Pen Review: Schon DSGN Full-Sized Fountain Pen and Monoc Nib First Impressions

February 11, 2023

For a fountain pen that’s been available for a couple of years now, the Schon DSGN Full-Sized Fountain Pen has gone a conspicuously long time without a T.G.S. review. There’s a couple of reasons for that. First, the fountain pen itself, from a purely functional perspective, is fairly similar to the Ultem and Peek “Engineered Plastics” fountain pens, which I’ve already reviewed. Second, I’ve known for several months now that Schon DSGN’s in-house Monoc nib was on the cusp of release, and given that the Full-Sized Fountain Pen serves as the main platform for both Schon DSGN’s wild anodizations and the new nib, I wanted to hold the review until I had samples of each to show you. Here goes!

Each Full-Sized Fountain Pen comes with an emoji. If you visit the Schon DSGN table at a pen show, you might have several to choose from!

The Full-Sized Fountain Pen Is a Perfect Platform to Showcase Different designs

There are certain pen brands that people consider highly collectible. Franklin-Christoph comes to mind, with a lineup of classic shapes made available in different “prototype” finishes at pen shows and limited online events. Schon DSGN has taken a similar approach with the Full-Sized Fountain Pen, using a standard shape and machined aluminum body as a platform for showing off a wide range of anodized finishes that cycle in and out of stock in the same way the Pocket 6 fountain pens do. The Schon DSGN table is a popular stop at pen shows, and I always encourage show attendees to visit the table in person if they can before making a selection online, because many finishes look completely different in person - nearly always for the better - as opposed to viewing them online. Plus you can select your emoji!

While I typically love a matte finish on a metal fountain pen, my latest addition - ‘80s spraypaint-style “Rainbow Sprinkles’ - is growing on me and might just become my favorite!

Currently, I have three Full-Sized Fountain Pens in my collection. If you’ve read my reviews of the Ultem and “Peek-a-Boo” models, you’ll know that I’m a fan of the shape, and especially the hourglass-style section which is insanely comfortable for long writing sessions. These metal pens, however, really show off the skill of Ian Schon and his team. Despite being heavier than the ultra-light Ultem and Peek, you don’t lose any of the comfort or balance in moving to the aluminum body. Some might actually find the heavier body more comfortable to use, even when posted, because the weight adds balance. (Since there’s an o-ring inside the cap, I haven’t noticed any wear from metal-on-metal contact while posting, but post at your own risk.)

Full-Sized Fountain Pen Unposted

Full-Sized Fountain Pen Posted

First Impressions: The Schon DSGN Monoc Nib

Next up: the recently released “Monoc” nib! I’ve had my Monoc for a few weeks now, and have written through a couple of fills, so I feel comfortable offering first impressions. On the whole, this is a tremendous accomplishment by Ian and his team. What they have done is design and manufacture not just a nib, but a complete nib unit - nib + feed + housing - completely in-house, using materials and techniques not commonly used in nib manufacture.

The Monoc is machined from a single piece of Grade 5 titanium, meaning that the nib, collar, housing, and tip are all integrated into a single piece of metal, hence the name “Monoc.” From the Schon DSGN blog:

“The name Monoc being short for Monocoque - mänəˌkōk- French for ‘single shell’, often used in aerospace and racing applications where the structural body and external shell of a vehicle are made from one solid piece.”

— Schon DSGN

There have been several attempts at similar nibs, most famously the Parker T1, Pilot Myu, and Pilot Murex, which remain coveted items among rare pen enthusiasts. Though not exactly the same (the Monoc is a nib unit that technically isn’t integrated into the pen body itself, and can be swapped into any JoWo-compatible pen), these nibs all offer the same extremely tactile, direct feel that is hard to describe and, at least with the Monoc, is derived from the fact that you are writing on the nib itself and not separate tipping material welded to the nib. Made from Grade 5 titanium, the Monoc is not a “springy” titanium nib like the Bock nibs that are so widely available; I find it quite stiff and you won’t get line variation via additional pressure. So why choose this material? Again, let’s look at what Schon DSGN said in their announcement post:

“With our unique approach of machining the nib from solid stock, we opted to utilize the properties of the Grade 5 titanium to create an integrated nib tip rather than welding additional tipping material onto the nib. This integrated nib tip allows for closer control of the geometry of the tip and writing surface, while the titanium offers a soft graphite-like quality that is a great writing experience. To achieve this specific writing quality, each nib is hand finished, assembled, ground, and tested to ensure it is ready for use. Due to the additional nib tip thickness of our design, the Monoc Nib is very friendly to customization as well. While some traditional fountain pen users may be uncomfortable with the idea of an integrated titanium tip, we feel the Grade 5 Titanium we use offers plenty of durability which negates the need for harder tipping material.”

— Schon DSGN

There’s a lot to unpack here. First, obviously a LOT of work has gone into the design and manufacture of this nib, from the shape of the nib unit itself to the “geometry” of the tipping. If you look closely at the tip of your Monoc, you’ll notice that it’s been carefully shaped into a slightly upturned writing surface that to the naked eye appears almost architect-like. You can’t do this via machining - each nib has to be hand finished via a process that involves grinding, tuning, and polishing, which of course increases both manufacturing time and the overall cost. Recognizing that the pen enthusiast willing to shell out $400+ on a nib like this one might also prefer to have the nib ground, Schon DSGN apparently took this into account when engineering the thickness of the tip.

A close up of the Monoc’s tip. You can see how well-polished it is, and the work that went into shaping the Grade 5 titanium.

The second point relates to durability. Titanium is softer than other metals (like iridium) typically used to tip fountain pens. That means eventually it will wear down, but the rate at which Grade 5 titanium - more durable than most - will actually wear remains to be seen. Someone who purchases the Monoc as their only fountain pen and writes with it for hours every day over a period of years might find this something to consider. That said, I find it hard to believe that this pen’s target audience - hard core fountain pen fans who likely have multiple pens they are using at any given time - will use this nib enough to have to worry about the titanium tip degrading. But again, we will have to see. The Monoc is an experimental design that likely will go through many iterations in the next year or two, based on real world user feedback.

A writing sample, showing a medium to fine-medium line with Laban Poseidon Blue on Midori MD Cotton paper.

Personally, I’ve enjoyed writing with my Monoc nib. The purchase was a no-brainer for me, ever since I first had the chance to write with this pen at the 2022 D.C. Pen Show. Currently, only one nib size is available, and I would call mine a fine-medium, understanding that the exact tip size and line width will vary slightly given that these nibs are hand-tuned. Schon DSGN made the decision to use an ultem feed as opposed to plastic or ebonite, an interesting choice from both an engineering and a design perspective. Of course I opted for amber ultem, since I’m a fan of transparent feeds. So far, the nib and feed have functioned well with the inks I’ve tried, writing what I would consider a medium-wet line. I’ve heard other reports of Monoc nibs writing wider and wetter than mine, but I’ve also been using somewhat drier turquoise inks so I’ll need to report back, which I plan to do anyway after a longer period with this nib in rotation.

Schon DSGN Monoc Nib Rainbow Lettering — Rainbow Sprinkles + Schon DSGN Monoc Titanium Nib with rainbow lettering.

Takeaways and Where to Buy

I consider Schon DSGN to be one of the more innovative penmakers working today, pushing the envelope in terms of what can be done in literally every aspect of pen making, whether it’s the design of the pen body, the design of the nib, or materials and anodized finishes. While their pens aren’t inexpensive, I personally consider them an insanely good value given the quality and the work that goes into them.

The Monoc (center) shown with two different Steel No. 6 JoWo nibs. The Monoc’s slimmer, tubular design transforms the look of the Full-Sized Fountain Pen.

A Schon DSGN Full-Sized Fountain Pen with a standard JoWo nib (not the Monoc) will run you $195, well within the current range of reasonableness for products from a smaller, independent manufacturer. On the Monoc, cost will present an issue for many people. For the initial launch, Schon DSGN has priced the Monoc at $400 USD, which includes not just the nib but a matte black Full-Sized Fountain Pen. (You can change the pen color to a finish of your choice for an extra $100.) That’s a lot of money, sure, but for what it is, I don’t consider this product “expensive.” There are plenty of companies out there trying to push the $400-500 envelope with less innovative pens (including some with generic JoWo or Bock nibs), so this price point for a completely in-house titanium nib actually strikes me as fairly reasonable, especially when you factor in the work involved on each individual piece and the fact that the nibs are currently made to order. The Monoc represents the kind of innovation that I’m happy to support.

Note: I purchased the Monoc nib and Schon DSGN pens featured in this review with my own funds. Pens can be purchased directly through the Schon DSGN website. Please be aware that the Monoc nib is a “made-to-order” product. These nibs are assembled and hand-tuned in small batches, by a small team, so if you place an order you are committing to purchase one, with a 15% cancellation fee if you change your mind. This is plainly disclosed on the order page.

The Gentleman Stationer is supported entirely by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and pledges via the T.G.S. Patreon Program. This post does not contain paid affiliate links or advertising.

Pen Review: Graf von Faber-Castell Classic Macassar Fountain Pen

February 1, 2023

If there’s one thing that I’ve learned during my near decade in the pen world, it’s that sometimes you enjoy things that you shouldn’t enjoy. What do I mean by that? Well, as a general rule, I tend not to like slimmer pens that don’t post. While there are exceptions, I typically find slim, non-posting pens unbalanced (posting the cap can give an otherwise too-skinny pen a necessary bit of heft), and in any event it can be a hassle to keep track of the loose cap while writing. Did I mention there are exceptions…?

I’ve previously reviewed the Graf von Faber-Castell Classic fountain pen, and enjoyed that pen when I had it on loan, but ended up returning the review sample due to concerns about the dimensions and how well those would work for me as an everyday writer. Since posting that review (back in 2018), I’ve acquired two Graf von Faber-Castell fountain pens, and after a longer test period, held on to both of them in my permanent collection. Of the two (a Guilloche and the pen featured here, the Classic Macassar), the larger Classic Macassar is my favorite.

Graf von Faber-Castell makes fountain pens in a range of sizes. The Classic series, which features most of their wood barrels, is larger than the Guilloche series, shown on the right.

I have a fair number of black-trimmed pens in my collection, ranging from Sailor’s Pro Gear Imperial Black and Black Luster to the Montblanc 149 Ultra Black release from a few years ago, so if I was every going to invest in one of Graf von Faber-Castell’s flagship pens, it would be this one. Featuring an 18k ruthenium-plated nib and PVD-coated titanium trim, the Classic Macassar is stunning to look at. The darker trim perfectly complements the darker Macassar Ebony wood, and like pretty much every other pen I’ve ever tried from Graf von Faber-Castell, the nib writes perfectly. The Company states that each of these nibs is “run-in by hand,” which I take to mean that it’s hand-tested and tuned before it leaves the factory.

The PVD coating on the metal section gives it a nice grip, and the elongated concave shape is exceptionally comfortable.

As I mentioned, design-wise, I shouldn’t love this pen as much as I do. The cap is extremely impractical, but I love the oversized, top-heavy look, and the spring-loaded clip works wonderfully. That said, this pen absolutely does not post. While the Graf von Faber-Castell website shows a photograph of the Classic Macassar posting relatively deeply, my pen barely posts at all, to the point where I don’t even want to post the pen for photography purposes because I don’t want to risk damaging the threads or internal cap. If posting is an absolute necessity for how you use pens, I’d consider the Graf von Faber-Castell Guilloche series, a slightly smaller, slimmer fountain pen that posts more securely.

Graf von Faber-Castell Guilloche Posted — For comparison purposes, I’ll show a photograph of my Graf von Faber-Castell Guilloche fountain pen, which is a slimmer pen that posts, even if the end result is a touch long for my taste.

Personally, I find that the Classic Macassar is just heavy enough for me to comfortably use unposted, and while the inability to post the cap will likely leave this particular fountain pen outside the “daily Workhorse” category, I’ve had a hard time putting it away. Even though I’ve told myself I should sell it, because it’s not an everyday user for me, I can’t. Do you have pens in your collection that you have some sort of inexplicable draw to, that you enjoy using even though it’s a pen that your experience tells you that you absolutely shouldn’t like, but you do anyway? Well, this is one of those for me.

Graf von Faber-Castell Classic Macassar Posted — The Graf von Faber-Castell Classic Macassar in-hand.

Takeaways and Where to Buy

Though an exceptional fountain pen with a unique look, like most GvFC products, the Classic Macassar retails at an extremely high price point. As of the time of writing, MSRP on this pen is $685 as shown on the Graf von Faber Castell US website, with most retailers having it priced around $550. That’s expensive, but then again, on par for a ruthenium-plated nib pen with blacked out titanium parts. (Compare with the Sailor Pro Gear Imperial Black, which now lists for $472, or the Montblanc 146 Ultra Black, which apparently has a secondary market value north of $1200?) Whether the pen is "worth it” to you goes far beyond practicality - for me, the combination of black trim and dark wood, as well as the wonderful writing experience offered by the Graf von Faber-Castell Classic pens in general, keeps this one in my collection.

For this review, I chose to ink this Graf pen with Ferris Wheel Press Roaring Patina Black, and the review paper is the excellent Life Noble Note.

I acquired this pen years ago, and can’t remember exactly where (though it was probably either Appelboom or the now-closed La Couronne du Compte). This post does not contain third-party affiliate links or advertising. The Gentleman Stationer is supported entirely by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop, and pledges via the T.G.S. Patreon Program.

Technical Pens and Pencils: The TWSBI Precision Ballpoint and Mechanical Pencil

January 18, 2023

So-called “drafting” pens and pencils are sometimes considered a category unto themselves, or as a subset of the slightly broader “technical” pen and pencil category. Long-dominated by the beloved (and excellent) Rotring 600 and 800, many companies have shied away from introducing their own version of this classic piece of stationery kit, despite it’s enduring popularity. Not TWSBI, who over the years has introduced four different mechanical pencils, two ballpoint pens, and a technical-style fountain pen through their “Precision” line of products. Today I’ll take a look at the Precision mechanical pencil and ballpoint.

TWSBI Precision Mechanical Pencil Black Fixed and Retractable — The Precision Mechanical Pencil comes in both fixed and retractable-pipe versions.

So What Distinguishes the TWSBI Precision Line of Pens?

If you (like me) already own multiple Rotring 600 and Rotring 800 pens and mechanical pencils, what differentiates the TWSBI Precision to the point that you might want to give this particular pen and/or pencil a shot? Here are my main points to consider:

Different Knurling on the Grip. The primary difference I would highlight is the knurling (or grip texture), because this aspect will likely affect your everyday writing the most. Rotring uses a rougher, almost sandpaper-like texture that people either love or dislike depending on whether it hurts their fingers. Personally, I’m a big fan of the Rotring grip, which I think gives the pen a tactile writing experience that’s not duplicated elsewhere, but I also enjoy TWSBI’s approach. The Precision grip appears to be molded into the barrel as opposed to machined, so the knurling is slightly more raised and can have a softer feel. It all comes down to personal preference.
Slightly Softer Edges on the Hexagonal Barrel. I’ve never noticed it until this direct comparison, but the edges on the Rotring pens are pretty sharp. The TWSBI Precision is more rounded, akin to the Caran d’Ache 849, though I would place the Precision “in the middle” between the other two.
Different Aesthetics. Rotring famously adheres to a black/silver + red color scheme, and though they’ve moved away from that in recent years with a few new base colors, the overall aesthetic remains consistent. I would characterize the finish on the TWSBI Precision as more “satin” as opposed to Rotring’s true “matte”, and the TWSBI’s chrome clip, knock, and tip look nice on either the black or silver pen/pencil.
Different Mechanism on the Retractable Pipe Mechanical Pencil. I previously reviewed the Rotring 800, and I love how that pen features a twist mechanism on the knock that allows you to retract the sleeve / “pipe” for pocket carry. The TWSBI Precision has a similar feature, though you need to depress the knock and press down gently to get the pipe to retract. It’s less convenient, but it’s also a less expensive pencil.

The knurling on the TWSBI Precision (top) and the Rotring 600 (bottom) is very different. One is not better than the other - they just have a completely different feel. Note that the tip on the TWSBI Precision ballpoint extends slightly farther than on the Rotring 600. Personally, I like this because I enjoy more needle-tip pens that feel as though they provide more control over my writing. Others prefer how the Rotring looks.
See the gallery below for a comparison between the Rotring 800 retractable mechanical pencil and the TWSBI precision mechanical pencil, both retracted (right) and extended (left).

General Functionality and Writing Experience

Overall, the Precision provides a very nice writing experience for the price point. The Precision pens and pencils are approximately the same weight and length as the Rotring 600, and slightly shorter/slimmer than the Rotring 800. Due to the different texture, the feel in the hand is more akin to the Caran d’Ache 849, and those who appreciate the 849 line of writing instruments but find themselves wanting a more textured grip section and slightly longer barrel should consider the TWSBI Precision.

While the pens discussed here all share certain design elements, they have their own unique feel in hand and will appeal to different users in terms of both aesthetics and functionality.

Though not a game changer, I wanted to point out that TWSBI adds value by including a pack of leads and replacement erasers with the Precision mechanical pencil, and a second Parker-style ballpoint cartridge with the ballpoint pen. The erasers are a cool touch - they’re super long, do their job well, and should last you for a while. The TWSBI-branded ballpoint refill is quite nice, but if you prefer something else it’s Parker-style so you can swap in your choice of the endless Parker-style ballpoint/gel/capless roller refills out there.

I love the long eraser on the TWSBI Precision. Plus you get three of them, likely enough to last you years unless you really enjoy your mechanical pencil erasers.

Takeaways and Where to Buy

To be perfectly honest, now that I’ve been using my own Precision ballpoint and Precision .5mm retractable mechanical pencil for a couple of months now, I’m kicking myself for having waited this long. In my opinion, TWSBI doesn’t do a great job of promoting their non-fountain pen product line, and even though many people have commented about how nice their mechanical pencils are, it’s one of those products that I put off trying and reviewing for years. I’m now wondering whether it’s time to pick up a Precision fountain pen.

Three different pens/pencils, three great options: the Rotring 600 (top), the TWSBI Precision (center), and the Caran d’Ache 849.

We recently added the TWSBI Precision line to the T.G.S. Curated Shop, and currently stock both the Precision Ballpoint and Precision Mechanical Pencil in all colors and subtypes. As noted above, the mechanical pencil is available with both .5mm and .7mm lead sizes, with a fixed or retractable pipe. Both Precision Ballpoint Pens and Mechanical Pencils are priced at $25, which I personally consider a very fair value.

Disclaimer: The T.G.S. Curated Shop is an authorized retailer of TWSBI products, including the Precision pens featured in this review. This post does not contain third-party advertising and affiliate links, and we are supported entirely by shop purchases and pledges via the T.G.S. Patreon Program.

New-to-Me Pen Brand: Ranga Fountain Pens

January 7, 2023

As the years go by, it gets harder to write truly fresh review content because, eventually, you get to a point where you’ve reviewed most major pen brands and you learn that much of what is released into the market is either duplicative of something else a company has already released (i.e., a “limited edition” that’s simply a different color) and/or that even most “new” designs are derivative of others. Having done this for going on nine years, it’s rare that I find an entire brand that I’ve never reviewed, much less tried, but for some reason that’s how it ended up with Ranga.

Premium red woodgrain (sometimes called “rosewood”) ebonite: one of my favorite materials.

Ranga is a family-run Indian manufacturer that has been hand-making pens for more than 50 years, and has sold through various retail outlets in the United States. Currently, their main U.S. retailer is Peyton Street Pens, whom I always visit at the San Francisco Pen Show. Teri and Nivardo have a ton of unique finds at their table, including exclusive designs and custom nib grinds that they offer on their pens. I’ve admired the selection of Ranga ebonite pens before, but never had money left in the budget at the end of the show to take one home. That changed this year, especially since I found myself short of pens to fill a nib grinding appointment with C.Y. of Tokyo Station Pens.

The Ranga Abhimanyu (left) compared against the Ranga Bamboo (right)

Ranga Abhimanyu and Ranga Bamboo

I chose two very different Ranga models to test: the Abhimanyu, which is a smaller streamlined fountain pen with peaked ends somewhat reminiscent of a Nakaya Piccolo but with a more pronounced shape; and the Bamboo, which, as you might have guessed, is shaped like a piece of Bamboo. I opted for premium ebonite on both pens, with the Abhimanyu featuring a black and yellow pattern (which combined looks almost dark green) and the Bamboo a red woodgrain pattern (which I’ve seen described as “rosewood” elsewhere).

The sections on both of these Ranga pens are exceptionally comfortable.

The Abhimanyu and Bamboo fountain pens are distinctive designs, so you can’t really compare them. I personally love both, but one design/shape may appeal to you more than others, and if neither of these does it for you, Ranga has close to a dozen more different shapes and sizes available. I will say that the fit and finish on both pens is exceptionally good for the price point. It’s almost unheard of to find handmade, premium ebonite fountain pens of this quality for $100 or less. As you might expect, the pens are cartridge-converter, but like most ebonite pens they are safe to eyedropper provided that you apply silicone grease to the threads.

I can’t pick a favorite. The Abhimanyu probably lends itself more to everyday writing, since it’s a compact pen that slips easily into a pen case or sleeve, plus it caps and uncaps with two turns, as opposed to the Bamboo which can take a bit of effort due to the longer section. The Abhimanyu also posts, though not deeply and some may find the posted pen unwieldy. The Bamboo makes an excellent desk pen, and I’ve been using it for longer journaling sessions at night and also for longhand drafting when working from home.

The Ranga Bamboo in-hand. This pen does not post. (Technically, it can, but it’s ridiculously long and I can’t imagine anyone can actually use it this way.)

Writing Experience

I would consider Ranga fountain pens “user grade” pens in the best sense: They are exceptionally comfortable for longer writing sessions, mainly due to the length and shape of the section. On both models, the longer section offers plenty of room to grip the pen without running afoul of the threads, and on the Bamboo in particular, the grip area is slightly concave, which I find helps compensate for the weight of the larger body and gives the pen a nice balance. Ranga pens all take standard No. 6 JoWo nib units, so you can use the included nib as shipped, easily have the nib ground, or swap in another JoWo nib unit from a brand such as Franklin-Christoph, which I did here on the Bamboo.

Ranga Abhimanyu posted. The pen is long, but the cap is extremely lightweight so I can use it comfortably as needed.

Takeaways and Where to Buy

I’ve become something of an ebonite pen enthusiast over the years, with multiple pieces in my collection ranging from lacquered Nakayas to a custom Shawn Newton Prospector to the Nahvalur Nautilus piston filler. Ebonite has a feel to it that is difficult to duplicate elsewhere, reminiscent of the warmth of vintage celluloid (though much less expensive). Opting for ebonite over the more common acrylic or resin can allow you to purchase a unique looking pen with a premium feel at an exceptional value - both of the Ranga fountain pens shown here cost $100 or less. The Bamboo in premium ebonite sells for $100, while the Abhimanyu in premium ebonite retails for $89. Standard ebonite versions are $80 and $72, respectively, with some acrylics also offered. Suffice to say, both models have impressed me and I won’t hesitate to pick up another Ranga if a pen jumps out at me in San Francisco this year.

Most of my ebonite pen collection, clockwise from top: Peyton Street Pens Custom by Teri, “Navigator by Stacey Robinson, Nahvalur Nautilus in Stylophora Berry; Nahvalur Nautilus Pen Show Edition 2022; Ranga Abhimanyu; Ranga Bamboo; Shawn Newton Prospector in Nikko Ebonite.

Ranga pens can be purchased in the U.S. from Peyton Street Pens, where I acquired the pens pictured in this review. To the extent Peyton Street doesn’t have exactly what you’re looking for, you can also order directly from Ranga in India via their website.

I purchased the pens featured in this review with my own funds. The Gentleman Stationer is supported entirely by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and pledges via the T.G.S. Patreon Program. Learn more about T.G.S. Patreon here, and don’t miss our periodic “Gently Used” sales.

Four fountain pens, clockwise from left: TWSBI Swipe, Majohn C4, PenBBS489, and the Ellington “Stealth”

Four Pens Under $40: New Releases That Won't Break the Bank

December 7, 2022

Regular readers know that in addition to the more expensive stuff, I enjoy dabbling in the midrange and lower end of the pricing spectrum, especially when I discover or am asked to review pens that offer good value at a more accessible price point. After all, it’s these types of pens that got me started on my own fountain pen explorations back when I was in school, and I love having less “precious” writing instruments to carry around with me for work travel, etc. Here are four pens, all currently available for less than $40 (in some cases MUCH less) that I’ve enjoyed getting to use recently.

Majohn C4 Japanese-style eyedropper — If you want an inexpensive way to showcase your shimmer inks in an inexpensive pen, you could do a lot worse than the Majohn C4.

Majohn (f/k/a Moonman) C4 Japanese-Style Eyedropper

Inspired by larger vintage Japanese-style eyedropper pens, all the way down to the smaller clip, the Majohn (rebranded Moonman) C4 fountain pen features a high-capacity eyedropper filling system with a shutoff valve similar to that used in Opus 88 fountain pens. Available from multiple eBay, Amazon, and Etsy sellers and generally priced anywhere from $20-30, the C4 features a decent stainless steel nib (which I’ve not tried to swap out), clear acrylic, and gold trim. The one design critique I have is the mismatch between the “Moonman” branding on the nib and “Majohn” on the pen, as well as the decision to pair an unplated stainless nib with gold-plated trim. That said, this pen is gorgeous to use with shimmer inks, and is an excellent option if you’re considering a more expensive oversized fountain pen such as the Montblanc 149 and want to see how the general size/shape might fit your hand before taking the plunge.

I love PenBBS transparent green acrylics.

PenBBS 489 “Touchdown” Filler

I love PenBBS pens, and how this company always manage to combine attractive design, unique materials, good nibs, and interesting filling systems into a fountain pen that punches far above its weight class, price-wise. The Model 489 incorporates a vintage-style “Touchdown” filler - you extend a metal sleeve from inside the barrel, dip the nib and section into the ink bottle, and “touch down” to fill the pen. The one drawback is that touchdown fillers don’t necessarily hold a lot of ink, since it’s a sac-based filling system, but at $34 it was an insta-buy for me.

Ellington Pens “The Stealth” Fountain Pen

Ellington Pens “The Stealth” Pen

If you’ve spent any amount of time on pen Instagram lately, you’ve likely come across ads or influencer posts for Ellington Pens, a new UK-based brand that uses contract manufacturers in China to produce their pens in order to keep the price point accessible. While there has been a lot of noise (including some valid criticism) surrounding the launch and marketing of these pens - which Figboot addresses at length in his video and I won’t rehash here - I was pleasantly surprised with the pen itself. I’ve had the all-black “Stealth” model inked for three weeks or so, and it’s written consistently without hard starts, even after I’ve let the pen sit for several days. (This is a standard test I run with less expensive fountain pens, as the bad ones have a tendency to hard-start and skip if left idle for as little as a day.) If you enjoy the standard “professional pen” look of the Ellington, you likely won’t be disappointed with the writing experience. UPDATE: I previously had expressed some concern about consistency of the pricing on this pen. Ellington now has the pens priced at $39.95 across all retail platforms, including Amazon.

TWSBI Swipe in Salmon and Ice Blue

I finally got around to opening up a couple of the recent TWSBI Swipe releases, including the “Salmon” and new “Ice Blue” variations. At only $26, I consider the Swipe one of the better “all-in” value propositions out there, since it’s a cartridge-converter pen that ships with two different converters in the box, in addition to a TWSBI cartridge. The Swipe’s main drawback is the clip, which looks sleek but isn’t very substantial, so if you’re looking to carry this pen clipped to a bag or a thicker pen case you may want to consider spending a few more dollars to upgrade to the TWSBI ECO. I’m glad to see TWSBI release this pen in different colors, especially unique shades like the coral-pink “Salmon” that don’t get as much attention in the fountain pen world. Now if we could only get a mustard-color Swipe like that Japan-exclusive ECO they released? I’m pretty sure that would be my “forever” knockaround pen.

TWSBI Swipes in Ice Blue (left) and Salmon (right)

Takeaways

All of the four pens here basically have nothing in common other than the price point. So why review them together? Because I love how doing so showcases the variety that’s available right now for not a lot of money. The pen world - yes, even the fountain pen world - isn’t just a hobby for those with a lot of disposable income. You can find many working fountain pens that write well and still looks interesting at the sub-$40 price point. Sure, you have to control expectations, and depending on how adventurous you are, you’ll probably get some duds, but I’ve always found it fun to discover hidden value.

Disclaimer: I purchased the Majohn and PenBBS pens featured in this review with my own funds for review purposes. The Ellington Pen pictured here was provided to me by Ellington Pens, free of charge. We are authorized retailers of TWSBI pens, including the Swipe.