Pen Review: Lamy LX Marron Special Edition

October 30, 2019

I’ve written much this year about Lamy’s newfound fondness for special and limited editions. In addition to the blue Macrolon Lamy 2000 they released to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Bauhaus, Lamy has also issued three different Safaris in various pastel colors, two different Studios, an AL-Star in “Bronze,” and now a Lamy LX in “Marron.”

I’ll give Lamy this: their clip game is killing it. I couldn’t choose between the burnished clip on the LX Marron and the red clip on the “Independence Day” Safari, so I picked up both.

I reviewed the standard version of the Lamy LX last summer, and my overall reaction was “meh.” Though far from a bad pen, I questioned whether Lamy did enough to justify the markup over a standard AL-Star by adding new “iPhone colors” and a fancier nib. I’m still leaning towards “no” on the regular versions of the LX, but this new “Marron” (French for chestnut) model might be a different story.

I don’t typically go for brown pens, but I have to hand it to Lamy here: the combination of brown anodizing and the burnished copper/bronze clip look better than any special edition AL-Star in recent memory. I think I’ve said it before, but it would serve Lamy well to rein in the volume of special edition releases - especially the more generic ones - in favor of cranking out real beauties like this pen.

Takeaways and Where to Buy

Unless you don’t already have another Lamy AL-Star or Lamy LX, the Marron special edition is basically a vanity purchase for the new color scheme. Those who aren’t really drawn to this particular color will - and should - question whether it’s worth it to pay the markup for the LX instead of the perfectly functional AL-Star. Personally, I think the dark chestnut brown looks excellent, and the combination of this particular anodization with the metallic bronze clip makes me wonder if Lamy should have gone all-in on the Marron instead of this year’s somewhat uninspiring special edition AL-Star release in “Bronze”.

Apart from the special colors, the only real difference in terms of hardware between the Lamy AL-Star and the Lamy LX is the nib.

You can purchase the Lamy LX Marron special edition fountain pen from our sponsor Pen Chalet, currently priced at $56. Pen Chalet also carries the full line of standard Lamy AL-Stars, and if the Bronze special edition interests you, it’s currently on sale at a reduced price.

For those of you located outside the U.S., our sponsor Appelboom also carries the Lamy LX fountain pen, in both the standard colors as well as the Marron Special Edition.

Disclaimer: This post contains links to paid sponsors and affiliates. I purchased the Lamy LX featured in this review using affiliate credit generated through Pen Chalet’s affiliate program. Many thanks to Pen Chalet for making this review possible.

Pen Review: Jacques Herbin "Sloop" Fountain Pen

October 24, 2019

Last year, Herbin, one of the oldest ink manufacturers in the world, announced that it would launch a set of high-end fountain pens under the new moniker “Jacques Herbin.” When the designs were revealed, it’s safe to say that people were … underwhelmed. I’ve yet to read a review of these pens, and I’ve not seen them sold at retail in the U.S. Our sponsor Appelboom, which is located in the Netherlands, kindly agreed to lend me one of the dark blue “Sloop” fountain pens with brushed steel trim. My conclusions? The Jacques Herbin Sloop would make a nice everyday writer, similar to some of the more basic models by Waterman or Montegrappa. The problem here, as is common with companies trying to break into the fountain pen market at the “luxury” level, is the high price point.

I truly enjoyed several aspects of the Jacques Herbin Sloop. While I didn’t subject this pen to the true rigors of my daily carry, since I received this pen on loan, I spent enough time with it to offer some general observations.

A comfortable section, with the threads placed high so as not to interfere with your grip. Perfect for longer writing sessions!

Pros:

Overall Design. The Sloop features a classic, understated, vintage-style design (which you would expect from Herbin). I would characterize this pen as a streamlined flat-top, accented by brushed metal trim on the cap band, clip, and two finials. The acrylic section is on the longer side, and despite the fact that the pen has metal threads, they sit high up and shouldn’t interfere with most people’s grip.
Brushed Metal Trim. More companies should offer brushed metal trim. It adds interesting detail to an otherwise basic acrylic design. I could have done without the “Jacques Herbin Paris 1670” engraving around the cap finial, since something about it looks slightly “off” when set against the brushed metal. It may be that Herbin simply tried to include too much text in a small area, and the brushed metal leaves the edges looking fuzzy.
Well-tuned Bock Nib. The stainless steel Bock nib on the Sloop was a good one: well-tuned and moderately wet. I also liked the fact that Herbin went with a custom engraving and didn’t offer just a stock nib. If a company plans to ask for more than $200 for the pen, customized nibs are really the only option.

The Bock nib on this Jacques Herbin Sloop wrote extremely well.

Cons:

Price. The single biggest issue with this pen is the price point Herbin has chosen to pursue. The Sloop is currently priced at around $240, placing this pen at a more expensive price point than brands such as Franklin-Christoph, Leonardo Officina Italiana, and introductory level Montegrappas like the Elmo and Fortuna.
Insubstantial Feel in the Hand. The material feels thin, and different from the resin or acrylic used by Montblanc, Franklin-Christoph, or even PenBBS. That’s not to say the pen is poorly made or fragile - I’m sure it will hold up fine - it just doesn’t feel as you would expect from a pen at this price point.
Postability. Since the Sloop is a relatively slender pen, I found myself wanting to post it, but the cap doesn’t post deeply enough for a comfortable writing experience. The feel of this pen is very much like the Karas Kustoms Decograph: as noted above, I enjoy the vintage-style design, and the section is quite comfortable, but like the Decograph, it’s a bit long and awkward posted.

While I like the brushed trim on this fountain pen, I’m not sure that this particular engraving design/technique works….

Takeaways and Where to Buy

It’s always interesting to see companies branch out from their traditional product lines in an effort to expand their brand’s reach. Previously, Herbin has confined it’s pen offerings to lower-cost dip pens, inexpensive fountain pens, and refillable rollerballs. While my overall impression of Herbin’s first foray into the high-end pen market is generally positive, and I certainly like the look they are going for, I think Herbin will have a hard time being successful unless they move these pens into the $150-200 price range. While nice, the overall design isn’t particularly distinctive or inspired enough to warrant charging more than, say, a Montegrappa Fortuna - a pen that is already pushing the upper limits of what consumers would be willing to pay for a cartridge-converter fountain pen with a stainless steel nib.

The pen featured in this review was generously loaned to me by Appelboom, a sponsor of this blog. The Jacques Herbin Sloop is currently priced at $240 US (subject to change along with the exchange rate), and comes available in Black, Amber, and Taupe, in addition to the Dark Blue model pictured here. Appelboom carries the full range of Jacques Herbin fountain pens, Herbin inks, and dozens of other brands.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Should you elect to purchase a pen from Appelboom, I will receive a small commission which I use to keep this blog running. Many thanks to Appelboom and all my readers for your support!

Pen Review: Montegrappa Extra 1930

October 19, 2019

Montegrappa has changed its lineup over the years fairly frequently, but the Extra 1930 - which one could comfortably describe as the brand’s “flagship” offering - has remained a constant. The current Extra 1930 is “inspired by a model born over 80 years ago,” and “designed for people who love classic design, original colors and decorations” in line with Montegrappa’s traditional “aesthetic approach.” If you’re a fan of vintage-inspired pen design, like me, then you’ve probably had your eye on one, even if the price point gives you some initial pause.

The Montegrappa Extra 1930 is one of those pens that I always thought would be forever out of my grasp. (Then again, when I first got into fountain pens I also thought a $300 Sailor would remain well out of my comfort zone, but we all know how that … — The Montegrappa Extra 1930 is one of those pens that I always thought would be forever out of my grasp. (Then again, when I first got into fountain pens I also thought a $300 Sailor would remain well out of my comfort zone, but we all know how that story ends up.)

The sterling silver medallion on top of the cap will develop a patina as it ages. You could polish it, and I might eventually, but I like the “antiqued” look.

The Extra 1930 traditionally comes in three different materials, all celluloid: Turtle Brown (shown here); Bamboo Black, and Black & White. Montegrappa also recently added Red and Mediterranean Blue to the lineup, though it’s unclear whether these are temporary or permanent additions. Of the available options, the traditional three are my favorites. Montegrappa accents the celluloid with sterling silver, engraved with what they describe as a “Greek Fret” design on the cap band. A similar pattern adorns the large (No. 8) 18k gold nib, which is paired with an ebonite feed that provides plenty of ink flow. (Note: if you write small, opt for an EF nib, and even then you may have to grind it down. It’s a wet writer.)

That 18k No. 8 nib is gorgeous to look at and a pleasure to write with. It’s not springy, like some larger nibs, and actually quite stiff, but at the same time extremely smooth and an excellent daily writer. The sterling silver section is NOT slippe… — That 18k No. 8 nib is gorgeous to look at and a pleasure to write with. It’s not springy, like some larger nibs, and actually quite stiff, but at the same time extremely smooth and an excellent daily writer. The sterling silver section is NOT slippery, and the threads are soft, not sharp. I can write for hours with this pen.

In my opinion, the Montegrappa Extra 1930 offers one of the best high-end writing experiences on the market. What do I mean by that? Sometimes, super-expensive pens are more “art” than “writing instrument.” I don’t purchase pens that I don’t use, so a key point for me in evaluating a specific pen is how comfortable and functional it is to use every day. I go back and forth on whether the Montegrappa Extra 1930 or the Montblanc 146 is my favorite “luxury” fountain pen sold today - they’re both pleasant to write with and superb daily writers. On the Extra 1930, the sterling silver section front-weights the pen and counteracts the weight of the piston, balancing the pen nicely for longer sessions. It’s one of the few pens that I don’t post.

I have no regrets about splurging on the Extra 1930. My own personal “collection” focuses heavily on vintage-inspired modern pens, with a particular emphasis on Italian celluloid. Celluloid pens cannot be acquired inexpensively, since making celluloid is a difficult and time-intensive process, and the material itself has become scarce. Since pen companies OMAS and Delta folded a few years ago, the number of new celluloid pens on the market has dwindled, and even those being released by companies such as Leonardo Officina Italiana and ASC Pens (the “successor” company to OMAS) are using residual celluloid rod stock, which eventually will be gone. Montegrappa appears to be one of the only companies still releasing celluloid pens in proprietary patterns that they developed themselves.

Takeaways and Where to Buy

I love my Extra 1930 - it’s beautiful, and sure it’s expensive, but it’s a writer’s pen with exceptional balance. My one quibble is with the ink capacity. A pen of this size should hold more than .8mm or so of ink, especially one with an ebonite feed. If you opt for a wider nib, you’ll be refilling often.

Despite what I consider to be the generally high quality of their pens, Montegrappa has become known more than anything for their high prices. Unfortunately, the Extra 1930 is no exception, clocking in at a whopping $1,495 MSRP, with the pens actually selling for around $1,100. Is it worth spending this much on a pen? It depends on what you value. In addition to the design, much of the cost here lies in the premium materials used (celluloid, all that sterling silver, and that massive 18kt nib). Looking at comparable pens on the market (ASC Pens Bologna Extra, a Sailor Bespoke King of Pen, Aurora Internazionale), it’s hard to say that Montegrappa’s ask here is out of line with what other companies are charging, but it’s still at or near the top of the market. Because Montegrappa sells a ton of pens at this price point, I don’t expect prices to come down anytime soon.

I purchased my Montegrappa Extra 1930 from Dan Smith at The Nibsmith. One of the great things about purchasing pens from Dan is that, in addition to carrying the full range of Montegrappa pens, he offers nib work on any pens he sells, and on a pen at this price point, any tuning or grind is complimentary. That’s right - you will be paying a LOT for an Extra 1930, but if you purchase from Dan that includes any planned nibwork. Note that Dan is currently running a special on the Black & White Extra 1930, at a price you won’t see very often! .

Disclaimer: I purchased the pen featured in this review with my own funds, at full retail, for my own use. The Nibsmith is a paid sponsor of this blog.

PenBBS-309-Leonardo-Momento-Zero-Comparison

Pen Review: PenBBS 309 Piston Filler

October 16, 2019

I’m close to finishing up the reviews from my most recent round of PenBBS purchases, and I have to admit that this one was a bit of a letdown. After being absolutely blown away by certain other models - particularly the Model 308 and the Model 456 - the Model 309 piston filler didn’t deliver. While the signature PenBBS nib still offers an excellent writing experience out of the box, the piston sticks and generally feels cheaply made and unreliable.

Let’s start with the positives: Like every other PenBBS pen I’ve used, the presentation, fit, and finish on the Model 309 far outstrip any other pen I’ve purchased for $23. This pen looks amazing, with a classic streamlined shape and “peaked” ends. It doesn’t break any new ground from a design standpoint, but with this type of standard piston filler, not many pens do. The closest comparable would be the Leonardo Momento Zero, with the PenBBS Model 309 slightly slimmer and longer.

Seriously, you would expect a pen at this price point to ship in a cardboard sleeve, or maybe a plastic tube. PenBBS boxes are well-designed and, best of all, recyclable. Where possible, I’ve started recycling pen boxes if I can in an effort to redu… — Seriously, you would expect a pen at this price point to ship in a cardboard sleeve, or maybe a plastic tube. PenBBS boxes are well-designed and, best of all, recyclable. Where possible, I’ve started recycling pen boxes if I can in an effort to reduce clutter around my house.

Though I had some issues with the plastic piston mechanism - discussed further below - it reduces the weight of the pen. While those with smaller-sized hands might find the PenBBS 309 slightly long to use unposted, I had no such issues given how light this pen is. The Model 309 posts securely, and slightly deeper than my Leonardos.

I understand that PenBBS is attempting to engineer sophisticated fountain pen filling systems in a way that makes them inexpensive to produce. That’s admirable, and likely the driving factor in why PenBBS is able to sell at their current price point. This piston design on the Model 309, however, falls flat. I had trouble filling the pen because the piston kept sticking to the sides of the barrel, and moving the blind cap actually caused it to disengage from the main piston rod, disassembling the mechanism itself. I was able to get things working again by pushing and pulling to “unstick” the piston, but this shouldn’t happen straight out of the box. Eventually I’ll disassemble the pen and apply some lubricant to the piston to see if that helps. I’m not the only one who’s experienced this problem, and plenty of people have posted fixes online. (Just Google “PenBBS 309 stuck piston.”) PenBBS should take a page from TWSBI and re-engineer the piston on the Model 309 to resolve the issue. If TWSBI can figure out how to incorporate a reliable piston into the TWSBI Eco, PenBBS can as well, even if it means charging a few dollars more.

Piston issues notwithstanding, the nib on the Model 309 still offers the same great PenBBS writing experience.

Takeaways and Where to Buy

I’ve reviewed several PenBBS pens over the past few months, and while I have enjoyed the Model 308 (cartridge-converter), the Model 456 (vacuum-filler), and the Model 469 (double-ended eyedropper), I’m hesitant to recommend the Model 309 (piston filler) or the Model 355 (syringe-filler/”bulkfiller”) unless people go into the purchase with their eyes wide open as to the potential issues. I just can’t get past the fact that the filling mechanisms on these two pens feel a bit janky and give me doubts about long-term reliability. If I can get a TWSBI Eco with a reliable piston for the same price point, the only reason I wouldn’t do that would be to pick up a pen in one of the unique PenBBS materials. (Majusaka Red, anyone?)

A comparison shot of the various PenBBS Models, from left: Model 309 in Mojito, Model 308 in Manjusaka Red, Model 308 in limited edition “Niangao is a Cat” acrylic, Model 469 in Manjusaka, and a clear transparent Model 456 vacuum-filler.

That said, I firmly believe that the unique acrylics and materials, at this price point, are driving PenBBS sales. If I can get a transparent colored demonstrator that writes this well for $23, maybe I am willing to put up with a slightly janky piston rather than shell out hundreds of dollars - not to mention deal with complex shipping logistics - for a Japan-only Sailor exclusive in a similar color. Apparently, many people are deciding that this tradeoff is worth it, and PenBBS could be positioning themselves for success in the event of a recession or other event where disposable income gets tight.

You can purchase the PenBBS 309 piston filler directly from the PenBBS Etsy shop, with prices ranging from $22.99 to $29.99. The transparent green “Mojito” pen pictured here is one of the lower priced offerings, at $22.99.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I purchased the pen featured in this post with my own funds, for my own collection.

Pen Review: PenBBS 308 Fountain Pen

October 9, 2019

What does less than $20 get you these days in a fountain pen? Well, on the one hand, you have the so-called “kids’ pens” that many people use but which are plainly geared towards the education market (the Pilot Kakuno and the Pelikan Pelikano Jr., for example), as well as quasi-disposable pens like the Platinum Preppy. Otherwise, the pickings are fairly slim from the “traditional” pen companies. Platinum arguably leads the way with its upcoming Prefounte, as well as the excellent Plaisir. The Kaweco Perkeo is also a good choice for a very inexpensive fountain pen, as is the TWSBI Go, but my point remains: pickings are slim, and most of these pens look, well, kind of cheap.

I’ve asked the question before: At what point do Chinese pens enter the discussion as serious contenders on par with pens from European and Japanese companies? Believe me, I understand the skepticism. When I was starting out, I too got eBay burned by $1.99 Jinhaos, Baoers, and even Kaigelus, which had a reputation for a while as the “good” eBay pen. I even dedicated a post to my experiences. But it’s not just about $2 knockoffs anymore: Chinese companies such as PenBBS, Moonman, and KACO are releasing quality fountain pens in original designs, many of which start at or just below the $20 price point. I’ve reviewed several PenBBS pens, including a vacuum filler (Model 456) and a syringe filler (Model 355), and come away impressed with all of them, both as well-made, usable writing instruments and value propositions.

PenBBS manages to offer well-designed, functional writing instruments at a bargain price, AND make them attractive, to boot.

But what about the “entry level” PenBBS pen: the Model 308, a straight-up cartridge-converter fountain pen? To me, the real test of a pen brand is whether their lower-end models write as well as their higher-end pens. Is the nib scratchy? Does the converter allow for adequate ink flow, or is the pen a spotty, dry writer? Does it feel cheap in the hand?

As with every other PenBBS pen I’ve reviewed, the answer to all of these questions is “No.” The Model 308 comes fitted with the same slightly upturned nib as the other PenBBS pens I’ve reviewed, and both pens arrived writing exceptionally well out of the box. Again, if you’ve ever used a Sheaffer “dophin-style” nib that appeared on certain snorkels and touchdown fillers, you’ll understand how pleasant this type of nib is to write with. I also experienced no trouble with the converter, which supplied generous ink flow.

Nothing fancy - just the same high quality stainless steel nib that comes equipped on all PenBBS pens.

The Model 308 also comes fitted with an o-ring. I don’t see any reason why you couldn’t eyedropper this pen, if you wanted to, though you might lose the visibility of the Manjusaka’s red webbing.

The trim on PenBBS pens outperforms the price point. No thin, folded stainless steel here, but instead a rather substantial sword-style clip. Branding is simple with “PenBBS” engraved around the cap band in cursive script.

In terms of build, the Model 308 feels solid, with no hint of the thin, cheap acrylic that marks so many inexpensive pens. The materials themselves have quite a bit of depth. Typically, at this price point you are restricted to solid colors or and clear demonstrators, whereas with PenBBS you have available a wide variety of unique patterns, many of which I have not seen used in other pens. Case in point: the “99 Manjusaka” acrylic featured here, which is clear resin interspersed with what looks like red webbing. It’s gorgeous. The Model 308 is the second pen I’ve purchased in this material, with the first being my Model 469, the double-ended eyedropper. I have to say, as someone who loves red pens, I will probably purchase one of every pen that PenBBS releases in this material. It’s that good. (The silver pen pictured here isn’t too shabby either, with plenty of depth and different tones throughout. This particular material is a limited run called “Niangao Is A Cat,” which comes in both gold and silver trim.)

Takeaways and Where to Buy

In short, I consider the Model 308 another smash hit from PenBBS. My mind is spinning as I figure out how I’m going to rework my various “Best Pen” recommendations for 2020. Look for at least two PenBBS models to make the cut, probably in multiple categories.

From left, the PenBBS Model 456, the PenBBS Model 308 Niangao-Is-A-Cat, the PenBBS Model 309 Piston Filler (review coming soon), and the PenBBS Model 308 “99 Manjusaka”.

Lately I’ve been purchasing all of my PenBBS pens directly from the PenBBS Etsy store, which is where I have seen the best pricing. The Model 308 cartridge/converter pens range from $13.99 (an absolute steal) to $29.99 for some of the more limited acrylics. The red “99 Manjusaka” pen featured here is currently available for $19.99, and the limited edition silver “Niangao Is A Cat” pen sits at the higher $29.99 price point.

Disclaimer: I purchased the pens featured in this review with my own funds, for my own use. This post contains affiliate links, which I use to support the blog. Please see our Privacy and Cookie Policies for additional information.