Review: Lamy Accent Fountain Pen

[biffybeans]

See full review here, with Pictures

 

The Lamy Accent

 

This pen was a bit of a surprise, because it's very different in design than the Safari, Studio, and 2000. An aluminum bodied pen, it's got some weight to it, though not as heavy as the Studio.

 

The first thing you will notice is that it's got a screw cap. The Safari, 2000 and Studio are all pull-off caps. The cap is removed with barely a third of a rotation - and I wish it was secured with a few more turns. You can twist it tight, but I would still feel more comfortable with a little more assurance that the cap isn't going to come off if tossed to the bottom of a bag or purse.

 

The nib on the standard Accent is the same as the Safari, AL-Star and base model Studio. You would think they all write the same, though I have found that the weight of the pen affects the smoothness. Don't get me wrong - all of my Safari's are smooth writers, but the Studio and Accent seem even smoother with their weight behind it.

 

The cap can be posted securely on the back of the pen and it stays firmly in place with a small pair of retractable "ears." When posted, the cap does add considerable length to the body - but it's a well balanced pen with or without the cap on the back.

 

I find the grip on the Accent rather unusual. You almost have to hold it on the silver section (it does come in other colors) and that section is fairly wide - almost like writing with a marker. It would be great for someone that has trouble gripping a thinner pen.

 

Gripping it higher makes me write with the pen at a higher angle than I'm used to. Not such a big to me, but it might be to others.

 

Disassembling the pen is also a little unusual. Hold the silver section and as you unscrew the back half, the pen section moved forward. and you then slide it out.

 

Be cautious when you disassemble, because the silver section is removable. (And apparently interchangeable- though I'm not sure where you can buy replacements.)

 

The Accent uses a cartridge/converter filling system (converter is included) but it's a different converter than what the Safari/Studio uses. This one is screw mounted.

 

Exploded Lamy Accent.

 

All in all, I do like this pen. There is a slight learning curve with regards to it's design, but it's all good. It's a nice step up from the Safari - especially for people that want a professional looking pen that still writes as sweet as a Safari.

 

Several body options exist - prices below are for the standard models.

 

$56 at Swisher Pens

 

$60-$65 at Pear Tree Pens

[Foodwriter]

Thank you Stephanie for the review. Are the nibs on all the Lamy pens in the "How big is that Lamy in the window" all the same except for finish? If you had an Italic nib on one, could you switch it to another?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just checked Swisher site and the 1.1 nib listing says that they are only for Safari or Vista pens...I guess that answers that.

Edited March 20, 2009 by Foodwriter

[James P]

The nibs for the Safari, Al-Star, Accent and the Studio are all interchangeable. a 1.1 italic nib can be installed on the Accent. Fun!

 

James

[manolo]

I have one from several years ago and I can only say good things about it. Mine is the version with the gold nib...the cap screws tightly and having to twist only one third of a turn is a very good thing compared to other pens where you need 2-3 full turns. I don't understand why there are few comments on this pen...

[Anne-Sophie]

Great review as usual Stephanie

 

I think all pen manufacturers should send you their pens to review.

 

 

About the Accent.

 

I spend lot of time on Lamy's website but I have not been attracted to Accent at all.

 

With a grip section the size of a marker, I will pass on this one for sure.

[biffybeans]

Thank you, and I definitely agree!!! I'd LOVE to try more pens!

 

 

Great review as usual Stephanie

 

I think all pen manufacturers should send you their pens to review.

 

[Bill Smith]

Great review Stephanie,

 

I have one accent in my collection at the moment and it's a nice writer. It never gets enough attention.l

[biffybeans]

Thank you Bill!

 

 

Great review Stephanie,

 

I have one accent in my collection at the moment and it's a nice writer. It never gets enough attention.l

 

[Cedar]

I bought one recently, and pretty much agree with the review. I hadn't noticed that the section was larger. I guess I don't grip it there. I think it's pensandleather on e-bay has the interchangeable sections. I think the price was about $7 or $8. A rubberized one might be in my future as, like the Studio, I find it a bit slippery but not bad.

The thing I find a little bother is that to open the pen and check the ink level in the converter the interchageable part shifts so the ink is hard to see. Not a deal breaker but a little weird IMHO.

Nice review, Stephanie.

 

Cedar

[Doug C]

You might look at the sale I posted earlier today. I have an Accent for sale there (and with the good prices you mentioned, I might need to lower it a bit).

 

 

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/in...mp;#entry984775

 

You were wondering about the interchangable grips.

 

If you look at the picture, you'll see that I have 3 different ones with the pen. At the time I bought it, I think they offered these three (blue aluminum, pearwood, and the 'mad cow' finish).

 

It seems to me that they also offered red aluminum, walnut, rubber, and one other kind of wood.

 

I really don't know if they still offer these, and if they fit into all of the current range, but it was a neat way to completely change the look of the pen.

 

Glad you like it. If mine doesnt sell, I won't be heartbroken.

Edited March 20, 2009 by Doug C

[biffybeans]

Yes - that's exactly when I meant by it's design being "unusual." The front section spins and moves in a way you don't expect. No big deal once you do it a few times but until you get the hang of it... it is weird.

 

 

The thing I find a little bother is that to open the pen and check the ink level in the converter the interchageable part shifts so the ink is hard to see. Not a deal breaker but a little weird IMHO.

Nice review, Stephanie.

 

Cedar

 

[CarolinaWriter]

If mine doesnt sell, I won't be heartbroken.

 

I bought Doug's and just love it! I loaded it with the J. Herbin ink Café des Îles (coffee brown) and I think I have discovered the perfect pen and ink combination that works with most all the papers that I use - from the cheapo paper the state makes me use to the Clairefontaine I just got.

 

Editied 'cause I type faster than I think

Edited March 30, 2009 by CarolinaWriter

[goaliedad30]

Thanks Stephanie! What a wonderful review!!

[sirksael]

There a a lot more grips available than what has been mentioned here, and yes, they are still sold by Lamy. I have, amongst others, the pearwood one (it has been on for maybe 8 years, and I can confirm it is real wood as it has worn down

 

Personally, my Lamy accent is my all-time favourite pen. but... degustibus et colorens or however you write that

 

Anyhow, I accidentally bought the blue aluminum grip twice, the first to PM me can have it sent to him (or her!) for free.

Edited April 6, 2009 by sirksael