Levenger True Writer (handwritten included with pics!)

[bardharlock]

The rough draft of this review was written with the pen itself in Noodler's Legal Lapis on Staples bagasse paper. Enjoy!

 

First Impressions (8)

This pen was purchased at a great discount from eBay from the Levenger outlet. The packaging is simple and elegant in its simplicity: A white cardboard slipcase, a sage green outer box with the Levenger logo, a cardboard clam shell case with a suede-lined pen holder inside. Upon opening the clam shell case the deep blue color of the pen leaps out at you. Very nice impression overall.

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb163/Bard_Harlock/100_2103.jpg

 

 

Appearance (9)

The translucent, cobalt blue is simply striking and I truly doubt any photo can capture it. The silver-tone furniture sets this color off very well. This is a demonstrator, but very dark. It has black plastic jewels trimmed in silver on the end of the barrel and on the cap. It is not ostentatious in its look, but really is understated elegance. I feel like this pen would look at home in a suit pocket, shirt pocket, jeans pocket or cargo shorts pocket.

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb163/Bard_Harlock/100_2104.jpg

 

 

Design/Size/Weight (8)

I love the design. It is classic. I find the un-posted length comfortable enough, but the weight is really better posted. However this does throw the balance off a tad as the cap is heavy. It is what I would consider a normal size pen. It is not small nor is it an oversized pen, like a Mont Blanc 149. Overall, it could be used for a lengthy time fairly comfortably, even if it feels a tad awkward.

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb163/Bard_Harlock/100_2108.jpg

 

 

Nib (8)

This is where I am torn. Fine is as small as these nibs go. I prefer finer nibs. That said, this nib is very smooth and lays down a very wet line. On top of that it is semi-flexible; something rare in modern steel nibs. Really, I love this nib and only wish it were a little more fine. Someone who does not mind wider nibs and wants a wet, smooth, semi-flex nib may very well rate this nib a ten out of ten as it seems perfect in that role.

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb163/Bard_Harlock/100_2110.jpg

 

 

Filling System (8)

It is a cartridge/converter pen. I honestly don't mind C/C fillers. Sure, a piston filler would be great. At this price point, however, C/C is just fine!

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb163/Bard_Harlock/100_2112.jpg

 

 

Cost and Value (10)

This pen retailed for around $50. I paid much less than that on the Levenger Outlet. Even at retail price, this pen is a great value. For what I paid? Bargain!

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb163/Bard_Harlock/100_2105.jpg

 

 

Conclusion (51)

85% out of 100%. Not a bad grade. The looks, price, and nib make this pen a real winner. The fact that I can buy a four nib pack from Levenger with a fine, Medium, Bold, and stub nibs and this pen could easily become my most versatile writer. If you've been considering Levenger's fountain pens I would suggest this sale-priced pen without hesitation. I would also rate it highly for any fan of wider nibs looking for a very affordable, good looking pen with a semi-flex nib. Even though I tend to prefer a finer nib, it is hard to put this pen down and learning to write a little bigger seems a small price to pay for such a nice overall work horse. This pen has won me over and made it into my daily rotation despite the wider nib. That is as strong a testimony as I can think of. Thanks for reading!

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb163/Bard_Harlock/LevengerTrueWriterReview0001.jpg

Edited July 14, 2009 by bardharlock

[rwilsonedn]

Thanks for a very informative review, great photos, and especially for including the written version. Based on the one TrueWriter I have (ivory), I agree with just about everything you say. The pens are strikingly attractive, write very well, and are an incredible bargain at the outlet store prices. And that translucent blue is amazing!

ron

[MikeW]

Good review. I also bought this pen on clearance, via Deirdre, as part of a number of pens.

 

The pen is absolutely striking as you point out. As a fan of blue pens, this one is certainly fits that bill!

 

I also agree with your comments about the size of the pen - a bit too small to leave unposted; however, posting the cap does negatively affect the balance of the pen due to its weight.

 

The pen came with a fine nib (fine nibs are not my first choice) and since I got such a good deal on the pen, I ordered the nib sampler pack from Levenger. I waited until the nib sampler arrived so that I could replace the fine with a stub nib. Coincidentally I received an order of ink from Swisher Pens, so I loaded it up with Noodler's Periwinkle. I find the nib to be more like a nail, not particularly smooth and the flow to be on the dry side. The first two can be attributed to the nib itself while the flow issue could be one or both of the feed and ink. I guess I need to try a few more inks before the source of this problem is determined. I should also note that it is often a hard starter and skips occasionally. Bottom line on the nib - I am not very happy with it as I expected a wider, wetter line and certainly a smoother writer.

 

It is very hard to disagree on the value received when so little was actually paid for the pen. When I factor in the cost of the nib sampler, I probably paid closer to its actually selling price of $50. On that basis, it is fair but not great value. I will have to try a few more inks as well as the medium and broad nibs. If I get a wider, wetter, and smoother writing experience, I will be very happy. If not, I may need to get it tweaked (at extra cost).

[Lloyd]

Being that you like the pen and bought it inexpensively, if you want a finer line, I recomment Mike at MikeItWork.com to modify it. He's fast (~2 weeks), communicative, reasonably priced (~$50), and very experienced at making finer nibs (he worked at Sailor for 20 years).

[Hennypenny]

I have the green ("Always Greener") demonstrator, along with Carnaval and Sea Glass Truewriters. I've enjoyed all of them - Brian Gray put a cursive italic grind on the medium nib, and the Carnaval has Levenger's italic nib (I traded someone for this nib - he HATED it, but I find it to be very nice). As pointed out, the nibs are easily exchangeable between pens.

 

For the price, I find Truewriters to be functional, good writers -- I don't mind carrying them in my purse or worry too much about losing them. I like their size. Overall, I'm very pleased with them.

 

Although Brian modified the nib for me, he did so as a courtesy ... while I send good pens off to the nibmeisters occasionally, I hate to spend more on the modification than the cost of the pen! So you might consider Pendemonium - they do top-notch work at a very modest price -- good turn-around time, too. HP

[Tricia]

Nice review. I have the Amethyst version of this pen and like it a lot. We differ mostly in the nib - I'm fine with the Fine and enjoy writing with it since it's a perfect wet writer, imo. I, too, have other TrueWriters - Kyoto (beautiful!), Amber, SeaGlass, Waterlilies, Medalist - most from Ebay, but a few from Levenger's. I missed out on the Starry Night and truly regret it. All of them seem to be lovely writers, though I admit to prefering the Fine to the Medium or Broad. I bought a Stub nib but haven't used it yet.

 

 

[lovemy51]

love that ink, paper and, of course, the pen!!

thanx for the review!

[MYU]

Very nice review! The True Writer has been reviewed many times, but this is an excellent addition to the list. Regarding the nib, consider having it reground... wouldn't be much trouble for someone to turn it into an F or XF nib.

[ethernautrix]

Oo! I like your handwriting!

[HenryLouis]

Very nice review. Legal Lapis looks great!

[bardharlock]

Thanks to all for reading and for your kind comments. I know I can get it reground and I just might. Mike It Work would be my first choice. Having said that, I don't think it hurts a lot to have a nice pen with a wider nib in my stable either.

 

Oh, and Ethernautrix? No one has ever given my handwriting a kind compliment before. You just made my day in a very big way!