I was able to pick mine (M nib) up in store and was surprised at just how much more beautiful it was in person. It is a little more blue in the faintly translucent resin, and if you put it in the light, you see so many different colors shining out at you on the body, as well as the beautiful domed finial! The build of the pen felt solid and well made. Nothing that felt like they skimped on quality materials. The little keyhole on the nib (apparently made in house per Dominant Industry ads) is just the cherry on top of this beautifully themed, beautifully presented, elegant and just lovely pen. You feel like you were Elizabeth Bennett journaling about how much Mr Darcy annoys her as he comes upon her at the beautiful hotel design on the box. The nib wrote first time, every time. I have had it inked up and no hard starts, no misalignment on the nib. It’s smooth on paper, but not skating off the page. A good portion of the extra weight in the pen is in the cap, and I found that I preferred writing with it unposted. (I have S/M hands) and it’s absolutely comfortable, while still feeling substantial. Long writing sessions were comfortable. The grip section is a nice length, the threads are not uncomfortable. It’s a wide enough grip section, about the same diameter as a Pilot Kakuno (around 10.5 to 11) with a slight taper down, to a gentle flair out with a rose gold color metal band and the end. It’s not slippery, and unlike some other pens, I don’t feel myself sliding down onto the nib, and the lip at the end does not cause any discomfort.
The pen is a stunner, well constructed, the nib is tuned beautifully, and isn’t ‘bouncy’ nor is it writing with a nail, it is a strong nib with a little give that keeps the hand from feeling over tired fighting a “nail nib” or out of control while writing with something just a little too bouncy. I’m so impressed, I was so looking forward to this release and my hopes were all realized. Two thumbs up, highly recommend this pen (and the ink that comes with it is gorgeous.) Additionally, compared to other pens, the price point of $115 at the time of this review is a relative bargain compared to other pens in it’s same ‘ballpark’ like the Esterbrook Estie, with no sacrifice to quality or attention to detail.
I also want to extend my compliments to the store owner who helped me pick out the pen, patiently chattered with me and is always so friendly and kind whenever people come into the store. The store has a nice, relaxed, vintage (yet modern) feel to it, and everywhere you look, you’ll find a new little treasure. I’m so glad that she is increasing (a ton!) the number and brands of fountain pens, inks and FPF paper! STL has a Pen Store!! With nice friendly people who go the extra mile with service and customer satisfaction. Everyone is welcome there, so come in and try a fountain pen out!
