Quick Look Review: The Ti Ultra Fountain Pen + Rollerball + Ballpoint

August 18, 2021

For today’s post, I thought I’d keep things local, and review a pen designed just down the road from me (well, 2 hours or so down the interstate) in Chattanooga, Tennessee. BigiDesign has made a name for themselves in the machined titanium pen market, especially with their “Ti Ultra” and “Ti Arto” designs that are engineered to accept hundreds of different refills. Today, I’ll look at the Ti Ultra, which not only has an extremely versatile refill system (compatible with 750-plus?!?) but also features a 3-in-1 design that allows you to use the Ti Ultra body as a cartridge/converter fountain pen, in addition to the rollerball/gel or ballpoint refill of your choice.

I backed the Ti Ultra on Kickstarter, so in the box I received the “Stonewashed” pen made from grade 5 titanium, with both rollerball/ballpoint and fountain pen nib sections. The fountain pen function is self-explanatory - you simply screw the nib section into the pen body, and fill/use like any other cartridge/converter fountain pen. BigiDesign uses No. 6 Bock titanium nibs, which typically are decent writers, though they sometimes need to be tuned out of the box. I’ve not written with this one, as the fountain pen functionality is not what drew me to the Ti Ultra and it’s slimmer sibling, the Ti Arto. Rather, for me the true value lies in the pen’s ability to use nearly any conceivable rollerball, gel, or ballpoint refill when coupled with BigiDesign’s patent-pending clutch-style refill system.

Unscrewing the front portion of the section opens the clutch system. You insert the refill of your choice, and tighten the front, like you would with the bit on a handheld drill.

The system closes securely around the tip of the refill, and I’ve not had any issues with a refill coming loose while writing. Shown here is a Uni Signo 207 installed in the Ti Ultra.

I don’t have a large number of machined pens designed to accept specific refills, so the ability to rotate hundreds of different options through a single pen body is quite useful to me. As such, I’ve had both the Ti Arto and Ti Ultra pens in my arsenal for a couple years now, and they get regular use. Of the two, I would probably say that I prefer the slimmer Ti Arto, but that’s mainly due to the placement of the threads on the grip. Given how I hold the pen, the threads on the Ti Ultra - which are near the tip - sometimes rub my fingers as I write, leading to an uncomfortable writing experience over longer sessions. The threads on the Ti Arto are higher up, which eliminates the issue.

Grip sections compared on the Ti Ultra, left, and the Ti Arto, right.

While the BigiDesign pens have received a good deal of attention from the “pen press” over the years, the niche nature of the product and the higher price point has held back this particular model. The Ti Ultra pen runs $240 on the BigiDesign website, though discount codes are available. You do get a lot for your money, especially if you value the fountain pen option, but it’s a higher price than many are willing to pay for an edc-style machined pen. The Ti Arto is priced more in the sweet spot of this segment, at $85 for a still-versatile titanium pen that accepts “only” 200+ refills. If you have very specific needs in terms of preferred refills, BigiDesign has a list of compatible refills under the listings for both the Ti Arto and the Ti Ultra, which I would encourage you to read before making a purchasing decision.

Disclaimer: I purchased the pens pictured in this review with my own funds, for my own personal collection. This post does not contain affiliate links. Going forward, T.G.S is supported entirely by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and the T.G.S. Patreon Program, which offers access to online meetups, exclusive discounts and pre-orders, and more!

First Impressions: The TWSBI Swipe is a Steal

August 3, 2021

Last week, TWSBI released their new “Swipe” fountain pen, which is the first TWSBI pen to utilize a cartridge/converter filling system. But this isn’t your typical C/C fountain pen - the Swipe ships with not one, but two different style converters, plus a cartridge. Not only does this represent great value, since most companies make you pay $5 for the privilege of purchasing a single converter separately, but TWSBI has adopted a larger, high-capacity design that’s 2-3 times as large as your typical standard international converter. (Just take a look at the pics!)

All this is included with your purchase. The spring can be used for extra security if you want to ensure that your cartridge stays seated in the pen barrel, though it’s not essential. You simply drop the spring into the barrel behind your cartridge.

My favorite of the two TWSBI Swipe Converters is the plunger-style converter, like the filling system in the TWSBI Go fountain pen. It’s easy to both fill and flush.

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The TWSBI Swipe Converter, bottom, compared against a standard international converter, top. I’ve not taken an official measurement, but I’ve read elsewhere that the Swipe converter holds well over 1ml of ink.

I’ve been writing with the Swipe for three days straight, and so far I love it. It’s lighter than the ECO due to the absence of the piston, while offering a similar writing experience since they use the same nib. While I initially had concerns about the clip, it fits just fine over a shirt pocket and holds the fabric securely.

Takeaways and Where to Buy

Frankly, the TWSBI Swipe could be a game-changer in the sense that many oft-recommended pens at the sub-$30 price point are now arguably a less attractive proposition because you have to pay to purchase a converter separately. The TWSBI Swipe is priced at $26.99, and it’s hard to find something competitive in terms of value or versatility, given everything that is included in that purchase. A 10-pack of cartridges can also be purchased for $6 in three different colors, and they ship in this great business card style clamshell case. Both the pens and cartridges are now available in the shop!

The T.G.S. Curated Shop is an authorized retailer of TWSBI and all other brands we carry. By shopping with us, you are supporting original content, pen reviews, pen show events, etc. from The Gentleman Stationer. If you would like to support us even further, please consider checking out the T.G.S. Patreon Program, which offers access to online meetups, exclusive discounts and pre-orders, and more!

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Considerations in Choosing a Store-Exclusive Pen

July 10, 2021

This was an exciting week, representing a big milestone for T.G.S.: My first collaboration with a penmaker on a shop-exclusive pen! I realize that this isn’t anything particularly unique - pen bloggers, podcasters, Youtubers, Instagrammers, you-name-it, have been collaborating with makers and manufacturers for years on exclusive designs and colors. But I’ve held out until now. Today I want to talk a little bit about why I ultimately decided to take the plunge, the process I went through, and factors I considered before I partnered with Sunderland Machine Works on the new T.G.S.-exclusive Sunderland mk1.

Going with a Store Exclusive Pen over a Limited Edition

The first decision I made, long before I chose a specific pen, was that I wanted a store-exclusive pen to sell for the long-haul, as opposed to a limited edition. It’s not just that I don’t like the “limited edition” marketing strategy, it’s also because taking that approach is inconsistent with what I want my site and my store to be about. If I put the effort and consideration into choosing a product to carry - especially if it’s something that I helped conceptualize - it’s important to me for that product to be available to anyone who wants to get one (at least for as long as it’s economically feasible for me to continue to have the pens made).

It was extremely important for me to choose a pen design that fits into most notebook pen loops, since the Sunderland mk1 fits into my personal rotation as a note-taking and “on the go” writing pen.

Choosing a Truly EDC-Friendly Design

In line with this goal, for my first collaboration I wanted to choose a design and model that would appeal to the widest possible range of pen users under the broadest array of circumstances. To that end, a fountain pen was out. Despite a large community of enthusiasts, most people - even fountain pen lovers - still use a gel pen, rollerball, or ballpoint for much of their everyday writing. These days, the gel pen has overtaken both rollerballs and ballpoints as the standard “office pen” of choice. So a pen built around one of my favorite gel refills - the Pilot G2/Juice - was a natural choice.

Similarly, when I refer to a pen being “EDC-friendly,” I’m referring to “everyday carry” in the literal sense that it’s a pen that can be used every day as a pen. While durability is a key consideration, I’m not really concerned with the pen being able to double as a glass-breaker, withstand explosions, being run over by a truck, etc. The Sunderland mk1’s streamlined shape was designed for maximum writing comfort, especially the hourglass-shaped section and internal threads. It’s slim and light enough to carry in a shirt pocket, and will fit in most notebook/planner loops, including the loop on my Traveler’s Notebook.

Choosing a Price Point

Finally, I wanted something at a price point accessible to most people. While it’s not inexpensive to produce a pen durable enough for everyday use - especially once you get into special finishes like the bead-blasting and DLC-coating used here, all of which require extra steps in the manufacturing process - $110 is appropriate for something intended not as a collector’s piece, but an everyday “workhorse” that should last for years, if not decades.

I hope you all enjoy the new T.G.S. collaboration pen with Pennsylvania-based Sunderland Machine Works. I certainly enjoyed working on this project, and my plan is for it to stick around in the shop for as long as readers and customers remain interested. A huge shout-out to my Patreon supporters, many of whom were instrumental in providing early feedback on the design and whose donations allowed me to fund this project on the front end. You can check out the pen for yourself here, and if for whatever reason this T.G.S.-exclusive color scheme doesn’t do it for you, visit Sunderland Machine Works for the full range of their offerings.

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T.G.S. x Sunderland mk1 Pens Are Now Available For Purchase!

July 8, 2021

As of early this morning, the pens are live in the shop! I’m quite excited to hear what people think of this collaboration with Pennsylvania-based Sunderland Machine Works. The Sunderland mk1 might be my favorite machined pen of all time, and for this special store exclusive we chose a bead-blasted, matte black finish with a bead-blasted DLC-coated clip. The section is a matte red/burgundy, with the overall color scheme designed to evoke the T.G.S. burgundy & black. Note that this will not be a “limited” edition - we commissioned an initial run of 50 pens, and I received the first half or so this week with more on the way. So if it sells out, don’t worry, I can and will get more! Visit the Curated Shop to purchase. All pens ship with a black Pilot .7mm G2 refill, and will also accept MB rollerball and fineliner refills. To read more about why I love the Sunderland mk1, check out my review of their standard model.

A key selling point of the Sunderland mk1 is the lack of any external threads that might interfere with your grip. The threads are actually inside the tip of the pen! — A key selling point of the Sunderland mk1 is the lack of any external threads that might interfere with your grip. The threads are actually *inside* the tip of the pen!

All orders automatically qualify for free domestic U.S. shipping, so be sure to combine your order with any other items you have your eye on in the shop! We carry a wide range of pens, paper, and desk and reading accessories. Recently, we also added the TWSBI Diamond 580 ALR in “Prussian Blue,” as well as the new TWSBI ECO Lilac, to our offerings!

The T.G.S. Curated Shop is an authorized retailer of all brands we carry. By shopping with us, you are supporting original content, pen reviews, pen show events, etc. from The Gentleman Stationer. If you would like to support us even further, please consider checking out the T.G.S. Patreon Program, which offers access to online meetups, exclusive discounts and pre-orders, and more!

Ultra Luxury Options: The Pilot Custom Urushi Fountain Pen

July 3, 2021

When it comes to understated (and consistent) quality, it’s hard to top Pilot. Regardless of whether you think their designs are “boring”, or that they don’t do enough to cater to the “cult of the limited edition,” one thing is inarguable: for your money, you nearly always get a well-built pen that’s an exceptional writer. That holds true across Pilot’s lineup, from the sub-$15 Pilot Kakuno, all the way into their $1000+ high-end fountain pens.

I’ve gradually worked my way through most of Pilot’s mid-range and high-end offerings, reviewing the Pilot Custom Heritage 92, the Custom 74, the Custom Heritage 912, and the Custom 823. What I’ve never done is go above the $300 mark, and delve into Pilot fountain pens on the ultra high-end, either in the standard Pilot lineup or the more custom urushi and maki-e pens from sibling brand Namiki. After I found myself with a bit of store credit plus savings from not having purchased any pens in a while, I treated myself to the Pilot Custom Urushi, in vermillion red lacquer.

An oversized ebonite pen coated in urushi lacquer and fitted with a huge No. 30 18k gold nib, the Custom Urushi, to me, represents everything great about Pilot as a brand. It’s the largest pen in the Pilot lineup (I’m categorizing the Namiki Emperor/Yukari Royale separately), and an absolute joy to write with. Pilot didn’t attempt to reinvent their overall design aesthetic here. From the cap band, to the clip, to the black finials, Pilot really just went all-in on the hallmarks of the “Custom” lineup and amped it up with the urushi lacquer and nib. If it ain’t broke….

The oversized Pilot No. 30 nib is roughly the same size as a No. 8 nib from brands such as JoWo or Bock.

The Custom Urushi comes in two colors: black and vermillion red. You can choose from three nib sizes: fine, medium, and broad. There’s no paralysis of choice here. I opted for the medium, since I find Pilot medium nibs to write what I consider the perfect line width for me. Don’t get me wrong - the craftsmanship on this pen, and especially the urushi work, are beautifully executed, but the nib steals the show. I only have a couple of oversized nibs in my collection, a Montegrappa Extra 1930 and a Montblanc 149, and neither wrote as well untouched and out-of-the-box as the nib on the Custom Urushi. It has just the right amount of tooth, and a slight bounce that gives you some line variation without sacrificing the “everyday writer” characteristics for which Pilot is known.

The Pilot Custom Urushi (left) shown compared agains the Montegrappa Extra 1930, center, and the Montblanc 149, right.

The Custom Urushi is a cartridge/converter pen, which I feel is the right call here for a couple of reasons. First, this pen ships with the Pilot Con-70 pump converter, perhaps my favorite converter of all time. it’s reliable and holds a decent amount of ink. Second, such a large pen would likely be extremely heavy with a piston, and a Japanese-style eyedropper would take this pen out of the mainstream “Custom” fan base. Pilot occasionally gets some snark for including a cartridge-converter system on a pen at this price point, but it’s no different than Nakaya, Platinum, and most other makers of urushi pens.

Takeaways and Where to Buy

While I was initially hesitant to purchase this pen, due to both the combination of size and price, I have no regrets. You would be hard-pressed to find a better writing experience from Pilot: the urushi lacquer and lightweight ebonite barrel, combined with the comfortable shape and grip section, make this a pen I could use for hours regardless of the oversized barrel. As long as they’re relatively lightweight, larger pens can even be easier to use for longer writing sessions. And I can’t emphasize how superbly the nib writes. Even if you don’t end up buying one, make it a point during your next pen show trip to test out a Pilot No. 30 nib.

The Pilot Custom Urushi fountain pen is available for purchase at most Pilot retailers, and overall availability has surprised me. For a pen with a $1400 MSRP and a street price starting at $1100, I expected them to be hard to come by. While I acquired this particular pen from Appelboom, both The Nibsmith and Dromgoole’s also stock this model (along with nearly all other Pilot and Namiki models).

I think the question becomes, is the Custom Urushi worth it? If you’re looking for a quality urushi pen that will serve you well as an everyday workhorse, the answer is an unqualified “absolutely.” In fact, for an urushi pen of this size, especially with a large nib, you could argue that the price is even on the lower side. Nakaya starts at around $700 retail (if you can find one in stock), with prices on some designs easily escalating north of $2000. Danitrio and the higher-end Namiki pens can easily run into the multi-thousands. I don’t think I’m going there, however. At the end of the day, the Custom Urushi probably represents the most I’m willing to spend on a pen that I would use regularly, and this one has earned as spot in the permanent rotation.

Disclaimer: This post does NOT contain affiliate links, though I did pay for a portion of this pen using funds generated from Appelboom’s affiliate program when I was still a member. Currently, T.G.S. is supported entirely by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and the T.G.S. Patreon Program. Many thanks!