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.
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!