This morning I’m introducing the latest Caran d’Ache + Klein Blue collaboration product that’s made its way into The T.G.S. Curated Shop - the Caran d’Ache Léman Fountain Pen in the signature Klein Blue lacquer. I’ll confess - I’ve been more than a bit nervous in advance of this launch, as it’s my first foray into (1) stocking a limited edition fountain pen and (2) a high-end one at that, but after getting my hands on the other Klein Blue products I’ve fallen in love with this shade of ultramarine to such a degree that I couldn’t pass up the opportunity.
The Caran d’Ache Léman is, by most accounts, unfortunately overlooked by the U.S. community of fountain pen enthusiasts. Similar to pens from other European brands such as modern Waterman, S.T. Dupont, and Otto Hutt, which focus on a more understated design, the Léman tends to fly under the radar despite many characteristics that warrant closer consideration. Let’s take a look.
By today’s standards, the Léman is a moderately sized fountain pen, measuring 5.5” capped, 5” uncapped/unposted, and 6.25” posted. Proportions-wise, it feels similar in hand to the Otto Hutt Design 06 or the Montegrappa Passione, with slightly more heft and a longer section. The body of the pen is lacquered brass, so the Léman has some weight to it, but it’s balanced to the point where I personally did not have issues writing with the pen posted or unposted. Like the Otto Hutt Design 06, the section has a concave hourglass shape to it, though as I mentioned, the Léman’s section is longer and the shape less pronounced, offering a bit more room to adjust your grip on this pen.
The Léman comes equipped with a rhodium-plated 18k gold nib, which writes a moderately wet line with just a touch of feedback that I found pleasant. The cartridge-converter filling system accepts both the included Caran d’Ache converter, as well as short international cartridges.
The Caran d’Ache Léman fountain pen shown here next to the Otto Hutt Design 06.
The Caran d’Ache Léman Klein Blue Limited Edition Gift Set
I’m pleased to offer the Caran d’Ache Léman in the T.G.S. Curated Shop, in the limited edition Klein Blue finish. Due to the limited nature of this release, I was only able to procure two pens for sale, both with 18k medium nibs. Each pen ships in a gift box, with 50ml bottle of Caran d’Ache Chromatics limited edition Ultramarine ink. These are priced at $640 per set, which will include fully insured shipping. You can check out the rest of the Caran d’Ache + Klein Blue products I have available here.
Sales through the T.G.S. Curated Shop are how I plan to support this website going forward. As such, if I am posting information about a product I sell, that fact will be plainly disclosed, much as I disclose sponsor/affiliate relationships.