Platinum’s “Slip & Seal” inner cap, shown here in the 3776 “Oshino” demonstrator.

Platinum Slip & Seal Cap: What Is It and Does It Work?

June 10, 2020

As Platinum pens become increasingly popular outside of Japan, I get more questions regarding this pen company’s sometimes quirky marketing. For example, Platinum emphasizes “Slip & Seal” technology that supposedly prevents ink from evaporating in a pen that sits unused for long periods of time. The claim used to be that the pen would still write after a year of sitting idle, and while Platinum seems to have walked this back to “three to six months,” you still see “Slip & Seal” mentioned everywhere, including in Platinum’s new mid-range Procyon that I reviewed back in January.

Two pens that feature Slip & Seal technology: The Platinum 3776 (shown on the left in the “Oshino” demonstrator model), and the Procyon (right).

How Does Platinum’s Slip & Seal Technology Work?

For a detailed, illustrated explanation, check out the Luxury Brands USA website. (Luxury Brands is Platinum’s U.S. distributor, and their website contains a wealth of information regarding the various Platinum models). The short version is that the Slip & Seal mechanism uses a spring-loaded inner cap that seals against the body when the pen is capped, creating an “airtight” seal. Platinum incorporates the Slip & Seal technology into both the Procyon and the 3776, both of which are screw-cap pens.

Pens from left: Platinum Procyon, Preppy, and Plaisir. Writing samples in this review done on Write Notepads Copper Anniversary Edition Pocket Notebooks.

As I mentioned in my Procyon review, I’ve never paid much attention to the “Slip & Seal” claims. I don’t ink pens and leave them unused for months, at least not intentionally. But I was curious. So I decided to set the Procyon aside for a while and compare any ink evaporation to a Preppy and Plaisir that I keep inked on my desk, neither of which feature the screw-cap Slip & Seal technology. As it turns out, the mechanism definitely works. After six months of non-use, the ink cartridge in the Procyon showed little, if any, evaporation, and the pen wrote perfectly. Compared against the Preppy and Plaisir, the difference was notable.

After 8 months to a year (not sure exactly when I last inked these pens), the Platinum Preppy and Plaisir both showed greater signs of ink evaporation. While these two pens don’t have the exact same mechanism as the 3776 or the Procyon, they still u… — After 8 months to a year (not sure exactly when I last inked these pens), the Platinum Preppy and Plaisir both showed greater signs of ink evaporation. While these two pens don’t have the exact same mechanism as the 3776 or the Procyon, they still utilize an inner cap system that does an excellent job of keeping the pens functional.

The cartridge in the Procyon, on the other hand, had little to no ink evaporation after six months. Nearly all of this ink was spent writing.

All three pens wrote immediately, though the ink in the Preppy and Plaisir was definitely more concentrated from evaporation and had a bit of a “gummy” feel to it.

The Big Question: Does Slip & Seal Add Value?

Who should care about Slip & Seal? Obviously, if you have a pen that you only use infrequently, such as a music nib used for signatures on documents, or a ultra-extra-fine (UEF) nib that you use to make very small annotations and takes forever to go through ink, something like this could be quite helpful. Also, if you use iron gall and pigmented inks, which can clog and even corrode nibs and feeds if left in pens for long periods of time, you want to minimize the potential for evaporation that would cause these inks to become overly concentrated. (Note: Platinum sells both iron gall and pigmented inks in their lineup. I have no idea whether this had anything to do with the development of Slip & Seal, but it’s a fair question.) One thing I don’t know is whether the Slip & Seal technology is equally as effective with converters as it is with Platinum’s cartridges. While the cartridge is a solid piece of plastic, the converter is not, and creates multiple opportunities for air to enter and accelerate evaporation.

Overall, I’m not sure whether Slip & Seal adds value to the pen for the majority of people, but given how it performed in my Procyon, I’m glad it’s there. While Platinum has long marketed the Slip & Seal technology with their flagship 3776 line, I personally find it most useful in a less expensive pen like the Procyon, which I would be more inclined to ink with a cartridge and leave at the office or in a place where I might need to make quick notes from time to time and not use on a daily basis. At the end of the day, Slip-and-Seal may not be a feature that would specifically draw me to Platinum and cause me to purchase a 3776 or Procyon over a pen from another brand, but I do like having the feature and would characterize it as a “plus.”

All Platinum Pens pictured in this review can be purchased at most Platinum retailers, including site sponsors Pen Chalet, Vanness Pens, and Goldspot.

First Impressions: Montblanc 149 Fountain Pen

May 31, 2020

I debated whether to frame this post as a “First Impressions” piece or a full review. In the end, I went with “First Impressions,” because the Montblanc 149 is such an iconic pen that I inevitably will revisit it at some point in the future. I’ve used a Montblanc 146 for years, and while that pen now maintains a perpetual spot in my rotation as a true “workhorse” fountain pen, my appreciation for it has certainly grown over time.

Initial Impressions

What strikes everyone at first is the size of the Montblanc 149. You ask yourself, “Can I actually use this pen as an everyday writer?” I’ve written with large fountain pens before, but the Montblanc 149 takes things to another level, at least visually. While the size can be intimidating, you’re also struck by the pen’s beautiful design and proportionality. Though large, it doesn’t appear awkward, like many of the giant oversized fountain pens other pen companies have released in recent years. As I’ll discuss in further detail below, it’s actually quite a comfortable writer.

IMHO, the “Snowcap” looks best on the 149’s oversized cap.

Here, I also opted for Montblanc’s rose gold trim, for the first time ever. I’ve recently written on how pens with rose gold hardware (clips, cap bands, and even nibs) are a new thing for me, and this particular pen was the one that started the trend back in January. The rose gold that Montblanc uses has much more of a reddish hue, as opposed to the pinkish tint you often see, and the effect is subtle. In certain lighting you may have a hard time distinguishing this trim from the standard Montblanc gold trim, but the difference is definitely there.

The Nib and Overall Writing Experience

I noted above how some oversized fountain pens are truly sold as nothing more than objets d’art or status symbols, meaning they are so (comically?) large that unless you have Hulk hands, you’re not going to be using them for actual writing. The Montblanc 149 is not one of those pens. Though initially skeptical, I’m now convinced that the 149 may actually be one of the better pens available for longer writing sessions. That doesn’t mean if you’re accustomed to writing with slimmer writing instruments there won’t be an adjustment period.

Don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it: the larger nibs on bigger fountain pens like the Montblanc 149, Montegrappa Extra 1930, and from what I’ve heard, the Sailor King of Pen, all offer a uniquely smooth writing experience.

While I haven’t been able to locate confirmation on its exact size, this handmade 18k gold nib appears to be a No. 8 on par with those fitted to larger flagship pens from Pelikan and Montegrappa. It’s a beautiful piece of work. As I noted in a recent article on stubbish stock nibs, I opted for a broad, which I consider effectively a stub. The nib writes a smooth, wet line with plenty of variation, and isn’t so broad that it can’t be used for regular writing. You may not be able to use this nib to write in your calendar, but at least in my experience, it’s glorious for journaling and perfectly adept at notetaking.

First impressions aside, the Montblanc 149 turned out to be surprisingly lightweight for its size. Though the body contains a high-capacity piston filler, the filling system doesn’t add much weight and I can easily use this pen posted or unposted. One thing I’m learning is that after a period of adjustment in which I sometimes have to alter my grip, larger pens are quite comfortable to write with for long periods of time, provided the weight of the pen doesn’t sit too far back. The balance on the 149 is perfect for me, to the point where I can easily post this pen. As you write with it, your (or at least my) hand quickly becomes accustomed to the size, something I’ve struggled with on the larger Pelikan models (M800 and M1000) which incorporate what feels like a heavier piston.

Takeaways and Where to Buy

Though I haven’t owned this pen for longer than a few months, I’m confident the Montblanc 149 will find a place alongside its sibling, the 146, in my core rotation. The 149 is a luxury icon that represents the best of what Montblanc has to offer, if you can afford the steep price. Fortunately, Montblanc pens can be found on the secondary market, often in like new or barely used condition, for a significant discount, and I typically hunt for Montblancs at pen shows, in retailers’ “gently used” sections, or during Fountain Pen Day or “Black Friday” promotions.

I placed an order for this pen during Fontoplumo’s Black Friday sales event, and while the pen took a while to arrive, I’m loving the purchase. Currently, Fontoplumo retails this pen for 810 Euros, which roughly equates to $900 US, though after VAT the European retail price ends up being lower than what you would pay at a Montblanc boutique in the States. Taking advantage of a promotion can knock a bit more off the price, and I’ve seen secondhand 149 fountain pens in very good condition priced as low as $500-600. In any event, I think Montblanc gets a bad rap for its pricing structure, and much of the snide commentary about the brand is better directed at Montblanc’s ubiquitous - and sometimes annoying - lifestyle marketing rather than the value proposition of its pens. Even at full retail, the pricing on the 149 is comparable to that on a Sailor King of Pen and Pelikan M800, and less than the pricing on a Montegrappa Extra 1930 or Pelikan M1000.

Disclaimer: I purchased this pen with my own funds, for my own personal collection. I was not compensated in any way for this post, and did not receive a discount on the pen other than what was available via standard promotions at the time of purchase.

Updating Prior Reviews: Platinum Curidas Feed Issues and the Diamine Music Set

May 28, 2020

In light of recent news surrounding what sounds like a design flaw with the Platinum Curidas, it’s appropriate for me to take a minute and update my recent review. For those who have not heard, there have been numerous reports of the feeds on the Curidas cracking, and apparently the problem is pervasive enough that Platinum has stopped shipping the pen to retailers while they figure things out. Brad provides a good update on Episode #411: Curious Case of the Curidas Cracking.

What about my Curidas pens? After learning of the issue with the feeds, I closely inspected both of my pens and was pleased to discover the feeds intact, with no signs of cracking. That was Monday morning. Yesterday morning (Wednesday), I checked again, and noticed that the feed on my red pen was split down the middle.

The cracked feed on my red Curidas (right), compared against the normal feed on my green Curidas.

So far, this has not caused any performance issues with the pen. It doesn’t leak, burp ink, hard-start, or show any symptoms that you might typically find in a fountain pen with a damaged feed. Will that change? Who knows. I plan to keep using this pen until it starts causing problems, and hope that Platinum comes up with a fix. I can only assume that some part of the mechanism is too tight, generating pressure on the feed and causing it to crack over time. While design issues are inevitable in a pen this complex, it surprises me that something this basic didn’t show up in Platinum’s prototypes, especially given how prevalent the cracking issue seems to be. It’s a shame, because otherwise I’m really starting to enjoy the Curidas as a daily writer. I’ve kept my two pens inked up since writing my review, and for my grip and writing style, it’s an extremely comfortable pen to use.

Meanwhile, on a Happier Note…

Diamine-Music-Set-Tchaikovsky-Chopin-Schubert

In March I reviewed inks from the Diamine Music Set, which contains 10 inks all “themed” around a different composer. At the time of my initial review, I had used two of the ten: Strauss and Vivaldi. I’ve since inked pens with three more, all of which are excellent. Tchaikovsky (a rich royal blue) and Chopin (a dark grey with blue undertones) easily could serve as daily drivers. Schubert (a darker teal green) has had less time in the pen, but I’m enjoying this color that I wouldn’t typically pick for myself. You can read my full review of the Music Set and see a full set of swabs here.

Pen Review: TWSBI ECO Yellow and ECO White Rose Gold

May 23, 2020

Last month, I wrote a piece about how TWSBI recently has made a major push to expand the ECO lineup, seemingly at the expense of the TWSBI 580, it’s “flagship” fountain pen. While I remain a die-hard fan of the 580, I also appreciate what the ECO brings to the table: a high-quality, high-capacity piston filling fountain pen with a reliable nib at roughly $31. And now, the TWSBI ECO is available in a wide range of colors and designs.

My two soft spots in this hobby are red and yellow pens, meaning that if a company releases a model I like in either of these two colors, I’ll likely buy it. So when TWSBI announced the ECO Yellow earlier this year, it was pretty much a foregone conclusion. Now that I have the pen in hand, I have no regrets. The bright yellow acrylic really pops, and the EF nib writes a smooth, wet line. I’ve not had much experience with TWSBI EF nibs in the past, and while this one pleasantly surprised me, it’s definitely a wider, “German” EF, and definitely not a needlepoint or Japanese-style nib.

The Rose Gold Eco is actually branded the “ECO RG,” thought I’ve not seen it referred to as such in marketing releases.

The more unique release, which sold so quickly it was out of stock at most retailers until recently, is the TWSBI ECO White Rose Gold. Years ago, TWSBI released a 580 fountain pen featuring rose gold trim, which, while extremely popular, was plagued by reports of the trim wearing off over time. I understand that TWSBI reformulated the rose gold plating not only to increase durability, but to offer a bit more shine and “rose” tone. Whatever they did, the end result looks great, especially paired with the white acrylic.

The rose gold nib is absolutely gorgeous.

For a full review of the ECO fountain pen, check out this post here. I won’t rehash the specifications, etc. in detail, but I continue to believe that the TWSBI ECO is a well-made, reliable fountain pen that represents outstanding value at its price point.

There’s no discernible difference in line width between the standard Eco steel nib and the rose gold plated nib. Both nibs write on the wider side for an extra-fine.

Takeaways and Where to Buy

TWSBI remains a brand to watch. The company has not only demonstrated its devotion to innovation and continual improvement as it tweaks its product lines in response to customer feedback, but it’s adherence to a reasonable pricing scheme has positioned the company to thrive in all sorts of market conditions, as fountain pen enthusiasts look for affordable ways to indulge in their favorite hobby. You can purchase both the TWSBI ECO Yellow and White Rose Gold and still spend well under $100.

You can currently purchase TWSBI ECO fountain pens in the T.G.S. Curated Shop, starting at $30.99 for the standard line, and $49.99 for the pens with rose gold trim. While some might balk at the premium for rose gold, which sees the pen approaching the cost of a standard TWSBI 580, keep in mind that a TWSBI 580 with rose gold trim actually costs $84.99.

Lamy Safari "Candy" Special Edition Part II: The Ballpoint

May 21, 2020

The Lamy Safari ballpoint gets little love or attention, and it’s not fair. At $16 retail, this pen is not only a must-have for the Lamy fan who needs a functional writer for “everyday” use, but it also makes a great gift for someone who appreciates fun writing instruments but may not necessarily be ready to dive into the world of fountain pens. Honestly, I’m a little embarrassed to be writing this review six years into this blog, having never owned, or even used, one of these pens until now.

The Lamy Safari ballpoint features the same triangular grip as the fountain pen, but it’s much more subtle and less pronounced.

This pen is nothing fancy - just a plastic retractable ballpoint that uses Lamy’s proprietary M16 refill. At one time, Lamy ballpoints had a reputation for being dry writers that failed to leave a solid, visible line on the page. (If you’ve ever written with a really cheap ballpoint pen that “skips,” you’ll know what I’m talking about.) In recent years, these refills have performed remarkably better, to the point where my Lamy Pico pocket ballpoint and Lamy 2000 ballpoint have become favorites. Based on how much I’ve been enjoying these Safaris, I suspect they will also find a regular spot on my desk.

The only durability question I have about this pen relates to the rubber knock. Does this rubber harden and crack over time? Has anyone used one of these pens long-term?

Takeaways and Where to Buy

Look, the Lamy Safari ballpoint pen doesn’t offer anything especially unique in terms of a writing experience, but at the $16 price point, you’re getting a solid writer with the Lamy aesthetic, and there’s not much risk to the purchase. Personally, I always get frustrated because ballpoint pens are either really narrow/skinny, making them uncomfortable to write with for long periods of time, or super chunky and inelegant. The Safari strikes a midpoint and is extremely comfortable to grip. Combined with the accessible price, that’s a major selling point.

I purchased these Lamy Safari ballpoint pens from Pen Chalet, as part of the same order where I picked up the recently reviewed Lamy Safari Special Edition “Candy” fountain pens. Lamy currently has the “Candy” ballpoints in stock, as well as the standard Safari ballpoints (which are, curiously, slightly more expensive than the special editions). As I mentioned above, these are relatively inexpensive purchases, so if you haven’t tried one, it’s a fun add-on to your next order.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. The Gentleman Stationer is a participant in the Pen Chalet affiliate program, which allows me to earn store credit from referrals and is one way I support the blog and acquire new products for review.