Edison 2012 Glenmont Le 11/25

[MadAmos]

This is a review of my Edison 2012 LE Glenmont “Stealth” pen. This one was #11 out of 25 produced with the last available Ruthenium two tone nibs that Brian recently acquired. I have not written many reviews prior to this but the pen just spoke to me and this is what came out. I was going to scan the hand written version but I was sure that no one would be able to read it.

 

Appearance & Design (9) –

 

I think that Stealth is appropriate the black swirl acrylic body and cap with the solid black ends is not flashy at a distance but up close it has a lot of character. The Ruthenium clip an nib give the pen a unique look and I for one am sorry that these are some of the only ones that were left. I love the distinctive dark and mysterious look they give the pen, can you tell I like different? Visually the pen is well proportioned and the taper ensures that there is no unnecessary bulk. I give it a 10/10

 

Construction & Quality (8) -

 

As usual Brian’s pens have a quality feel and just the right weight, in no way is this a pen that says flimsy. The cap to body fit is perfect, threads smooth and the top and bottom solid black ends are seamlessly joined. Brian used four start threads for the cap to body so the cap is on and off in a jif with mine taking 1 full turn to get into action. The fit of the threads has a bit more play than I would expect (I do teach machinist apprentices so I am a bit sensitive to this) however they are solid feeling and the looseness allows the cap to go on and off effortlessly. The only minor issue I have is that the ball end of the clip is a bit rough and I can feel a bit of a snag when I run a finger over it. I rate this category 8/10

 

Weight & Dimensions (9) -

 

Weight and size are a very subjective for me this is pretty close to perfect. It has just the right weight to give a quality feel and allow the pen to be controlled where a too light pen has a tendency to feel wrong to me. The pen balances right in the center of the uncapped and un-posted body and feels very neutral in the hand, this is a pen that I can use for extended periods of writing in comfort. This is a 9/10 for me

 

Nib & Performance (10) -

 

This is where the pen stands out, for me no matter how good a pen looks the way it works on paper is the real test. Brian again does not fail, to have a winner. I did have the steel nib ground to a western fine (Brian sent it to Mike Matsuyama for this) and it is among my best. I had asked for a 6 out of ten flow and to me this is what I expect, smooth with a flow that allows for nice shading on less absorbent paper. While at the same time not so wet that it can’t be used on the cheap copy paper we have at work, Magic. It is one of the only pens I have purchased that I do not have any desire to polish or change in any way. 10/10

 

Filling System & Maintenance (9) –

 

Brian made this pen using his standard cartridge/ converter there is not a lot I can say other than it works well this way. Personally I have come to prefer this filling system and find that the capacity is plenty, it is much easier to flush and clean than a bulb or piston filler. I also like that I can write until it is empty without fear of the dreaded bloop that body filled pens are prone to. For me a solid 9/10.

 

Cost & Value (10) -

 

There is no doubt in my mind that Brian’s production line pens are one of if not the best values in pens. There is no one else that provided this level of personal interaction with the customer/ user, you can tell he wants the pen to be right. There are a few others that come close in value but the personal touch can’t be matched. Another solid 10/10

 

Conclusion (Final score 55/60]: 9.17rating or 92%) –

 

There just are not that many makers that have the ability and desire to consistently match looks and performance with top notch after the sales service. If you have never tried a Edison pen you owe it to yourself to do so it will be a great pen and help keep a great small business going.

 

Between the production line and signature line pens with the many different styles and materials you will never run out of choices. For me this is number eight and there is no doubt there is a nine, ten and more to come.

 

 

 

 

Paul

 

 

 

[Brian C]

Brian sent it off to Mike Matsuyama to have it ground to a fine? That's strange. I thought Brian did all his own nib work.

[bgray]

Thanks for posting!

 

Brian sent it off to Mike Matsuyama to have it ground to a fine? That's strange. I thought Brian did all his own nib work.

 

When it comes to XF's or smaller, or grinding to a smaller tip size, I've been sending those to Mike for the last month or two, and I'll keep doing it. I'm humble enough to admit that he does a better job than me.

 

When it comes to italics, flex, everything else, I'm still doing those.

[trhall]

When it comes to XF's or smaller, or grinding to a smaller tip size, I've been sending those to Mike for the last month or two, and I'll keep doing it. I'm humble enough to admit that he does a better job than me.

 

I personally appreciate that Brian knows when to send a nib off to Mike Masuyama vs. doing it himself. I think this is a sign of someone who is a true professional. I have had a several nibs customized by Mike via Brian to a true Japanese EF/XF size, and they are wonderful.

[rvthof]

Nice review.

The lack of pictures "forced" me to go to Brian's website.

Mmmm ... tempting.

[Brian C]

When it comes to XF's or smaller, or grinding to a smaller tip size, I've been sending those to Mike for the last month or two, and I'll keep doing it. I'm humble enough to admit that he does a better job than me.

 

I personally appreciate that Brian knows when to send a nib off to Mike Masuyama vs. doing it himself. I think this is a sign of someone who is a true professional. I have had a several nibs customized by Mike via Brian to a true Japanese EF/XF size, and they are wonderful.

 

I completely agree. It's about the end product.