Levenger True Writer Episode 1

[sleek_lover]

For a number of reasons, all of which will become very clear over the next several weeks I will be doing a series of Lev TW reviews...

 

Tonight, it is the Old Style F nib...this one is in the BLACK model issued in April, 2000. I pulled this pen out of my pen chest a couple of days ago, slipped a PR VELVET BLACK cartridge in it (after pulling out a LEV double ended something or another that was in it for God knows how long...I sometimes slip up on tidiness...) and after a quick dunk in some cold coffee put it to work making notes on some recruiting calls. After a bit of stiffness, the pen cleared its sinuses and has been performing just outstandingly. As most of you know, I am a non-poster and the pen balances nicely for my nearly vertical hold and the look of the pen is, for a TRAD, just a treat. One thing I have always liked about the TWs is that Steve never really wemt fpr the gaudy. He has kept the pens "true" to the chosen legacy of the Esterbrooks.

 

I have always thought the nibs were made by Waterman. There is a great similarity between the TW nibs and the Phil/Kulture nibs. Nobody at Levenger has ever confirmed my thought, but for this review, I eyeballed a Phil F and the TW F and the similarity, to my unaided eye, is there. But then, I am biased toward both pens...so it could be wishful thinking.

 

As to the nib's performace, I alluded to it earlier. It lays down what I would consider a true American F. In later commentaries I will probably do some scans of the various old style TW nib widths the way I write, but I am very happy with the F line laid.

 

There is no hesitation, no skipping and as noted, the pen has surely not been particularly coddled. Richard B., in a post earlier today quoted Frank D's great line, which I paraphrase...Ferchrssake..they are PENS, not fercacktah JEWELRY!!!

 

There is another issue...and one that makes it hard to sell my pens..excess or otherwise. Each time I bring a pen out of the quiver...a pen I haven't used in a while, I fall for it again...and I kick myself for ever thinking I could sell it... This is the situation with this particular TW...It is gonna be here a while...

 

So...

Function 9 of 10

Form 7 of 10 (It ain't a SLEEK, it's a TRAD)

Imponderables 10 of 10

Total 26 of 30

 

Bill

[rroossinck]

...and after a quick dunk in some cold coffee put it to work making notes on some recruiting calls...

 

Classic.

 

I was just thinking of doing a review of these, too. Guess I've got to find some cold coffee to work with...

[Maja]

Thanks for the review, Bill. I like True Writers, too

 

Now, what is this "Old Style F nib" of which you speak?

[sleek_lover]

Thanks for the review, Bill. I like True Writers, too

 

Now, what is this "Old Style F nib" of which you speak?

 

Mornin' Maja...

The pen was issued in April 2000, and at that time I was in a really open pen buying posture....so dollars to donuts, it was purchased shortly thereafter...

 

The nib is fixed...that is, the nib can not be removed. The newer TWs screw-out replaceable nibs, ala Esterbrooks. Hence, MY designation (not Levenger's) of the nib as OLD style...

 

Hope that helps in the differentiation...

 

Bill...

[vermillionpart4]

The newer TWs screw-out replaceable nibs, ala Esterbrooks

 

do you know of any nibs that would fit into a newer TW? I've emailed levenger to ask if it's possible to buy just a new nib but they haven't gotten back to me yet.

[Univer]

The newer TWs screw-out replaceable nibs, ala Esterbrooks

 

do you know of any nibs that would fit into a newer TW? I've emailed levenger to ask if it's possible to buy just a new nib but they haven't gotten back to me yet.

 

Hi,

 

You might want to check out a post from Ryan Rasmussen, of Levenger, in this thread:

 

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/in...mp;#entry234597

 

You'll note that Ryan provides the item numbers for the individual TW nibs. I haven't ordered any myself, and I can't warrant that these numbers are still correct; but this is, at least, a place to start.

 

Cheers,

 

Jon

[vermillionpart4]

YAY!! exactly what i was looking for!! thanks a million! Bold nib here i come!

 

the different nib styles coming are especially exciting!

 

 

[Maja]

Thanks for the review, Bill. I like True Writers, too

 

Now, what is this "Old Style F nib" of which you speak?

 

Mornin' Maja...

The pen was issued in April 2000, and at that time I was in a really open pen buying posture....so dollars to donuts, it was purchased shortly thereafter...

 

The nib is fixed...that is, the nib can not be removed. The newer TWs screw-out replaceable nibs, ala Esterbrooks. Hence, MY designation (not Levenger's) of the nib as OLD style...

 

Hope that helps in the differentiation...

 

Bill...

 

Right....the newer screw-out replaceable nibs vs. the old style ones....I haven't been online as much as usual due to my job, so I didn't read the recent posts on the subject. Thanks for clarifying that, Bill. Now, you've got me thinking about what you mean by the first line in your review!

 

[southpaw]

For those of us who are averse to c/c fillers, any comments as to whether or not TWs are candidates for eye-dropper fill conversion? Any metal inside? Is the barrel water tight? Inquiring minds want to know.

[sleek_lover]

For those of us who are averse to c/c fillers, any comments as to whether or not TWs are candidates for eye-dropper fill conversion? Any metal inside? Is the barrel water tight? Inquiring minds want to know.

 

Have no idea. Have not really ever given it a great deal of thought. The pens come with a converter, take long and short international carts, I refill carts with a syringe and I work at home. Plus I have 300+ pens, so I don't run out of toys.

 

That said, the barrels are of some non-metallic material (I will point out there is some porosity...the white and tangerine colors do discolor with use of dark ink) but whether it is an acrylic, some sort of resin, or what, I have not a clue. Truth be told, other than the MB exploding resin, I don't care.

 

I would say...buy one off'n eBay, silicon putty up the thread and have at it...

 

Bill

[vermillionpart4]

I've heard of them successfully being converted to eyedroppers but I wouldn't know how to go about it myself

 

Edit: Also,

 

You'll note that Ryan provides the item numbers for the individual TW nibs. I haven't ordered any myself, and I can't warrant that these numbers are still correct; but this is, at least, a place to start.

 

I just got an email back from levenger and they gave me the same numbers so they're still good

Edited July 29, 2007 by vermillionpart4

[Maja]

I've heard of them successfully being converted to eyedroppers but I wouldn't know how to go about it myself

 

Well, it's really quite easy and generally no "conversion" is needed. You just have to remove any cartridge or convertor that is there, and then fill the barrel directly with ink using an eyedropper or syringe and then screw the barrel back on. It might be wise to use some 100% pure silicone grease (*not* adhesive/glue) on the barrel threads to help ensure an inkproof seal. The main concern is the ink causing permanent barrel staining and/or reacting with any metal in the barrel.

Edited July 31, 2007 by Maja