Franklin-Christoph Question (40P Related)

[benincanada]

I have an itch for a Franklin-Christoph 40pocket, in the Ice finish. I have not had the chance to handle one in person.

 

This weekend I was at a store and played with the F-C Models 25 and a 29, and I wasn't overly impressed. Nothing specific was wrong, they just didn't feel like what I expected - I think I was (unfairly) comparing them mentally to the Edison and Bexley models I've seen, based on the fact that they are all small US manufacturers. The magnetic cap (on the 29 I think?) didn't impress me or feel convenient to use (I like simple tops - I have a Vanishing Point, Pelikan etc), and the semi hooded nib on the 25 looked a bit odd to me.

 

With those thoughts of mine in mind, do people who have handled the above and the 02 and 40p, have comment for me if they are similar to the models I saw this weekend, or if they feel "more solid" (I know they look different).

 

Thx!

[UDog]

I have the Intrinsic 02 in emerald and a 40P in the black/maroon. The 40P is a pocket pen and is small when capped but an excellent size when posted. I have large hands and it feels fine. The Intrinsic 02 is a full-sized pen and has good weight considering the materials. They are both what I would describe as luxurious. I have had flow issues with both of them because I write up to ten A4 pages per day and the flow is a little weak toward the end. FC is working with me to get the flow where I want it. Great customer service.

[benincanada]

Thank you ! Which nibs do you have? Matsuyama tuned?

[Lynn Teague]

I have a Franklin Christoph 40p and it is an excellent pen. I use it as an eyedropper, never any problems with leaks. Some startup problems with the nib that I've discussed elsewhere, but fixed now after I tweaked it, and it writes very well. Solidly made, very simple, and a very different critter than a Bexley (I have a lovely 802, Binderized nib). They just aren't the same concept, quite different.

[Josey]

I have a Franklin Christoph 40p and it is an excellent pen. I use it as an eyedropper, never any problems with leaks. Some startup problems with the nib that I've discussed elsewhere, but fixed now after I tweaked it, and it writes very well. Solidly made, very simple, and a very different critter than a Bexley (I have a lovely 802, Binderized nib). They just aren't the same concept, quite different.

How did you fix the startup problem? I love my 40P but I've had this issue too.

[benincanada]

How did you fix the startup problem? I love my 40P but I've had this issue too.

Can either of you describe the issue ? Was it on a factory nib, or a Matsuyama tuned nib ?

 

Does anyone know if F-C will ink up & check nibs prior to sending them out like Binder or Goulet do ?

[tinta]

AFAIK, the good folks at F-C tune & write test every nib-set that they install into a pen.

 

They do not just screw in a JoWo nib-unit, but choose a nib & feed, then assemble them together into the (threaded) sleeve.

They check how deep the nib goes into the sleeve & how the nib lies on top of the feed.

The tip of the nib is inspected under magnification, tine are aligned if necessary & they may do a bit of smoothing. Ink flow is also adjusted to a F-C standard (around 7.0). The nib then is installed into the pen, they ink it up & write with it.

 

I was explained the above, before I bought my black/maroon model 03.

I'd buy from them again.

At the moment I am waiting for a new F-C JoWo 1.9, three tine, MS nibs to arrive. I'm sure that this nib will be set up for the generous flow requirements of a music nib.

 

I don't know if the tuning of the F-C nibs are to the same standard as what John Mottishaw at Classic Pens Inc or Richard Binder performs on their nibs. (John has only sold me pens with wonderful customized nibs. I don't know how he sets up a factory nib before sale.)

 

The two 1.1 italics that I received for my Franklin-Christoph "Iterum" mod. 03 were perfectly tuned for such wide nibs. Smooth with a generous flow needed for dry iron-gall inks.

Edited September 23, 2014 by tinta

[tinta]

How did you fix the startup problem? I love my 40P but I've had this issue too.

Josey, did you first flush your pen with water + a drop or two of dish detergent, then clear water?

This often solves start-up problems. Compared to my smooth flowing Sailor feeds the JoWo feeds seem a bit balky.

[benincanada]

AFAIK, the good folks at F-C tune & write test every nib-set that they install into a pen.

 

Thx !

[UDog]

Thank you ! Which nibs do you have? Matsuyama tuned?

 

I have the EF on the 40P and an F on the Intrinsic 02 in stainless steel. I am working with FC now to get the flow problem solved with the 02.

[Ted A]

Based on what you've written, I think you would want to handle the 40P before you buy it. I don't think you would like it. It's a small pen. Only those with quite small hands or those using it for very brief notes could use it unposted. While it posts well enough, I find that you have to work with the cap a bit to get it posted so that it won't wobble while I write. Which is why I don't think you would like it.

Edited September 23, 2014 by Ted A

[dneal]

I have a 40p. It is basically the size of a Kaweco Sport. As noted, the cap doesn't post very securely. They need to match the taper of the inside of the cap to the taper of the barrel. To make it post decently, you have to slightly screw the cap onto the barrel.

 

I've only used Masuyama nibs with it, and have had no flow problems. The needlepoint I originally bought was too fine for everyday use, and I now use a (M) cursive italic.

[Josey]

Josey, did you first flush your pen with water + a drop or two of dish detergent, then clear water?

This often solves start-up problems. Compared to my smooth flowing Sailor feeds the JoWo feeds seem a bit balky.

 

Hmm I'll try that!

 

I've has this problem with my Pilot pens when using cartridges though, too....it just takes a while for the ink to saturate the feed (obviously not a problem with a piston filler or converter!).

[Lynn Teague]

Josey, Sorry I didn't reply to your question sooner, didn't catch your question. The nib was a Masuyama medium cursive italic. The startup problem was that it would barely write. I know that FC is meticulous, but somehow the problem got through. And, I flushed and did the usual routine before using, but the problem was real. Ultimately the solution was using a brass shim (from Goulet) to floss between the nib and the feed. The FC folks agreed that I had already tried everything else, and suggested this, and it worked. There was some tiny something out of place from the manufacturing or grinding process that worked its way into a crucial spot. Even after I did that, the pen was very very dry. Too dry even if you like dry pens (I like sort of medium personally). I tweaked by pulling the tines apart and it now writes very well and is sufficiently wet. It will write well on most papers, but is much more toothy than I like on textured laid papers so I tend not to use it on Crown Mill and certainly not on Crane's. It is fabulous on Tomeo River, Rhodia, Clairfontaine and even writes well on copy paper. It just doesn't like laid stationery.

[benincanada]

As noted, the cap doesn't post very securely. They need to match the taper of the inside of the cap to the taper of the barrel. To make it post decently, you have to slightly screw the cap onto the barrel.

 

Just to circle back, I picked up a Model 40 pocket today, and I love it. The cap seems to post easily and securely. This pen was just made in the past few weeks by FC so maybe they sorted the issue out ?

 

http://i.imgur.com/dnyIaTF.jpg

[dneal]

Just to circle back, I picked up a Model 40 pocket today, and I love it. The cap seems to post easily and securely. This pen was just made in the past few weeks by FC so maybe they sorted the issue out ?

 

Perhaps. Mine requires a little extra effort to make sure it it secure, or else it moves to a canted position (or falls off). Pretty much as described by SBRE Brown in his YouTube review.