Just a short one but having scrolled through the pics of the the new CS Babbage ( i know i know its a rollerball ) It struck me as a lovely designed alternative to the occasions a F P couldnt be used. I always have a reasonable rollerball with me i.e. Edson, MB162 or Montegrappa and thought what a worthwhile addition that Babbage would make.

So the pics go on and on and was getting a little concerned that the photographer had missed the all important clip angle but no..... reading the literature it doesnt have a clip! Going on about made for a briefcase pen loop and how Babbage was all in favour of 'practicality'....well call me Mr.Picky but a pen is a lot more practical with a clip than without and here's a thought with a clip you can still put it in your briefcase if you want to but can you put it in your shirt without?

Here's hoping they do a Babbage LE sporting a clip.

Over & Out

Ian. (U.K. & freezing!)

Hi Ian,

I have had several discussions with the managing director and the factory manager to see how we can produce the f/pen version with a clip. There has to be adjustments made to the design of the cap, and the UK is currently working on design trials.

Kind regard,

Mary Burke

Hello Mary,

Your knowledge and influence in all things CS never ceases to amaze me!

Thanks for the info and be careful MontBlanc dont 'poach' you to promote their products

Regards

Ian.

Its a brave move by CS to produce a clipless pen, and, I think, disappointing if they add a clip to it. Perhaps the clip could be optional but better that this is the CS clipless model for those who would like a clipless pen. Can't be many other on the market.

I have a clipless pen, albeit rather old. Its a CS200 - pic from Jonathan's site here:

http://www.ftic.info/Donahaye/ConwayStewart/csbook/cs200.htm

No clip and, in my opinion, supremely elegant. I like the simplicity and clean line and I think it makes the pen more interesting.

As for practicalities, on the market at the time were the pen pockets (with clips for your own pocket) and slip on clips which slid over the cap. Clearly a clipping method was desired and the clip was an improvement. (I bought a metal pen pocket - unfortunately with 'Swan' as opposed to 'CS' - but I can't see how it can be used without scratching the pen. Can anyone help?)

I think there is something attractive about a clipless pen and I'm happily popping mine into my shirt pocket with no problems. However, I'm afraid I won't be buying the Babbage with or without a clip as it is waaaay above what I would be prepared to spend on a pen. Quite an amazing finish though.


Greg

The Babbage has a nice design, but I wouldn\'t spend this money on a rollerball, even a sterling one.

It looks like another hole in my wallet.