Danitrio Tosca

[Hennypenny]

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: 9 of 10

 

This pen arrived in an ordinary pen box -- nothing overly large or ostentatious. Opening the box revealed a substantial cylinder of luscious acrylic. The material was marketed as "red/rust," but appears to be similiar to the "terracotta" material Bexley used in its 2001 sleeve-filler. Regardless of its name, it has lovely chunks of red, brown, gold, tan, black ... beautiful autumn colors! The material has depth to it and plays with the light. Gold trim complements the acrylic. Quite impressive!!

 

APPEARANCE AND DESIGN: 10 of 10

 

This pen trips my trigger on many levels: I love its minimalist, cylindrical shape, its wide (5/16") cap band that extends to the edge of the cap, its unusual clip, and its secure friction-fit posting. I also love its 18k Danitrio nib with engraved emblem (a rising sun?). All in all, an attractive, well-executed design.

 

WEIGHT AND DIMENSION: 10 of 10

 

This is a large pen at 5.5" capped, and 7.125" posted. The diameter is .625". I don't post my pens, and would find this one too long if I did. However, the cap posts securely if so desired. I resisted this pen for quite a while because I thought it would be too large, but the pen's size is pleasing and it's well-balanced. With recent trends towards supersizing fountain pens, this pen may soon be considered "average" size.

 

NIB AND PERFORMANCE: 5 of 10, corrected to 9.5 of 10

 

This 18k Danitrio nib was sold as a Medium and, out of the box, it wrote a medium width line. However, it was far too wet, so I adjusted the flow using the techniques I learned at Richard Binder's DC Pen Show nib smoothing seminar. After inspecting the nib under a loupe, I was pleasantly surprised to discover it's a Fine. I proceeded to adjust the flow and achieved a smooth, Fine, medium wet line that I'm quite pleased with. While I think Richard would pass me for the result I achieved, I'm afraid he'd flunk me for the fact that I managed to bend the tines downward ever so slightly. Luckily, the effect is one that pleases me, and given that the line width, wetness, smoothness and easy start-up are spot on, I'm quite pleased with my adjustment.

 

FILLING SYSTEM: 7 OF 10

 

This is a cartridge/converter, which I don't mind. Its converter is terrible, however, and caused ink to drip from the nib. I'll use a different converter, or convert this pen to an ED fill (in which case its ink capacity will be quite large). I've deducted 3 full points for the lousy converter, but really this is matter that's easily resolved. Given that it could be a frustrating problem for an inexperienced fountain pen user, however, I think the point deduction is justified.

 

COST AND VALUE: 10 of 10

 

I bought this from Avalon Pens for $140, plus $9 shipping. Given that Old Griz paid $90 for his steel nib Tosca two years ago, I consider this to be a good price for a Tosca with an 18k Danitrio nib. It would have been less of a value if I'd had to send the nib to a nibmeister for adjustment, of course. Danitrio no longer produces this pen, so availability is limited.

 

CONCLUSION: 51 of 60, corrected to 55.5 of 60

 

I love this pen and it's made it into my regular rotation. I could be wrong, but it seems to me that Danitrio is now focusing on more upscale fountain pen designs, so I'm delighted to have added this entry-level Danitrio to my collection!

Edited October 31, 2010 by Hennypenny

[Seville]

This is indeed a great looking and performing pen. I have one in Green Ebonite as well but I was looking to sell them both because of the converter issues and my writing tastes have changed.

 

Nice review and a very nice price with that nib.

 

Philip

[jcp1st]

Very attractive pen - reminds me a lot of a Bexley Gold Line Terra Cotta I used to own.

 

Craig

[Silvermink]

Very nice. I have a Tosca in the black/red/blue/purple material myself. Quick pic of the barrel:

 

http://a.yfrog.com/img197/3964/opij.jpg

Edited November 1, 2010 by Silvermink

[Namo]

Very nice review, thank you. Do you think you could post some writing samples? I've had two flex Danitrio nibs, and there were very different.

 

Thank you!

[Hennypenny]

Do you think you could post some writing samples? I've had two flex Danitrio nibs, and there were very different.

 

Thank you!

 

 

I'll try to do some tomorrow, so watch for them later in the day tomorrow.

 

And I like the color of your Tosca, Silvermink -- lovely! Thanks for posting a pic.

 

HP

[alvarez57]

Very nice pen. I would also like to see some writing... but beware! this nib is NOT a full flex! (I ruined mine and it has taken a lot of patience and Kevin Cheng to make it decent).

[Hennypenny]

OK, you asked for it -- now you get to see my chicken scratches! I'm afraid my handwriting is a bad advertisement for this nice pen ... HP

[DanielB]

Congratulations on your pen. It looks great with the gold nib.

I have a flexy fine in a Danitrio ED. To me it feels very close to semi-flex. But you have to find the right flow adjustment if you don't want to starve the feed.

 

However, it was far too wet, so I adjusted the flow using the techniques I learned at Richard Binder's DC Pen Show nib smoothing seminar.

 

Can you share any of them? * Or are they copyrighted? *

 

Thanks

[Bearcat]

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: 9 of 10

 

This pen arrived in an ordinary pen box -- nothing overly large or ostentatious. Opening the box revealed a substantial cylinder of luscious acrylic. The material was marketed as "red/rust," but appears to be similiar to the "terracotta" material Bexley used in its 2001 sleeve-filler. Regardless of its name, it has lovely chunks of red, brown, gold, tan, black ... beautiful autumn colors! The material has depth to it and plays with the light. Gold trim complements the acrylic. Quite impressive!!

 

APPEARANCE AND DESIGN: 10 of 10

 

This pen trips my trigger on many levels: I love its minimalist, cylindrical shape, its wide (5/16") cap band that extends to the edge of the cap, its unusual clip, and its secure friction-fit posting. I also love its 18k Danitrio nib with engraved emblem (a rising sun?). All in all, an attractive, well-executed design.

 

WEIGHT AND DIMENSION: 10 of 10

 

This is a large pen at 5.5" capped, and 7.125" posted. The diameter is .625". I don't post my pens, and would find this one too long if I did. However, the cap posts securely if so desired. I resisted this pen for quite a while because I thought it would be too large, but the pen's size is pleasing and it's well-balanced. With recent trends towards supersizing fountain pens, this pen may soon be considered "average" size.

 

NIB AND PERFORMANCE: 5 of 10, corrected to 9.5 of 10

 

This 18k Danitrio nib was sold as a Medium and, out of the box, it wrote a medium width line. However, it was far too wet, so I adjusted the flow using the techniques I learned at Richard Binder's DC Pen Show nib smoothing seminar. After inspecting the nib under a loupe, I was pleasantly surprised to discover it's a Fine. I proceeded to adjust the flow and achieved a smooth, Fine, medium wet line that I'm quite pleased with. While I think Richard would pass me for the result I achieved, I'm afraid he'd flunk me for the fact that I managed to bend the tines downward ever so slightly. Luckily, the effect is one that pleases me, and given that the line width, wetness, smoothness and easy start-up are spot on, I'm quite pleased with my adjustment.

 

FILLING SYSTEM: 7 OF 10

 

This is a cartridge/converter, which I don't mind. Its converter is terrible, however, and caused ink to drip from the nib. I'll use a different converter, or convert this pen to an ED fill (in which case its ink capacity will be quite large). I've deducted 3 full points for the lousy converter, but really this is matter that's easily resolved. Given that it could be a frustrating problem for an inexperienced fountain pen user, however, I think the point deduction is justified.

 

COST AND VALUE: 10 of 10

 

I bought this from Avalon Pens for $140, plus $9 shipping. Given that Old Griz paid $90 for his steel nib Tosca two years ago, I consider this to be a good price for a Tosca with an 18k Danitrio nib. It would have been less of a value if I'd had to send the nib to a nibmeister for adjustment, of course. Danitrio no longer produces this pen, so availability is limited.

 

CONCLUSION: 51 of 60, corrected to 55.5 of 60

 

I love this pen and it's made it into my regular rotation. I could be wrong, but it seems to me that Danitrio is now focusing on more upscale fountain pen designs, so I'm delighted to have added this entry-level Danitrio to my collection!

 

 

Great review! It looks like a wonderful *new* pen. Thanks for taking the time to post this.

 

--Doc

[Hennypenny]

 

Can you share any of them? * Or are they copyrighted? *

 

Thanks

 

I will leave it to others to describe the techniques involved so I don't get blamed for a rash of damaged nibs (it involves ever-so-gently bending the tines). As I noted, I actually managed to bend the tines on this Tosca -- I happen to like the result, but it brought home to me just how gentle you must be with soft metal.

 

I will make a few suggestions:

 

1. Have a good loupe available (Richard sells a very nice 10x Belomo loupe). Absolutely necessary so you can have the tines properly aligned after you make your adjustments.

 

2. Go to a pen show and ask for help. Or to a local pen club meeting. Better yet, go to a show and take Richard's seminar -- well worth the price!

 

3. Do your practicing on a cheap pen!! Intentionally manipulate some nibs that you wouldn't mind destroying - never start with good nibs (may they rest in peace).

 

4. Scour FPN for posts and read everything on Richard's site - there's a wealth of information.

 

That's all I'll share -- I'm too inexperienced at this to suggest anything other than to seek expert help! HP

[DanielB]

I thank you for your reply. That's fair enough.

Edited November 2, 2010 by DanielB

[Namo]

Thank you! The flex seems interessting.

[aleshaabbot]

According to my point of view, I think that Danitrios are known for their openhandedly sized pens and diacritic visual flair, and as you might expect the Tosca is a substantial pen. But this out-of-production model stands out even more from Danitrio’s usual offerings.

[Hennypenny]

I am still enjoying this pen, but found I have to use it as an ED fill (easy enough with a little silicone grease on the threads). Neither the supplied converter nor any others I had could supply ink consistently - the pen would dry up after short stints of writing. It has worked well as an ED, however - no running dry. HP

[InkofLife]

Spoiler

 

Hi! I have this pen in the black and green ebonite in near mint condition. But I can’t for the life of me find any comps to know how rare this is or what I’m dealing with. Any info? It’s a German iridium point m nib.

[InkofLife]

Pics added

[Paul-in-SF]

Sorry I have no idea, I'm only posting to suggest you will have better luck creating a new topic in the Fountain and Dip Pens -- First Stop forum, where more knowledgeable people are likely to see it. Good luck. 

[steve50]

On 12/21/2020 at 12:00 AM, InkofLife said:

  Reveal hidden contents

 

Hi! I have this pen in the black and green ebonite in near mint condition. But I can’t for the life of me find any comps to know how rare this is or what I’m dealing with. Any info? It’s a German iridium point m nib.

 

Sold for $89 ten years ago. Looks like a nice ebonite pen with a Jowo nib, I'd keep it and use it. 

[Theroc]

On 12/20/2020 at 4:00 PM, InkofLife said:

  Reveal hidden contents

 

Hi! I have this pen in the black and green ebonite in near mint condition. But I can’t for the life of me find any comps to know how rare this is or what I’m dealing with. Any info? It’s a German iridium point m nib.

A while back Peyton Street Pens offered one with a gold nib for $250 and one with a steel nib (like yours) for $120.

I'd say fair value is in the $100-$150 range.