TWSBI Diamond 530

[Spitzner]

Maker/Brand: TWSBI

Model: Diamond 530

Color/Material: Clear plastic, chrome furniture

Nib Size/material: F Steel (Schmidt)

Actual Cost/MSRP: $39.99

 

PLEASE NOTE: This is based on an early prototype, not on a production model.

 

Appearance and Design: High gloss on cap and barrel. The barrel is beautifully and subtly faceted; catches the light nicely and is tactilely interesting. Ink window displays ink color and level beautifully. The cap screws on securely.

 

Balance and Comfort: Really, really nice. The pen has a good, solid, expensive feel. The cap posts, but there’s an “uncomfortableness” to it — a minor inconvenience imo. I find the balance better when the cap is not posted, as the posted cap makes it a little back-heavy.

 

Weight & Dimensions:

5½” capped; 5” uncapped; 7” posted

I don’t have a scale here, but it is slightly heavier than a Lamy Vista (a demonstrator at a similar price point).

Diameter: Perhaps a “scosh” fatter than the Vista.

 

Nib Performance: It’s a Schmidt steel nib – very reliable, and while it has TWSBI engraved on it, I cannot find a width marking. There is some ink misting from the nib inside the cap, but it cleans easily with a cotton swab (I’m using Iroshizuku Momiji). I found the nib very smooth to begin with, but then Gary Olson worked some magic at the Chicago Pen Show, and now it’s “like buttah.”

 

Filling System: Piston. It feels very solid and has good capacity.

 

Comparison to Others: I would compare this to the Lamy Vista. As mentioned above, I use the Vista for comparison because it is a demonstrator pen at a comparable price point. But there is no comparison, really. The TWSBI has a much more solid feel and shinier, more finished appearance, belying its price.

 

Real Value: Incredible.

 

Overall Conclusions: If you haven’t already gotten in line for a TWSBI, what are you waiting for? Even the non-fountain pen users (those poor souls) who’ve tried my TWSBI have had the same response: “Ooooooo.” Beautiful job, Mr. Wang!

[mahkie]

Balance and Comfort: Really, really nice. The pen has a good, solid, expensive feel. The cap posts, but there's an "uncomfortableness" to it — a minor inconvenience imo. I find the balance better when the cap is not posted, as the posted cap makes it a little back-heavy.

 

Yeah, I generally don't post, but *can* post and the cap stays on nice and solid. The pen is big enough that the size is good enough un-posted, and I think that's what most people will prefer.

 

 

I wanna go to the NYC pen show in October and get a couple Twsbis smoothed or ground into stubs now. My trip to visit home (my American home is right outside DC) is tentatively scheduled for October!

Edited May 6, 2010 by mahkie

[Lloyd]

Will there be one of these at the Boston pen show?

[dwong]

Any chance that you can provide a writing sample between the Vista and the Diamond? I would like to see how the F writing width of the TWSBI compares to the Lamy nibs.

[SnowLeopard]

I just think it's curious that the TWSBI gp. chose to put a European/German? nib on an Asian Co.'s offering. Couldn't find a good source out there...that would cooperate and produce a similarly great product? I guess if they can put a car engine from A...into the chassis of B... it'll be ok...aye? I guess if u must have a piston to float your boat...at this price- point... then this might be as good as anything under 50 GW's. Henry Ford would have adopted you out there....a page straight out of the American playbook too. Nice. You should have called it the "Model T"... ftm..you still might...?

Edited September 21, 2010 by SnowLeopard

[significantpass]

I just think it's curious that the TWSBI gp. chose to put a European/German? nib on an Asian Co.'s offering. Couldn't find a good source out there...that would cooperate and produce a similarly great product? I guess if they can put a car engine from A...into the chassis of B... it'll be ok...aye? I guess if u must have a piston to float your boat...at this price- point... then this might be as good as anything under 50 GW's. Henry Ford would have adopted you out there....a page straight out of the American playbook too. Nice. You should have called it the "Model T"... ftm..you still might...?

I guess the German nibs have a better reputation and quality control.

[2xhorn]

Got mine yesterday. It's an M and the best bargain out there IMHO. It was smooth but a bit scratchy with Waterman blue black until I slid a knife blade between the tines, now it's about perfect if not quite wet.

 

Highly recommended!