Here’s something different for you! Our sponsor Goldspot was kind enough to send over a pen from Laban, a brand that I’ve never tried before. The model featured here is the Expression, which has to be one of the smallest pens I’ve ever used. We’re talking Kaweco Lilliput small.
Size comparison, from left: Laban Expression, Lamy 2000, and the TWSBI Mini AL (Gold).
Unless you have TINY hands, the Expression is going to fall squarely in the “pocket pen” category. Design-wise, there’s a passing resemblance to the vintage “purse pens” made by Esterbrook during the first half of the 20th century, though this one may be even smaller. Most people won’t be using this pen to write a novel, only quick jots in your pocket notebook or planner.
That said, for its size the pen sits well in the hand, and the metal section and blind cap do a nice job of balancing it out. I can only use this pen posted, otherwise it’s simply too short.
The stainless steel nib looks like a JoWo or a Bock - I can’t tell which - but it has a nice custom engraving on it and it writes very well, with moderately wet ink flow. Given the size of this pen, it’s definitely cartridge-only, unless you can find a mini converter somewhere that fits.
The nib writes like a true medium.
Takeaways and Where to Buy
Laban is a brand that has been around for some time, and maintains a strong pen-show presence, but doesn’t necessarily receive a lot of attention. That puzzles me, since this little pen is very well-built, and provides an enjoyable writing experience. I’m definitely going to check out a pen from their larger “Mento” line in the future, since I really like some of the materials that they use.
You can purchase the Laban Expression from Goldspot Pens, currently priced at $55. The pen is available in a wide array of colors, from the “Yellow Oyster” (pictured here) to the “Black Pearl”, in both fountain pen and ballpoint versions.
Disclaimer: This product was sent to me free of charge, for review purposes, by our Sponsor Goldspot Pens. Thanks to Tom and the team at Goldspot for making this review possible. This post contains affiliate links.