Sheaffer Taranis

[Batman]

I think the recent introduction of Sheaffer pens is a pretty healthy sign. The Taranis and Saragis pays homage to their predecessors and to me this is good news because I always assumed Bic would start stamping run of the mill chinese pens with the Sheaffer logo but it does seem like their designs are original. Although they're made in China I have no doubts that the quality is there. But the price range is steep for a stainless steel nib, only problem with Sheaffer now is their lack of gold nibs outside of the inlaid nibs. If they can get gold nibs into their other models I think they would be much better off competing within that price range.

 

Thanks

Brad

[Ernst Bitterman]

I suspect that the response to this pen is going to be one of extremes, or at least with a very lightly populated middle ground. I should think the name running up that section looks silly and/or horrid, but for reasons only my deeply-buried 12-year old self knows, it's super keen! Happily, this isn't a matter upon which the fate of the world hinges, so those of us who like it a lot can do so without having to throw things at those who don't, which I hope is a reciprocal modus vivendi.

[watch_art]

Now THAT is sexy. The Sheaffer pics were awful. Wow that's a nice looking pen.

 

With regards to the name being stamped on the section - I'd like it more if it were all the way at the end. If the S started RIGHT above the nib, instead of being centered.

[dare_nova]

Even when looking at great pics by Jim, it still looks a bit cheap to me.

Edited September 28, 2012 by dare_nova

[Russ]

Some may find that their grip is improved on the section due to the imprinted brand name. I would prefer to see the brand name on the clip, but then I'd have to think of something else to break up the long bland run of the section.

[KrazyIvan]

So the list pricing is available, what is the street price going to be?

[ThirdeYe]

I like it, and actually fancy the brand name on the section like that. Very cool.

[Maja]

So the list pricing is available, what is the street price going to be?

Here in Vancouver (Canada), the price will be more than the U.S. list price, I'll bet, if previous purchases are any indication. Still, I'd like to see the pen in person because it looks interesting....

[Maja]

Well, it's not their first hooded nib...I think the honour goes to the little blue number on this page

(which doesn't appeal to me either)

 

I don't know...I'd have to see it in person, but even then, at $165 for the FP, it seems rather high for a pen with a bit of a cheap feel to it....

I'm going to have to eat my own words here... :embarrassed_smile:

I saw two Taranis rollerballs (the burgundy and dark grey) last week (the Sheaffer distributor for Canada was in the pen store I was visiting) and they look much nicer than they do in online pics. There is a lovely weight (nicely balanced and not overly heavy) and classy feel to them. I haven't seen the ballpoints or fountain pens, but I would now definitely consider buying a Taranis.

[dcaesq]

I just saw an ad for one. It's priced at $195, and the metal that the nib is made of isn't even mentioned. Sorry, I'll take a 14K Hero 100 any day.

[kpyeoman]

Ouch. So we go from a Prelude around $100 to a Tanaris at $200? I thought this was supposed to be Sheaffer's "bridge" pen like the Intrigue used to be...

[Harlequin]

I like the branding on the section myself. I do think it looks a bit too much like an old felt tip marker when capped though. Hooded nibs are something I REALLY do not like, but probably b/c of the branding and metal/metallic section, I think it is different enough for me not to mind as much.

 

And what does an Ergopen look like

http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc452/penmarket/ergopen_zps9d91b25e.jpg

That's not the Ergopen, it's a PenAgain (sometimes also sold as an "Ergo Sof" PenAgain). I have one of those, it was designed by someone named Colin Roche. It is an ergonomic pen, which is probably why it came up first in a google search. But this is the "ergo pen" designed by Debbas:

 

 

[inBOIL]

That Ergopen looks like something you'd use to massage your feet. (And, actually, the PenAgain looks like something you might use while painting your toenails.)

 

 

The Sheaffer just looks like something that's kind of overpriced.

[DRP]

I don't have a problem with the clip. However, the "Sheaffer" along the section just leaves me cold. Looks too much like a low-end automobile trying to sell one model at a premium price.

 

The pen, itself looks reasonably good, but that stamped metal on the section is a deal-breaker.

[whych]

With the Sheaffer connection established I found he continues his relationship with Bic as a product designer. Bic's main business is shavers and lighters and I guess his influence is in these products, not the Sheaffer arm.

I don't know why you guys are complaining at the price - $200 gets you a pen and a throw away razor all in one.

 

I still think the old style pens will take a lot of beating for looks, style and functionality.

[Lyander0012]

This pen looks to me like a (skinnier?) Lamy 2000 minus the Bauhaus simplicity. Actually, the official pics of the Taranis already had me gaping, and in a good way at that, but the pics by PenHero look even better. Were it sold at a lower price point, say, around 140USD, then I'd seriously consider picking up the White Lightning or Stormy Wine FPs. As things are now, though, in spite of my being something of a Sheaffer fan, I'll gladly pass on this pen, at least until they cut the price or slap a 14k gold nib on there!

 

... Seriously, at 165 dollars for the gold-trimmed version, it's encroaching on Lamy 2k territory. While I agree that there are some who might find it attractive or whatnot (bleh), it's just not as usable or practical (e.g. steel nib vs gold, C/C vs piston fill, regular resin vs Makrolon).

 

I'll try them out IRL when I get the chance to, though. For better or for worse, the Taranis has caught my eye. Heck, I'll even bring my Lamy along plus my journal to do a quick shootout! XD

 

Cheers.

[Lyander0012]

I like the branding on the section myself. I do think it looks a bit too much like an old felt tip marker when capped though. Hooded nibs are something I REALLY do not like, but probably b/c of the branding and metal/metallic section, I think it is different enough for me not to mind as much.

 

 

That's not the Ergopen, it's a PenAgain (sometimes also sold as an "Ergo Sof" PenAgain). I have one of those, it was designed by someone named Colin Roche. It is an ergonomic pen, which is probably why it came up first in a google search. But this is the "ergo pen" designed by Debbas:

 

 

debbas-ergopen.jpg

 

Dear Lord...

[Gloucesterman]

Looks like something I'd definitely consider. I like the looks and I think there is one model that starts at $145.00. Wonder how the fountain pen feels and writes?

[Limerickoshea]

Bought one while on a trip to Vancouver (Vancouver Pen Shop to be exact). When I first saw it I thought is was a little, well no "quite the thing". But after writing with it, looking closely at it and just holding it, I said yes. There is nothing cheesy about it capped I have the black version with chrome furnishings. The cap and barrel are banded mid-way with a simple, thin band. This gives the pen a very nice symmetry of line that is aided by a very long, blank clip with a small white dot.

 

the section does have a large and aggressive "Sheaffer" stamped on it, but it does work as part of the chrome adornment that wraps around the end of the section, just above the nib. Now, the nib is not hooded - its inset into the section but not covered by it. I can see how, from a photo, it would appear hooded. Thin and almost delicate in design, the nib becomes all of a piece with the chrome work on the section.

 

As far as fell goes, I like the weight and the balance of the pen so far. Extended use will eventually tell the tale. All in all, I dropped in to buy a pen, found there was a sale on Sheaffer pens and, joy of joys, the Shaeffer Rep had me draw a number out of a bag for a gift - a new Sheaffer Intensity.

 

The whole trip worked for me.

[Markthetruck]

I find the grip/nib section quite stunning. Reminds very much of the old C/F; a pen much overlooked. Still has some design points that are a nice nod to the PFM and Balance. The price point, as per usual with modern Sheaffers, is exceptional. And I'm quite confident it will get considerable attention when whipped out in a crowd. I've taken it for a test spin and it's on my buy sheet.