I was looking at the new models of the stainless steel sonnets with the thick bands compared to the older ones with the thin bands and I realized that the stainless steel on the new models don't really seem liek stainless steel at all compared to the older models. It's more like a silver paint over brass or something.

Thanks
Brad

Are you referring to the Sonnet Stainless Steel Matte (The ones with a dull, satin-like surface like Pilot Knights) or the plain Stainless Steel (the shiny metallic ones like with various Flighters) ?

With Sonnets, the former is more common. They are indeed stainless steel, just finished differently. They feel smoother and nicer than plain, cold stainless steel IMO.

there's a matte stainless steel?

Yes, matte stainless steel is actually the most common of the low-end Sonnets. I have seen the plain steel ones too, but not as often.

The Matte Stainless Steel is often simply called Stainless Steel for convenience. In fact, if you goto Parker website (here) and scroll to the far right, you will see that only the Steel Matte Sonnets are displayed, and not the one in the plain polished steel.

Upon googling, here is the common Steel Matte Sonnet (with Gold finishes and GP nib)



Unfortunately, I don't seem to be able to find a picture of the plain steel Sonnets (not matte) - they're not as common, and have probably been replaced by the Matte Sonnets. I have seen it before, with my two eyes at a Brick n Mortar store, clearly on sale as a "Stainless Steel" Sonnet at a price of roughly $90~100-ish.

I'm pretty sure the stainless steel that you're talking about was the older model sonnets with the thin band.

Here's a link to the one I think you're talking about: http://www.montgomerypens.com/Pens/Parker_...en_pr_1902.html

Thanks
Brad

Yes, actually the "stainless steel" is more Matte silver than realy stainless steel, the picture from Montgomery penshop show the old and discontinued FP not the actuel collection, J.M.L.

If you are looking at Steel nibbed Sonnets, I recommend the Chrome finish, it is bright (unlike the stainless steel) and very well finished. I am sure Lewertowski will have a few Chrome finish Sonnets available as soon as he's back from his vacation..