I've been thinking of trying one of the higher-end current Sheaffers, but there's no brick-and-mortar store near me to test them beforehand.

So, can anyone here tell me the differences between a Sheaffer prelude medium nib and the higher-priced, current models for sale with medium nibs? Why buy the more expensive pens?

A quick and short answer would be the Preludes have gold-plated steel nibs whereas the Legacies and Valors have 14k gold nibs. The Preludes have a different feel when gripped, as compared to the slightly larger and heaver Legacies.

But I like the Preludes as much as the Legacies and the Valor.

purpledog

The Javelin, Agio and Prelude all use the same stainless steel nib (with some stamping and plating differences).

The Valor uses a 14 karat gold nib.

The Legacy Heritage uses an 18 karat gold nib.

Cheers,

Jim Mamoulides
www.PenHero.com

Hi,

Another reason to consider moving up the Sheaffer ladder: the Inlaid Nib, featured on both the Legacy Heritage and the Valor. So buying one of these models gets you more than an upgrade in nib material. It gets you a fundamentally different nib design - one that affords a different writing experience. I've found all of my recent-production Inlaid Nibs to be delightfully smooth writers with a sometimes surprising degree of flexibility.

In my experience, the medium Inlaid Nibs also run consistently true to size; they don't seem to exhibit the common modern tendency of width creep.

Cheers,

Jon

I would say if you enjoy a firm nib, with a "pencil" type feel, get the Prelude. The Legacy nibs are softer (18K gold) and a little flexy, and personally, I don't like that feel. I prefer a good old Sheaffer firm nib. But it's a matter of choice. Sheaffer badly needs a pen choice in between the Prelude and the Legacy, something around $100, with a stainless steel or plated inlaid nib. Maybe someday they'll wise up and put the Imperial back on the market!

Dave

For me, there is a huge difference between a Prelude and the more expensive, inlaid nibs. The Prelude just doesn't by far have the smoothness, the quick start, the great "feel " (hard to describe) of the inlaid nibs.

Also, one other thing you will notice is that the more expensive pens are much better balanced. That is, in my opinion, one of the greatest virtues and the thing that makes Scheaffer stand out from most of its competition.

Erick

Dave, I fear that you and I may be destined to post in tandem on all the recent Sheaffer woes.

I strongly agree that Sheaffer needs a model in between the Prelude and the Legacy. As I've probably mentioned before (sorry to belabor a point), I suggested to an official Sheaffer personage, a few months ago, that the reintroduced Targa - if it appears - should be offered with steel nibs as well as gold nibs. His response was to the effect that there was concern about steel causing undue wear on the nib tools, inclining the company toward fitting the pens exclusively with gold nibs. So what seems like an obvious choice to fill a hole in the product range - a steel Inlaid Nib model - may entail less-than-obvious complications.

No wonder prices for vintage Imperials - steel and gold nibbed alike - have been rising!

Cheers,

Jon

PS Here's a question. Conceding that production of steel nibs may "use up" a tool more quickly: is Sheaffer's plan to produce new Targas just until the old tools give up the ghost, and then discontinue the model once again? I mean...how many tools must have been worn out over the long lifetime of the original Targa? Isn't it possible to produce new tooling when the old tooling is worn out? And if production of new tooling, as necessary, is not in the Sheaffer plans, then mustn't one wonder about the long-term commitment to the brand?

All,

I'm no longer certain if the Targa is in the works. I do know that there is going to be yet another use of the Prelude nib, the Gift Collection 2 pen as an FP.

Cheers,

Jim Mamoulides
www.PenHero.com

Hi Jim,

Ah...you mean the Clipper?

(Just kidding...hope Sheaffer has lots of success with the new model, whatever its name, and that there are plenty of other new models to follow.)

Cheers,

Jon

Thanks for all your answers - I don't know whether to buy a high-end Sheaffer yet, but you've all given me much to think about.