I'm gradually working my way through all the different updates on new product releases from the Washington D.C. and San Francisco Pen Shows, and readers have requested my thoughts on the latest Schon DSGN Monoc nibs, which were released in fine and broad tip sizes. My original review of the Monoc nib - with the name derived from the aerospace/racing term "monocoque" that refers to single shell construction - can be read here, and contains additional background on the nib's history and design process. Today, however, I’m going to discuss the fine Monoc that I picked up in San Francisco!
To recap briefly, the Monoc is Schon DSGN's completely in-house fountain pen nib, machined from a single piece of Grade 5 titanium and featuring an ultem feed. The initial batch of Monoc nibs made available for order came in what I would characterize as a standard medium tip size, but Ian Schon and his team always contemplated releasing additional options as the manufacturing process allowed. Well, that time has arrived, and it was worth the wait.
Two Monoc Nibs: the Fine (left) with a rainbow gradient anodization, on the Ultem pen, and the Medium (right) with a standard titanium finish on “Rainbow Sprinkles” full-size metal fountain pen.
My New Schon DSGN Monoc Nib, Fine Tip, Anodized, with Reversible Architect?!?!
I decided that if I was going to purchase one of the fine Monoc nibs, I would go all-in and get one with an interesting anodization. I had with me at the San Francisco Pen Show my first ever Schon Pocket 6 fountain pen in a blue pattern that's no longer made, so I asked Ian to choose an anodized Monoc that complemented the colors. He chose this gorgeous rainbow gradient. While I’ve since swapped the nib into my Full Size Ultem fountain pen for this review (to better compare the feel with my standard medium), I'll likely move it back to one of my Pocket 6 pens and/or my other pens as I use them. This particular Monoc is that good, and I want it inked up at all times!
In "standard" writing position, the fine Monoc writes what I'd consider a western fine, or possibly an extra-fine, line. Since these nibs are made individually and hand-tuned/finished, there could be some variation in the final product. That said, it's noticeable finer than the medium Monoc nib, which is exactly what a lot of potential Monoc buyers have been waiting for. Grade 5 titanium has a tactile feel (almost pencil-like), which you will notice more in the fine than in the medium. Personally, I like this, and to me the nib absolutely does not feel “scratchy” though at the same time it's not glassy-smooth.
A writing sample comparing the Medium Monoc (top, inked with Nagasawa No. 69 ink), against the Fine Monoc (both standard and reverse (bottom, inked with Scribo Grigio ink). On both nibs, in standard position, the slightly curved/upturned tipping results in something akin to a Pilot Waverly nib, where the line is consistent regardless of angle. You can also write with the medium Monoc in reverse, but it’s not tuned for reverse writing in the same way as the fine nib.
The real stunner with respect to the fine nib's performance is reversibility. By that, I mean you can turn the nib over, and the fine Monoc will write a line that's the near- equivalent of an architect grind. I say "equivalent" because this nib hasn't been ground and therefore it’s not particularly crisp - I understand that the architect-like shape is due to the natural contour of the fine tipping, though some extra finishing is required to make the reverse side usable.
A sample of the fine Monoc, standard and reverse, where the architect-like line variation is apparent. It’s slightly more subtle than a true architect grind but that means it’s also very usable for everyday writing.
Takeaways and Where to Buy
The initial batch of Monoc nibs impressed me, but this fine version takes it to a new level. If you value versatility, and aren't afraid to spend a bit more to get it, then you need to keep this Monoc nib on your radar. At the time of publication, the fine Monoc nib is not yet available to order in the Schon DSGN online shop, but I would expect to see them relatively soon. You can order Monoc nibs in various custom anodizations but it appears that only medium tips are available at the moment.
The Fine Monoc was one of my takeaways from the San Francisco Pen Show. You can read more about those here.
I've already noted in my prior review that a Monoc nib is not an inexpensive purchase, primarily due to the materials and labor-intensive manufacturing process. The nib featured in this review cost approximately $425, for the nib alone, and you have the option of adding a compatible Schon DSGN Pen to your purchase at a 15% discount. The standard Monoc nib (without anodization) is priced at $385.
The Gentleman Stationer is supported entirely by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and pledges via the T.G.S. Patreon Program. I paid full price for the Monoc Nib featured in this review, and this post does not contain paid advertising or third-party affiliate links.
