The Jetstream Is THAT Good: Hands on with the Uni M17 Lamy Refill

It baffles me why Uni’s Jetstream Ink still hasn’t caught on as the default ballpoint pen ink outside of Japan. For those not in the know, the Uni Jetstream is the original “hybrid gel” or “low viscosity” ballpoint pen, which combines the smoothness of a gel pen with the write-anywhere capability and quick-dry features of a standard ballpoint. For me, the Jetstream has everything you would want in a refill: It writes a dark, solid line. It flows well. It dries nearly instantaneously and does not smear. Importantly, it works reliably in a range of tip sizes, from .38mm all the way up to 1.0mm. Yet we are still largely forced to import pretty much everything other than standard disposable Jetstreams click pens from Japan, despite Uni manufacturing a multitude of different refill formats that fit not just Uni pens but third-party brands.

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I have new and vintage Lamy ballpoints, and the M17 refill works well in both of them. Shown here is the Lamy Unic (“Unicorn”? - now discontinued), as well as a standard Safari.

The much-publicized, Japan-only 2025 release of the Uni Jetstream M17 ballpoint refill - designed to fit M16-compatible Lamy pens, merely reinforces the absurdity of this situation. Look, I don’t mind the standard Lamy M16 ballpoint refill. There may have been some spotty QC years ago, and the current version is quite good, but it remains a standard ballpoint writing experience that’s never going to rise above the limitations of that technology. By adding the Jetstream ink, the M17 refill improves the writing experience significantly. But as with other Jetstream formats, there’s still no indication that this refill will be consistently available to markets outside of Japan. In the Japanese market, retailers now have a Safari Ballpoint option with “Jetstream Inside”, i.e. the Jetstream refill is included with the pen. Yeah, that probably won’t happen here. But I hope I’m wrong. :)

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Many love the black Jetstream refills for their solid black line.

Takeaways and Where to Buy

I won’t beat the Jetstream drum any more than I already have. I especially love the Jetstream Multi Pens - mainly because they’re the way to get colors other than black - and Uni recently released an even smoother Jetstream ink (the “Lite Touch”) that some believe outperforms the original formulation. Most of my personal pens that take Parker-style refills now use the SXR-600, and my Lamy 2000 Multi Pen (4-Color Ballpoint) has long held the SXR-200 D1 refills. I’m a bit worried about falling too hard for the M17, because I don’t know how stable the supply will be given the current trade situation, but for right now I’m going to enjoy what I have. If you’re a Lamy fan and want to up your ballpoint game, grab some of them if you have the opportunity.

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Only one part of our Jetstream selection!

Our store carries a wide variety of Jetstream pens as well as refills in as many formats as we are able to source. We still have a few Uni M17 refills in stock from the small shipment I managed to source. (Update: These are now sold out.) I'll try to find more, but timing of a resupply is uncertain at best. Stay tuned!

If you’re ever in the Nashville, Tennessee area, please stop in and see us! We’d love to welcome you in store and answer any questions you may have. The Gentleman Stationer is open this week Thursday (1-4) and Friday (1-6) and Saturday from 10-4. Our site is entirely self-supported through the shop and the T.G.S. Patreon Program.

Pen Review: Lamy Swift Retractable Rollerball

Lately I’ve surprised myself by discovering that there is a fairly deep back catalogue of pens from major brands that I’ve never tried. Take today’s pen, for example: the Lamy Swift Retractable Rollerball. I’ve only recently “rediscovered” rollerballs, as manufacturers have seemingly been tweaking their ink formulations to reduce smearing, feathering, and bleedthrough. Or maybe I’m use using more rollerball-friendly paper, but for whatever reason this category of pens has been working much better for me than in the past. In addition to the Ohto CR series, I’ve added an Imperial Blue Lamy Swift to the mix.

The spring-loaded clip on the Lamy Swift easily slips over most pockets, pen holders, and cases. It also functions as a roll-stop.

What Makes the Swift Unique? The Interaction Between the Knock and Clip

By far the coolest thing about the Lamy Swift is the fact that the clip retracts into the barrel when you depress the knock and deploy the tip for writing. Not only does this get the clip out of the way of your hand, but it prevents you from accidentally clipping the pen to your shirt pocket, pen case, or bag with the tip extended. I can’t tell you how many dress shirts I’ve personally ruined over the years with retractable liquid and gel ink pens like Sensas, Retro 51s, and even Pilot G2s.

The Matte Black Lamy Swift, shown here in “writing mode” with the knock depressed and the clip retracted.

Because the Swift is round with a matte texture, I find it comfortable to use. There is no real “grip section,” but the lower part of the barrel uses a punched-out pattern to create some additional texture. I’ve had no issues with slippage or other discomfort/inconvenience when writing.

The added texture on the aluminum barrel.

Writing Experience and the Lamy M66 Capless Refill

Lamy’s M66 capless rollerball refill - one of which is included with the Swift - is only available in a medium tip size, but it does come in black, blue, red, and green, offering a range of color options not typically found in many rollerball refills. I would rate the M66 a solid performer, and I’ve had no trouble with skipping or the refill drying out in the four months that this pen has been in rotation.

If capless rollerballs aren’t your thing, the Swift is relatively versatile in that it will fit a Pilot G2 refill or any of the other G2-like cartridges such as the Pilot Juice and the retractable version of the Pilot Hi-Tec-C. While I’ve not experimented extensively with different options, I’ve read that you can modify other cartridges (such as the Zebra Sarasa) to fit the Swift by cutting off a small bit of the plastic tubing. In other words, if a cartridge can be modified to fit a retractable Pilot G2 pen, you can probably make it fit the Swift.

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The Lamy Swift (center) compared against a Montblanc 144 Fineliner/Rollerball (top) and a Lamy Safari Ballpoint (Bottom).

Takeaways and Where to Buy

With it’s minimalist, industrial design (a Lamy hallmark) and practicality, the Swift is a sound choice for those looking for a rollerball pen to use in professional settings, as well as those looking for a nice, but not extravagant, gift for anyone who appreciates a good pen. I’ve been looking for a mid-tier retractable rollerball to fill this niche in our shop lineup, and the Swift has done nicely. Of the four standard colors, the Matte Black and Imperial Blue are my favorites, though the Graphite and Palladium options also look nice.

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You can purchase the Lamy Swift directly from the T.G.S. Curated Shop, where it’s priced at $52. It has a prime spot in our rotating Lamy display, so if you’d like to swing by and see one in person, it’s available for testing! We also have the M66 refill available in all colors.

We are 100% self-supported. If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us by purchasing directly through the T.G.S. Curated Shop, or by pledging via Patreon.

Fountain Pen Review: The Curious Case of the Lamy Vista

In less than 10 days, The Gentleman Stationer will be 10 years old! That’s a milestone that sort of snuck up on me, and while I’ve certainly thought about it over the past few months, the significance really hit me this past week. I have some fun ideas for the month of April, including a bit of a retrospective and a few giveaways. But the main project I’ll be continuing is catching up on my review backlog. After 10 years, there remains a long list of pens that I've (inexcusably) never reviewed, including today's subject: The Lamy Vista.

Is The Vista Just a Safari by Another Name? Kinda. But It’s Still Cool.

Yes, the Vista is “just” a demonstrator Safari, but it's a well-executed example of a demonstrator that costs no more than the standard pen. (As enthusiasts know, sometimes adding “demonstrator” to the product also adds to the price.) For those new to fountain pens, a "demonstrator" is the term used to refer to a transparent pen that allows you to see the pen's internal mechanisms. Traditionally, these pens were used by salespeople to showcase a pen's filling system and other internal components to potential customers. Collectors covet rare vintage demonstrators, and most modern manufacturers have introduced at least one "demo" into their standard lineup because clear acrylics tend to look good and sell very well, especially once you get into colored transparent materials. (More on that later.)

You can add a pop of color to the Vista by using a bright ink (here, Laban Hera Green).

There's nothing fancy about the Lamy Vista - except for the transparent plastic, the Vista shares the same shape as the Safari, feels exactly the same in the hand as the Lamy Safari, and uses the same interchangeable stainless steel nib. I've long considered the Safari a core "Workhorse Pen" due to its combination of quality and value, and I view the Vista the same way. As with the Safari, some people will have issues with the pen's triangular grip. Fortunately for me, it fits with how I hold a pen, but you're either a "Safari person" or you're not. It's one of those pens that either works for you or one you have to pass on it and there's not too much you can do given that the molded grip is a key part of the Safari (and AL-Star) identity.

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WHERE ARE THE OTHER COLORS!?!

Most notable about the Lamy Vista is the conversation surrounding the pen. Lamy has kept the Vista as part of the standard lineup for years, without giving it any sort of special treatment in the form of a special edition, a new color, or even updated trim (wouldn't a black clip and nib look great!?). Don't get me wrong, it's fine to have a standard clear demonstrator in your lineup, and the Vista continues to sell relatively well, but Lamy (and it's retailers) would literally print money if Lamy started releasing the Vista in blue, green, red, yellow, smoke black... you get the point.

I’m quite excited about his year’s AL-Star releases. Wouldn’t those sections look great in a full-sized Vista demo?

We know that Lamy is capable of making transparent acrylics. For example, the promotional photos of the new Lamy AL-Stars in "Fiery" and "Aquatic" (metallic red and blue) show transparent blue and red sections on those pens. I should have them in-hand early next week and will post live photos, but how great would those colors look on a full demonstrator? Similarly, the Lamy Balloon rollerball adopts a similar format to the Vista, in full-color transparent acrylics. Why not expand this to the fountain pen formula?

IMHO, there’s no reason why Lamy couldn’t go full TWSBI ECO or 580 with the Vista lineup. The Vista (center) is shown here with the TWSBI ECO in Creme and Rose Gold (left) and the TWSBI Diamond 580 ALR Matte Black.

Takeaways and Where to Buy

I love demonstrators, and keep a bunch in my personal collection. The Lamy Vista is an excellent, often overlooked pen that I just wish Lamy would expand on a bit more. The company could really take the demonstrator concept and run with it, and it strikes me as a bit of a no-brainer from a business perspective. That said, I have no visibility into Lamy's manufacturing situation so there may very well be logistical issues that to date have prevented them from expanding the Vista line. (The demand would be insane, for one thing, and probably difficult to predict and manage.)

The other way to add a pop of color to the Vista: Use the converter with the red piston knob!

If you enjoy the look of the Vista, you can get one directly from us! The T.G.S. Curated Shop is an authorized retailer of Lamy pens, and while we don't stock the full Safari range (yet?), we do offer the Vista in all of its various formats. With the Safari, if you like a color you can typically assemble as set that includes the fountain pen, rollerball, ballpoint, and mechanical pencil in matching colors. You can do the same with the Lamy Vista. Pricing is identical to the Safari, with the fountain pen at just under $30, the rollerball at $20, and the ballpoint and pencil both at $16. Also, the latest Lamy AL-Star pens are now available for pre-order, and should start shipping Monday along with a full restock of the new Safaris.

The Gentleman Stationer is supported entirely by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and pledges via the T.G.S. Patreon Program. Your loyal readership and support is what has kept us going for the past 10 years, and we greatly appreciate it!

Basic Black: One Week with the Lamy Safari

Lamy's Safari line is a go-to recommendation for a "first fountain pen."  Many people, like me, come to Safaris later, after they have been using (much more expensive) fountain pens for a while, only to realize that the Safari is a flat-out good pen, irrespective of its price range.  If you don't have one in your rotation, you should reconsider, provided the design works for you.  

Design and Build

Like the Lamy 2000 (perhaps my favorite fountain pen of all time), the Safari sports an iconic design.  Also like the Lamy 2000, the Safari has remained largely unchanged since its debut in 1980.  The pen is relatively rugged, made of injection-molded plastic, and will hold up to pretty robust pocket carry and daily use.  It's earned a reputation as a good daily user; a "knockabout" fountain pen for those who are hesitant to tote their more expensive pens around town with them.  The Safari also comes in numerous colors, including matte charcoal (pictured), shiny black, red, blue, white, and yellow, along with various "limited edition" colors that change annually.  This year's L.E. Safari is neon coral; last year's was neon yellow.  

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Profile shot of the Safari.  You can see how the sides of the triangular section are flat, forming a ridge along the top.  

The Safari sports a characteristic triangular grip section, which is either loved or hated by users. Frankly speaking, your opinion of the grip section will either make or break this pen for you.  I don't mind, because I apparently grip my pen in a manner that is "Lamy-compatible," but I know several people who simply can't use this pen because the section hurts their fingers.  At the $30 price point, the Safari is not going to break the bank if the purchase doesn't work out, but this may be a "try-before-you-buy" purchase if you have never held a Safari or an Al-Star (the slightly larger, more expensive aluminum version of the Safari).  Fortunately, Safaris are relatively easy to find.  For example, in my area, a local luggage store that carries a very limited pen selection stocks Safaris.   

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How I hold the pen, which is fairly comfortable.  Yes, the nib on the Charcoal Safari is black! 

Finally, the Safari is a cartridge/converter pen.  The pen comes with a single cartridge of Lamy blue ink, but a converter must be purchased separately for a few dollars more. 

Nibs  

The Safari uses Lamy's interchangeable nibs that also fit other Lamy pens, including the Al-Star, the Vista (basically, a clear Safari demonstrator), and the Studio.  All Safaris come with stainless steel nibs, but if you're inspired to trick out this pen I imagine that the gold nibs featured on some of the more expensive Studio models would also fit the Safari. 

There's no need to spend that extra money, however, because for the most part, Lamy's Steel nibs are perfectly satisfactory.  I've had the best luck with the medium nibs, which write a traditional "western medium" line.  The fine and extra-fine nibs can be scratchy, and sometimes I can barely tell a difference between them.  If you are interested in trying italic nibs, Lamy offers 1.1 and 1.5 mm options, and they are very good for the price point.   

Takeaways

So is a Safari right for you?  If you are considering one, here are the main questions to ask yourself: 

• Is the triangular grip section going to bother you?  If you think that it might, and "grip guides" on pens and pencils haven't worked for you in the past, I would try to find a Safari to test out before you place an order. 
• Do you mind having a "funky looking" pen?  With it's grip section and oversized cap and clip, the Safari is "unique" looking, to say the least. You will get questions about this pen, and people will want to use it.  
• Are you worried you will be tempted to buy more than one?  Here's what I find to be the main issue--because Safaris (and AL-Stars as well) are not very expensive, the siren song of the "limited edition" becomes very hard to resist.  This year's limited edition AL-Star in Copper Orange is already on its way to me. 

But once these issue are resolved, get a Safari.  It's a great pen.  It's also one that I have owned once before, sold to finance another purchase, and immediately regretted letting go.  I'm glad this one's back in my pen case. 

Ink Used in this Review 

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Lamy's iconic ink bottle with the blotter paper holder in the base. 

The ink that I used to review this pen was Lamy black.  Lamy black gets very little "press" on the pen blog circuit, probably because it's one of the most utilitarian inks out there.  It does, however, flow extremely well and shades to some degree.  While many people don't find shading desirable in a black ink, Lamy black has some additional character, meaning that it has some deeper green/purple undertones.  I've also enjoyed the bottle, which comes with a roll of blotter paper that you tear off and use to wipe the nib after you fill the pen.  The ink has worked well on most paper that I've used over the past week, and especially in my Baron Fig notebook that has become my daily companion.   

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Lamy Ink Bottle, deconstructed. 

This pen and bottle of ink was provided to me for review purposes at no charge by Ron at PenChalet.  PenChalet carries a wide variety of Lamy prducts, including the 2000, the Safari, the AL Star, and others.  Their prices are always extremely competitive, and they stand behind the quality of what they sell. 

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Pen Review: Lamy 2000 with Minuskin Custom Stub

This particular pen was one of my first "expensive" fountain pens, or at least I considered it expensive at the time that I obtained it.  I bought it from Goulet Pens three or so years ago, after I was about a year into this hobby.  The pen originally had a medium nib, and in my zeal to "customize" every pen I owned, I had a nibmeister (who will remain unnamed) grind the medium nib to a stub.  The result was a lopsided "cursive italic" so scratchy the pen could not be used.  I sent the pen to Mike Masuyama to see if it could be saved, and he confirmed that it could not:  all the iridium had been ground off the tip, and the pen needed to be sold for parts or retipped.  Having long admired his work from afar, I pulled the nib from the pen and sent it to Greg Minuskin for a retip, who turned this into a beautiful .9mm stub.  It is now one of my favorite pens, and one of my best writers.

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The stub is perfectly shaped, with no jagged edges to catch on the paper. 

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Excellent line variation on this stub nib.  The ink is Akkerman's Voorhout Violet.  The nib is smooth enough to use as a daily regular writer. 

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I would recommend Greg's work to anyone.  You can reach him through his website, linked here. Greg is incredibly reasonable, and his turnaround time is two weeks for retips.  He also does general pen repair and restoration (and I believe offers grinds and other nibmeister services as well).  He sometimes attends the DC Pen Show, so hopefully I will get to thank him this weekend.

A few brief words about the Lamy 2000 overall (and not just this particular pen).  The pen has been reviewed many, many times, and people mostly rave about it.  I count myself among its fans.  The Makrolon body hides scratches, and I personally love matte black finishes and flat-top ends.  This pen has won numerous design awards, and I believe sits in the MOMA as an example of Bauhaus-inspired industrial design.  Most criticism of the pen comes in the form of complaints about the quality control on Lamy's stock nibs (which is not an issue for this particular pen), but I also have another Lamy 2000 with an EF nib, which to me writes perfectly well and also sees heavy use.  Your mileage may vary--I know that the Goulets will check the nib before they send you the pen if you ask them.     

Lamy 2000 uncapped

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Some brief notes:  I will be attending the DC Pen Show this Saturday and Sunday.  Please reach out to me if you are going to be attending and would like to meet up.  Also, given my travel schedule, I will not be on my regular posting schedule for Friday or Monday, though I will have some show-related special content over the weekend.