Okay, so a couple of months ago, I bit the bullet and ordered a new True-Writer with a medium nib from Levenger. I had a green one from the first line of True-Writers way, way back in the early 90's, but the feed ring had cracked and it was leaking ink furiously.
And, to tell you the truth, I hadn't been all that crazy about the original True-Writer. It leaked on itself when I took it anywhere. The silver ring popped off the cap. I sent it back and they sent me another, and then that silver ring popped off. I finally super-glued it on there myself. Also, it had a skipping problem.
Nonetheless, I decided to spend my birthday gift-certificate to Levenger on a blue True-Writer. I have to say that I think the folks at Levenger have been reworking the design over the years, because this True-Writer has been a dream. It wrote smoothly and without skipping straight out of the box. The silver ring has stayed put and it hasn't leaked at all, even when I accidentally dropped my book-bag getting out of the car one day. No problems.
The finish is really lovely. I don't know if my green True-Writer had just aged badly or if they are using a different resin, but it has a delicious multi-layered look that catches the light and reflects it back beautifully. I have been using PR American Blue in it for the most part, which is particularly nice because it's almost the exact color of the barrel.
So, for the record, I would recommend one of these to absolutely anybody who wants a really nice pen for under $60. I may order another in a different color the next time I have some cash to spend.