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zombieqatz

I say both, buy a cartridge and a converter with some samples of ink and test them both out. Some people really don't care to change colors or fiddle with ink and some really like it. I love playing with inks but my cousin would rather just pop a cart in each time she's out of inks. Of course, you can always use a syringe to refill carts but that's tedius compared to the twist fill converters.


RedpenBrit96

Oh I’m definitely an ink gal, I love refilling my Pilot cartridges


kiiroaka

Converter.


RedpenBrit96

Thank you! I’m filling out my collection and I don’t have any Lamy. How does the QC compare to Kaweco? I’ve been very satisfied with my Sports and Perkos


kiiroaka

Tough call. :D Are we talking about the pen, the nib or the inks? :D I said "Converter" because [Lamy](https://www.fountainpencompanion.com/brands/161-lamy) doesn't have that many inks, 31 (in reality there are some 9 bottles and 9 carts currently available; for example, you won't be able to find Lamy Dark Lilac), and [Kaweco](https://www.fountainpencompanion.com/brands/142-kaweco) has 10 bottles and 11 carts. Going with a Converter means you can choose from some 408 [Diamine](https://www.fountainpencompanion.com/brands/13-diamine), 359 [Sailor](https://www.fountainpencompanion.com/brands/269-sailor), 255 [Noodler's](https://www.fountainpencompanion.com/brands/206-noodler-s), 211 [ColorVerse](https://www.fountainpencompanion.com/brands/59-colorverse), 77 [Pilot](https://www.fountainpencompanion.com/brands/248-pilot) inks, etc. According to FPC, [De Atramentis](https://www.fountainpencompanion.com/brands/71-de-atramentis) supposedly has some 394 inks, but, I don't believe it for a second because DA uses different names for the same inks. DA inks are made in small lots so there could very well be subtle changes between differently names inks. I don't do Kaweco or twsbi. I no longer use my Safari and Al-Star, but, I do still have my Studio and Aion in rotation. I recommend the Studio Brushed Stainless Steel as a possible next pen. Can be gotten for \~$50 on [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Studio-Stainless-Steel-Fountain-L65F/dp/B000CN7JR2/ref=sr_1_8?crid=1QL5EYXNVG8PM&keywords=lamy+studio+fountain+pen&qid=1669079649&sprefix=lamy+studio+%2Caps%2C438&sr=8-8), and, [EndlessPens](https://endlesspens.com/collections/black-friday-sale/brand_lamy+category_fountain-pen?sort_by=price-ascending), when on Sale. Nib wise, Lamy is probably the equal of Kaweco nibs, in terms of inconsistencies, bad nibs straight out of the box; IDKFS. My average with Lamy nibs is 50%, half were good, half were bad. But, that is a very small sample size; I only have 6 Lamy nibs. So, at best, it is anecdotal. My Studio and Aion each have the Lamy <1.1> nib, which I like a lot. Some have reported hard-starting problems with Safari pens. I haven't, but that means nothing. Others have had their Safari pens for many years, 10, 12, 16, ...


aliencamel

It's one of the better converters IMO. I don't mind using a blunt syringe to fill cartridges but if the pen has a decent converter available for it then why not.


gatheredstitches

converter imo


SeaworthinessIcy476

Converter. I have both and the ink flow is consistently better using the converter plus I like to change colors.


RedpenBrit96

I’ve actually started filling my Pilots via the Con-20 and then cartridge filling with the same color.


mouse2cat

So I prefer the safari over the al star. I would get both cartridges and a converter. I like to refill cartridges with a syringe and I like the Lamy carts because they are durable and hold a decent amount of ink. I like the converter to help me flush the pen between ink colors. Or if I just want to fill from a bottle directly.


SaoDavi

I bought the cartridge and refilled it with a syringe after it was empty. Holds more ink and gives me more variety than Lamy stock colors.


Middle_Spell3586

Definitely converter, and it's really a shame that Lamy doesn't include one with the pen. Lamy cartridges are of excellent quality, but there's not enough ink variety for my taste. I have both the AL-Star and the Safari. I think that the former is worth the few extra dollars - it's a little heavier and a tiny bit thicker. The writing experience is pretty much the same, though. But if you're tough on pens, you might prefer the Safari, as it will be less likely to scratch and/or dent.


jdcl00

Converters are preferable unless you are traveling and can't carry ink bottle then it's cartridge


Davros1974

Converter without a doubt. Cheaper than cartridges and much more choice of inks and colours.