My first FP (purchased not to long ago, actually), was a Parker - I think it was a vector, but there are so many variations it's hard to say. It's stainless steel, and quite slim. I think it's an old model. It was only like $20 or $25 I think. Has a converter, which is good. Decent writer, but not really anything to get excited about.

The second pen I purchased after I realized I was serious about the FP switch, was a Pelikan m150. Which got excellent reviews, and I think looks classy and understated, which is good for me... it's a joy to use, and I hope it doesn't get lost [dreading it].

However, in discussing FP's writings, I should mention legal-lapis bullet-proof ink - down the page a bit). With the Noodler's in the m150, it's like butter on the page now! The cheapo-Parker is now writing wonderfully as well! It used to be scratch on the page, and is now very smooth.

So, if you find the Lamy Safari EF a bit scratchy, why not try out the Noodler's inks... I can't rant and rave about them enough. Very glad I tried 'em out. They were mentioned recently under "Pilot G2 killer"...

Cheers!
-Allen

ps- that Pelikan is a *joy* to use. I think you can find them on sale from time to time... perhaps at around $40 each? For the quality of pen, if you find one near that price, buy it!

pps- I'm also now keeping a large Moleskine Cahier for penmanship practice... if you search a bit you can find various old handwriting books here and there online... the best is Spencerian Business Script, I think, as it's not very flash, and was considered a "man's script." Finding books for practice on this one specifically hasn't gone too well for me... but I have a full book of Zaner&Bloser practice material from online. If you practice around 15minutes a day, they say you'll see differences within 2 weeks. I'm already noticing a little bit, and it's only been a week or so...