Dites Moi S'il Vous Plait... What's The Attraction With Kaweco?

[OMASsimo]

There was some post-war emigration from Germany and a significant number of them emigrated to Australia and South America (and the U.S.) but that period was rather short. After the introduction of the "Deutsche Mark" as currency and the economic boom following it, the emigration numbers dropped considerably. And German emigrants tended to assimilate rather quickly so that the cultural influence might be fairly limited. I also think that the Commonwealth dominated the trade so that German or Italian pens might have been rather unattractive pricewise.

 

Anyway, the Kawecos from the late 1950s on had synthetic gaskets like the Pelikans and I never had a problem with any of them. The old Sports had a weak point in that the cap might crack because it was meant to be posted. There is a metal ring inside to prevent this but it seems that it didn't work always. I had to fix an earlier celluloid one because of that. I think that's pretty much the biggest risk to watch out for.

[txomsy]

For me, there is nothing yet that compares to a Liliput. Love at first sight.

 

I do also love my Brass and AL Sports, but recognize that, for the price, you can get cheaper clones that are much more convenient, like the Delike Alpha and the USD 3$ clones of the Delike Alpha (I've had one of the latest on my pants pocket for months now).

 

I recently became aware of the Guider Mini, which I'd like to try, but it is out of stock now and I suspect it may not be as sturdy as a Lilliput.

 

Generally speaking, the prices are sort of OK for the quality this side of the pond. But I am also in Europe, so I pay local prices. Even Montblanc inks are competitively priced for me (when I factor the cost of a 50ml MB bottle at a boutique vs the price of e.g. a Noodler's ink plus shipping, I need to think twice).

 

In addition, there are many good reports about the quality of their customer service, which is always a great bonus. Again, being relatively close makes it more accessible than if you have to send a pen from the antipodes. But that, to me, is also a great bonus. I haven't had to use it yet, but I take it as proof of their attention to quality.

 

I agree nibs have had issues and seem to have improved lately. Generally, they pay great attention to quality and detail, and quality control is a great bonus for me as well. And they seem very responsive to customer suggestions from what others tell and seeing as to how they are fixing nib problems.

 

As for balance, gauge or weight, I think that depends on proportions, human proportions. For me they have all been great, the thi(n/ckness) of the Lilliput, the balance of the Sport posted, the weight of the Brass Sport... have never been an issue for me and I do actually enjoy them, even more than other, comparable clones.

 

OTOH, if you want pocket pens to give as present, the Delike Alpha or its cheaper clones may be a better idea (I do have a bunch for giving away to MSc students), or any of a large number of acceptable quality and cheaper pens (e.g. Jinhao 450/750 --which I have also given away to colleagues--, Baoer...), and by being closer to Oz, they may be even cheaper for you.

 

Edited for typos.

Edited December 31, 2019 by txomsy

[effandpee]

Its the 30s aesthetic that gives Kaweco their cachet, not anything about the quality of the materials or the performance of the nibs. Its that logo, that octagonal cap, and that clip. Put it all in a tin box and leave it out next to the Moleskines and it will sell like hotcakes. You have to admire them for it - and its hard to be too critical because they do actually draw on some authentic history - even if its the history of a different company.

[tamiya]

Its the 30s aesthetic that gives Kaweco their cachet, not anything about the quality of the materials or the performance of the nibs. Its that logo, that octagonal cap, and that clip. Put it all in a tin box and leave it out next to the Moleskines and it will sell like hotcakes. You have to admire them for it - and its hard to be too critical because they do actually draw on some authentic history - even if its the history of a different company.

Like the pen you remember your old Aunty using then...

 

La plume de Ma tante

 

Edited December 31, 2019 by tamiya