Lamy Al-Star: Confessions Of A Reluctant Convert

[Yaakova]

Against my will, I have come to the dark side. (I heard you have cookies!) I have always preferred classic-looking fountain pens, such as the iconic art deco styling of the Waterman Phileas. For years I dismissed Lamy pens as ugly and cheap-looking. The first time I saw a Lamy Safari, I sincerely thought it was another disposable pen like the Pilot Varsity. To be honest, I think it's the wire clip that turns me off. But don't get out the tar and feathers just yet.

 

After hearing so many people rave about their Lamy pens, I started doing some research. I was intrigued by the idea of interchangeable nibs, and the aluminum Al-Star looked promising. (What can I say? I like metal pens.) Okay, I decided, I'll just get one to see what all the excitement's about. I placed an order for the Ocean Blue Al-Star with a medium point.

 

I have to admit that I'm impressed. I has more girth than I was expecting. I was afraid it would be a skinny little thing that was difficult to hold. It writes well, practically skating across a Rhodia Dot Pad. So, I've already placed an order for a fine point Al-Star in purple.

 

But I still don't really care for the clip.

 

http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr37/yaakovashoshana/100_0120.jpg

[risingsun]

I've got a gaggle of Al-Stars, and I don't like the clip either. So much that I won't wear it in my shirt pocket. So you're not alone (on all accounts). :-)

[Yaakova]

At least I have the luxury of being able to tuck it out of sight in my tote bag. Of all things Lamy could have done with the clip, that wire would not have been my first choice.

[Koyote]

But, like everything else on the pen, the clip just works. It does what it's supposed to do.

[Yaakova]

No argument here. The pen works very well, and I like it in spite of myself.

[Gump]

After a number of Safari's and other Lamy pens I picked up my first Al-Star a week or so back. Not particularly thrilled with it's heft, too used to the Safari I suppose.

[Koyote]

When I use my Safaris, I sometimes wonder why I spend more on fancy pens.

[jchch1950]

Safaris are a joy to use .Light. resistant to scratches ,different nibs and colors.What I do not like of the Al-Star is the section in transparent plastic.

[Whiterose64]

I thought it was just me that didn't like the Al Star and Safari immediately as I too disliked the look of them at first. I normally go for cigar shaped streamlined pens, the latest of that style I acquired being an Edison Collier.

 

Lately I discovered that I like italic/stub nibs the most and there aren't a lot of modern pens with those options, that I can afford anyway - why I went with the Edison. After reading hundreds of recommendations for the Al Star and Safari and because of the nib options I thought I'd get one and see how it went.

They are definately a pen you need to get hands on with - I loved my first re Safari as soon as it arrived and I tried it. I now have 12 in my collection, 7 Al Star and 5 Safari. It's now an addiction I've got all the LE/SE pens I can find and now I want all the standard colours, but I'm trying to stop now at least until Christmas.

 

The clip is ok I don't dislike it nor do I particularly like it, though I think it goes with the pens aesthetics.

[ink-syringe]

I wanted to hate the Al Star/Vista/Safari. I see why folks don't like it's appearance. It does look dated and a little juvenile.

 

But I have to admit I now have 4 of them. All inked. They are light, well balanced, easy to service, easy to clean, interchangeable nibs and even the dreaded clip, well, you have to admit that if you use the clip, to, uh, clip, it does work darned great.

 

I find them good writers, dependable, sturdy.

 

Now I dig them. My vista gets the most use (amazing nib on that one).

 

I used to hate Sailor pens too. I though how boring their design is. Just a whole big can of 'meh'. Then I wrote with one. Now I look at them very differently.

[Algester]

it's weird how I sold my Safari... but eh... I think I might get another Logo in matte finish... still thinking

[LamyOne]

Hello Yaakova,

 

Welcome aboard, but be at ease, the ride is smooth.

 

You and I have the same bio when it comes to these pens. During my Second Foray into fountain pens, (I didn't know they existed during my first one - no internet back then, you bought whatever you could find in your area), I swore I would never use a pen that modern looking or that ugly; my tastes have always leaned towards the baroque, (perhaps because I'm a Catholic ). However, after owning several pens during my Second Foray, that looked beautiful, but wrote lousy; I decided now, (my Third Foray), I am only going to buy pens that "write right."

 

After doing a lot of research, I chose Lamy to be my primary pen brand - and I have very few, if any regrets. I have ten or eleven Safari/Al-Stars; however, I do recommend a Logo, CP-1 or a Studio if you're going to be using the pen in a public business setting, as they are more professional looking. I'm glad you are enjoying your Lamy's and I hope you continue to enjoy them as your collection grows.

 

Best regards,

 

Chris

 

PS: Between the Safari and the Al-Star, the Al-Star is my favorite. I like the slightly wider girth and they also feel smoother in the hand when you hold them; I just wish they came in more colors.

Edited September 23, 2014 by LamyOne

[stacybean]

Despite strong aversion to the appearance the Lamy Safari (hideous clip primarily) I tested an Al-Star at a local paper shop. I really like the weight, balance, nib and dare I say , overall design. I use the Ocean Blue every day at work now. It's delightful!

[Yaakova]

Thank you, LamyOne. Yes, I have already acquired my second Al-Star and am seriously coveting more. I mean, it would be nice to have all the colors, and then I could carry many different-colored inks at the same time. (Is there a 12-step program for this addiction?)

[Ted A]

. (Is there a 12-step program for this addiction?)

 

I think we're now at 13 steps (colors) if you just focus on Al-Stars. But for Safaris there are a couple dozen steps or more.

[PaperDarts]

I bought an Al-star years ago because I wanted an italic nib and didn't know of other options (ah, how times have changed). I ended up giving it away because I didn't really like the look of the pen (aluminum Al-star) and the 1.1 nib was too large for my handwriting. Fast-forward several years - and I saw the silver-blue Al-star when it first came out. I was hit by the Mack truck of love. I don't even see that big honkin' clip anymore.

[Mezzie]

The clip may not be pretty, but it is functional and sturdy; I don't worry about putting too much stress on it.

 

I have more Al-Stars than any other pen. They are all filled with inks to match their color, and I have every nib size on hand for quick swapping.

 

The Al-Star remains my second favorite pen to the VP, but I actually use it more because it's so sturdy I can take it anywhere, drop it, step on it, fling it across the room while gesticulating wildly, or loan it out without worry.

[Yaakova]

The clip may not be pretty, but it is functional and sturdy; I don't worry about putting too much stress on it.

 

I have more Al-Stars than any other pen. They are all filled with inks to match their color, and I have every nib size on hand for quick swapping.

 

The Al-Star remains my second favorite pen to the VP, but I actually use it more because it's so sturdy I can take it anywhere, drop it, step on it, fling it across the room while gesticulating wildly, or loan it out without worry.

 

That's what I'm working up to - an Al-Star for every color of ink. I'm still not a fan of that darned clip, but I am starting to notice it less.

[LamyOne]

(Is there a 12-step program for this addiction?)

 

Hello Yaakova,

 

Well, every now and then, some joker comes along and tries to step-up a program to curb our addictions to Al-Stars, (and Lamy's in general), but so far, we have done a good job of burying their efforts.

 

Yes, I think the clip is the hardest thing to get around, but as others have said, they ARE amazingly functional. They slip onto any pocket flap with total ease - I have had some pens where using the pocket clip was harder than training 100 cats to dance in unison.

 

Best regards,

 

Chris

[Yaakova]

Thank you, Chris, for that mental image of a clowder of feline Rockettes strutting across a music hall stage.