I have three, actually.

1. Does the PVD finish hold up to capping and moderate use?
2. Just how fine are the fine and xtra fine nibs on these pens?
3. What kind of convertor do these pens have and are they prone to leaking?

Any info or advice would be helpful, since I'm thinking about taking the plunge and buying a Merlot Verve fountain pen.

Thanks!

Robert

Dear Robert,

I haven't had enough personal experience with the Verve, but I did ask my rep almost the very same questions.

She says the finishes hold up very well to posting, and her demo pens certainly looked like they were holding up very nicely. I can tell you that this is very true of the Townsend line, which I have used myself for several years and have had a hard time scratching up. The Verve inner cap is well designed, and unless you are prone to dragging the edge of the cap on the barrel, it should wear well over the long haul.

The fine and extra fine run wider than the Sheaffer nibs, so they are more "European" in width (like a Pelikan) in my opinion. They tend wetter, like Pelikans, also.

The converter is a piston type and I think the Cross converter is one of the better ones on the market. It's unique to Cross pens, which should be no surprise.

Not to "sell" here on the info pages, but I recommend you buy from a dealer who gives you the right to test drive the pen and return it if you don't like it. We have that policy, as do many other top dealers.

Tiny point on the Cross converters. The ones I've seen, though unique in fitting, look very much like the Waterman piston converter, which seems to be the one now used (with appropriate fitting) for Parker pens. I could very well be wrong, but they look as though they could all be made in the same plant. Anyway, it's a good converter.

Best

Michael

Thanks, guys, for your input. I think I'm going to order the cross verve in the next week or two. I'm thinking of the fine point, but have never had an extra fine and am worried that it would be a bit too scratchy. If it is a wet writer, as you say, then the fine should do just nicely. If there is a lifetime warranty on these pens, I suppose marring due to posting would be covered under this.

Thanks!

Robert

Hi Robert,
I just purchased a platinum verve yesterday at my local stationary shop in town.
You will not be disappointed in the quality and nib ink flow.
I was very lucky in the fact that the owner of this shop had this in the window quite awhile and was willing to go down substantially in price (which was marked at over $400.00). I ended up picking this wonderful fountain pen along with a pack of cross blue cartridge refills for $288.00 including tax...I couldn't pass up the deal.
Since this was my first cross fountain was the medium nib size, I was worried about the thickness which we all know varies in manufacturers. The owner said to try it out for a week or so and if I didn't like the width, he would send it back to cross for a finer nib for no charge...not even the shipping. (wow)
I have tested various papers for this nib and found that it is perfect for quality paper stocks, however it is too "wet" for daily use on the typical lined paper pads I use for keeping notes at work. I plan on returning it to replace the nib for a extra fine since that fits my personal writing style.
I hope you enjoy your verve as much as I have!

Charlie

Charlie,

I DO enjoy my new Verve! Your reply helped me to make up my mind and purchase one. I really like the two-tone nib on the Platinum models, but it was a bit too pricey for me. Although, one place I checked actually had a two-tone Merlot model. I thought it was a fake, so I passed (since the Cross site does not have this variation). Anyway, the pen writes great and I hope to God the finish holds up on it...beautiful!

Regards,

Robert