Request For Writing Sample Comparison (Caran D'ache Leman: F Vs. M Vs. B)

[seimodern]

If there are any kind souls out there with multiple Lémans inked up in a fine and broad (and if possible, medium as well), would you mind sharing a comparative writing sample of them?

 

I recently purchased a Caran d'Ache Léman with a fine nib, and absolutely love it. I am now thinking of buying a second Léman, this time with either another fine, or a broad nib (or possibly a medium).

 

On their company website, Caran d'Ache does provide short writing samples for the three, but the images make it very difficult to gauge the actual sense of the line produced by those nibs. I have also seen some scattered writing samples (usually with medium), but they are fairly dispersed and don't usually include comparisons between nib sizes.

 

* * *

If would also be curious to know what people's experiences of the matte finish have been. I already own a white bi-colour Léman, and am this time considering a matte color.)

 

Does the matte finish have a different feel compared with the glossier lacquers?

 

I worry that the matte finish might damage more easily, but I have no idea whether that's a valid concern or not. From what I have read, the matte finish is created with lacquer, but with an added transparent coat at the end to give it the matte effect.

 

Thanks for any insights or writing samples you might be able to share!

 

Edited July 1, 2020 by seimodern

[DanceOfLight]

Hiya,

 

I have a BB and XF in CdA Leman, so not sure if writing samples from these widths would help you. let me know if you want them anyway and I'll be happpy to ink and post the samples for you.

 

Matte vs Gloss - Yes the matte finish offers a slightly more tactile experience. As far as I can tell the matte finish seems to be pretty stable and as good as the gloss one

[seimodern]

Thank you DanceofLight!

If you have time, I would love to see both the xf and bb. I gravitate towards both super fine and super broad, so maybe I should head in those directions.

 

And thanks too for sharing your sense of the matte finish!

Much appreciated!

[seimodern]

And in case this is of use to others, I am also posting writing samples of the Caran d'Ache pens that I already own:

 

1. Léman (white/bi-colour)--fine nib

 

Has quickly become my favorite fine nib. Not the finest line of all my fines (especially compared with Japanese fines) but it offers a superb writing experience. Wet yet shapely, incredibly smooth and yet with a very distinctive feedback. Feels a little different than all of my other fines (including Duponts, Pelikans, GvFCs, etc).

 

2) Varius (Metrub)--with oblique medium nib

 

A wonderful medium. This factory oblique (as we are often warned about modern factory obliques) doesn't provide much line variation, but for my writing angle it is very nice.

I really love the Varius, and wouldn't get rid of it, but if I had to choose between the Varius & the Leman, I would choose the Léman, at least in terms of weight, writing experience, and overall feel. Aesthetically, I quite like the Varius, though, and it too is a superb writer.

But even though the Varius pens generally cost more than the Lémans, my own perception is that the Lemans offer a better writing experience (at least for my hand).

 

3) a bi-colour Geneve with a medium nib

 

I have read other posts that indicate a preference for the Geneve over the subsequent Leman that replaced it, especially for those who prefer a non-metal section. For me, though, the Léman offers the better writing experience and feel. Although they are similar in size and shape, the Leman is weightier. I prefer to write with the Geneve posted, and very comfortably, but prefer to write unposted with the Léman.

 

According to my measurements, the Geneve weighs: 37. 2g (cap + barrel); 21.9g (barrel) + 15.5g (cap). By contrast, the Léman weighs: 54.3 g (c+ ; 33g ( ; and 21.6g ©. The Léman also features a slightly wider section 9.5-11.5mm (Léman) vs 8.7-10.5mm (Geneve). Their lengths are however roughly similar. They are both 140mm capped + 124 mm uncapped. The Leman is 162 posted, though, in contrast to the Geneve (157mm posted).

 

4) Hexagonal gold plated FP with a Broad nib

 

Decent enough, and with a nice semi-stubby broad, but this is my least favorite of my Caran d'Ache pens. Curiously, it feels considerably lighter than the Varius even though they are fairly similar in weight, with the Hexagonal weighing 29g (cap + barrel), and the Varius Metrub 33.8.

 

This obviously only reflects my own personal tastes, but to my eye the Léman definitely offers a much better writing experience than any of the others. And is quickly becoming my favorite pen to write with, despite some stiff competition from my Dupont Olympios and Atéliers.

[DanceOfLight]

Here you go - Leman BB vs EF

 

paper - Oxford Optic 90 g/m2

ink - Caran d' Ache Ultra violet

 

the bottom vertical lines in both samples with increasing length denote increasing pressure

 

all the best

[seimodern]

Thanks so much, DanceOfLight.... you helped me decide on another F (sadly, Ef wasn't offered as an option). That's mostly so I will be able to use it for work-related writing, but that BB is calling my name....

 

Also, I love your script! Especially your V, A, and Fs. Goals!

[A Smug Dill]

you helped me decide on another F (sadly, Ef wasn't offered as an option).

 

Perhaps you might want to try a Varius instead of a second Léman?

https://www.carandache.com/us/en/writing-c-5.htm?att_detailID=8&tri=prixD

[DanceOfLight]

Thanks so much, DanceOfLight.... you helped me decide on another F (sadly, Ef wasn't offered as an option). That's mostly so I will be able to use it for work-related writing, but that BB is calling my name....

 

Also, I love your script! Especially your V, A, and Fs. Goals!

You are welcome. Apologies for the scribble, glad that you like it

 

 

Perhaps you might want to try a Varius instead of a second Léman?

https://www.carandache.com/us/en/writing-c-5.htm?att_detailID=8&tri=prixD

True, if you like the Varius (I see that you already have a few) you could try the XF on that. I have a few XF and the BBs on the Varius and they are really good. Varius Carbon - XF inked with GvFC Carbon black =

[DanceOfLight]

BTW Seimodern, the information that you posted about the Leman and Varius might be very helpful to others in this forum who might be looking for such info. Thank you.

[seimodern]

Oh no....my dear enablers...I'm now hemming and hawing over a second Varius even as a second Léman F is set to arrive on Monday. (!)

 

I came across a very good deal on a Rubracer....it won't come with the desired XF, alas, but the guilloche finish has a visual-tactile quality that makes me want to touch it--and the only way to do that is to....(gulp).

 

Thank you for all input & suggestions DanceOfLight and A Smug Dill---very helpful!

Update: due to weak will power, a Rubracer is now on the way.

While I love the images of the pen I have seen, their decision to sell this pen for its "unmistakably masculine" aesthetic is, well, weird, right? Like an un-ironic Swiss version of those those camp "Manwich ads" from the 1970s. (Haven't we sort of moved on from that kind of thing?)

The implied logic seems to be: decorative screws >>> rubber (guilloche!) >>> toolboxes and tires >>> essence de mec

LOL, please tell me there's some man's Man out there who, in his relentless search for truly dude-esque haute écriture, visited a Caran d'Ache store and asked to be shown their most ahem unmistakably masculine pen.....you know, not like the last time they'd gone pen shopping, when they'd been duped into buying that "mistakenly masculine" pen instead.

Sorry, I should just drop it...not exactly sure why I find this so funny!

Edited July 10, 2020 by seimodern

[DanceOfLight]

 

Oh no....my dear enablers...I'm now hemming and hawing over a second Varius even as a second Léman F is set to arrive on Monday. (!)

 

I came across a very good deal on a Rubracer....it won't come with the desired XF, alas, but the guilloche finish has a visual-tactile quality that makes me want to touch it--and the only way to do that is to....(gulp).

 

Thank you for all input & suggestions DanceOfLight and A Smug Dill---very helpful!

Update: due to weak will power, a Rubracer is now on the way.

While I love the images of the pen I have seen, their decision to sell this pen for its "unmistakably masculine" aesthetic is, well, weird, right? Like an un-ironic Swiss version of those those camp "Manwich ads" from the 1970s. (Haven't we sort of moved on from that kind of thing?)

The implied logic seems to be: decorative screws >>> rubber (guilloche!) >>> toolboxes and tires >>> essence de mec

LOL, please tell me there's some man's Man out there who, in his relentless search for truly dude-esque haute écriture, visited a Caran d'Ache store and asked to be shown their most ahem unmistakably masculine pen.....you know, not like the last time they'd gone pen shopping, when they'd been duped into buying that "mistakenly masculine" pen instead.

Sorry, I should just drop it...not exactly sure why I find this so funny!

 

LOL, indeed funny and you are right on the money here. These Jingoistic, parochial and often stoking-the-proverbial-male-Ego behaviour never seems to ebb nor deprecate despite many a version of emancipation/s in the last century or so. Your commentary on that is a real treat to read, thank you - you just made my day.

 

On another note - AFAIK the RubRacer is made of 'real' rubber side-panels that *may* be tough to maintain or prone to ware - The disclaimer being that I have never owned one for that very reason; same reasoning goes to the one draped in leather. This apprehension of mine might be completely unfounded; I really hope I'm proved wrong and the pens do last for a lifetime and more.

 

You did allude to the tactile experience, hence this verbiage - I do have the ceramic and the Ivanhoe-black of the Varius that imparts the tactile feel I often crave. I reach for the China black both in gold and Rhodium finish, if I'm hankering for something smooth glossy, exotic Urushi experience. The met wood, snake and Ebony come into play when the mood is a bit "woody". The carbon is of course du jour. Please do post your views on the RubRacer once you have it in your hands, that would be much appreciated, maybe some day based on your view and experience, the RubRacer could call my desk its home.

 

-DOL

 

Edited to correct a typo

Edited July 11, 2020 by DanceOfLight

[gerigo]

I have quite a few Caran D'ache's as I find them to be very well made pens with very well tuned nibs. I actually find their nibs on the fine side of European pen manufacturers. While I don't have a broad, I have a couple double broads which are quite stubby. If you like a wider European finds, I would actually recommend their medium.

 

BTW the Rubracer is a very well made pen. Perhaps my favorite CD'A. Yes there is a rubber sleeve over the body. But you'd wouldn't even give it a second thought because it fits so tightly and so well. I don't know what material they chose because I have left the pen unused in case for several years and it's still quite fine with none of the stickiness that comes from runner not used for a while.

[seimodern]

The Rubracer arrived today--gorgeous! I find it every bit as delightful as Gerigo had indicated. (Some pics below).

 

Short version:

 

While I still love the Metrub, the Rubracer is (for me) much more interesting to the eye and nicer in the hand (in terms of size and weight, but also tactile appeal).

 

Longer version:

I had read on the CdA website that the Rubracer features a larger nib (the same, I think, as the one on my Lémans), but I hadn't realized that some of the Varius pens are actually different sizes. Compared with the Metrub, the Rubracer is a bit longer and a bit heavier. It's quite stunning.

 

In terms of care, I made the mistake of patting it dry with a paper towel and some of the paper towel fluffs got caught in the rubber guilloche and have taken a bit of brushing to remove. Not really a problem, but perhaps it changes the way one should care for the pen.

 

(If anyone has any suggestions, please share! I would also be curious to know whether the Ivanhoe requires any particular kind of cleaning regimen.)

 

And DanceOfLight...you have me now thinking about all of the other Varius that I will need to woo...! Right now the top candidate for next is probably the Ceramic, which looks especially unique and beautiful. (Though that black Ivanhoe is also a stunner.)

 

Speaking of the Ivanhoe, I have seen pics of a gold mesh version too. I can't decide whether I find it intriguing or off-putting. It looks kind of retro in some of the pics--almost like the gold-orange fabric covering that I've seen on some mid-century speakers or chairs. If anyone has the gold, I would be curious to hear your impressions of what it looks like in person.

 

Thanks again to everyone for sharing your experiences and suggestions--much appreciated!

 

 

ps: looking at the Rubracer in person makes CdA's gendering of the pen's "distinctively masculine" aesthetic all the more curious and amusing to me. Let's just say that is not the first thing that comes to mind when I look at this pen, lol.

 

But who knows, maybe the pen will exerts its influence in other unexpected ways--like maybe one will find oneself engaging in some unwitting mansplaining, or maybe look down only to discover, with a shock, that one's legs have been spreading outward so as to take up twice the usual space.

 

And looking at my pics, I just realized I use the word "bit" a bit too much...

Edited July 18, 2020 by seimodern

[seimodern]

One more question for you: is it only the Rubracer Varius that features the larger nib? (If I remember correctly, the CdA website only mentioned the larger nib on the Rubracer Varius.) And are the other newer versions all the same length as the Rubracer, or do they vary from model to model?

 

(This is neither here nor there, but I find it curious how few pen producers and sellers provide sufficient details about the pens they are selling--e.g., weight, length, exact materials, etc. Sometimes they'll even list the weight of the box + pen, but not the weight of the pen itself! CdA provides more info than some, but what's specified can differ from one pen model to the next).

[DanceOfLight]

Seimodern - Congratulations on the new acquisition, it does look stunning – your excellent report is bad news for my wallet. Thank you again for the detailed report, much appreciated. The dimention and weight information does indeed help people who dont have a store nearby that stocks them.


The latest version (your Rubracer) are the ones with the dark-Hexagonal motif on the cap-crown sport the "larger" nibs. Among the latest versions, one just needs to hold the black Urushi coated (china lacquer) Varius in hand to appreciate its beauty. My my, sometimes I have to consciously recall what I had planned to do with the pen while I peel my eyes away from the almost still-liquid looking Urushi. This happens with both the gold as well as platinum/palladium (?) coated versions. I challenge you to give it a try at a store and see if you can walk away without it. The urushi-Gold version is IMHO a bit more subtle than the Ivanhoe-Gold.


Among the older versions, IMHO the most enchanting ones are the wood series - the one made of snake-wood is just jaw-drop-ingly gorgeous. The met-wood version is equally beautiful but offers an ever so slightly more tactile experience. The Ivanhoe in my collection is the black (oxidised?) version and hands-down the MOST tactile version of them all, so tactile that it can double as nail filer. The mesh is very fine and I often wonder how they draped the pen with that. I have handled the steel and gold ones as well, but the gold one is …err… not my style. The Ceramic version OTOH offers a different kind of tactility, in the sense, the experience is coarser, not in a negative way, it has facets that my hand can wrap around and actually feel the shape - it is that good.


Oh, the Ivanhoe needs care IMHO, any debris that manages get in the mesh might be difficult to remove; thankfully, none has yet sneaked in my copy; if it does, I will have to try using the ultrasonic cleaner.


Enjoy your new pen in good health