Esterbrook is probably the most prominent, but not comparable to the big boys. Pelikan dominates the entry level school market (I think Germany is one of the very few places where a fountain pen is prescribed at school?), but higher end is a totally different range. Lamy is more consistent with options at all price levels.

FYI: Lamy has recently been bought by Uniball if I’m not mistaken

People remain people. Look at the bright moments and exchanges and don’t get carried away by bad experiences. A thick skin is always good in any public and shared setting.

Are you looking for an echo chamber that fits your views or what do you mean with “tolerate”? If you keep it civil and back up your arguments, I see a lot of potential for serious discussions on a lot of instances.

Unior is solid and european, Topeak and Birzman are from Taiwan I think. SKS from Germany but their core products are fender and pumps. Shimano PRO also has some good tools. I tend to avoid BBB. In Europe we have Decathlon with incredible value, but I don’t think they are present in Canada?