Bexley Simplicity II

[jandrese]

This is a quick review of two Bexley Simplicity II fountain pens, one in Parker orange, and one in Parker Mandarin yellow plastic. Both are from Pendemonium and have custom ground cursive italic nibs. The orange model has a broad nib and the yellow has a medium. Included is a writing sample showing the very large differences between cross and down strokes that these nibs produce. The down stroke of the broad nib comes in about 1.0 mm, while the medium is ~0.7 mm. Cross strokes are ~0.2 mm for both nibs. Despite the italic grind both nibs are a joy to write with. I’d even go so far to say that they are smoother and easier to use than most stub nibs. Truly amazing performance. Ink flow is neither wet nor dry, just spot on, and the converters are a little larger than most giving a relatively large supply of ink.

 

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4345782943_4fdd08a321_b.jpg

 

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/4346525340_9884d9b2c6_b.jpg

 

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/4346525940_ff4f34dbb1_b.jpg

 

Nib closeups and writing sample.

 

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2239/4346525476_851ba97177_b.jpg

 

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2691/4346526782_222555c1c6_b.jpg

 

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2697/4345783653_1f36689270_b.jpg

 

The look of the pens is classic flat top with black ends and grip section accenting the brightly colored bodies. Trim is gold colored on both pens and the clip is highly functional. These pens are a little smaller than a Pelikan 800 but are much lighter. Weight and balance are very good making them easy to write with, even with the cap posted. These are excellent, durable, and economical everyday writers with some vintage flair and totally fantastic nibs. Very choice.

 

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4022/4345783241_a5729cafc6_b.jpg

[Aysedasi]

When I first glanced at the title of your post and then read the content and looked at these lovely pens, I had thought this was a for sale post - then I realised it was a review! Darn, I'd love either of them! Thanks for the revierw.

[LostInThought]

Thanks for the review. They're beautiful pens, and I love those nibs!

[RitaCarbon]

Gorgeous! They look like Duofolds, the most coveted vintage pens for Parker collectors. Stunning Mandarine yellow, and classic Orange.

 

Do they feel like Duos?

 

Rita

[dizzypen]

I have a fine (.5mm) stub by Letta at Pendemonium and I quite enjoy it as well. I think she does great grinds for the money.

[rollerboy]

It's news to me that the Simplicity II is available in yellow. When did that happen?

[jandrese]

It's news to me that the Simplicity II is available in yellow. When did that happen?

 

 

Pendemonium special offer from January 11th.

[HenryLouis]

I wished these things were smaller, the grip looks very comfortable.

[Dan Carmell]

Great colors, very nice pen--thanks for the review. Lettie, the long-time Sheaffer nib grinder who does Pendemonium's nib work is top-notch. I have several of her italics and stubs and I really like her work. You have some great pens there!

 

Dan

[roundthecurve]

Very nice review. I have been mulling acquiring one of these pens for about a month. You certainly didn't say anything to dissuade me. I have been considering a Cherry Haze. Richard Binder has them reduced now and I know the nib would be to my liking.

 

Thanks,

 

Greg

[trent]

Question: what about posting? Do they post normally? They seem to post rather high.

[jandrese]

Question: what about posting? Do they post normally? They seem to post rather high.

 

 

They post, and because they are so light balance is not thrown off even though posting makes them quite long.

[trent]

Interesting. I asked because in the photos the end cap is still visible when the pen is posted.

By the way, I checked the Pendemonium website and couldn't find these pens.

[jandrese]

Interesting. I asked because in the photos the end cap is still visible when the pen is posted.

By the way, I checked the Pendemonium website and couldn't find these pens.

 

send an email. i know they took some to the LA pen show.

 

These were special offerings in limited numbers.

[Bentley]

Thanks for the review. Beautiful pens.

[lovemy51]

thanx for the review! now i gotta get me the yellow!

[Ed Ronax]

Nice review of a nice pen, thanks.

[de Servantes]

Nice review, and since you've received yours by now, I can hope for mine to arrive soon, as well !

 

Greetings

Miguel

[trent]

Sorry for being insistent, but is there no awkwardness whatsoever in the way these pens post?

[jandrese]

Sorry for being insistent, but is there no awkwardness whatsoever in the way these pens post?

 

 

None. They post securely and being very light don't mess the balance up much. The pen becomes very long posted but it can be done.