My Second Fountain Pen: Visconti Rembrandt Or Faber Castel E-Motion?

[Redmonds]

Hello everyone,

 

I am looking to purchase my second fountain pen to give my Parker Sonnet a break. I really like the look of the Visconti Rembrandt and have heard that Visconti nibs are very smooth (which is what I'm looking for)

 

On the other hand though, the Faber-Castel E-motion also looks fantastic, and also slightly cheaper. What do you guys think of Faber Castel's more affordable fountain pens?

 

So over all, how do these two pens compare in terms of build quality and quality of the nib? I'm very new to fountain pens.

 

Thanks very much.

Edited October 22, 2014 by Redmonds

[Bo Bo Olson]

Faber Castell is a nail.

don't know what the Rembrandt is.

Don't know if a Sonnet is a semi-nail or a nail.

 

I always suggest true regular flex....which is very hard to find in modern semi-nail days, in a mix of B,M, F&EF.

EF and B are ok in nail....M&F in true regular flex gives you nibs that are good for shading inks.

 

I keep saying 'true' regular flex, in a semi-nail does not have that touch of springy, a true regular flex has.

 

Look for semi-vintage '90's or vintage '60's and before for good nibs.

 

Chase the nib.

[inotrym]

WARNING: Totally biased opinion.

 

 

I have only tried the Emotion, but let me tell you this: I have three of them!! (plus a matching pencil - I will probably get the ballpoint too)

 

I own all FC provided nib widths and even the EF is surprisingly smooth (a tad dry though, as are most EFs). Indeed, it's a nail.

IMO, the Emotion is just beautiful, from the looks of the pen, to the nib (I have a thing for nibs with no breather hole),to the way it feels in your hand.

 

Shortish when uncapped, quite bulky with a wide metal grip that doesn't feel slippery to me. A little nib heavy (which I like).

 

But bear in mind that it doesn't post all that well. You can post it if you are determined to, but you'll need to force it. When posted it is rather top heavy.

 

 

If there is one thing I don't love about the Emotion, is the twist cap. I am more used to snap caps and the whole unscrewing thing was a little frustrating at first.

Edited October 22, 2014 by inotrym

[Redmonds]

WARNING: Totally biased opinion.

 

 

I have only tried the Emotion, but let me tell you this: I have three of them!! (plus a matching pencil - I will probably get the ballpoint too)

 

I own all FC provided nib widths and even the EF is surprisingly smooth (a tad dry though, as are most EFs). Indeed, it's a nail.

IMO, the Emotion is just beautiful, from the looks of the pen, to the nib (I have a thing for nibs with no breather hole),to the way it feels in your hand.

 

Shortish when uncapped, quite bulky with a wide metal grip that doesn't feel slippery to me. A little nib heavy (which I like).

 

But bear in mind that it doesn't post all that well. You can post it if you are determined to, but you'll need to force it. When posted it is rather top heavy.

 

 

If there is one thing I don't love about the Emotion, is the twist cap. I am more used to snap caps and the whole unscrewing thing was a little frustrating at first.

Thanks for the feedback! I am worried that it may be a bit too heavy though

[inotrym]

Yes, at 28 grams the Emotion body (uncapped) weights about as much as the whole Sonnet.

(capped it is 50 grams)

 

but it's rather short and most of the weight is gathered towards the nib, so it is not that noticeable.

 

Unless you can feel the pen in person, it is indeed kind of a risk.

[sandy101]

I have the Faber-Castell Loom, which is around £25, it has a lovely nib and is very well put together. At that price range I think it is a very good pen with quite a bit of heft.

 

However, since you live in the UK, I suggest you visit Mr Pens website and maybe get yourself an Italix Parsons Essential. If you go for the non-italic nibs, you will get a very smooth nib, and a very decent pen for around £40.

[Redmonds]

I have the Faber-Castell Loom, which is around £25, it has a lovely nib and is very well put together. At that price range I think it is a very good pen with quite a bit of heft.

 

However, since you live in the UK, I suggest you visit Mr Pens website and maybe get yourself an Italix Parsons Essential. If you go for the non-italic nibs, you will get a very smooth nib, and a very decent pen for around £40.

I took a look at the website and quite liked the Italix 'Viper's Strike'. I hadn't heard of Italix before, I assume they are decent from your suggestion?

[sandy101]

Yes, Italix pens are very good. Take a look at the reviews on this site.

 

Certainly, I'm a fan - and I'm not the only one here. They're robust, and the nibs are very good.

 

The Viper's Strike is a new design, so I couldn't tell you much about it.

[wastelanded]

I wanted an eMotion, I lusted after that humongous shiny cap and hinged clip. I hadn't tried one, but figured I could always wear it on a chain like Flava Flav if I didn't like it. So I ordered one. It was the most uncomfortable pen I'd ever tried. The section is small, tapered and smooth chrome, and if you have any class of sweaty hands you'll be holding nib. Luckily I was able to exchange it for something more suitable. If I was a richer man, I'd have kept it solely for ogling purposes.

 

Of course, this is my personal experience and opinion. But I suggest that if at all possible, you try one out in person first.