I'm leaning towards a new 58 with rhodium nib and furniture. I'd like to sollicit some opinions.

I'm looking at:

classic green
coral green
crimson blush
red stardust
dartmoor

I love how the classic green looks on the sterling silver Duro, but I've decided that it's just too heavy. Getting a bespoke 58 with silver nib and furniture is a compromise.

I am worried that classic green won't look as nice on a 58, since there isn't that nice reflection off of the silver.

It is a bit difficult to get a handle on these colors without seeing them in person. Again, the silver nib/furniture throws another variable into the mix.

So, anyone out there a fan of silver Conway Stewarts?

Stephen

Definitelly.... dartmoor ... would give a good contrast to the silver and is closer to the spectrum (just personal taste) /:)

I agree. I think that Dartmoor is one of their best colors and would make a nice contrast.

Thanks for the suggestion.

How do the nibs run in terms of flex? I'm assuming that they are springy but don't really show line variation with pressure.

If so, I'm considering getting the nib worked on by Richard Binder to make it a 0.6 mm stub. And in my case, I like a little left-foot oblique orientation built in. Comments?

Stephen

They are marvellous MODERN nibs, smootn and forgiving but do not expect any real flex from then in its original status.

I have a CS 100 with medium nib. It has some spring, but not a whole lot. Definitely not a nail, but not as springy as Bexley/Stipula/Visconti either. Minimal line variation - the variation is likely due to pressing into the paper than the tines speading much.

But please don't misunderstand me - the nib is wonderful! It's very smooth, consistent, and writes like a dream. Nice and wet without being a firehose. Wonderful nib in a great pen (mine is the integral converter, what CS calls their "piston filler" and, IIRC, what Richard Binder has called the best filling system today).

Of course, if you're going to have Richard work on the pen, then you know it'll be perfect/great/wonderful.

As to the color selection, go with whichever moves you the most. Mine is a nebula, and the material is simply stunning. Pics cannot capture it. There's a depth and radiance and lustre to it that photographs simply cannot show. (Can you tell I'm VERY happy with this pen?)

Keep us posted and let us know what you get.

I've been very happy with the nibs he's modified. I have a 0.6 mm stub, a 0.6 mm cursive italic, and a 0.7 mm cursive italic. Both italics are left-foot obliques.

I went ahead and placed an order with Richard for a bespoke 58 in the Dartmoor color with rhodium nib and furniture.

I'll post about it when it comes in. This pen I'm sure will be with me for a long time.

Stephen

Some good news: seems like just requesting a rhodium nib and furniture does not make this pen a bespoke, so it's a bit less money.

Stephen

Stephen

I'm almost as excited as you!

I'm sure you will not regret your purchase and it will be a wonderfully individual and, indeed, a beautiful looking pen. Please do post pictures as there will be few opportunities to see a Dartmoor 58 with silver furniture. (Though Dartmoor is another that looks much better in the flesh)

For what its worth I totally agree with the comments regarding the nib, a bit springy but no real flex and a totally reliable smooth wet line.

My only gripe, which I have mentioned before, is the habit of my lever fill Churchill to 'blob' occasionally. I merely give the lever a little flick after removing the cap which stops this.

I hope yours arrives soon!


Greg