I'm kind of torn. I like both the 100 (Example here) and the Sonnet ST (example here is listed as Sonnet Premier Black ST). Which would you go for -- and why? Also, is the "Sonnet Premier Black ST" a different model from the Sonnet Laque ST? And finally, where are these new Parkers made?

Hi,

Both are great pens. I'd go for the 100 simply because of the hooded nib. The 100 is very reliable and durable. Keep in mind the nibs on 100's tend to run wide. But on the other hand, Sonnets, too are wonderful pens. You can't go wrong with either pen.

Tim

Ben, they're quite different pens, but I guess it depends on which design you like best.

I own one Sonnet (black lacquer/GT) and two 100's (honey white & cobalt black). The Sonnet is smaller, slim, classy and a bit more traditional looking. The 100 is robust, sleek and very modern looking with it's cap design and hooded nib. Both the Sonnet and 100 are made in France.

Personally, I like hooded nibs and the design of the 100 is reminiscent of the "51" which happens to be my favourite Parker pen of all. Like Tim said, the nibs on the 100s run wide and they tend to be very wet writers. My cobalt black 100 has an extra fine nib and writes more like my medium Sonnet, except the Sonnet is a bit of a dry writer.

100's have 18k gold nibs and in the case of the cobalt black 100, a rhodium plated 18k nib. My Sonnet has an 18k nib as well, but keep in mind that the Sonnets with the matte finishes have a steel nibs, so what Worldlux calls the "Sonnet Premier Black ST" has a gold nib and the "Sonnet Lacque ST" has a steel nib.

Here are a few pics to give you a general idea of size between the honey white 100 and black laque Sonnet.




Parker "51" vacumatic in cedar blue w/sterling cap & Parker 100 in cobalt black

100

Thank you. That blue pen (second photo, third from the right) sure is sharp! Also, I take it that these Parkers of recent make are from France?

Some models are made in France, others are made in the United Kingdom such as the 51 Special Edition.

I cannot speak to the 100 but I do own the Sonnet Laque (black). I give the pen a rating of "okay." I find it to be a bit of a slow starter (Noodlers Legal Lapis) and the nib is **stiff** (in this case: an 18 kt. gold white medium). There's also a tendency for the filler to exhibit some ink adhesion (not really a big concern) but I noticed this occurence since I have to occasionally "tweak" the filler knob to get the pen started.

I know I'll like get a few PMs telling me that a general cleaning is in order: yep, done that several times to no avail. Again, it writes fine when I'm constantly using the pen but I certainly can't leave it uncapped on my desk for any length of time.

Just what I've observed with mine.....it's presently clean-out and sitting in my pen box

My best,

Paul

Fabulous pic Apollo!

As always, a good inspiration for a purchase.

I am thinking about buying a Parker 100 myself.

I am down to one Sonnet now having traded one and lost one to my wife, who loves hers. My comment with the Sonnet is that the nibs are variable, in fact the best nibs I have found are the Gold Plated Steel nibs. My wife however loves the 18k gold medium on her Laque Black Sonnet.

In terms of drying out, yes they do, the cap is not sealed due to the new regulations and like any open nib pen, if you leave it on the desk for longer than 30 mins it does take a bit of starting. Having said all that, I use a Sonnet along with a cartridge 61 as travelling pens and they are both 100% reliable in that regard.

The big advantage I find with the Sonnet is that they are dead easy to clean as they come apart so easily, well unless the nib gets frozen in there with Penman Sapphire as happened a while back, but that was my fault. I can take it apart in minutes, even down to taking the nib assembly out. I discovered this when I bought a spare nib and the whole thing just unscrews. Soak it all in water overnight, rinse and dry and it goes back together ready to be filled with whatever ink you fancy. Mine does prefer a free flowing ink I find, but all said and done, I reckon the Sonnet is a highly underated pen. Not going to set the World on fire, but then again, it won't let you down either!

I was interested in Apollo's comments about the 100, JM Lewertoski has them on eBay in the Blue/Gold for a reasonable price, so I am tempted to get one, either that or somebody will go a tempt me with a double jewel "51" and the pen budget gets blown again for a couple of months

So my reckoning is go for either, better still get both as they seem to complement each other!

Jim