I have a Shaeffer fountain pen and pencil set; actually it was given to DH but never used by him. I do like it, but find you have to hold it at an exact angle for the ink to run properly. I keep it at my desk and use it to sign cards, etc.
For ease of use in my handbag, I like a retractable ball-point. Funny, just in December I went to the local stationery store and asked for a 'nice' pen for myself, and there were no selections other than typical office/school pens. I have a Uni-ball jetstream blue ink. It writes nicely and does the trick, just doesn't look very elegant.