Okay, this isn't a review, but I asked a few opinions privately here about Stipulas, Omas, and Deltas and wanted to post about extending my collection of Italian pens. I have a couple of Viscontis and while I love them, I wanted a special new pen and wanted to try something different.

My local pen gallery* INK stocks a nice supply of all pens, including an incredible supply of limited editions, etc. I tried out a nice Stipula Etruria, Parker Duofold International, Delta Dolcevita (medium size? w/medium nib), and a black Omas number - metal section turned me off. I also drooled over a Montblanc Jules Verne LE (wow!!), and various Italian LEs of which I'm sure most of you are acquainted (very high end, slightly high-end, etc.).

After an hour of moving back and forth between these pens, I chose the Delta. The nib seemed very smooth and I liked the size. The Stipula and Parker contours at the section, plus the heft and length, fit my hand perfectly. Incredibly. Wow! But the Delta had something that I really liked. The nibs were great in these (different, but great), the weight and feel were different, but the Delta just came alive in my hand - not literally, of course, because that would've creeped me out and I probably wouldn't have bought it. The orange eye candy (my wife especially likes that aspect of it) barrel is nice and unique too. I loaded it with Aurora black - incredible. Aurora blue - incredible. Noodler's habanero - incredible. I can't believe how smooth the nib is right out of the box! I've never used so little physical effort when writing...

In any case, I love the Delta and look forward to extending my collection of Italian pens - the Stipula felt especially nice and the celluloid is brilliant...I won't complain if the Parker makes its way into my collection.

So thanks to those who kindly took their time to offer their experiences and opinions on various lines and models - I really appreciate it.


*No affiliation or benefit given for this, etc., just a satisfied customer who believes in supporting local businesses of all stripes, but especially businesses THIS nice, with an owner this helpful and sharp.

Sweet!
I have looked at these pens for a bit, and think they look very nice. It may have been on your advice that I checked out the store you mention, I was blown away! Although I only came home with some ink, I was impressed with all of the beauties in the place- including the Delta.
Enjoy it!

Glad to hear that you enjoyed your visit to Ink. We're terribly lucky to have it in the Twin Cities!

I love this pen for it great orange color. I have been looking for a great price for the Delta Dolcevita desk set for my office desk.


The set would have a great function for daily use on my desk, plus the set looks great.

Classics

Congrats on your new pen and on your decision. I have the Dolce Vita O/S and a medium Soiree. Both are wonderful writers and pens I love to hold in my hand. I hope you continue to enjoy your pen.

I also have a number of Etrurias and Duofold Centennials. Along with the Pelikan M-800, I love the size of these pens as well as their writing characteristics, which are different among these brands. I am interested to hear if you move into these other pens as time goes by.

If you think you like the regular Delta Dolcevita medium size fountain pen, wait to you see and try the new piston fill pen. Now I have a Dolcevita that has everything - beautiful yellow sunshine resin body with sterling trim, perfect size for my hand and writing style, a nib that is smoother than butter (mine is a medium nib) and an amazingly designed piston fill. Folks after trying this pen at the DC Pen Show this weekend, it was a must purchase and add to the Italian collection immediately. It is too early to write a full review, but I've been writing with the pen this morning and it is my dream come true. What more can I say.

Ampatb

Thanks - I really wanted a Soiree and probably should have grabbed one while Paradise Pen Co. had them online for $299...I'm still loving my Delta and will definitely pick up another when it makes sense. But the Stipula and Parker are next up on deck. I still can't believe the unique feel that Parker. Wow.

I can't wait! I still can't get over the smoothness of these nibs...

wpblaw--- Can you compare the width of the Delta medium with the duofold medium or any other modern medium? I am wondering if the Delta medium is a broad medium or a more middle of the road medium. thanks, jc

I find it to be more or less in keeping with what I expect from a medium line - I haven't measured it, etc., but it's in keeping with my Visconti and Pelikan mediums. The Parker I used seemed broader than what I expected from a medium point but I understand that one can expect this from modern Parker nibs?

Thanks for the comparison. I hope down the road to buy the Delta DV OS piston filler and I think it has the same nib yours has rather than the nib on the old OS DDV. J

WOW!!! I checked out the INK store webpage, and am so impressed, I'm terrified!

I've been through the MB "McGallery" buying "experience" more times than I'd mention in polite company, but this appointment thingie... That blows my socks off.

I can predict exactly what would happen to andromedia226:
(1) Makes appt
(2) Goes to appt
(3) Faints
(4) After revival, runs around showroom wagging tail
(5) Is shown many, many pens over the course of an hour
(6) Is so befuddled with the selection (esp the hanging bicycle) that he can't make up his mind
(7) Leaves emptyhanded, sans angry store owner
(8) Perhaps cries. Perhaps.

Did you get the new piston filler? Congratulations on your new pen!

Ha! Excellent post. Actually, Barry Rubin is exceedingly laid back and while his gallery is certainly a place where one can buy any number of common and uncommon pens, the pressure and absurd, unwarranted pretense is non-existent. I think the appointment system is smart for this operation and I have never found it inconvenient or problematic. This is nothing like the Montblanc Boutique experience I had a few years ago. If it was, I'd never return (and haven't)...

Nope. Missed the piston filler by a couple of months, but it's on the list! I'm still loving this pen though - I just finished writing a long first draft of a brief with it, and nary a skip or stall! This has to be the most reliable "nice" pen I own. I was concerned about it looking gaudy (orange barrel) but I really like it and would probably choose this over my Stipula, Visconti, and Pelikans. For me, it's That Good.