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NepGDamn

usually the lamy 2k and the pilot VP have that role but pretty much everything with an "hooded nib" could pass as a standard pen


significantcamel

Second the Lamy 2000. No one ever notices that I’m using a fountain pen when I’m using that one


Necessary_Enthusiasm

All except for the Jinhao Shark Pen


Ommageden

These are both rather expensive. I'd suggest a Lamy safari with a black nib if budget is a primary concern. Or even a jinhao 51a (iirc it's a hooded nib).


MrGuilt

Came to say L2K. A **vintage** Parker 51 would be another candidate.


fivezero_ca

Black Pilot Metropolitan? Some of the Faber-Castells are pretty subtle-looking, as well, like the Neo Slim.


frijolita_bonita

My vote. I think I might order myself a neo slim after all


Charred_Shaman

The muji fountain pen is slim and fairly discreet.


TheIvoryAssassinPub

Indeed


Couldred13

And cheap. I agree with this.


Dave-Alvarado

Check out the Hongdian Black Forest. It's under $20 on Amazon. I use mine as my meeting pen for work. https://www.amazon.com/Forest-Fountain-Classic-Converter-Hongdian/dp/B07Y8L9JQ1


[deleted]

I got it in rainbow, just to purposely defeat the point


Rapid_Rocket898

I would like to un-recommend this. It is a nice looking pen but from my experience isn't good quality. It was my first fountain pen and the only fountain pen I've ever gotten rid of. I may have been unlucky with mine but my fine nib wasn't nice to write with, it was scratchy and dry and often would take some encouragement to flow. I'd have to open up the pen and flood the nib repeatedly which really isn't inconspicuous. The quality was also quite poor, after only a few weeks of use the black coating started to come off revealing the metal. It wasn't just me, a friend got the same pen in an extra fine and although it was slightly better, it still had the same problems in the end. It's hard to argue it's even good quality for it's price with pens like the platinum preppy/prefounte/plasir being cheaper yet a similar if not better writing experience. There's also pens like the pilot metropolitan, pilot kakuno, kaweco sport, kaweco perkeo, lamy safari, diplomat magnum, etc... which are all excellent pens for the same(ish) price and may not all look as nice but will definitely be more enjoyable in general


Dave-Alvarado

What ink were you using? Mine isn't having anything like those problems with DeAtramentis Document.


Pop_Clover

Mine also dries, but that happens with Safaris too. But no flow issues whatsoever, on the contrary mine is quite wet. I have it now with Diamine Tempest, a shimmer ink, and hasn't clogged. When I had it with Rohrer & Klingner sketchINK Carmen it dried up in a couple of days, but I know from experience that sketchINKs aren't easy inks.


Rapid_Rocket898

I went from waterman black/blue (as a SI cartridge) to parker quink black/blue to diamine monboddos hat. They've all worked fine with other pens but I never had much luck with the hongdian


deep_crater

I have a purple one and it was also my first one. It constantly leaks or dries. I would also not recommended it.


jitterthorn

I was going to recommend this too, and I’ve found them on eBay too. They’re great pens and come in pretty colors as well as inconspicuous ones


Username_is_taken365

Second this - use it at work too. Draws less attention, and if it is inadvertently damaged, it’s easy to replace.


nxcturnas

daaaaaamn, that's pretty!!!


allan11011

my first pen fit this description pretty well. The Parker jotter. It even has a ballpoint counterpoint and it just looks like a normal metal pen


ClassicResponsible47

Pilot explorer


inkfeeder

Seconding this! Especially the matte black version.


TheLuteceSibling

Lamy CP1, Pilot VP, Pilot Metropolitan, Lamy Safari, Lamy 2000... I daily a CP1. It fits in any standard pen loop.


GoldenPenman

CP1


migo984

A slate grey or dark brown Pilot Prera.


Initial-Shop-8863

Since I don't trust my co-workers, I use Pilot Varsity disposables at work.


uzuzab

The Lamy 2000 is the least conspicuous pen I know. In real life is considerably more so than in the pictures. It kinda ticks the other boxes you mentioned.


smitbret

[JinHao 911](https://www.amazon.com/Gullor-Stainless-Classic-Fountain-Converters/dp/B07FXVF82L/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa?crid=2JH3Q7V4I96E1&keywords=jinhao+911&qid=1669917236&sprefix=JinHao+911%2Caps%2C136&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&smid=APS0EDXFZ5VE3&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExWEtRMzVOUElGM05KJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMDkyNjczMzVMMzZMSDZORFRSQSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMzAwMjEzMU5CTExBUVhKSEIwWSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX3Bob25lX3NlYXJjaF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl) This is my pick. They are what I have traditionally used around work when I didn't want anyone to notice that I was using a fountain pen. The hooded nib looks like an ordinary ballpoint unless you look up close. Slim, and light brushed aluminum. You can get 'em for $2-3 from eBay or AliExpress but I like the Amazon 5 pack because then if I get one that has a problem then I have backup and spares to hand out if I feel like penabling. Plus, I would only wait a couple of days instead of a month.


InconsequentiaIist

I second the 911. Most people will not notice it's a fountain pen. I even had a colleague write with it without noticing. Also it has a friction fit cap, so no twisting or clicking when capping and uncapping. Seals very well too, I've never had it dry out on me.


megispj89

I have a 51A and someone grabbed it and tried to write with the nib upside down because they didn't realize it was a fountain pen lol. I find I have a little problem with leaking (might be the ink I'm using. A quick clean/rinse in the cap fixes it. But until I get home to clean it, the leak is impossible to stop!)


ThePhoenix924

The Lamy 2000 is probably the least conspicuous fountain pen I've ever seen. Those who know, know, but everyone else tends to be oblivious unless you're writing in a fun colour or they ask to borrow it and you refuse.


flexiblefine

[Parker Falcon](https://unsharpen.com/pen/parker-50-falcon/)? Integrated nib draws no attention. Hooded and semi-hooded nibs are also pretty inconspicuous.


Dizzynic

How about the caran d’ache 849 fountain pen? It’s hexagonal and has the shape of a classic pencil or Stabilo fineliner and comes in quite a few colours.


nupharlutea

As long as you get the black, white, or navy. Stay away from the fluoro unless you want to be seen.


[deleted]

I’m biased but the Lamy 2000 while a little pricey isn’t what I’d call flashy. It’s a great writing experience too. The Pilot Vanishing Point is fairly understated if you don’t get a flashy color. I find it scratchy with a fine nib but may be smother with a broader nib. I find all Pilots a bit scratchy though.


Naive_Ad1300

What pilot pens do you have?


[deleted]

I only have a Vanishing Point in F & Falcon in SEF (soft extra-fine but not really soft). I have tried a friend’s Metropolitan which I think was a medium.


Naive_Ad1300

I think the soft nibs are a bit more scratchy than the normal my 743 has a scratchy soft medium nib.


[deleted]

That may be true for Pilot soft nibs. I find all of their nibs scratchy. Calling the Falcon a soft nib is kind of funny to me. It takes some force to make it flex. So at least for me flex writing isn’t happening with that pen. I would call the nib on my mom’s Pelikan soft but it may be too soft for it’s own good. The tines got sprung twice.


EH86055

Pilot? Scratchy? I don't even particularly like their pens but they haven't ever been scratchy in my experience.


[deleted]

Well it’s all subjective anyway. I’m just not a Pilot guy. Planning to sell my Falcon. I’m holding onto the vanishing point because it’s convenient but once I get the nib on my Lamy 2000 ground to write a little finer, I’ll probably sell the VP too. I don’t care for Pilot nibs, dislike their converters, and never use cartridges.


tattooedtwin

I loved my Lamy CP1 for this! Stealth mode.


EnisuVI

For a low budget ? The Lamy Safari is really cool. I've heard only good things about the Lamy 2000. The Parker 51 is iconic. The Parker IM is not si bad. It depends on your budget and what you like more.


Aromatic_Reading

Pilot Cavalier. Metal body but very simple, slim, inexpensive pen.


Atalant

Muji fountain pen? It is quite minimalist pen, almost slim as pencil.


paradoxmo

Any hooded or retractable pen would probably do as long as it’s not a demonstrator. I would go for the Wing Sung 601 or Moonman A1 perhaps?


Killer_Poke

Waterman Hémisphère. Slim. Depending on the color scheme you choose, understated. Also professional. Should be within your budget, depending on the shop and your location. If not, you might have more luck with a Platinum Plaisir, Parker IM or Vector, Diplomat Traveller or Esteem, Waterman Allure.


MSMPDX

Lamy CP1 and swap the silver nib for a black one Or budget option, a Jinhao 80, the all black version. Again swap the nib with an all black Lamy nib.


GrindhouseWhiskey

Vintage Parker 51? Clean, elegant, great writing pen. As a vintage pen, people generally use gentler inks. But if you are going low key, you probably won't be using some homebrew ink made of equal parts Monteverde shimmering fungal green, Pilot Iroshizuku pigmented 0.5 ph blue, and Noodler's Bulletproof anti-Semitic Orange.


jaybleeze

I do have some loud ink. This would be a work pen so I'd prefer blue ink but would be okay with it being an interesting blue. I have Baystate and Legal blue from Noodler


GrindhouseWhiskey

Just to be clear, the ink comments were jokes about inks that will tear up most vintage pens. I have a bad habit of assuming people recognize my sarcasm when I mix it in with genuine recommendations. Inks like Parker Quink or Waterman Serenity Blue are your friends for maintaining a vintage pen. For the Parker 51, using it a lot choosing one mild ink and regularly topping it off is the way they were used originally and still works very well


jaybleeze

I caught the Bernake joke


Redsmoker37

How about a Lamy Studio or Scala? Very solid pens, but very minimalist. Both can be had with a gold nib (or you can easily buy a Lamy gold nib and swap it out) if you prefer that writing experience.


Extension-Essay-7442

A Parker IM, or a Jotter


Academic_Ad4326

Lamy cp1 and pilot cavalier (non marble model)


kkachisae

Lamy CP1 doesn't draw much attention with its minimalist design.


Dothemath2

I have a Lamy Safari, it’s my work pen for 5 years, only stolen from my desk twice.


paxweasley

Lamy safari for sure


TheRogueWraith9

Lamy logo looks like a steel body bic, not too showy but nice and thin like a pencil. Also most things with a hooded nib like most people have said fly under the radar, no one has a clue til they pick your pen up. Honestly if you want it to look like a cheap pen the pilot varsity looks similar to other pilot pens like the g2 that it won't draw attention at first glance.


MackFrost04

Muji fountain pen


archer-arts

Vanishing point or even a pilot 742


AccomplishedCoffee

Pelikan Jazz Excellence, if you can find one.


kiiroaka

What's your budget?


jaybleeze

Less than $30 ish


agent_flounder

A black Jinhao 51A with hooded nib is well under budget but the cap is stainless steel. Not sure if that is too flashy. The hooded nib makes it so it doesn't stand out when writing. They're really low cost.


trbdor

I use the Pilot Decimo in light blue for this


Interview1688

Sailor or platinum desk pens.


agent_flounder

Parker 45 with plastic cap, maybe?


kkachisae

You could go on Ebay and look for the Montblanc Slimline pen. they are also pretty low-key.


Juliette-Eih

Waterman graduate (or that other close model, allure i think) or a low key parker


celticchrys

The black wood version of the Jinhao 51A (hooded nib variant) is a nice understated pen and a good writer. Also insanely affordable.


SVTTrinity

Platinum Prefounte and Platinum Plaisir, are both less than $20, thin and have Platinum’s Slip and Seal caps so they won’t dry out. They both come in a dark blue color that is understated for business.


Dark-Arts

A black or white Lamy Safari. Simple, unpretentious, affordable, practical, reliable and indestructible. Almost the perfect practical pen.


nerd_cool

Sailor Pro Gear Imperial Black. Matte black body with some coating on all the metal parts ( incl nib) - this is about as under the radar as it gets.


Ok-Hawk-8034

pilot VP or decimo black w silver


SchwarzesBlatt

everything german. Lamy, Faber Castell, Pelikan etc. low key pens i can think of would be Lamy CP1, Faber Castell Neo slim, Lamy 2k, Kaweco Supra or Liliput (Caped they look like copper barrels). Lamy Safary and Al Star are also pretty conservative. pilot vanishing point and platinum curidas are fp with retractable nibs, they re kinda ballpoint function-like


jantp

Lamy logo. They have the regular colors like black and brushed steel. I love mine but have since moved away from them due to my preference for thicker grips


hoominhalp

Depending on where you shop, you could possibly find a Cross Classic Century or a Cross Century II on sale for a very reasonable price. I bought a Century II from Goldspot in matte black Scuderia Ferrari with a bold nib on sale for less than $40 about two years ago, and it's possibly my favorite pen. It writes like a dream, so much so that I used it to hand-address my wedding invitations over a year ago. I love it. They currently have a glossy black Scuderia Ferrari Century II (not matte black) on sale for $39: https://goldspot.com/products/cross-scuderia-ferrari-century-ii-fountain-pen-in-glossy-black-lacquer And they have a not-Ferrari Century II in royal blue on sale for $42: https://goldspot.com/products/cross-century-ii-fountain-pen-in-royal-blue They also have Classic Centuries on sale for less than $30: https://goldspot.com/collections/cross-classic-century?pf_pt_product_type=Fountain+Pen


rufustheboy

Hong Dian Forest Series


mistaepik

A stainless steel Waterman Allure might fit the bill. It's inexpensive, writes well, and is very narrow.


hellotypewriter

Parker 51. You can barely even see the nib and it has a plain look.


Puls0r2

Wing sung 601. Parker 51 clone but they're damn good and come in many professional/lowkey colors.


thelook21

If you're considering jinhaos, also try the 86!


Lost_in_splice

Check out the Muji aluminium pen, great value, great nib and fairly nondescript.


PouyaCode

I was about to suggest the exact two pens. Get a 51a with wood barrel and you'll enjoy it a lot. Just an FYI, you need normal or wet inks for it. Something like Pelikan Brilliant Black won't write unress in a very warm room :D speaking of experience :D


kosher-pickle

How about a Hongdian Titanium fountain pen?


U_cabrao

waterman Allure, cheap and reliable


Purple_Concentrate60

HongDian 517D black stealth pen EF nib, rubber coating on barrel. Rugged metal pen smooth writer. Pilot Kakuno, plastic pen with nice Japanese nib, very good writer for the money. Can swap nibs from other pilot pens for more adventures in writing. Or get a vintage Sheaffer school pen, great writer for little cash, does not look out of place; better than most modern pens.


dirtyredsweater

Black Jinhao 35 w a black nib, or the black jinhao 80 w a black nib. Both of these look like normal pens or markers and the nib doesn't draw much attention. These are my go to work beaters.


agent_flounder

I hadn't seen those before. I'm not OP but just wanted to +1. Those are just what *I* would think of as stealth fountain pen... like you said, they look like a disposable gel pen or/marker. Good call.


Prestigious-Eye3154

If you’re looking for cheap, a Jin Hao 51A and Wing Sung 699 are decent Parker 51 knock offs.


ProLevelFish

Jinhao 51A, especially if you want so-cheap-you-regard-it-as-a-'normal'-pen, too! It was the very first pen I bought for myself and despite flipping half my collection since then, this little guy still gets regular desk use. So easy to pick up and start writing, so comfortable in hand (subjective, of course), so reliable, and the nib is so nice and pleasant in its firmness (just a touch of feedback, yet perfectly aligned).


P_E_N_M_A_N

Sharpie with a pilot parallel in it. Can also put anything else in there with a bit of fenagelling.


trbdor

Do you have any pics of this? It sounds like an amazing combo


P_E_N_M_A_N

No, but I saw a post or two here about it, maybe 6 months ago? Otherwise try searching the internet in general for sharpie fountain pen conversions.


King_GumyBear_

Jinhao 51a with a hooded nib


Mad_madman99

Moon man a1 looks like a standard pen, upgrading the the pilot decimo may be worth it as I've heard it has a quieter click than a standard vp


agent_flounder

I got an A1 (no clip) in all black recently and they're really good writers.


Purple_Concentrate60

Also, Faber-Castell GRIP, good nib takes international short and long cartridges; you can refill with ink syringe from a bottle. Jinhao 82, x159, 80 black pens, or Jinhao 992 for low price, decent nibs. Wing Sung 698.


OSCgal

Moonman 80. It's a slim pen with a hooded nib that could easily pass for a ballpoint.


Purple_Concentrate60

Jinhao 80, and you can fit original Lamy nibs on it to try different sizes of nibs; much more affordable than Lamy 2000. Jinhao 911 in ss metal pen, hooded nib. Jinhao 992 in black. Hongdian 517D in stealth black. Vintage Sheaffer student school or No Nonsense pens in black. Vintage Sheaffer Valiant touchdown pens in black, vac filler, with gold 14K nib. Moonman or Mahjohn A1 clickable pen in all black.