I had a copper SJ with an extra fine bookkeeping nib that, while a nice little pen, didn't quite do it for me and I ultimately sold it. It wrote fine, functioned fine, just didn't make it into the rotation. Partly the size was even for me a little on the small side and the extra fine nib was pretty smooth but just a tad too fine.

So I waited around and bought another Estie - this time a red J model (I'd really wanted a red J the first time around - another lesson that sometimes it is worth waiting for what you really want rather than what's available...). I definitely prefer the size of the J and love the red color. The 1551 nib is very smooth and the "medium" nib writes to my eye more like a fine. We'll see but I am thinking this makes it fairly easily into the daily rotation.

Now the ultimate question, of course, is what to ink it up with for the inaugural test run? I'd thought this might become my primary Noodler's permanent black pen but it is calling out for red I think. I've been considering the suggestions on the inky thoughts thread on a plain vanilla red ink. Of course I don't have any right now and can't wait to use it so Florida Blue may be the ink of choice, cause it's a nice flowing blue that will flush relatively easily when I decide to move to red

Once I use if for awhile I'll post a mini review.

BTW - any suggestions on tightening a clip that is a bit flexed out of shape? I need to close around 1/8 to 1/16 of an inch gap?

How about PR Burgundy Mist. Nice color.

Best-
Brian

The Estie clip is not fastened by a screw, but rather, a hollow rivet that the jewel fits in. There is a version though that the jewel screws in, so you should make sure you don't have one of those. I believe that the screw ones are often the three ribbed jewels.

Anyway, unless the clip is loose and rotates, it's better not to try and remove it. Rather, try to insert a pin or rod at the top (jewel end) of the clip of appropriate size to cause the clip to raise up even further from the cap. With this rod firmly in place, as high as it will go, bend the clip down to touch the cap. If done firmly, the clip will be bent a little more towards the cap. When the rod is removed, the clip should return to normal, or close to it.

If this technique doesn't work, a pair of thin flat nosed pliers may be employed to attempt to bend the clip closer to the cap.

The pliers may also be used in concert with the rod. I can just imagine a pair of needlenose pliers modified to do this job perfectly - <smile>.

Gerry