotrings even more lol)

          • Fullhalter on 28/07/2023 - 22:55

            @Larsson: @maverickjohn Graf Von FC is the upper level, but standard FCs are pretty average. I have had both. Nib wise they're typical Jowo OEM, while LAMY make everything in-house. However, there's no luxury LAMY except collectibles.

            • Larsson on 28/07/2023 - 22:56
              +1

              @Fullhalter: Ohhh I don’t know, Lamy 2000 seems pretty luxury and albeit I only tested it, it felt super nice.

              • lostincanberra on 28/07/2023 - 23:07
                +1

                @Larsson: The 2000 is quite delicious. I have two; 1 medium, 1 broad nib.

                Note my avatar: Safari. Red.

              • Fullhalter on 28/07/2023 - 23:11

                @Larsson: L2K is nice, but not quite in lux segment. LAMY's pretty strict on bauhaus.

                • Larsson on 28/07/2023 - 23:13

                  @Fullhalter: Ah yeah fair. I mean yes certainly not like some Pilots, Sailor and Month Blanc.

                  Since this is one of those hobbies billionaires tend to have, sky is really not even the limit as to how “lux” and expensive these things can easily get.

                  • Fullhalter on 28/07/2023 - 23:21
                    +2

                    @Larsson: Thanks. Don't get me wrong, my comment wasn't snobbery of anything. Maverickjohn's avatar is GS logo, so I was pointing to that direction and fountain pens are crazy tame compared to his other hobby. My definition of luxury is easy, they go up in price…

                    • Larsson on 28/07/2023 - 23:27
                      +2

                      @Fullhalter: Ah haha no no, absolutely do agree. Same here. I mean we are calling a $200 pen a luxury. For some it is a monthly salary, for some they won’t even notice it if you took the money out of their daily pay.

                      All relative but 100% pens are probably one of the tamest ones out there. Given my personality, I don’t even want to know what else is out there. It will only make me unhappy hahaha

            • maverickjohn on 29/07/2023 - 06:37

              @Fullhalter: Hi @Fullhalter that's the ones I was trying to refer to. They seem to have high praise.

      • garage sale on 29/07/2023 - 07:25

        twisbi is great and holds a lot ink

        • Chazzozz on 29/07/2023 - 08:46
          +1

          I got my first TWSBI this year with a broad S/S nib and it’s fantastic. Lovely, smooth writer with excellent flow, and very comfortable to hold. I can see it’s going to make a regular appearance my pen rotation.

          • Shroomlet on 29/07/2023 - 19:56

            @Chazzozz: I got the TWSBI Diamond 580ALR in Prussian Blue, Fine back in January. I love it and use it everyday.

    • groupwest on 29/07/2023 - 07:35

      Do you have Space pen? It is my go to pen for years. No more scribble on scrap paper first before you write to make sure the ink will flow.

      • maverickjohn on 29/07/2023 - 10:08

        Never heard of that. Will have to research it

      • Larsson on 29/07/2023 - 13:31

        Well, that’s a ballpoint. Not a fan at all of most oil based inks to begin with. Not a pleasurable writing experience for me. But also the pen but it self is so narrow and so slippery. It is also a top-heavy pen. I really don’t like it overall. I bought it and returned it.

        • maverickjohn on 30/07/2023 - 07:46

          Makes sense why I didn't know about this.
          Yeah I only buy fountain with then exception of a rollerball I purchased for interest in trying out the Waterman carene

          • Larsson on 30/07/2023 - 11:35

            @maverickjohn: Ah yeah, massive difference between a ballpoint and rollerball. I actually love rollerball. I got Grovemade pen and I loved the Schmidt 8126 rollerball refill so much I also bought retro 51 to have more options.

            Rollerball is basically a more convenient and less fragile fountain pen to me haha.

  • glasket on 28/07/2023 - 22:36
    +2

    This is a great deal. For example the safari (plastic body version of this) is $45 at officeworks. This one is light aluminium body so is a more premium version.

    I have one and this is a wonderful entry level fountain pen that most seasoned writers still use.

  • foreverphoenix on 28/07/2023 - 22:38

    I found this on eBay in case interested
    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/266028094886?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mk…

    • Larsson on 28/07/2023 - 22:40
      +2

      Out of stock. For whatever reason Peters of Kensington keep a whole bunch of ads with no stock. Drives me mad as I thought I was about to get a Lamy LX for $19 the other day. After deliberating I clicked add to cart just to be greeted with “out of stock”. Thanks eBay lol.

      • foreverphoenix on 28/07/2023 - 23:58
        +1

        That’s annoying. Sorry mate

  • RoboRat on 28/07/2023 - 22:48
    +1

    Thanks OP. Got the purple version.

  • citybargainhunter on 28/07/2023 - 22:48

    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/265550899545

    Lamy Safari Special Edition Fountain Pen Medium Nib Cozy Strawberry

    only 1 left

    • Larsson on 28/07/2023 - 22:51

      I mean still good price but that’s Lamy Safari. This is a bit nicer body.

      Plus Lamy does a new colour every year. So except few staples colours, all of them are “limited addition” heh.

      • citybargainhunter on 28/07/2023 - 23:01
        +1

        I don't disagree, but for $17 delivered with eBay plus it's still a decent price. OOS now.

  • dangerdanger on 28/07/2023 - 22:50

    Thanks Ok.
    Also found this one :
    Mango Lamy Safari Medium nib

    • Larsson on 28/07/2023 - 22:52

      Again, that’s safari. I mean still good almost the same pen, but that’s okay price. AL-star is aluminium body.

  • arnieb on 28/07/2023 - 22:51
    +1

    Thanks OP, got one. Lost my old one years ago at work and never bothered to get another…until tonight lol.

  • Pascal on 28/07/2023 - 22:51

    That brings back memories. Fountain pens were mandatory in German primary schools. To practice good handwriting…then ballpoint pens came…rip my handwriting

    • Larsson on 28/07/2023 - 22:54

      Haha yeah, Kaweco makes the “student” and Platinum “Preppy” and Pilot “Kakuna” specifically for students :)

      All great pens with the exception of Kaweco. Never like any of their pens/nibs lol.

  • Bunnyburger on 28/07/2023 - 22:55
    +2

    Hay now you're an Al-Star!

  • Imros on 28/07/2023 - 23:01
    +1

    I want to try but I am a lefty. Any ink recommendations to prevent/minimise smudging?

    • Larsson on 28/07/2023 - 23:08

      Wow a hard one. I’d have to refer you to the deep, endless black hole of YouTube my friend. Besides gel and ballpoint pens, I have no idea.

      But I do know quick drying inks exist. But yeah fountain pens are inherently a bit wetter being water based.

    • iridiumstem on 28/07/2023 - 23:10
      +2

      There are brands like Noodlers who advertises things like faster dry time with some of their inks (Brevity Blue)?
      Finer nibs tend to run drier as well, so I might go with a paper that's more absorbant, ink that dries faster, and pen that doesn't put as much ink on the paper.

      As much as I hate Noodlers as a brand, they do have bunch of gimmicky inks if you are after something with a gimmick like faster drying time or water resistance etc.

      That said, I think it might be easier to adjust your writing style so that your hand do not rub against what's already written. Regardless of what hand you are using, you will end up smudging what you have written with your hand if there are moisture on your hand.

    • texx on 28/07/2023 - 23:12
      +2

      Lefty here. The trick is to just not care.

  • mana on 28/07/2023 - 23:55

    Not all time low - https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/725526 a year ago for under $23

    • Larsson on 29/07/2023 - 00:10

      Again as per my edit, that’s only through catch with one pass. I’d argue most people have Amazon prime and not many will have one pass. But yeah sure, it has been cheaper technically.

  • TightLikeThisx on 29/07/2023 - 08:16

    I agree with you Safari comparison. The All-Star is better because posting with the Safari can scratch the back of the pen.

  • Hugh G Rection on 29/07/2023 - 09:04
    +1

    do i need it? no
    will i use it? no
    did i buy it? yes

    FML, i am never going to be able to afford a house. :(

    • jno on 29/07/2023 - 10:20
      +1

      Dw, i didn’t buy one and i still cant afford a house :)

  • maverickjohn on 29/07/2023 - 10:10
    +2

    So after much deliberation I didn't buy this..
    Instead I got the cp1 for $45
    https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B001HFYZUS?ref_=cm_sw_r_apan_dp…

    • Bobby Hill on 29/07/2023 - 13:23
      +1

      Very nice pen and a good price!! Bought to add to my collection 😁

      • maverickjohn on 29/07/2023 - 15:32
        +1

        Agreed, it's in line with Bauhaus design that seems to be the Lamy preference

  • cantoangel on 29/07/2023 - 10:13
    +1

    Good price - I got a Lamy Lx from Peters of Kensington but the nib was so wobbly and scratchy. Luckily Lamy are good at getting you to send the pen to them to fix, which they did by replacing the nib.

  • shutuptakemymoney101 on 29/07/2023 - 18:03

    Know nothing about pens but am interested if they provide a better experience, are these the sort of pens you would use on a daily basis for taking notes or for working out?

    Guess what I'm asking is, is writing a better experience with these over a run of the mill bic biro? If so, how so?

    • Larsson on 29/07/2023 - 22:45

      Well so I might not be the best the answer this, I might refer you to YouTube for a better explanation but I can tell you few things quickly:

      Yes this is a great daily pen, especially at $27 but it’s more expensive, you can just get safari. (Taking notes Yeap. working out? Like physical exercise? I don’t know how you’d workout with a pen lol.)

      As to why, it’s a bit of an experience thing but fountain pens are water based inks as opposed to the oil based inks of ballpoint pens). Depending on the nib, paper and ink you are using they could be wetter and smoother writers. Which usually mean you don’t press down to the paper but mostly just touch it. But mostly it’s just enjoying the act of writing. I think it’s hard to explain for me without trying.

      But you might find that you’d be much better if with a rollerball pen (not ballpoint) or a gel pen. All personal preference and depends on what you are doing.

      I’d suggest just googling it and seeing what other people have said about it.

      • shutuptakemymoney101 on 30/07/2023 - 07:00
        +1

        Thanks Larsson, I appreciate the reply.

        I might dip my toe into the water with a safari and see how it goes.

        • lostincanberra on 30/07/2023 - 16:59
          +2

          I initially bought a Safari for taking lecture notes. I found that I was putting less pressure on the paper - and so the act of recording my notes was much less physically taxing (yes, I pressed too hard with a regular ballpoint).

          I do enjoy the feeling of writing with a fountain pen. Almost sensual.

          Actually, it IS sensual. Especially when the nib is smooooth…

          While purists often prefer F and EF nibs, I like a medium for extra 'glide'.

          As others have pointed out, you need to choose writing paper that resists ink bleed-through. I like using 'Whitelines' paper (also nice design factor there).

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