Guider, Ratnamson and Ratnam are three companies who make handmade pens in a small town called Rajahmundry in the state of Andhra Pradesh in South India. The workers are traditional goldsmiths who specialise in making gold nibs. The industry started after the call of Mahatma Gandhi to manufacture goods in India which were then being imported (Swadesi Movement).

Following photos are of a Guider which I purchased a few months back and have been using since. The pen is made of Red colored acrylic. The section and feed are made of Ebonite and the filling system is ED.

The size of the pen is around 5 1/2 inches; a medium sized pen:



The clip has the name GUIDER imprinted in the fashion of vintage Parker clips:



The cap posts securely. The body shall be replaced by the manufacturer in case of any problems if a gold nib pen is purchased. Somewhat like a Life Time Guarantee(Cost of the bare pen is negligible compared to the gold nib).



The Nib imprint says GUIDER Pen, 14CT, S INDIA (South India):



A front view of the nib:



A closeup of the ebonite feed:



A closeup of the nib tip. The left hand side tipping has a blemish but the pen is super smooth with a good flow:



Overall the pen is good and is a nice example of an Indian handmade pen. This is the manufacturer's Website. I have no affilation with the company, just a happy customer.

Cheers,
Hari,
INDIA

Wonderful pen!. Thanks for the review and the info...

great looking nib... how much do they sell for?

This particular model cost me around 60USD. Photos of some of their other models are shown on their website as well.

Best,
Hari

Hari, truly a beautiful pen & certainly a bargain too. As an ED filler, is there a gasket or some other method used to ensure a tight seal? I'm certain you are going to receive a number of follow-up inquiries about Guider and the other Indian manufacturers.

Paul

Hi Paul, There is no O-ring or ink shut-off mechanism. Personally I use Silicone Grease on the threads. Has not leaked as yet. Just you have to take care to keep the nib upright when storing the pen with ink.

Best,
Hari

That's a lovely pen, Hari! I wish Guider and Ratnamson would consider taking orders from U.S. customers.

Lisa

Hi Hari! Lovely close ups. I liked nib finishing & it is better than my Ratnamsons 14C hand made nibs. Feeds look like same, may be sourced from same manufacturer.
Enjoy your pen.
Abhik.

It's interesting... I could be wrong (naturally), but from the look of the clip in the closeup, and the nib in its first closeup, it seems like they might be casting their metal parts instead of rolling/stamping them.

-- Brian

I don't know about the clip( it could be forged and stamped with a crude die), But the nibs start out as flat triangular sheets and are hammered into shape using a curved nib block and a tapered pin to give the nib the required curvature. I have it from the owner that the tips are attached using open flame rather than electric welding, whereas Ratnamson does electric welding of the tips.

Best,
Hari

I too wish they start selling pens to overseas customers directly, their's is a small business and it would be a huge boost for them. Maybe they are reluctant because exporting any item out of India has its own legal hassles/paperwork. Another issue may be in receiving payments since most of them are not computer savvy and may only be able to receive demand drafts or money orders.

Regards.
Hari