Ranga - The Big Orange Pen!

[Cryptos]

The Ranga Pen Model 4C

 

Spurred by the excellent reviews that FPN member Vaibhav Mehandiratta has provided of various handmade Ranga pens, Empty of Clouds took the decision to acquire at least one Indian ebonite pen, and it turned out to be a model 4C.

 

Here is a far poorer quality review by a man with no talent for either words or photography. Please forgive.

 

The 4C is a big pen by the standards of early to mid 20th century pens, and is a classic cigar shape.

 

 

Measurements (approx.)

Capped length – 15 cm

Nib tip to barrel end – 13.5 cm

Maximum diameter – 16 mm

 

Most of the pens EoC has owned up until this point have been vintage, so to give a comparison an Esterbrook J is around 12.6 cm long (capped), 11.2 cm uncapped and 12 mm at the widest barrel point.

 

The Esterbrook is unusable by EoC when uncapped. The Ranga 4C however is not!

 

Here is an ugly picture of an ageing hand holding the Ranga. For those interested in numbers, EoC’s hand measures 21.5 cm from tip of 2^nd finger to fold of wrist – so, quite a big hand really, and yet the pen is quite comfortably supported.

 

 

Build Quality

 

As many know the Ranga pens are handmade from ebonite turned on a lathe. The premium orange ebonite used for this pen, while finished well, still retains several inconsistencies in the material. Most notably these show up as dark flecks or a kind of very faint patterning. Whether this is tool artefact or a property of the material itself is hard to determine. This may be of concern to those whose experience thus far has been restricted to flawless expanses of resin or acrylic.

 

Despite this issue on the finish the pen feels super smooth in the hand. It is light but by no means insubstantial. The threading throughout is tight and smooth. The cap takes just over 2.5 turns to remove, while the section requires just shy of 10 turns!

 

There is a step between the barrel and the threads for the cap, but it is small enough to have not presented EoC any issues with use or comfort.

 

The Nib

 

Not really much to say here. This pen came fitted – by request – with a 1.5 mm Jowo #6 stub, which simply screws into the section.

 

 

This is the same standard nib unit used by many of the custom pen makers (Franklin Christoph and Scriptorium spring to mind), so those who have pens from those sources can swap their nibs around with the Ranga should they so wish.

 

The nib is very smooth, and far crisper than expected for a stub. It has thus far proven to be a joy to use. Here is EoC’s very first outing with the nib. Paper is Rhodia, Ink is Diamine Delamere Green.

 

 

 

Fill ‘er Up!

 

As with many Ranga models that employ the Jowo nib units, this pen comes fitted with a Schmidt converter. Fairly standard, well known to many, and so far reliable. For those going for the real Indian pen experience, the converter can be left out and the pen can be used as an eyedropper. EoC has not tried this yet, but when he spoke into the open end of the barrel there was an echo! So expect it to take a goodly amount of your favourite writing fluids.

 

Speaking of eyedroppers, the section threads came pre-greased and those 10 turns mentioned earlier should give reassurance that leaks are probably unlikely to occur around the section threads.

 

Value for Money and Communication

 

As with many things in life value has a very personal aspect to it. This pen is not in the cheaper range for Ranga pens, or indeed any other Indian maker’s pens. However, it is a significantly better price than some of the established Western makers.

 

EDIT: There was an ordering problem that has since been resolved.

 

 

Concluding thoughts.

 

This is a big pen, and a good one too. So far it has proven to be exceptionally comfortable to use. Although EoC is very partial to pointed dip pens, he has found the 1.5 mm stub on the Ranga 4C to be a joy to use in an everyday setting. The imperfections in the material, considering the way it is made, add a certain degree of character perhaps, but it is not the glossy perfect finish that others may have alluded to.

 

The only downside was the final cost, coming in at US $100.

 

 

It is early days for EoC and the Big Orange Pen, but it's looking very promising right now!

 

 

The above represents an honest review. EoC has tried to fairly represent what was liked and what could have been better.

[T4TEXAS]

Thanks for the thorough review. Did you request or bring up reimbursement?

[mehandiratta]

Thank you for the review...
The orange ebonite has a pastel finish.. It's not glossy...

 

also I want to ad that those flecks are inherent properties of the rod... and also it depends on the rod cut...

 

And I Love you Handwriting...... amazing...

 

Lastly I am sad to hear about the final cost of the pen...

Edited December 22, 2015 by mehandiratta

[Cryptos]

Thanks for the thorough review. Did you request or bring up reimbursement?

 

Edit: This issue has been resolved.

 

 

The orange ebonite has a pastel finish.. It's not glossy...

 

Apologies, was using the term glossy in an oblique way. Other reviews concerning premium ebonite have portrayed the material as being without blemish. This is not 100% accurate as the pen EoC has shows quite a few surface imperfections. However, as it is handmade certain allowances are permitted - up to a point.

 

As stated in the review, EoC tries to give a totally honest observation of the pen in hand. If there are flaws, they must be pointed out. Would EoC buy another? Lacking in the confidence that there will not be additional costs means that it is somewhat debatable.

 

It's a great pen despite the flaws and problems though!

[Sagarb]

Nice review & handwriting ...

[DrDebG]

This one feels that the review was well done and gives her humble thanks.

[J85909266]

I am very impressed by the writing you were able to produce with the humble Jowo stub. Thank you, sir.

[Cryptos]

Now you're just teasing poor old EoC.

 

That nib though was an amazing surprise. It was EoC's intention to get a Masuyama medium italic to swap into this Ranga - and may still do so - but this Jowo stub is not only smooth but more like a cursive italic than a stub. Small differences perhaps, though significant ones.

[mmg122]

I also joined the group buy Mr. Mihandiratta arranged for the Ranga 4C in a glossy black ebonite with a JOWO nib. It was my first experience with a pen made in India but will certainly not be my last. I am very impressed with this pen and have purchased several more since.

 

My experience with the Ranga Pen Company and Mr. Kandan was top notch and very professional. While I don't know the circumstances of your situation, if you feel Ranga should be responsible for the return shipping costs, I wouldn't hesitate to email Mr. Kandan and discuss it. He strikes me as an honest and professional businessman and I have no doubt he'll do right by you.

 

Mary

[visvamitra]

Good review of nice pen. Thank you

[Cryptos]

I also joined the group buy Mr. Mihandiratta arranged for the Ranga 4C in a glossy black ebonite with a JOWO nib. It was my first experience with a pen made in India but will certainly not be my last. I am very impressed with this pen and have purchased several more since.

 

My experience with the Ranga Pen Company and Mr. Kandan was top notch and very professional. While I don't know the circumstances of your situation, if you feel Ranga should be responsible for the return shipping costs, I wouldn't hesitate to email Mr. Kandan and discuss it. He strikes me as an honest and professional businessman and I have no doubt he'll do right by you.

 

Mary

 

EDIT: This issue has been resolved.

 

The pen is very nice though!

[T4TEXAS]

 

Perhaps, Mary, but this one shouldn't have to ask. Strictly speaking why should I pay for an error I did not make? It's a great pen, and EoC would certainly like to explore Indian ebonite pens in particular, but EoC cannot afford to have to pay shipping when it is not a requirement. The onus is on the maker to ship the correct item. If this doesn't happen then it is the responsibility of the maker to bear all costs. At least that was the world that EoC was brought up in.

 

Anyway, it's now a minor point that will come to nothing. It i mentioned in the review because it may be of significance to anyone buying internationally.

 

The pen is very nice though!

[T4TEXAS]

I have to ask if the world you grew up in smiled upon not saying anything to someone when you think they did you wrong, while complaining about it to others and discouraging them from doing business with the other?

[mehandiratta]

 

No, EoC rather expected the person at fault to raise the issue. This one feels that it is 'not the done thing' to raise such matters as the injured party. One of the failings of being English perhaps.

 

 

Apologies, was using the term glossy in an oblique way. Other reviews concerning premium ebonite have portrayed the material as being without blemish. This is not 100% accurate as the pen EoC has shows quite a few surface imperfections. However, as it is handmade certain allowances are permitted - up to a point.

 

As stated in the review, EoC tries to give a totally honest observation of the pen in hand. If there are flaws, they must be pointed out. Would EoC buy another? Lacking in the confidence that there will not be additional costs means that it is somewhat debatable.

 

It's a great pen despite the flaws and problems though!

 

Those blemishes or black flecks that you see are inherent nature of the ebonite rods which is far more visible in bright colors...

[mehandiratta]

 

Perhaps, Mary, but this one shouldn't have to ask. Strictly speaking why should I pay for an error I did not make? It's a great pen, and EoC would certainly like to explore Indian ebonite pens in particular, but EoC cannot afford to have to pay shipping when it is not a requirement. The onus is on the maker to ship the correct item. If this doesn't happen then it is the responsibility of the maker to bear all costs. At least that was the world that EoC was brought up in.

 

Anyway, it's now a minor point that will come to nothing. It i mentioned in the review because it may be of significance to anyone buying internationally.

 

The pen is very nice though!

and i agree if the error is not on your part you should not be held liable ...

[Cryptos]

I have to ask if the world you grew up in smiled upon not saying anything to someone when you think they did you wrong, while complaining about it to others and discouraging them from doing business with the other?

 

No, but that was then and this is now. EoC retains only a vestige of the earlier standards. Now this is a review of pen and maker. While some detail has been withheld to avoid unnecessary embarrassment, the bare bones of the problem demands transparency. This comes only after the fact though.

[Cryptos]

 

Those blemishes or black flecks that you see are inherent nature of the ebonite rods which is far more visible in bright colors...

 

That is information that is new to EoC. It's not a major issue really, but worth mentioning if anyone is getting the idea that premium ebonite is flawless - like EoC did when entering into this deal.

[mpkandan]

Dear Mr. Empty of Clouds Sir,

 

Thanks for the beautiful pictures and honest review.

I admitted it was purely my mistake to send the clip pen instead of clipless pen.

I also need to mention you were so generous in paying little extra money than i asked and you opted for replacement pen instead of refund . Thanks to your flexibility.

Yes. I'm purely responsible for the return shipping. The mistake i did is I assumed the extra pen that we sent you would compensate this return shipping. Also you have not requested the return refund. So I have taken my assumption granted.

Also I'm not aware of it would take 15$. As a seller, we shipped the replacement pen without receiving your original pen so far.

I also understand and agree your opinion on return shipping refund that i should have asked you at first. I will transfer it in a day. Only my assumption did not let me to ask you initially. or If you could have raised it at least once, I should have responded.

This is one out of 1000 error. So you can definitely go ahead with other Indian pens purchase.

Apologies again .

 

Regards,

Kandan.M.P

Ranga Pen Company

[Cryptos]

Mr Kandan,

 

Have you not received the returned pen yet? It was posted on 7th December. It should have arrived by now.

 

As far as EoC is concerned the deal is concluded. And we understand one another better now.

 

There is no need to refund shipping. Mistakes happen, and it's the end of the year. Let us look forward to a more fortunate New Year!

 

EoC will look for other Ranga pens that he finds desirable, and have no fear about ordering again.

 

best wishes to you all,

 

Empty of Clouds

[Simius]

Mr Kandan,

 

Have you not received the returned pen yet? It was posted on 7th December. It should have arrived by now.

 

As far as EoC is concerned the deal is concluded. And we understand one another better now.

 

There is no need to refund shipping. Mistakes happen, and it's the end of the year. Let us look forward to a more fortunate New Year!

 

EoC will look for other Ranga pens that he finds desirable, and have no fear about ordering again.

 

best wishes to you all,

 

Empty of Clouds

 

EoC, I'm mystified by your comments.

 

You make quite a point about Kandan's mistake, choose to repeat it subsequently, and suddenly all is forgiven after one post by Kandan? If you felt so strongly about the refund, I don't understand why you didn't raise it directly with Kandan. As you pointed out, your English rectitude stopped you from asking. But somehow, that very same rectitude permitted you to bring it up subsequently in a public forum. More's the pity, because your lack of grace spoils a good review.

 

For the record, I have bought several pens from Kandan, all of them transported across continents. Two were refitted with different nibs for a very nominal charge. He has been utterly reliable, and has been nothing but a gentleman in his dealings.

 

BTW, the Ranga pen in question is excellent - I have three, and use them quite a bit. One of them has now become an eyedropper.