REVIEW: Varuna Double-End Pen (!)

[QM2]

http://queenmargot.com/Varuna_Double6.jpg

 

VARUNA DOUBLE-END PEN

Indian Ebonite Eye Dropper Two-in-One

 

As soon as I saw a photo of Varuna Double-End Pens, I knew I had to own one. First, the sheer uncanniness of this object:

it looks like a baton and disassembles into two separate fountain pens. Second, the logic of it: The "two pens in one" concept

allows the use of two different ink colours, which makes it a convenient pen to keep on your desk for editing and grading.

And finally the looks: the simple flat-top form is beautiful, and the pastel rings at the ends are an irresistible touch.

 

http://queenmargot.com/Varuna_Double1c.JPG

 

Looks

 

What fascinates me about this pen, is the graceful elegance it exudes despite its freakish anatomy. The black ebonite body

is smooth and glossy, looking like the polished surface of an expensive piece of furniture. Because the pens on each side

are flush with the middle piece, there are no visual breaks in the length; until the pastel-coloured rings at the ends, it

is one continuous, endless plane.

 

The pastel-coloured triple rings -- which I am guessing serve the purpose of indicating ink colour -- add visual interest

to the expanse of classic black. The rings on my pen are soft pink and lime green, though I believe several other colour

combinations are available. From having seen photographs of these pens, I assumed the rings were plastic add-ons. In fact,

they are painted into grooves in the ebonite. The shades of the colours are soft and unusual. They look particularly striking

set against the black.

 

http://queenmargot.com/Varuna_Double5.jpg

 

Construction

 

The Double-End Pen is constructed of 3 main parts: two pens, and a middle connector section that functions as a shared

cap for both. This middle section is quite long -- nearly as long as the barrel of each pen.

 

http://queenmargot.com/Varuna_Double1d.JPG

 

Looking inside the connecting piece, there is a divider in the middle that separates the individual capping areas like a

partial screen. On each side is a breather hole.

 

http://queenmargot.com/Varuna_Double1b.JPG

 

When using one of the pens, simply unscrew the end-piece from the middle. The threads at each end of the middle section

are pen-specific, so the pink and the lime side are not interchangeable.

 

From what I understand, each pen is hand-turned individually on a lathe, including the process of making the triple grooves

for the end-rings and filing them with pigment. All the parts fit together perfectly.

 

http://queenmargot.com/Varuna_Double1.JPG

 

Size, Weight, Balance, Comfort

 

When completely assembled, the Double-End Pen really does resemble a baton. Its presence is quite striking, and it takes

up a large portion of the surface area on my office desk! Here it is next to some office supplies for size comparison!

 

http://queenmargot.com/Varuna_Double2.JPG

 

And here is an individual pen next to a Lamy Safari. These are full-size pens, both in length and in width.

 

http://queenmargot.com/Varuna_Double8.jpg

 

Individually, each pen is fairly light-weight, as it is made of ebonite. The biggest determinant of weight is how much ink it

is filled with (and being an eyedropper it can hold quite a lot). The sections are dramatically curved, like sections on vintage

pens, with pronounced "lips". As I always explain in reviews, this is a major plus for me, because I hold pens very close to

the nib and the lip prevents my fingers from slipping.

 

http://queenmargot.com/Varuna_Double7.jpg

 

Filling System

 

Each of the pens fills individually via eyedropper. The benefits of an ED system are mainly the huge ink capacity and the

lack of breakable inner mechanisms. The drawbacks are possibilities of leaking and blobbing. However, Steve Braun,

who is the seller of these pens, tunes each pen individually prior to selling, so with these particular products you should not

experience these problems. Some are reluctant to try eye dropper fillers because of the "extra fuss" involved, but since

this is a desk-pen anyway, it already invites ritual -- and so I feel that the ED filling system is very appropriate here.

 

http://queenmargot.com/Varuna_Double9.jpg

 

Nib

 

The nibs on these pens are very attractive steel "Fellowship" nibs. They are decorated with an engraving of a dove -- a

symbol of peace. I do not know where these come from or who makes them, but they are quite nice and of high quality.

Mine write like F nibs, on both ends. I believe that these pens can also be fitted with 14K nibs, but I am more than content

with these "Fellowship" ones. It is worth mentioning that these pens are fitted with ebonite feeds that are individually

checked and finished by Steve Braun. Both ends of my pen write smoothly and display no problems.

 

Value

 

The Varuna Double-End Pens have just been introduced at All Write Now for $50. For such a unique, hand-turned pen

that is really two pens in one, I think the price is excellent.

 

Conclusions

 

Just in case I haven't mentioned it yet, I think the Varuna Double-End Pen is extremely cool! It is the Siamese Twins of pens

and a unique addition to any collection. How practical is an enormous baton-like creation as a "desk pen" used to edit manuscripts

and grade papers? Well, time will tell! But regardless, I am quite pleased to own this unique object and to use it ceremoniously

when appropriate occasions present themselves.

 

Oh, and if you want people to notice your pen, forget Montblanc! This baby is much more likely to get their attention : )

 

Hope you enjoyed the review,

QM2

 

http://queenmargot.com/Varuna_Double3.JPG

 

 

Edited April 12, 2009 by QM2

[FrankB]

Another great review. Thank you.

 

I think the word "eccentricity" is truely operative here. Yet, it is a good idea and one I have never seen. I have to admit the pen design seems well thought out. One question keeps popping up in my mind - how do you intend to carry this pen? Or will you carry it?

Edited April 11, 2009 by FrankB

[QM2]

I think the word "eccentricity" is truely operative here. Yet, it is a good idea and one I have never seen. I have to admit the pen design seems well thought out. One question keeps popping up in my mind - how do you intend to carry this pen? Or will you carry it?

 

Heh, I don't think that this one was meant to be carried around fully assembled, unless in a special carrier! It is most likely intended as a stay-put desk pen.

[MDI]

I hear that if you buy several, they come with a quiver that you can carry behind your back!

 

And the middle part converts into a poison dart blow-gun.

[QM2]

I hear that if you buy several, they come with a quiver that you can carry behind your back!

 

And the middle part converts into a poison dart blow-gun.

 

Maybe Steve Braun can commission a quiver, why not : )

 

I don't think it would be enjoyable though to put ebonite in your mouth, so I don't suggest using the middle piece for that!

[MDI]

What would be really cool is to have a desk pen holder consisting of several characters holding this pen across at different ends, curtain rod style. Or maybe a sword stand. That would get attention on your desk!

[shrujaya]

Hi...congrats on your new acquisition...these pens are actually called 'ruler' pens and were used by the Indian bureaucracy not too long ago...the pen doubled as a ruler! and its earlier avatar had a ball pen and an FP at either ends...the ball pen was supposed to use red ball point refill and the other end could be used to fill in blue or green depending upon who is using the pen...these pens are now only collectibles and nobody in the offices use them...Guider, Deccan, and Ratnam still make these in India...I have put up two posts on the 'ruler' pen in the photography section...one is made by Deccan, Hyderabad, and has FPs at both ends and is mottled green in colour and the other is made to order by Guider, which has a ball pen and an FP at either ends...

[QM2]

Hi...congrats on your new acquisition...these pens are actually called 'ruler' pens and were used by the Indian bureaucracy not too long ago...the pen doubled as a ruler! and its earlier avatar had a ball pen and an FP at either ends...the ball pen was supposed to use red ball point refill and the other end could be used to fill in blue or green depending upon who is using the pen...these pens are now only collectibles and nobody in the offices use them...Guider, Deccan, and Ratnam still make these in India...I have put up two posts on the 'ruler' pen in the photography section...one is made by Deccan, Hyderabad, and has FPs at both ends and is mottled green in colour and the other is made to order by Guider, which has a ball pen and an FP at either ends...

 

Thank you for the information.

 

Maybe a silly question, but why were they called "Ruler Pens"? Were there ever ruler markings along the body?

 

 

 

Edited April 11, 2009 by QM2

[MDI]

I thought it was because they rule!

[QM2]

Oh wait, maybe it's the length of a meter stick?

I am not in my office to measure it, but that might be it.

[shrujaya]

Hi...congratulations on your new acquisition...this pen is actually called the 2-in-1 Ruler Pen...the 2-in-1 part is obvious though...it is called the 'Ruler' Pen because the pen also served as a ruler in Indian government offices not too long ago...it could be that the ledgers and notebooks didnt have margins printed on their pages and this pen was used to draw lines wherever required...it was a multi utility tool and it was available in all three possible combinations...both sides BP, both sides FP and one side FP and one side BP...now Guider, Deccan, and Ratnam manufacture this unique pen in India...it is more of a collectible pen than anything else...one can try and draw a line using this 'ruler' and get a straight line...that is why it is made as a desk pen...and therefore no clips, and therefore cannot be carried on one's person...but once it is empty, you can dismantle it and carry it... I had put up two posts in the 'photography forum' on these unique models that I had purchased...one from Deccan, which is a double FP model and the other is from Guider, which is the more conventional, BP-FP model... here are the links...

 

post on Deccan 2-in-1 Ruler Pen

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/in...1&hl=Deccan

 

post on Guider 2-in-1 Ruler Pen

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/in...7&hl=Deccan

 

Regards,

 

Jayasrinivasa Rao

 

(sorry for the repetition... the earlier response got in inadvertently before I could complete it...)

Edited April 11, 2009 by shrujaya

[QM2]

post on Deccan 2-in-1 Ruler Pen

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/in...1&hl=Deccan

 

post on Guider 2-in-1 Ruler Pen

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/in...7&hl=Deccan

 

Thanks for the links; I had missed those threads. These pens look interesting with the domed-top design as well.

 

I remember Hari (I think) posting pictures of a similar pen some time ago as well, and I had inquired about how to get one -- but I do not think it was possible at the time.

[MDI]

Hmm, that actually sounds rather neat. Looks like you got yourself a piece of vintage memorabilia here QM2~

[antoniosz]

Very nice. I remember how excited I was when I found this in 2004. I changed the nib to a Waterman #7 Green nib and a John Hancock flexer.

 

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b325/azavalia/dabigone1.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b325/azavalia/dabigone2.jpg

Edited April 12, 2009 by antoniosz

[Ghost Plane]

Ooo! I like the fancy colors

[hari317]

Nice review and photos.

 

Maybe a silly question, but why were they called "Ruler Pens"? Were there ever ruler markings along the body?

 

QM2, no ruler markings for measurement, rather more like a straight edge to probably draw columns in ledgers. Large ink capacity and different ink colors required by clerks and accountants in the old days.

 

I remember Hari (I think) posting pictures of a similar pen some time ago as well, and I had inquired about how to get one -- but I do not think it was possible at the time.

 

My post is here. My pen is from Ratnamson. They call it the stick pen and I paid around 150INR for my pen, a little under 3USD in today's rates.

 

You also get small sized double pens where you have nibs at both the ends with a common barrel with internal separator wall. I had a few of those in my student days.

 

Best,

Hari

Edited April 12, 2009 by hari317

[QM2]

Hari, do you know whether any special stands or holders were ever made for these pens? -- to prevent them from rolling off the desk when not in use?

 

The local Indian pen prices are indeed very nice -- but alas those are not the prices for foreign buyers, including for importers like Steve Braun. The extra QC work done to the pens to prevent issues like blobbing, nib & feed problems, and other complaints that people often voice about Indian pens, should of course also be taken into consideration when comparing prices.

 

 

 

 

Edited April 12, 2009 by QM2

[hari317]

Hari, do you know whether any special stands or holders were ever made for these pens? -- to prevent them from rolling off the desk when not in use?

 

No, I am not aware of any such stands, however I have seen some old desks with a groove to place the pen in. Some desk pens do come with small projections to prevent roll off.

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii197/hari317/Madras%20pen%20shops/IMG_1557.jpg

Complete Post is here.

 

The local Indian pen prices are indeed very nice -- but alas those are not the prices for foreign buyers, including for importers like Steve Braun. The extra QC work done to the pens to prevent issues like blobbing, nib & feed problems, and other complaints that people often voice about Indian pens, should of course also be taken into consideration when comparing prices.

 

Well QM2, I am not privy to Steve's import prices and neither am I commenting on his sale price.

 

When I traced my post for the stick pen post, I saw that you had asked the prices. I sincerely hope you face none of the problems which you have listed above and even if you face I am sure Steve will fix it. I know your reviews come after some period of use so good luck!

 

Also I request to refer to Indian pens by the brand name rather than a broad Indian pens category. There are pens at various price points with corresponding quality. The cheaper ones of course do not get QA attention and if they are sold at higher than the intended price, disappointment will result.

 

Best,

Hari

 

 

 

 

[QM2]

I request to refer to Indian pens by the brand name rather than a broad Indian pens category. There are pens at various price points with corresponding quality. The cheaper ones of course do not get QA attention and if they are sold at higher than the intended price, disappointment will result.

 

No offense was meant by this; I used the term "Indian pens" in the same way as FPN discussions refer to "Japanese pens," "Italian pens," German pens," and "Chinese pens", when attributing sets of both positive and negative characteristics to them.

 

I have seen posts complaining about the problems I mentioned earlier with regard to the following pen brands: Wality, Ratnamson, and Guider. In many of these posts, the resultant discussions attribute the problems specifically to the way fountain pens are manufactured in India today -- meaning, if I recall, the way the feeds are made and the way the ED system functions. It was these kinds of posts that have kept me and others away from Indian pens for so long. Please understand that I have no agenda or affiliation in this issue, and I do not want this thread to turn negative. Some of the Indian pens I have seen are very interesting, and I would like nothing better than to be confident of their functionality, regardless of who sells them.

 

 

 

Edited April 13, 2009 by QM2

[goodguy]

Super cool pen/s. I love it!!!

It would look so unique in my pen cabinet.

On the other hand not so practical to take this to a meeting having such a long thing sticking from your bag and it probably would break if not treated 100% with respect.

 

Thanks for sharing

Edited April 13, 2009 by goodguy