Lamy Safari Petrol 2017 Le Fountain Pen

[visvamitra]

I like puzzles, logical, visual and spatial games. I enjoy working on complex problems. There was a time when I struggled with one logical problem for years. No matter how hard I flexed my brain and eyes I couldn’t begin to fathom reasons which compeled people to pay real money for Lamy Safari and use it in daily light, without paper bag covering it’s ridiculous silhouette.

To my dismay many people whom I respect used it on daily basis and recommended it on polish fountain pen board to other people. Why would one human being to such a thing to other sentient being was beyond understanding.

And yet Lamy sales records shows that Lamy Safari is a true bestseller that provides significant income year to year. Sure, we jokingly say that millions of flies can’t be wrong but c’mon, have some mercy. Let’s take a look at the pen in question. Plastic. Shapeless. Rough. Could it be that people buythis pen out of pity?

Despite my best efforts tunderstanding wasn’t coming. The problem would probably torment me throughout the life just to remain unsolved when I pass my last breath. But then a gentle and kind soul, a friend from polisg fountain pen board borrowed me his black Lamy Al-Star.

When I received the pen I rubbed my hands imaging devastating review I would write and the stir it would cause. Then I started to actually use the pen and after three weeks I bought one for myself. Then the next. And another one.

At the moment I have four Safaris and nine Al-Stars. At least one of these pens is always with me.

Crazy.

I still can’t explain why people like them but I become one of Lamy Safari die-hard fans. Truth be told I prefer Al-Stars as they have more solid feel but it changes nothing. Safary is a great every day fountain pen. It’s durable, reliable, and after some time I started to consider it nice.

Lamy Safari is available in several standard colors and throughout the years we’ve seen number of limited edition special colors. Some are fervently sought after (terracota, Savannah), some not so much. Over the years Lamy tried almost every color of the rainbow. With one exception. Purple. It’s as if they didn’t believe people might be interested in purple / violet pens. That proves their marketing team isn’t the best as throughout the internet there was a lot of people practically begging for purple one.

Finally in 2016 it happened and Dark Lilac success was overhelming. The interest in the pen and ink surprised Lamy and while there was enough pens for almost everybody, they didn’t produce enough ink to satisfy global needs.

After this success people were interested in next LE color. Lamy decided to offer Petrol. Ok, Fine. I would prefer Khaki or Olive Green but Petrol isn’t banal. I haven’t heard about many teal fountain pens. Once it became available I grabbed both the pen and the ink and I’m pretty happy with them.

While I prefer Dark Lilac version I think matte petrol finish looks nice and quite unique. Black furniture goes with this color very well. They make this pen look stylish. Sure it’s not the pen you’ll want to keep in cabinet just to admire it elegant lines and precious material used to finish it as it feautures none og it. It was made for writing. And as a writing tool it’s spectacular and reliable.

Some history

Lamy Safari was designed by Wolfgang Fabian and introduced on the market in 1980. It was available in three colours: Terracotta Orange, Savannah Green and Charcoal Black. Over time, the design of the pen has changed only cosmetically (words Germany appeared at the end of the body). The first three colors were replaced by other and currently are sold for crazy money on eBay.

The pen

Safari is made of durable plastic that’s quite scratch resistant. I appreciate the fact that the company doesn’t try to convince anyone that Safari is made of precious resin. This pen can be safely placed in the backpack with keys and nothing serious will happen. The design is minimalistic and entirely functional. The only issue I have with it are mold lines visible on barrels, less so on shiny ones but on matte versions they’re quite distinguished. I know that some people dislike triangular section but for me it’s perfect.

Nib

The ink used in writing samples is, of course, Lamy Petrol

Nothing new. Nothing surprising. Lamy has created a brilliant system of exchanging nibs. The nibs can be bought in variety of sizes (from EF to stub 1.9 although black versions are only available in EF-B sizes). For a reasonable amount of money we can try all nib sizes and choose which one works best for us. Opinioons on Lamy nibs quality vary. Personally I enjoy them a lot. It seems Petrol is sold only with fine or medium nib but I have also black broad in the drawer so at the moment I use it. I knew perfectly well what to expect and got exactly that. A very nice and wet nib.

Filling system

The filling system is C/C (aka Cartridge Converter). If you don’t write a book per day the ink volume in cartridge or converter should satisfy your needs throughout regular day in the office. You can use the converter (a converter with a piston, that lets you use bottled ink) if you wish, but this decreases your ink capacity further.

Dimensions

Capped – 140mm

Uncapped – 130mm

Weight – 17 g

Summary

I still don’t understand why but I have a fondness for Safaris. It’s a true “writer’s pen” that can be taken anywhere without fear of breaking it. It’s one of best choices for those who love to travel and love to write. Becuase it’s available in a wide range of colours and can be equipped with wide array of nib widths, everyone should find something nice. If you like Petrol version don’t wait too long –once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Petrol color grew on me. I prefer Dark Lilac and wait impatiently for Khaki or Olive Green but this one will be used as well.

[fountainpagan]

Thank you for this thorough review.

 

I really don't like the design of this pen. I understand, however, it is a true traveller, and that I get.

 

Lamy Petrol ink looks interesting.

[Mr.Rene]

Boring... Lamy offers more of the same...

Edited April 16, 2017 by Mr.Rene

[Valkyrii]

LOL I always appreciate one's opinion when presented rationally and more so with a sense of humor; whether I agree with it or not.

 

The Lamy Safari (and AL Star) is a peculiar animal. I seriously don't mind it's design. Sad fact is I too keep buying them. Worse is no matter how much I try I simply cannot write with them for anything more than a short burst. For me the grip section is not only uncomfortable, it is downright painful to use. If I could get a Safari with a round grip section, not even the three grip bumps I might actually have a pen I would use day in and day out.

 

I actually ground a ballpoint this way and its much more user friendly for me. I have even considered the extreme of having a grip section 3d printed if I ever took the time to figure out the dimensions for the feed.

 

I don't see why Lamy hasn't capitalized on the 'love it'/'hate it' relationship in the community.If they came out with a round grip version for the rest of us I would think they would increase sales even more on such a popular pen.

 

I'll order a petrol because I love the color. It will sit in my drawer 99% of the time because I simply cannot write with it any longer than maybe a few quick notes.

[Astronymus]

A "round" grip section wouldn't make sense in the design concept and ruin the appearance. It would be another pen.

If you don't like the grip section then buy another pen more suited for you. Ever tried a nexx? Their section is rounder. And Lamy has many other models.

 

For me the grip section is the most perfect one. It totally suits my grip and I can write for hours if neccessary. And I know more than one person who thinks the same. Maybe you are holding your pens wrong or the Safari isn't just for you.

 

But demanding a design change for your comfort is blasphemy!

[Valkyrii]

A "round" grip section wouldn't make sense in the design concept and ruin the appearance. It would be another pen.

If you don't like the grip section then buy another pen more suited for you. Ever tried a nexx? Their section is rounder. And Lamy has many other models.

 

For me the grip section is the most perfect one. It totally suits my grip and I can write for hours if neccessary. And I know more than one person who thinks the same. Maybe you are holding your pens wrong or the Safari isn't just for you.

 

But demanding a design change for your comfort is blasphemy!

I wasn't demanding, merely suggesting a business look at it's options to capitalize on a side of the market they are missing. I disagree on the design aspect. I would suggest it could be done as an alternate option, merely a what if. Again this was a comment for the sake of conversation. One man's perfection is another man's eyesore.

 

Everyone holds their pen differently. I disagree there is a right or wrong way. Some pens I can and do write with for hours. I have a 100,000 word plus novel nearly entirely written by hand. I don't disagree or fault or insult anyone who holds a pen differently. I also don't fault people who love the safari grip. It is what it is.

 

And I'm perfectly fine with being a blasphemer.

[FOUR X FOUR]

Great review. Mine will be here tomorrow. I ordered the dark lilac when it came out. My only complaint was that the cap didn't clip on the body securely. I hope the petrol isn't the same.

[Carrau]

Thanks for the review-not my color. I bought a Safari as a pen I could carry in my pocket without worrying about scratches or losing the pen. I found it to be comfortable, though, and now use it for my daily handwriting practice as well. It's been a pleasant surprise to me, as I had low expectations about it.

[Astronymus]

And I'm perfectly fine with being a blasphemer.

Eternal darkness and endless pain will await you in the afterlife.

 

I take your smiley as a hint you didn't take my post too serious. Capital.

[mitto]

Nice review. I personally, however, don't like the designs of Lamy pens.

[thudthwacker]

I have a couple of Lamys -- it was my first fountain pen (after the Varsity), and for awhile, I was really happy with the shape of the section. Then I picked up a Sheaffer NoNonsense that my wife had from a calligraphy set she bought in the 90's, my hand shifted into a different grip, and that grip developed into the one I use all the time now and find most comfortable. Sadly, it's entirely incompatible with the shape of the Lamy section, so I have two pens that I love (in an objective sense) but never use.

 

Which is too bad -- I like the Petrol color rather a lot, but I'm absolutely not buying a pen that I know I'm not going to use. Might see if I can lay hands on the matching ink, though.

Edited April 18, 2017 by thudthwacker

[FOUR X FOUR]

I guess I just followed the crowd and ordered one it came in the mail today. I was underwhelmed. Same went for the dark lilac. Both pens felt cheaper than past pens of the same line.

[ParkerDuofold]

Hello All,

 

Yes. The Lamy Safari is a lot like the original VW Beetle... it's beautiful in it's ugliness.

 

And just like the Beetle, it enjoys a cult following of rabid devotee's. (Mind you, I've never owned a Beetle and never will ). Aside from the pens from Rotring, the Safari is probably one of the ugliest pens I've ever seen; I think I bought my first one on a dare or after losing a bet, but once you write with it for a while, the visual ugliness of the pen fades while the beauty of the writing experience brightens.

 

It's almost as though the designer went out of his way to make the Safari a "cult pen." While I wish he would have been more merciful with the aesthetics; the functionality of the pen is "spot-on."

 

I have 17 Safari/Al-Star's and I plan to keep buying them.

 

 

- Anthony

[ethernautrix]

I like the Safari. Always have. But the first one I bought back in the mid-'80s didn't write well, and I didn't know about repairs or nib tinkering. It's long gone.

 

Then, after about a year on fpn, I succumbed to the rave reviews and bought a Safari and a Vista, and they were great pens. They were so good that I found I was writing with them more than with my better (certainly better-looking) pens, so I sold them. I gave away or sold or traded most of pens so that I wouldn't try to keep my favorite pens safe; I'd be forced to use my best pens.

 

That strategy has worked out.

 

But I did buy a white Lamy Joy (EF) a couple of years ago. Great writer. I hardly use it, but I do like Lamy's steel EF and F nibs. Very much.

 

 

Great and fun review, Visvamitra. More Lamy power to you!

[thudthwacker]

Sadly, it's entirely incompatible with the shape of the Lamy section, so I have two pens that I love (in an objective sense) but never use.

 

Weird to quote yourself, 'tis true, but after reading this review and lamenting anew that I wasn't using my Lamys, I decided to pick up the Safari and see if it really was a lost cause. Evidently, my grip has evolved a bit since the last time I tried a Lamy, and now works just fine with it. Which is obviously great, because my Safari and AL-Star can come back into my pen rotation. And, as a bonus, I can start... chasing... a Petrol Safari.

[overwriter]

Again a great review. Same here. Not in love with the way it looks but I have a Vista with a very smooth 1.1 nib that is always in my bag and is used many times every week. Has been for years.

[Mech-for-i]

interesting read, to be frank I used to have my fair share of a collection of Safari(s) but in the end the pen just do not work for me. Especially the triangular section. So I end up giving them all away. That said I can appreciate any brand for giving us a true no frill, no fuss, workhorse everyday pen that we can knock around, and be certain that when the time come it can write when asked to. And the styling , though hardly can one be termed a beau, is nonetheless proving quite able to stand the test of time and the changing tastes and styles.

[Bill P]

Visvamitra:

 

Thank-you for the excellent review (as always)...

 

Your images capture the color of the Pen and the color of the ink...really well.

 

I have had my Safari Petrol and ink for around 10 days...used it everyday...really enjoy both the Pen and the Ink. A safari was one of my first Fountain Pens....a long time ago.

 

The Safari, in my opinion is one of the best values in Fountain Pens....

 

Good choices in nibs, nibs are inexpensive to purchase, and are easily swapped and interchangeable with most other Lamy Fountain Pens...several cartridge color choices, and converters for the ink color of your choice.

 

I have lots of Fountain pens, and I always have one in my rotation....including the first one that I purchased...a long time ago.

 

Bill P.

[Driphtwood]

This is second only to the Vista. Best limited edition color so far, but I'm a sucker for demonstrators. Great pictures.

[Spector]

thats a really nice color imho