Ce Levi Solstice In Woodgrain Ebonite

[shuuemura]

C. E. Levi Solstice in Woodgrain Ebonite

 

The C. E. Levi Solstice in woodgrain ebonite resting on a Nakaya three-pen pillow in Kuro-Tamenuri urushi.

 

Introduction

I first learnt of Cameron Lewis, a Canadian pen-maker, and his hand-crafted pens (branded "C. E. Levi") through reviews on this forum. No surprises there, this forum has always been a tremendous source of inspiration for my collection (and danger to my bank account). Always drawn to unusual designs and independent makers, I browsed through his website and found myself attracted to the clean and simple lines of his pens. One might draw a parallel between his design and the Japanese aesthetic which eschews excessive trim in favour of a utilitarian finish. Cameron hand-crafts all his pens from solid rod stock using a manual lathe, hacksaw, files and sandpaper. The only things he doesn't make are the nib and feed, both of which are sourced from vintage pens (most commonly Sheaffer).

 

I prefer big nibs and oversized pens and his popular "Nox" model appeared to be on the small side. However, Cameron also makes a "Solstice" model which accomodates the largest nib available to him, a vintage #8 size Sheaffer nib from the Lifetime Balance pens. So I sent him an email enquiring about his $150 discount offer in exchange for a written review. Unfortunately the $150 discount period was long over, but Cameron agreed to give me a $50 discount in exchange for writing a review of the Solstice.

 

Ordering was simple: Cameron has one basic design, but dimensions of individual components can be varied within reason to the customer's specifications. From reading the numerous reviews of his pens on this forum, I knew that some people found the default section and grip slightly narrow. From measuring the section of my favourite pen, the Namiki Yukari Royale, I asked him to design a section that was about 13 mm (0.511") near the threads, tapering to a minimum of 11.2 mm (0.441") before flaring out again to about 11.63 mm (0.458"). Cameron replied that he could accomodate my preferences, but in order for the section to match his cap threads (and barrel diameter of about 0.54"), the measurements I quoted would have to be slightly scaled down by 0.03". This was fine by me.

 

Other things I wanted on my pen: (1) an uncapped length of about 5.4" to 5.5" (this pen does not post); (2) a weight between 30-35 grams; (3) a heavier (beefier) cap; (4) more front-heavy than usual balance; (5) a roll-stopper - similar to the raised dot that Romillo uses, or the teardrop that Hakase uses; (6) a blind-cap inlay, similar to the design of pens in the days of yore; and (7) German woodgrain ebonite (from SEM) for the body of the pen. I'd like to think that I am a discerning (demanding?) customer.

 

Cameron tried three experiments with roll stoppers, but because he could not seamlessly blend the stopper into the pen cap, he decided that a roll stopper could not be incorporated into his design at this time. I accepted his explanation, and he proceeded to make my pen the way I liked it. From the first email (April 1, 2014) to the date of receipt (July 18, 2014), it took about three and a half months for the pen to be made. Cameron was very responsive via email throughout the entire period. I think the time frame is reasonable for the quality of build and customisation that went into this pen.

 

First impressions

The pen came in a plain wooden box with a custom-cut insert which fit the pen snugly - a very nice touch, and a sure indicator that Cameron is reading the reviews of his pens. The box looks similar to the paulownia boxes that Namiki or Hakase use. The ebonite is flawlessly polished - it's not glossy like Hakase, but not dull either. The hardware and trim are made of bronze which will acquire a nice patina over time. The screw threading on this pen is machined perfectly. This pen is simplicity personified - nothing seems unnecessary or out of place.

 

The C. E. Levi Solstice nestled in its box.

 

The C. E. Levi Solstice uncapped. As compared to the barrel, the section is finished matte to promote grip. I find the section extremely grippy - it will not slip from one's fingers. Also see how flawlessly the cap edge is bevelled?

 

Writing experience

I like my nibs to write juicy and effortlessly, and Cameron certainly delivered on that. The fine nib even writes well upside-down, a result of expert tuning and "real-life" testing that Cameron subjects all his pens to before delivery. It took me only a few minutes to get accustomed to writing with this pen. The Sheaffer Lifetime nib is a nail with a little give to it, and I love the feedback that it gives me on paper. Another thing worth mentioning is the grippy section. As compared to the barrel, the section is finished matte to promote grip. Far from being a gimmick, the matte finish increases friction between the fingers and section. This pen is highly unlikely to slip from one's fingers.

 

Some nit-picking here. I had asked for the pen to be made a little more front-heavy than usual, but the pen still feels back-heavy. I think the bronze/brass used for the button filling mechanism contributes most to the back-heavy balance of this pen. In use, however, the heft of the barrel causes it to sit securely on the web between the thumb and the index finger, allowing the weight of the barrel to disappear during a writing session. I would say that the balance of this pen is similar to my piston filler pens (Delta/Pelikan/Montblanc). For me, the new OMAS Paragon exemplifies how a heavy pen should be balanced - most of the weight is concentrated towards the section and nib. Because balance preference is so personal, however, I must emphasise that this is a minor point in my whole appreciation of the pen.

 

Closeup of the beautiful Sheaffer Lifetime Balance #8 size nib and the matte finished woodgrain ebonite section. I am currently using Sheaffer Skrip Blue in this pen.

 

Look at the gorgeous inlay on the brass cap and the exquisite machining of the threads and the button filling mechanism.

 

Filling system

The filling system is a button-filler, most unusual for a modern pen. I happen to enjoy the button filling mechanism on my Parker Duofold and this one is equally pleasant to use, with a very positive action. I measured the ink capacity to be about 1.5 mL, which is more than the capacity of most pens. Cameron fits his pens with silicone sacs which should last a good while.

 

A Canadian pen, an English pen, and an Indian pen all lying on a Japanese pen pillow. All three pens are made of ebonite, one of my favourite pen materials.

 

Conclusions

If it isn't apparent from my earlier paragraphs, I love writing with this pen. I particularly appreciate the fact that Cameron took the time and effort to accommodate all my requests. In my humble opinion, C. E. Levi certainly stands out as one of the very best amongst the independent pen artisans.

 

More photos of the Solstice

The following photos were sent by Cameron when the pen was completed. See how shiny the bronze was when the pen was new?

 

 

 

 

Edited August 31, 2014 by shuuemura

[Doug C]

Just a beautiful pen and wonderful review. I love mine and I continue to be amazed that he does all this without a CNC machine...

[JonSzanto]

Gerald, the elegant simplicity of this pen is stunning. Congratulations!

[mbradley]

I love the pen, stunning. Thanks for sharing. Now I have another pen to long for.

 

Michael

[jimhughes]

Another example of Cameron's fantastic skills in design and expertise in manufacturing. Doug C and I got our pens, the Nox about the same time. This precipitated the NMPCC CEO, Chi Town to get one in the Wood Grain Finish like yours. This is one of my favorite pens and a great writer. Mine has a Triumph, Conical, Sheaffer Nib, like on the Sheaffer Tuck Aways. Congratulations on your choice, you'll enjoy the pen 50 years from now as much as you do now.

[daintydimsum]

Lovely! What an aesthetically pleasing pen!

 

I had enquired as to getting a pen from Cameron and am sad I won't be ordering one. Therefore, your review was especially appreciated -- it's a little like living through a review

[ajoffe]

Beautiful pen. Thanks for sharing

[dannyboy]

I love the elegant simplicity of the lines in this pen along with the subtle lines of the ebonite. You have a pen that will be a treasured heirloom some day, but in the meantime enjoy it daily and let it help you craft words that will last. Many thanks for this posting!

[da vinci]

Excellent review of a wonderful pen - thanks

[French]

Very nice review. I thoroughly enjoy my Nox. Enjoy the solstice

[rudyhou]

very nice vintage looking pen.