Analogue Tools

Apica CD11 A5 Notebook

/ Pete Denison / 1 Comment

Hypothetically speaking, were I someone who walked through their local CBD bookstore’s stationery section more than say, a couple of times per week (who does that?), I would have noticed the Apica Notebooks display stand.

I might have also watched as the stocks slowly dwindled, perhaps picking up an A5 size in a mustard yellow — one of the last remaining colours. Of course, I then perhaps noticed the very next week, stocks were replenished with just about every colour available in the range — I mean I’d know that if I were someone who walked in looking at the notebooks all the time.

What I can confirm, is at the time of writing, there is a nice range of Apica Notebooks in different sizes at this particular store. That’s the word on the street anyway.

Look and Feel

 

IMG_4584The Apica CD11 Notebook, is an A5 (148 x 210mm), soft cover notebook with a distinctive, traditional looking cover design. Made of flexible textured card stock with tape reinforcement along the spine, the overall look harks back to times gone by.

Although not my favourite, the mustard colour has certainly grown on me, and is only a stone’s throw from the colour of the Baron Fig Three Legged Juggler limited edition I finished a couple of months ago. I’m not sure what it is with me lately, however you might recall a recent review of the Delfonics Rollbahn notebook which I also purchased in — uhh… yellow.

FullSizeRender 19Back to matters at hand. As listed in the specifications below, the CD11 is a 28 sheet or 56 page notebook, so although a little larger in overall dimensions, thickness-wise is similar to a Field Notes Arts & Sciences edition, which runs 32 sheets or 64 pages. The Apica CD line does includes a smaller pocket-size — the B7 sized CD8, and would be well worth considering if a very fountain pen friendly pocket-sized notebook was of interest to you — great value at $AUD2.75 for 72 pages.

The cover is adorned with a nice border pattern and a few words from the manufacturer. The Most advanced quality and Gives best writing features inscriptions I can live with, however I am not one to write any details such as my name, contact or the like on a front cover. At best I might put the start and end dates or a specific topic if relevant for the book, however the fact it remains blank with half the notebook used is probably telling on this point as far as my preference goes.

FullSizeRender 18

From (L): Field Notes Two Rivers & Arts and Sciences; The CD11; Baron Fig Confidant Three Legged Juggler Edition

Overall, I do rate the design highly, and although very thin and light, still affords the feeling of a quality product.

Specifications

Courtesy of the fine folks at JetPens, whose specifications tab on products never fails to provide just about every specification you’d care to know.

  • Model: Apica CD11
  • Manufacturer: Apica
  • Country of Origin: Japan
  • Weight: 2.6 ounces (74g)
  • Binding: Thread
  • Cover Material: Card stock
  • Cover Type: Softcover
  • Line Spacing: 7 mm
  • Number of Lines: 25
  • Number of Sheets: 28 (56 pages)
  • Paper Weight: 80 gsm
  • Perforated: No
  • Refillable: No
  • Sheet Style: Lined
  • Size – Depth: 0.3 cm
  • Size – Length: 21 cm
  • Size – Width: 14.8 cm

The notebook you see was purchased at the Brisbane CBD Dymocks bookstore for $AUD5.50. It can also be purchased online in six different colours from Australian retailer Bookbinders Online for $AUD3.95, or in the US from JetPens for $USD1.75. For a single purchase, I certainly could not have had one delivered all up for less than $5.50, and was happy to pay the store retail.

There are no bells and whistles here. The CD11 contains no sleeves, pockets, elastic enclosure, perforated pages or other paper ruling options. There is no numbering or pre-formatting on any of the pages. This is a traditional, 7mm lined notebook with a blank margin at the top of those 25 lines. If you have a preference for blank or dot grid pages, this may not be the notebook for you.

IMG_4598IMG_4599IMG_4580

This is a straightforward, high quality product, at a very competitive price — which handles fountain pens very, very well. If that sounds like something you would be interested in — and I believe many would be, then I don’t believe too many of the other features are all that necessary.

Writing Performance

The 80gsm paper of the CD11 reminds me very much of a Clairefontaine Essentials cloth bound A5 Notebook I own. Apart from the 90gsm paper, the major difference of course being the Clairefontaine’s 192 pages. For that reason I have never really had any great affinity for carrying it with me – it just feels too heavy and bulky.

When used with fountain pens, the CD11’s acid-free off-white paper handles almost everything you can throw at it, with the exception of the tiniest bit of feathering on wetter nibs and inks. Here your own experience might vary a little, as my pens are typically on the medium to fine side. The pictures tell a better story, with no bleed through and only minor show through apparent on the reverse of the pages. Rollerballs and ballpoints were handled with ease, however I suspect avid pencil users might want paper with a little more tooth to it perhaps.

FullSizeRender 16IMG_4578IMG_4579

If you are thinking of picking one of these up, you can count on using most if not all of your pens, and you’ll certainly be using both sides of the page — something which I see as important when you only have 56 to play with. As far as ink drying time is concerned, as expected with paper like this it does take time, however I found it a little faster than your average Rhodia pad and the Clairefontaine notebook I mentioned above.

I have very much enjoyed writing in the CD11. The fountain pen experience is top notch, the 7mm grey lines are perhaps a little darker than I might like, however these soon disappear when surrounded by words. The combination of the thread binding and small number of pages, also ensure the CD11 will lay completely flat when opened. IMG_4597Here I mean completely flat, as the softness of the spine makes for a simple bend backwards upon opening, and you have something as flat as a sheet of looseleaf paper on the desk in front of you. Closing after this? As simple as running your fingers down the spine as though you were folding a sheet of paper and the notebook will almost completely close — certainly good enough for me.

Closing Thoughts

IMG_4582I have thoroughly enjoyed using and would highly recommend the Apica CD11 notebook. It has been in use as my writing and summary notebook for a little over a month now — that is, for slightly longer writing sessions calling for more than a pocket-sized notebook.

There are three main points I keep coming back to when I think about whether I’ll buy another of any particular notebook. Whether it is fountain pen friendly; opens flat; and is light and easy to carry. The CD11 more than fits the bill on all three fronts.

When I try to get some writing done in my lunch break, I carry one pen (fountain); my iPad mini (plus or minus Logitech keyboard cover attached); FullSizeRender 17and a notebook. The lighter the notebook the better, and I have not found one better in this regard, and to have it accept whatever fountain pen I’m using at the time perfectly when I get to my cafe destination — just brilliant.

Sure, I’ll buy and try other notebooks, and yes I do like dot-grid as well, however the CD11 is one of those I’m sure I’ll return to when I just want to use a high quality, well designed, value for money product, built for a specific purpose at which it excels.

Just remind me not to buy another yellow one will you?

Lamy Pur Fountain Pen – 14k Nib

/ Pete Denison / 3 Comments

I was very intrigued when this pen arrived, for it immediately brought back memories of my first year of full-time work after university. Back then I was using a Sheaffer ballpoint. I cannot of course remember the exact pen model, however what drew me to it in the first place was the uniformity of the barrel, from end to end. Suffice to say the Sheaffer in question was more slender than this Lamy Pur, and any resemblance only very passing, however that is often all it takes to trigger these types of memories.

grays_coverThe job? My first year as a physiotherapist in one of Brisbane’s major teaching hospitals. That Sheaffer pen drew a few comments from those who borrowed it, varying from “that’s a nice pen — don’t lose it in this place” to “how can you possibly write with something so small” (read, thin). The latter was from an Orthopaedic Surgeon who was no doubt used to whatever cigar-shaped fountain pen he might have been using at the time.

While we are on the topic of surgery, I mentioned in a previous post about the strong associations I have involving various styles of pens, and this one is no different. The clean, clear lines of the Lamy Pur — I’m thinking surgeons scalpel. A minimalist design for pure function, perhaps not out of place recording post-op notes in a medical chart.

Anyway, moving on to matters at hand — the actual Lamy Pur fountain pen. As quite a few of the pens I have written about recently, I kindly received this from a fellow enthusiast in the process of downsizing his pen collection.

Look and Feel

lamy_bonesNo — it doesn’t really look like a Sheaffer ballpoint, however it is indeed distinct in its taper-less design, with a uniformity of thickness from end to end when capped. As you will read about below, I think Lamy might have been wise to maintain this design right through the grip section as well.

Although the black, knurled plastic grip matches the posting extension at the end of the pen, it somehow seems out of place with the overall finish and aesthetics. Personally, I find the Lamy Pur quite striking with the cap on — a minimalist look of brushed aluminium, marked only by the black plastic at the end of the pen, cap junction, and hidden inside the finial of the cap. Even the metal clip is able to add rather than detract from the geometric uniformity.

Personally, with a new or unfamiliar pen, my mind subconsciously works through three stages. How I initially feel looking at the design; whether or not my excitement increases when I uncap the pen and more closely inspect the section and nib; and finally, whether this increases again when the nib hits the paper. For a great pen, these stages would be thus: “wow”; followed by “oh wow”; and finally “yeeesssss”. An extremely objective analysis!

My point being, even if the first stage is “wow – I like the design of this”, if the second is “oh… um”, then regardless of how the third goes, I am on average going to be underwhelmed, which may influence how I ultimately feel about the writing experience. Such is the case here. I simply keep finding myself imagining how great this pen would look and feel, with that quality Lamy nib sitting at the end of brushed aluminium rather than plastic.

lamy_3_pack

With the Lamy Safari (L) and Lamy 2000 (R)

Clearly I have made my point and need to move on.

To finish things up here, I should add the pen is quite light and very easy to hold, and the cap snaps on very firmly either to close or post for writing (however relative to its thickness does make for a comically long pen if the cap is posted). The metal clip is solid and compliments the pen nicely, crossing past the cap/barrel junction, which adds to the smooth lines and gives the overall appearance of a little more length.

There is an understated black Lamy logo adjacent to the clip which rounds things out nicely.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I think this is a really attractive pen when capped and sitting on a desk — it’s just that pens aren’t really made for that are they? Mine certainly aren’t anyway.

Specifications

Information courtesy Cult Pens:

  • Material: Aluminium, Metal, Plastic
  • Refill Type: Lamy Z26 Converter (supplied) / Lamy T10 Ink Cartridge
  • Nib: Steel (Standard); Current model: 14k bi-colour gold
  • Length Capped: 5.4 inches (13.7 cm)
  • Length Uncapped: 4.9 inches (12.4 cm)
  • Length Posted: 6.7 inches (17 cm)
  • Diameter: 0.4 inches (1.1 cm)
  • Currently available at Cult Pens for £30.54 ($AUD65.30)

I received the Lamy Pur with a Lamy Z26 converter in place, and have found filling to be a breeze, however the pen can also to be used with the T10 ink cartridges produced by Lamy.

The pen comes with a polished steel Lamy nib as standard, and no doubt many a reader would be familiar with such a nib. As I have already noted, the model at the subject of this review has a 14k bi-colour gold Lamy nib fitted in EF width ($AUD119.95 at the time of writing from LarryPOST). The appearance of the nib itself is quite understated, which I like, as the gold runs only from the breather hole down to the tip of the nib inside each adjacent tine.

On Paper

When I uncap a Lamy fountain pen and begin writing, there is a certain expectation around how the nib is going to feel and perform. As you can imagine, every expectation was met here — and I expect this would have been the case with the standard steel nib fitted rather than the 14k gold nib I have on this pen. There is no doubt, Lamy do make great nibs, and I don’t believe I’ve ever heard of any quality control issues with them — nor am I likely to.

IMG_4523

The 14k nib is a dream to write with

The 14K gold EF nib on this Lamy Pur is exceptional. As smooth across the page as you’ll find, with just a little spring (I wouldn’t say flex) to add some character to the words flowing from the nib. Compared with a Lamy steel nib, I find the 14k a little wetter, softer and therefore broader than a comparable width steel nib, or even my steel F Lamy nib for that matter. The 14k nib was certainly a joy to write with, and more than once when choosing which pen to pick up it has been the nib which has drawn me to the Pur.

The only problem is — remember that black, knurled plastic grip section? Yes, I think you might recall it from the paragraph above — I also have a small issue with it when writing. As beautiful as the nib is, I’m unable to quite do it justice as I find the grip section provides me with very little control over the pen itself.

As my fingers want to slide down the section towards the nib, it is an ongoing conscious effort to keep the pen in the position I want it while writing. As you can imagine, that detracts somewhat from the writing experience, which is unfortunate, for a nib of this quality and performance deserves to be used for extended writing sessions. For my personal preference, either the knurls need more knurling to provide better grip, or the slight taper would need removing.

So as far as specific use cases are concerned for this pen, I am therefore looking at shorter bursts of writing such as list making or perhaps a few notes here and there whilst listening to a podcast or the like.

I probably should be quite clear about one thing — I am still yet to encounter a fountain pen I put down and say: “Well I won’t be using that again”. The reason my explanations of certain issues can be a little lengthy is simply so you, the reader, have an understanding of why a certain pen is the way it is — for me at least. Not to overemphasise there is something inherently wrong with it — nor to suggest you would necessarily find it the same. With any pen, I simply ask myself: Is there anything that could be changed to make this pen better for me?

Final Thoughts

IMG_4525Sleek. Minimalist. Futuristic. Space-age. Austere. These are the kinds of words which spring to mind when I think about how I would describe the overall aesthetic of the Lamy Pur. It is certainly not your typical looking fountain pen, and although the words I’ve described above might suggest it lacks character, that would be very far from the truth. It is both striking yet understated at the same time, if that makes any sense at all.

In my opinion this is quite an attractive pen — true, it loses a little of this lustre when uncapped and the black plastic grip section is exposed. This same section also sees it lose a little more of its merit when in use, through a lack of grip control requiring a little more effort while writing.

Do I enjoy using it? Absolutely — it’s a great fountain pen with an exceptional nib (remembering in this case a 14k gold Lamy nib). It is simply a matter of that little bit of extra effort I’m required to use while I write.

The truly superb instruments? They become part of my hand as I write. No conscious thought required. It is indeed a very fine line, but one which remains apparent with the Lamy Pur.

Pilot Custom Heritage 92 Fountain Pen

/ Pete Denison / 9 Comments

IMG_0922This pen became an instant favourite the first time I laid eyes on it a few months ago, and has remained so since that day. Received from a kind gentleman who was downsizing his collection, I’m still very often reminding myself how lucky I am to have been given the opportunity to add a Blue Pilot Custom Heritage 92 (FM nib) to mine.

There is of course a rationale behind the Pilot Custom series numbering, succinctly explained in this Fountain Pen Network review of the Custom 748. Essentially, a model number (XXY) indicates the number of years (XX) since the foundation of Pilot in 1918, and the price in yen (Y) of the pen at release multiplied by 10,000 (i.e. 10,000Y). Not all models carry the three digit nomenclature, as is the case with the Custom Heritage 92 – released in 2010.

Look and Feel

To my eye and taste, this pen has just about the perfect marriage of form and function. I immediately notice the combination of colour, trim, and overall symmetry and proportion. It evokes an association of a deep blue ocean, a black rocky outcrop, and the shimmering line of the sun up the silver clip to the horizon.1

IMG_0923What a fantastic blue, and in combination with the black and silver is just about perfect. The transparent deep blue resin provides enough colour to support the contrasting silver and black at each end of the pen, yet still allows visualisation of the internals. The nib itself however is shrouded in an additional sheath to seal the nib when the cap is in place.

I had not owned any demonstrator pens prior to coming into ownership of this Custom Heritage 92. For those unfamiliar with the term, a demonstrator pen being one which is partially or mostly transparent, allowing the internals and of course the ink to be seen through the barrel. A way of demonstrating the pen and its features to potential buyers. Personally I quite like them, and this particular model, given its blue colour, lies somewhere in the middle of the transparency spectrum — a transition of sorts.

As I have touched on above, the overall symmetry of the pen is very appealing to me, formed by the black at each end along with thin silver bands, and the added effect of the thick central band on the cap — again silver, with the Pilot Japan and Custom Heritage 92 inscription. The silver metal clip also adds to the appearance and overall balance.

When uncapped, the gorgeous 14k gold (no. 5) nib is evident, silver in colour, again perfectly aligning with the colour scheme, as does the section, with the black feed and silver ring showing at the cap threads, which inconspicuously merge into the blue resin of the barrel.

As expected with the construction materials, the pen is quite light (see specifications below), in line with those of similar construction, which incidentally, is perfectly balanced for the size of my hand and grip type with the cap not posted. A larger hand may find the pen a little short, however would likely find using the pen posted more comfortable, which to me feels a little top-heavy.2

Specifications

Much of the following courtesy of Goulet Pens:

  • Body Colour: Blue – demonstrator
  • Body & Grip Material: Resin
  • Cap Type: Screw-cap
  • Filling Mechanism: Piston
  • Nib Material: 14k Gold (silver in colour)
  • Nib Size: Fine/Medium
  • Trim: Silver
  • Diameter – Body: 11.7mm
  • Diameter – Cap (without clip): 14.1mm
  • Diameter – Grip: 9.75mm
  • Length – Body: 122mm
  • Length – Cap: 64mm
  • Length – Nib: 19mm
  • Length – Overall (Closed): 136mm
  • Length – Overall (Posted): 151mm
  • Weight – Overall: 20g (Body = 12g)
IMG_0920

Size comparison with Pelikan M600

As seen from the specifications above, this particular pen is a piston filling pen for bottled ink, and does not accommodate ink cartridges. Incidentally, the filling mechanism performs flawlessly. The 14k gold nib of this particular pen is a fine/medium (FM), and as you will hear further on below, is simply fantastic.

As I mentioned, I was fortunate enough to come into ownership of the pen through the generosity of another fountain pen user, and do not therefore have my specific purchase details, however some prices (current at time of writing):

  • Engeika $US122.00 ($AU156.00) + shipping
  • Goulet Pens $US220.00 ($AU283.00) + shipping
  • Jet Pens $US133.00 ($AU171.00) + shipping
  • Cult Pens £124.00 ($AU253.00) + shipping
  • Various eBay sellers $AU110 — $AU150.00) + shipping

Performance and use

In a word — superb.

Every expectation I had about the performance of this pen was met the moment the nib hit paper. I’ve always been fond of Pilot nibs, and this one is no different. The 14k nib starts immediately, and glides flawlessly until lifted. I can tolerate a false start or occasional skip in a lot of pens, however these characteristics will tend to limit them to certain situations or specific paper types to be enjoyable.

The Custom Heritage 92, while not suiting every possible paper type (as no fountain pen does), will suit pretty well every situation — that is, from extended longhand writing sessions to short and intermittent note taking (courtesy of no false starts). It’s an absolute gem — no doubt about it. I always find it somewhat exhilarating when a pen I adore the look of, exceeds all expectations upon hitting the page.

IMG_0921The FM nib has a just a little flex to be noticeable, however not to really influence the resulting line width very much without exerting more force than you’d probably prefer. In any event, that isn’t what this pen is for. As far as the line width is concerned, again I’d say this sits squarely in my fountain pen sweet spot. It is a touch finer than both the F nib on my Pelikan M600 and the Lamy EF I currently have inked. It is fine enough to allow my everyday writing to sit in the “somewhat legible” range on a standard Rhodia No. 16 Pad, however also carries enough ink to smoothly handle paper with a little more tooth, for example a Baron Fig Confidant.

The pens I write about on these pages have usually been in use for some time before they appear here. Of course, overall impressions are formed far more quickly, however I prefer to see how my overall use patterns are either sustained or change over time, with different paper, notebooks and use cases. The Custom Heritage 92 is a pen which has been consistently picked up and used since I came into ownership of it. It is a pen I enjoy having in my collection, yes, however it is also a pen which compels me to use it — again and again.

Conclusion

IMG_0924It is fairly safe to say the Pilot Custom Heritage 92 is one of, if not the favourite pen I currently have in my collection, and I highly doubt it will ever be pushed too far from the top.

As I write with the Custom Heritage 92, I find my eye drawn from the nib towards the barrel as it sits in my hand, and often admire the way the colour transitions from black and silver into the vibrant blue resin, before disappearing into the darkness as it enters my hand.

Although more striking in appearance than many of my other pens, I wouldn’t describe the Custom Heritage 92 as flashy. The performance however, is unsurpassed, and with the quality of the nib and overall workmanship being what they are, even full retail price I believe is reasonable, let alone the great value for money you might find from shopping around.

If you are after a magnificent looking pen which performs well beyond its price range, the Pilot Custom Heritage 92 would be well worth placing on your list of those to consider. There are pens which draw your eye, and those which draw your hand — the Pilot Custom Heritage 92 to me at least, is highly adept at both.

  1. There is clearly much I could write about my thoughts on pens and the associations I have very clear in my mind, however perhaps that is for its own post. ↩
  2. I always find that statement interesting when I write it. If you generally use pens without posting the cap, I cannot see how you would not find posted pens “top heavy” — regardless of the overall pen balance. Anyway, I guess it is worth stating as part of the opinion, though is likely to appear in just about every post I write on full size fountain pens. ↩

Two of a Kind: Pilot Metropolitan and Tombow Object Fountain Pens

/ Pete Denison / 5 Comments
IMG_3427

Silver Zigzag Pilot Metropolitan (L), and red Tombow Object (R)

With a Pilot Metropolitan having been in my collection for almost 12 months now, upon recently receiving a Tombow Object, I was struck by how similar these two pens actually are.

My original Metropolitan had a fine nib, which met its demise after about 11 months of use, when a very small part of the nib tip popped off while writing. Although I then had an instant stub nib, it was a little jagged for writing! The Metropolitan you see here came with a medium nib.

Both of these particular pens were received from the very kind gentleman I wrote about in a previous post.

Look and Feel

FullSizeRender 14The similarities in these pens were immediately apparent in relation to appearance; to some degree the design, and how both felt in the hand while writing — I see am not alone in thinking this.

When capped, both are of a very similar length and shape, tapering towards both ends. The Tombow remains a little larger in diameter at the end of the body and cap, whereas the Metropolitan continues to a slightly finer taper.

The Metropolitan is noticeably the heavier of the two, however both are quite well-balanced when putting pen to paper. Both have sturdy, well-functioning clips, with the Metropolitan sporting a feature band of decorative patterning around the centre of the barrel. This particular one being the Silver Zigzag model. A nice touch, however probably adds no more aesthetic value to my eye.

Both pens have a metallic, brushed aluminium looking finish on the entire exterior (with the exception of the zigzag addition to the Metropolitan) — a type of finish I do like, and particularly suits some of the more colourful options available in the Tombow Object series.

IMG_3433

Differences can be seen in overall nib length; step at the junction of section and barrel of the Metropolitan; and the Tombow’s matte finish on the section.

You could say the similarities end once the snap on/off caps are removed and the grip sections are exposed. The Metropolitan’s shiny gloss plastic (resin?) grip section is immediately apparent, whereas the Tombow sports a more subdued matte finish.

Both have visible and palpable lines running the length of the grip section from the manufacturing process, and although virtually unnoticeable, are not evident on more expensive pens. Certainly not an issue and I only mention it as I analyse the grip sections a little more closely for comparison. The taper, length and step of the grip section is the biggest difference I find in these pens, and I will elaborate further in Writing Performance below.

Overall, I like the look of both for sturdy, everyday use pens, and given the similarity, if I like one, it goes without saying I like the other. On appearance alone, I really couldn’t pick a favourite between the two.

Specifications

Specifications below courtesy Jet Pens:

Pilot Metropolitan

  • Country of origin: Japan
  • Weight: 3.7 ounces (105 grams)
  • Grip diameter: 9.8 mm (max diameter 13.3 mm)
  • Length Capped: 13.8 cm
  • Length Posted: 15.3 cm
  • Length Uncapped: 12.5 cm
  • Nib: steel
  • Fill: international standard cartridge/converter
  • Price: Approximately $AU18.00 (Jet Pens US + shipping)
  • My pen: Silver Zigzag model; M nib

Tombow Object

  • Country of origin: Japan
  • Weight: 3.0 ounces (85 grams)
  • Grip diameter: 9.3 mm (max diameter 13.0 mm)
  • Length Capped: 13.8 cm
  • Length Posted: 15.6 cm
  • Length Uncapped: 12.2 cm
  • Nib: steel
  • Fill: international standard cartridge/converter
  • Price: Approximately $AU48.00 (Cult Pens UK + shipping)
  • My pen: Red model; F nib

As you’ll note from the lists above, it is certainly not hard to see why these pens are very, very similar in look and feel — the most obvious difference being of course the weight.

For overall balance, I honestly could not pick one over the other despite this obvious difference, however if you were someone who posted their pens — for me at least — this would make things a little top-heavy with the Metropolitan.

You’ll also notice both are sold as cartridge/converter fillers. Not being overly adept with the included squeeze mechanism converter included with the Metropolitan, I swapped in the CON-50 converter which I’ve always found easy to use and very reliable. I have only used a standard international cartridge in the Tombow.

Writing Performance

When putting pen to paper, it is again quite amazing just how similar these pens are, even more so with the medium nib of the Metropolitan and fine of the Tombow.

IMG_3428

Despite the Metropolitan’s M nib and Tombow’s F – the line characteristics were very similar.

From what I recall, this would certainly not have been the case with the fine nib of my previous Metropolitan. At times I found the fine nib a little scratchy on certain paper types, and overall it was probably too fine for my writing style. The medium nib on this model is a far better fit for me.

The line widths, nib feel and smoothness are very, very close. Both lay down ink very well, with the only real difference in feel the marginally stiffer nib on the Tombow. Even with slightly more flex to the Metropolitan, both pens showed minimal (and pretty even) line variation with changes in pressure. There is no doubt these are really great nibs — both of them.

I keep harping about the similarities in these pens, so we should probably have a look at some of the differences as well.

My standard grip as shown with the Metropolitan.

My standard grip as shown with the Metropolitan.

That grip section. Here is where the suitability of each pen might vary widely depending upon your particular writing grip and style. I believe I would call mine a fairly standard pen hold, and with that, the Metropolitan suits my hand better than the Tombow.

With the Metropolitan, there is a significant step down from the barrel to the section, which in itself may be a problem for some, however suits my grip perfectly. As my middle finger hooks around the step, it provides a perfect platform to balance the pen, with my index finger and thumb able to rest lightly on the top and side. I’ve found this facilitates a lighter grip nicely — particularly in someone who is making a conscious effort to be a little less heavy handed (remember that broken Metropolitan F nib I was talking about?).

With the Tombow, at that same point in the grip section, although there was no step, the continuous taper towards the nib and smooth plastic finish left me wanting a little more control most times I wrote with it. This was most evident early in the mornings when both hand and pen barrel/section were cool, and I found my fingers sliding around a little on section. Not a deal breaker, however I certainly had less control, and was forced to grip a little more tightly, something I am consciously making an efforts not to do.

IMG_3437IMG_3436

Of course I then began thinking how the Tombow would make a perfect summer pen, when the Queensland humidity would ensure the grip section became nice and tacky — and just like that my pens started to become seasonal. What has become of me?

Overall, I’d say these pens are quite similar (again!) in writing performance, particularly from the perspective of the nib. My preference simply comes down to the shape of the section on the Metropolitan being more suited to my particular grip.

Use case

The most obvious answer here of course, is anywhere you would use a fountain pen, although there are a couple of other points I’d like to add. Although I have differing nib widths for both pens (a reminder: M on the Metropolitan; F on the Tombow), as you can see from the accompanying writing samples, both are on what you’d call the finer side of line widths.

IMG_3424

In a Baron Fig Confidant Journal.

This allows these pens to function very well on paper where a broader, wetter nib might bleed and feather its way out of favour. A case in point being the Baron Fig Confidant notebook. Otherwise, my usual Rhodia pads have seen the most of both these pens for both meeting and general notes I have made at my desk in the office, a task for which I have found both pens well suited, given their understated look.

That said, it has been nothing to carry either one in my pocket or shirt placket for use in a coffee shop note taking or planning session either. True, I notice the Metropolitan’s extra weight in doing so, however I wouldn’t say enough for me to avoid doing so. Both have again performed well, whether it be a few quick words written between sips, or a few pages written when ideas are flowing a little more freely.

Either of these pens can be anything you need them to be.

Conclusion

Put simply these are both great pens.

The Pilot Metropolitan is widely recognised as one of the best value for money pens out there. That very statement ”value for money” typically infers compromise, yet I certainly do not necessarily see that to be the case here — for either pen.

For the respective price points, the materials are of course not high-end, however I think for both cases here, that simply adds to the satisfaction when using these pens. You have a great pen in either case and have spent only a modest sum for the privilege.

If I had to pick, it would be the Metropolitan. Largely based on the better suitability of the grip for my particular style, and the lower price point really hammering home the value for money aspect.

That being said, I would (and will) be happy to continue using both on a regular basis.

Generosity

/ Pete Denison / 8 Comments

Time, money, objects, advice — to name but a few. Generosity can be demonstrated in many forms.

You might usually find greater expression of it amongst friends and family. Between complete strangers? Perhaps less often, yet a little more likely where there are common interests.

What follows below continues to amaze me as I write and read through it, yet also reinforces to me there are some wonderful people out there, and I have been indeed lucky enough to recently become acquainted with one.

Initial contact

Readership of this blog has built slowly and steadily over the two years I’ve been writing here. I do receive feedback occasionally on what I write — not a lot — but enough. Some offer encouragement, others push me to think a little differently about what I have written, though it is always well-intentioned and respectful. I consider myself very lucky in this regard.

Earlier this year I received some kind words from a reader on a couple of my pen related posts. I of course responded with thanks as is usually the case. Thankfully, he also reached out via email, through the contact page of this blog.

What the email contained is something I’ll never forget.

A most generous offer

Earlier in the year I had concluded I would be satisfied with my current pen collection in the short-term — and convinced myself I wouldn’t be making any significant purchases (perhaps only a bottle of ink here or there) until the second half of the year.

Not long after, I received the email which contained an offer I must admit left me somewhat stunned upon my initial reading.

I know what you are thinking — the email contained an unbeatable deal and I broke my current and future planned budget restrictions all at once.

No. It was much more than that. Way more.

The writer of the email mentioned owning a number of pens, and considering himself a user rather than a collector — was looking to pass on some of the pens he no longer regularly used to someone who might use and appreciate them.

Somewhat more significantly for myself, he went on to say he enjoyed reading this blog and would like to do something to support that. Very kind words and encouragement which in themselves already more than made my day. Being offered these pens was… well — you can imagine how that felt.

I continued reading.

The list of pens here was nothing short of amazing — particularly to someone like myself looking to expand a fairly limited collection. An endeavour that was to date progressing — though fairly slowly. Remember we are talking about doubling my fountain pen collection overnight — with each of these pens worth more than any (bar one) I already owned.

Needless to say I was somewhat flabbergasted.

A few emails back and forth later — and I had provided an address for the pens to be sent.

Arrival

A little excited at this point.

A little excited at this point.

Needless to say, an exciting few days wait ensued before an express post package arrived at my desk in the office. Being the somewhat private person I am, waiting until people were off in meetings and such for a quiet time to open it was one of the hardest things I have done in recent times.

Again. Totally amazed.

Although through the previous email exchanges I had known what was coming — actually having them in my hand was unbelievable.

At no cost to me, I had just received: a Pelikan M400 (green; EF nib); Pelikan M215 (black and rhodium; M nib); Pelikan M205 (red; F nib); Lamy 2000 (F nib); Tombow Object (red; F nib); Platinum Multi-pen; and a selection of ink cartridges.

IMG_3170

In all their glory.

 

I think anyone familiar with pens will see the value in those above, and anyone who isn’t — well let us just say we are looking at a significant amount of money if I were to buy them.

What can I say?

Having received the pens in the middle of March, I have only now been able to sit and write some thoughts on this act of kindness, with the extent of my good fortune having finally sunk in.

To me, it goes way beyond the monetary value which can be calculated from the list above. The kind gentleman who made contact can certainly be assured the pens have been warmly welcomed into my collection, and no amount of thanks could ever be sufficient, though I will indeed give it my best shot.

He has made no money, has no blog, Twitter or Instagram account to link back to — and even if there were – I get the impression a link would be politely declined. Also, my query as to whether he wished to be mentioned by name, and to read this post before it went up — politely declined. To me, it is a very real reminder of the kind and generous people in the world (and within the pen community) that we may never see nor hear from. Or at least if we do, not often.

These are the people I write for.

As this piece of writing nears conclusion, something else has struck me you know. I mentioned time and advice in opening of this post. Two very valuable things I have also received far more of from this kind gentlemen than I’d ever hope to receive, and to that end, I look forward to each and every email.

As far as this generous gift I have received?

I can only hope that someday — if I am in a similar position – I would do the same, but it mightn’t be with any of these particular pens. No, these I’ll likely be keeping as reminder of the immeasurable kindness and generosity that still exists in the world.