Edison Urushi Pearl Le

[Painterspal]

The Edison Urushi Pearl LE

 

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b70/minkapics/Urushi-Pearl_MF04687.jpg

 

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b70/minkapics/Urushi-Pearl_MF04664.jpg

 

I’m sure that, for most FPN visitors, Brian Gray’s name will be instantly familiar as the man behind Edison pens. His range of handmade, made to order, resin and ebonite creations occupy a comparatively rare niche in these days of mass production, and represent a genuine alternative for someone wanting something ‘different’, with the added option of ordering an entirely bespoke pen, made to your personal specification.

 

At the beginning of 2010 I was thinking seriously about buying an Edison, and had got as far as having some initial discussions with Brian, but hadn’t quite been tempted enough to place an order. For me, Brian’s pens compete with offerings from the likes of Danitrio and Nakaya, whose pens have similar virtues, but add the advantage of Urushi which, for me at least, takes them to another level. Much as I like resin, if I want a hand made pen, the material of choice is ebonite, which has a warmth and tactility that plastic can never match (I even like the smell!). And, although I like raw ebonite pens, the Urushi finish adds a beauty and durability that transforms these humble objects into something that are both wonderfully utilitarian and, quite simply, works of art.

 

In the spring of this year I moved house and somehow managed to take my eye off the ball, totally missing Brian’s announcement of his limited edition of Edison Pearl Urushi pens, the first product of a new collaboration with Ernest Shin, a specialist Urushi artist and craftsman. Not surprisingly, all 20 pens were quickly reserved, so instead of the thrill of anticipation enjoyed by those who had signed up, I had to make do with following the project, green eyed and jealous, on Brian’s blog. Fast forward to September and, unexpectedly, one of these pens shows up on the FPN for sale listing. I prevaricate for hours, funds already stretched to the limit, then send a reluctant enquiry, expecting the pen to be sold. I was astonished to find it wasn’t, and a few days later, it’s in my hand.

 

Much has already been written about the Edison Pearl, it’s been reviewed frequently and is a popular product. Before the pen arrived, I was quite worried about how well I’d get on with it. I’d read that Brian had been partly influenced by the Nakaya Piccolo when he developed the design for the Pearl. The Piccolo is the smallest of the Nakaya range and a pen about which I have mixed feelings. While I like its crisp lines, I find it’s only just long enough to be comfortable, and the short section doesn’t completely agree with me either. The seller had sited size as the reason for the sale of the Pearl and, I although I have small hands, I worried that it would also be too small for me.

 

From the moment I first picked it up, I realised that my fears were groundless. The barrel is about 1cm longer than the Piccolo and this makes a massive difference to the feel of the pen. The section is a similar length but the shape is far more comfortable. The whole size thing is actually quite interesting. The Pearl, is a small pen compared to other pens of this type - with the exception of the Piccolo my Nakayas and Danitrios are all significantly bigger - but this is deceptive. It’s actually a pretty substantial pen, similar in length to the MB 146, Pelikan M600 and Aurora Optima, and wider than any of them.

 

The Edison Urushi Pearl compared to a Nakaya Piccolo.

 

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b70/minkapics/Urushi-Pearl_MF04667.jpg

 

But while the pen is a nice size for me, it isn’t excessively heavy. Ebonite is a light material, but the addition of the lacquer has made this edition of the Pearl slightly heavier than the figures quoted on Brian’s website, which for me means it provides an ideal weight and balance. Capped it weighs 20g, while uncapped it’s about 15g – very similar to my workhorse Aurora Optima. The cap isn’t designed to be posted, which suits me fine. Construction is of a very high quality, fit and finish are immaculate, and the shape and proportions of the pen are very satisfying – to my eye more harmonious than the Piccolo.

 

The Urushi Pearl can be used in converter or eyedropper mode, which I see as another advantage over the competing Nakaya, which requires a degree of Heath-Robinson-style modification to work in the latter mode. The nib is an extremely nice, single colour 18K .7 stub, ground by Brian himself. Initially, I found it a tad too crisp for my writing style, but a quick moment’s work has transformed it, retaining virtually all the line variation but making it smoother and more forgiving, much better suited to my style. Ink flow is on the wet side of average and, again, just about perfect for me.

 

As for the Urushi itself, I think pictures, even my inadequate efforts, speak louder than any words can. Ernest’s work is simply outstanding and the flame-like, organic, Karanuri pattern really sets this pen apart from anything else I’ve encountered. This truly is a dream pen and I’ll be watching out for more Edison/Shin collaborations in the future, though they’ll have to go some to improve on this one (and my bank balance will need to recover first).

 

In conclusion, I have to say, this pen is simply outstanding. About the only negative thing I can think of is that the box it comes in, while entirely adequate, seems somehow unworthy of such a stunning product.

 

I guess, for many, the price will seem excessive and it was certainly eye-watering for me. But compared to many expensive so-called limited editions that run to hundreds, or even thousands of units (MB springs to mind), these seem fairly priced, considering the craftsmanship involved.

 

Ernest Shin's signature and the edition number.

 

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b70/minkapics/Urushi-Pearl_MF04665.jpg

 

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b70/minkapics/Urushi-Pearl_MF04673.jpg

 

Edited October 16, 2010 by Painterspal

[Yuki Onitsura]

Fantastic photos of a very nice pen! It's also nice that you've compared it to the Nakaya Piccolo since the two are quite similar in shape. Bravo!

 

Yuki

[kushbaby]

Oh my goodness, that is *dangerously* beautiful...

 

:puddle:

[hari317]

Superb photos, the pen looks most beautiful in your photos, even better than the stock ones IMHO. Enjoy it in good health.

[777]

Great review! I saw that one up for sale. Way far out of my kind of buying range... I'm glad it's found a new owner to appreciate its beauty!

 

Regards,

777

[kaisede]

I saw this pen in person at the NYC pen show. It is a beauty.

 

Thanks for the review. Enjoy your pen.

 

Andy

[Aysedasi]

Can someone please delete this thread?

 

No-one should be allowed to post a photo of a pen that makes me feel this envious........

[kushbaby]

Can someone please delete this thread?

 

No-one should be allowed to post a photo of a pen that makes me feel this envious........

 

+1

 

:bonk:

[jigesh]

I saw this pen in person at the NYC pen show. It is a beauty....

 

Me too, at Ern's desk. Perfect craftsmanship all around. Very pleasant feel in the hand. Sorry I missed the project (and can't wait for the next one!)

 

Great review and excellent pictures (natural day light is the best, isn't it?)...

Edited October 16, 2010 by jigesh

[kuno]

Wow, I didn't know Urushi could even look like that.

[tanalasta]

Exceptional photos and review.

 

Congratulations on such a beautiful pen. I have a plain ol' Celluloid pearl which I'd previously reviewed and love Brian's work also. But your pen takes the Pearl to a whole new level.

[rhk]

Mine is 'into foreign customs' at the moment.... Anyway, if they want to charge me, I hope they are quick! Ruud

[Doug C]

I just got mine yesterday (15/20), and while I had planned on doing a review of it, there is nothing more I can add (especially when it comes to your photos-there is no way I could do justice to yours).

 

I also own a Piccolo, and while they feel different, there is a familiar feeling with the Pearl.

 

I also ordered the .7 stub, and had an intial issue with a little too much toothiness from the nib (it felt like it was going to cut the paper). It would be much rougher pushing the nib than in other directions. I sent a note to Brian, letting him know (after the fact) that I am a left handed underwriter. This means I am almost always pushing the nib instead of pulling.

 

While I was playing with the pen, wanting it to write better (the flow was fine, and there was no skipping at all), I decided to try the old cardboard box trick.

 

I have tried this without much success over the years, but imagine my surprise when it did a great deal to smooth out the nib (and since I just sent the note to Brian yesterday-a Saturday, by the time he reads it, it will be a moot point). It must have been just a tiny bit of residue or imperfection that was worn away.

 

What is really amazing is that, compared to my other Edison, which is a lavender ebonite Huron (I'll post pictures of them side by side to show the beauty of Edison's), is how differently the nibs feel. While the Huron is a .9 stub, it is fairly stiff, but the little difference in subtracting two little digits changes the .7 nib to a flexible nib.

 

I like having different feels to my nibs, and I'm very happy that I made the decision to go with this nib now.

 

I know that Brian and Ernest are working on a new project, which is bad news for anyone that owns this pen...............at least financially.

 

Nakaya Piccolo, Edison Pearl Urushi, Edison Herald Lavender ebonite Huron Bulb Filler.

 

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh130/DougDorann/DSCN0095.jpg

Edited October 17, 2010 by Doug C

[Aysedasi]

Man, it just has to be my turn to win the lottery next weekend..........

[Hennypenny]

I'm glad to see someone posted a review of this pen at last. It's a genuinely beautiful pen -- and deserves an honest evaluation, which I think you've given it. In my book, it's probably as close to perfection as a pen can get, since it's both stunningly beautiful and an outstanding writer. Kudos to Brian and Ernest (and to you for your good taste!). HP

[Painterspal]

Thanks to all for the positive feedback - much appreciated.

[Doug C]

I'm glad to see someone posted a review of this pen at last. It's a genuinely beautiful pen -- and deserves an honest evaluation, which I think you've given it. In my book, it's probably as close to perfection as a pen can get, since it's both stunningly beautiful and an outstanding writer. Kudos to Brian and Ernest (and to you for your good taste!). HP

 

 

 

I have to say that, after telling Brian I had some issues with the nib on my L.E> Pearl, and after telling him that I had asked (not told) him that I planned to do a review of the pen, his attitude was the same; describe how you feel about the pen,be honest, and we will deal with the issues after the fact.

That says volumes; that you will not be out of luck with the quality of the writing experience.

This is consistent with the other pen I purchased from him; his attitude is that you must be happy, whether it is a $300 pen or a $1000 pen.

 

 

No worries on my part.

 

Enjoy the quality experience....

Doug.

[Doug C]

I'm glad to see someone posted a review of this pen at last. It's a genuinely beautiful pen -- and deserves an honest evaluation, which I think you've given it. In my book, it's probably as close to perfection as a pen can get, since it's both stunningly beautiful and an outstanding writer. Kudos to Brian and Ernest (and to you for your good taste!). HP

 

 

 

I have to say that, after telling Brian I had some issues with the nib on my L.E> Pearl, and after telling him that I had asked (not told) him that I planned to do a review of the pen, his attitude was the same; describe how you feel about the pen,be honest, and we will deal with the issues after the fact.

That says volumes; that you will not be out of luck with the quality of the writing experience.

This is consistent with the other pen I purchased from him; his attitude is that you must be happy, whether it is a $300 pen or a $1000 pen.

 

 

No worries on my part.

 

Enjoy the quality experience....

Doug.

 

 

 

I am happy to say that after the 'cardboard trick', which in all honesty only works with nib requests that are a little out of the ordinary (i.e. very fine nibs), I am now very happy with the performance of the nib. This is not to denigrate Brian's response to my issue; He was perfectly willing to do whatever it took to make the nib right. It just so happens that this trick in all of the time I have tried it, actually worked in this instance.

I'm a happy guy, and this continues to be one of the top 3 most beautiful pens I own.

 

 

Just a wonderful pen.