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Which Would You Choose?


Ian the Jock

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Ok, It’s coming up to Christmas time again, and again, there is a new pen on the cards. :thumbup:

I’ve narrowed my choices down, but I’m not looking to be convinced as to which to buy, as I’d be perfectly happy with any of these, and the choice will be entirely up to me, (obviously), and If I get more into the fund than expected I’ll be having a Marlen Shuttle anyway. :lol:

 

So, I’m interested to find out, which of these you would choose, and why.

 

Here are the options.

 

Waterman Carene (used) 18k nib

 

Aurora Tu, black and Rose gold, + a few bottles of ink, and maybe a Picasso 909.

 

Montegrappa Armonia, + a few bottles of ink.

 

Martemodena Deep Sea Collection. Any one of these beauties.

 

Delta Icon, black and red, fusion nib .

 

Or

 

Would you just head for ebay China and Get a Hero 2065 (10k nib) and a couple of Picassos, with enough left over for a quite a few bottles of ink too.

 

THE CHOICE IS YOURS.

 

Ian

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Waterman Carene, because I’ve heard great things about how they write and the nib is so distinctive. I don't know much about Martemodena, but that collection is beautiful.

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Hi Ian,

 

I would go for the Armonia or the Tu... weren't you the one who yelled, "Go Italian!"... :D ...besides, you should never buy a used pen; it may have been previously owned by a deranged maniac. :o :rolleyes:

 

 

- Anthony

 

P.S.: I've heard great things about the Carene, but haven't owned one yet. Black and rose gold on the Tu is a beautiful color combination. I really like the classic styling on the Armonia and Montegrappa is a brand I haven't tried yet, so that's the one I'd probably get. Delta,... it's Italian, but I would hesitate because it'll still have Yafa's fingerprints all over it and I've had bad luck with my Monteverde's and Conklins... though many love them... and their Delta's, too. :unsure:

 

So, has this helped you any. :lticaptd:

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Just to follow-up, Ian,... between the Montemodena, Aurora and Montegrappa... I reiterate your own words... "Go Italian!" :D

 

 

- Anthony

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Waterman Carene, because I’ve heard great things about how they write and the nib is so distinctive. I don't know much about Martemodena, but that collection is beautiful.

 

As you know Bob, the Carene has been a "will I, won't I" for quite some time, as I am a big Watties fan, but the shape has always been my "hmmmm" but it's a pen I believe that I will need to own and try and some point, and had good intentions of contacting Force (The Carene King) and begging him to sell me one of his for whatever amount of money I'll have. :lol:

 

Ian

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Hi Ian,

 

I would go for the Armonia or the Tu... weren't you the one who yelled, "Go Italian!"... :D ...besides, you should never buy a used pen; it may have been previously owned by a deranged maniac. :o :rolleyes:

 

 

- Anthony

 

P.S.: I've heard great things about the Carene, but haven't owned one yet. Black and rose gold on the Tu is a beautiful color combination. I really like the classic styling on the Armonia and Montegrappa is a brand I haven't tried yet, so that's the one I'd probably get. Delta,... it's Italian, but I would hesitate because it'll still have Yafa's fingerprints all over it and I've had bad luck with my Monteverde's and Conklins... though many love them... and their Delta's, too. :unsure:

 

So, has this helped you any. :lticaptd:

 

 

Ha ha ha. Yip, I reckon I will be "going Italian"

I've had my eye on the Aurora for many moons, and It has, in the past, missed out to a Delta Dolcevita, and Waterman Perspective.

The Armonia, was a late runner, as I only just discovered it and thought "ooooh! A Grappa that I can afford, niiiiice". And as a fan of Italian pens, that doesn't have a Montegrappa, it was a shoe in for consideration.

I would have no issues buying a used Carene, as my plan was to buy one from a very reputable member, and it would no doubt be pristine.

I have several Deltas that I adore, none of which were purchased via Yafa, and neither would the Icon be.

It's Deltas that have started me off on the "Passione" trail, and I would have no qualms about buying another, although, to be honest, I fancied trying another Italian brand, but The Icon is a fantastic looking pen, and in my colours too, therefore, must be considered. :thumbup:

 

The Martemodenas are droolworthy, and although the company itself has been getting a bit of bad press, I have had dealings with them and found their products and service to be first class.

I read somewhere that Marlen have had a hand in their new own branded pens, so Italian pens, made in China they are not, and did I mention they are droolworthy. :D

 

Helped? Probably not. :lol:

 

Ian

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None of the above. Sit that dance out.

 

:lol: :lol: :lol:

 

Which alternative Rumba/Samba/Foxtrot should I be stepping out with Jar?

 

Ian

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About the Martemodenas pens: they are made in Italy. Martemodena acquired the rights to the Dolcevita line from Delta.

The Nibs are steel with iridium tips plated in gold or rhodium depending on the trim.

Personally I'm not a lover of the Dolcevita line. The Freedom line is gorgeous and writes like a beauty.

 

PS: Im one of MarteModenas distributors in the USA.

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None of these. Would look for a good ol' P51 instead.

 

:lol: :lol: :lol: Shockaroony! Stop the press!

Mitto in I'd choose a Parker 51 shocker. :yikes:

 

Unfortunately Mitto, the P51 never came into my equation in any shape or form, and I doubt it ever will, unless I find a cheap one in a junk shop that I can sell to someone that believes the P51 to be the greatest thing since sliced bread. ;)

 

Ian

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Id go for a good 51 too. Theres nothing quite like one.

If I had to choose from these, Id go with the Carene. Very good nibs and decent heft to it. It sits in my hand well.

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About the Martemodenas pens: they are made in Italy. Martemodena acquired the rights to the Dolcevita line from Delta.

The Nibs are steel with iridium tips plated in gold or rhodium depending on the trim.

Personally I'm not a lover of the Dolcevita line. The Freedom line is gorgeous and writes like a beauty.

 

PS: Im one of MarteModenas distributors in the USA.

 

Nowhere near as gorgeous as the Deep Sea collection though, but still nice :)

 

Ian

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Waterman Carene, a solid mixture of form and function. I am a sucker for inlaid nibs as well!

FP Ink Orphanage-Is an ink not working with your pens, not the color you're looking for, is never to see the light of day again?!! If this is you, and the ink is in fine condition otherwise, don't dump it down the sink, or throw it into the trash, send it to me (payment can be negotiated), and I will provide it a nice safe home with love, and a decent meal of paper! Please PM me!<span style='color: #000080'>For Sale:</span> TBA

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Hmm, I'm going with jar regarding the list you presented. My least unwanted would be the Carene, I sure could live with that. On the other side of the big pond, the P51 seems to be a big deal. Not my cup of tea either. But mitto has a good point that the real treasures could be found among the vintage pens, that's at least my preference. And you often get more bang for the buck.:)

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I personally don't plan to buy anything pen and ink related for myself the rest of the year. And unfortunately, nobody on my gift list would want a pen.

 

But about the Delta, if the rumor posted in this forum is true that they're going out of business, would that make a difference? And I've heard both good and bad things about those fusion nibs. No personal experience with them, but maybe browse the Italian pens forum for what others have had to say.

"So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable creature, since it enables one to find or make a reason for everything one has a mind to do."

 

- Benjamin Franklin

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I have noticed that the prices for Deltas has risen quite considerably since they went out of business.

There are bargains to be had though, as vendors sell off their stocks.

 

Ian

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Yes, but many of those bargains are the lower tier Delta pens with the fusion nibs which I'd consider a bad joke of the marketing department. If you can find a good deal on one of the top tier Deltas, I probably would jump for it. They did make some awesome pens.

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I have four pens I treasure above all my others. Two are Parker Centennials 18k nibs - 1 in Oblique Broad and the other in a factory tuned extra fine. The nibs on these pens are extra large and extremely beautiful two tone. Did I mention they also write very well too?

 

But the most beautiful nibs - drop dead beautiful mass of 18k Gold are my Carenes'. One is the blue with Sterling Silver cap, the other is the limited Amethyst Bronze with a Vermeil (Gold over Silver cap). Both are in medium and write like nothing else I own. Smooth as butter. Easy to make expressive writing as the nibs have such great flow.

 

The nibs - oh - the NIBS.

 

The Carene has a substantial weight - echoing it's luxury feel without making it even slightly clumsy. I am a "Poster" on as many of my pens whose designs allow me too. The Carenes will post their caps smoothly and safely. But the Carene has a accented gold tip to the bottom. It makes me decide if I want that great feeling of a posted cap, or the view of that great gold plated tip at the barrel end whilst writing.

 

Remarkably either works for me - the posted choice moving my balance up the barrel side results in my writing style opening up wider and more expressive.

 

I think in some owners minds they are even more beautiful than the treasured Edsons' that were Waterman's flagship product. The Carene's line is less complicated, clearer, smoother, easy to hand. With a little time the Carene owner should begin to feel the Carene become "made for their hand" with perfect dimensions and heft. They are truly a pen of their own! Nothing else resembles it.

 

Good luck on your choice.

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