Danitrio Octagon (Tame-midori clipless | Matte raw clip)

[mava]

Danitrio Octagon (Tame-midori clipless | Matte raw clip)

 

First Impression

 

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mava330/DSCN2656.jpg

 

I first came across Kevin’s (winedoc’s) FS posting of this very impressive instrument. Bathed in uniformly smooth, glossy, deeply rich urushi, the initial impression it leaves is undeniable; it screams class yet whispers elegance. This is a review of the Danitrio Octagon in a clipless Tame-midori and clipped, raw matte finish.

 

Appearance – (10/10)

 

The Octagon is the only faceted pen in Danitrio’s product line. Eight (8) facets surround the body and cap. Positioning between the body and cap is uniform because there’s a natural “give” to the threads that ensure consistent alignment. At roughly the same size as the Danitrio Takumi, the Octagon shares it’s dimensions with the Montblanc 149.

 

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mava330/DSCN2659.jpg

 

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mava330/DSCN2657.jpg

 

I had the unique opportunity to purchase the pens in person while attending the 2009 LA Pen Show. I already knew I wanted the Octagon in Tame-midori finish. What I didn’t know was that I would walk out of the LA Pen Show with five (5) Danitrio’s including a very rare raw matte Octagon being jointly reviewed here.

 

Nib – (9/10)

 

Variety is the spice of life and the nib selections are no exception. Adorned with a wonderful 18k two-tone nib, the Tame-midori is outfitted with a Fine Flex while the raw sports a Stub Flex nib.

 

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mava330/DSCN2664.jpg

 

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mava330/DSCN2665.jpg

 

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mava330/DSCN2661.jpg

 

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mava330/DSCN2662.jpg

 

Out of the box, the writing experience is what I expect from Danitrio; juicy, wet writers with smooth writing characteristics. Danitrio nibs are typical western sized – fine is generally a broader fine/narrow medium and I’ve experienced similar properties from the rest of their nib lineup.

 

The feed provides dependable ink delivery with no skipping even with my high angle, unorthodox left-handed, over writing position. (say that fast 3 times!)

 

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mava330/DSCN2668.jpg

 

** Note: As previously suggested, it’s always a good idea to flush your nibs/feeds before inking. This ensures that any remaining oils from the manufacturing process are removed ensuring consistent ink delivery. I make it a point to flush the pens with water and soap before I ink any new pen.

Filing System – (8/10)

 

The Octagon’s are configured with Cartridge/Converter filing mechanisms. It performs the job with aplomb. Little details such as the Danitrio brand on the metal housing of the converter are nice little touches.

 

Cost and Value – (10/10)

 

A painstakingly handmade writing instrument. Check

 

Unique urushi finish. Check

 

The profound experience of holding the organic properties of urushi. Priceless

 

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mava330/DSCN2658.jpg

 

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mava330/DSCN2671.jpg

 

Conclusion – (37/40)

 

One can spend hours mesmerized by the finish properties of the Tame-midori urushi. Alternatively there’s a true rawness to seeing ebonite in its unfinished glory that begs to be taken on any adventure you throw at it.

 

The Octagon is a pen with universal appeal; casual in nature and formal in execution. That’s the secret with Danitrio. They’re adaptive instruments that can morph in any environment.

 

If you haven’t tried these wonders you owe it to yourself to try. I hope you’ll find yourself amazed with the technical, aesthetic, visceral and organic properties of this writing instrument. I know I have. I walked out with 5 remember?

 

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mava330/DSCN2672.jpg

 

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mava330/DSCN2673.jpg

Edited February 21, 2009 by mava

[I am not a number]

A fantastic review mava, thanks. The photos just complete the whole thing for me!

[winedoc]

Thanks for the review and nice photos!

 

Kevin

[QM2]

Thanks for the review and the detailed photos!

 

Since I believe you have both, can you comment on how the Danitrio tame-midori Octagonal model compares to the Nakaya heki-tamenuri Decapod? I am particularly wondering about the differences between their approaches to tamenuri finish, as well as comfort and weight.

 

Oh, and does the Octagon post?..

[Peter from Sherwood Park]

The pictures were fantastic and the review was great! Early on in the review you hit the nail on the head when you wrote "elegant"; that is the perfect descriptor for this pen.

[Doug C]

STOP IT STOP IT stop it stop stopitstopitstopitstopitstopit..........

 

You're killing me.

 

I already have 2. Do I NEED 14 more??????????

[mava]

Thanks everyone for your comments and questions. Specific to the comparison's between the Nakaya Decapod and Danitrio Octagon I present a somewhat philosophical comparison…

 

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mava330/DSCN2676.jpg

 

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mava330/DSCN2675.jpg

 

They approach execution in different manners: The Danitrio is bold, non-apologetic in visual comparison to the Nakaya’s demure, graceful. While one glows and other beams; distinctly unique yet very traditional.

 

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mava330/DSCN2688.jpg

 

They share the DNA of urushi construction. Finishing details are visually striking. The Danitrio is a chameleon, temperamental showing its glimpse of midori when and where it wants. The Nakaya displays its colors with pride as a badge of honor.

 

I don’t look to them to compete but rather compliment.

 

 

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mava330/DSCN2687.jpg

 

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mava330/DSCN2686.jpg

 

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mava330/DSCN2680.jpg

 

I leave you the pictures to decide for yourselves. PS: The Danitrio does post although I don't post my pens...

Edited February 21, 2009 by mava

[Doug C]

Mac, just GREAT photos.

 

 

You really captured the nuances between the Nakaya and the Dani............

[kiavonne]

 

/swoon

 

I am so anxious to get my hands on the Octagon Tame-Midori. I shall exercise as much patience as I can (no choice), but I can hardly wait to get mine.

 

Thanks for the great pictures, Mac!

[QM2]

Cool, thank you for the comparison!

 

It is amazing how the Nakaya begins to look predominantly brown and the Danitrio predominantly green once they are placed next to each other. And I did not realise that they are the same length! Now I see that the key difference is in width, especially the section. Very, very interesting. Also, from what I can see, Danitrio's facets are softer and Nakaya's sharper. Both look very edible in your photos, thanks again : )

 

QM2

 

 

 

Edited February 21, 2009 by QM2

[whiskas]

mava, excellent review, perfect execution. I really enjoyed reading it!

And those pens...

[FrankB]

Another excellent review. I am among the photo impaired and your photos cause me to shudder with envy!

 

I also find your comparison of the Nakaya Decapod and Danitrio Octagon to be very informative. As you said, they are lovely variations on a theme. I can afford neither at this moment, but my November birthday and Christmas allow me time to save up.

 

I envy your Dani collection as much as I do your photo skills.

[mava]

Cool, thank you for the comparison!

 

It is amazing how the Nakaya begins to look predominantly brown and the Danitrio predominantly green once they are placed next to each other. And I did not realise that they are the same length! Now I see that the key difference is in width, especially the section. Very, very interesting. Also, from what I can see, Danitrio's facets are softer and Nakaya's sharper. Both look very edible in your photos, thanks again : )

 

QM2

 

Thanks QM2! The differences aside, the ergonomics of the pens are quite different. The Nakaya's smaller diameter with very pronounced-feeling facets lend to a quicker writing experience. The Danitrio, although faceted, feels and acts very much like a round pen. The transitions from facet to facet is smoother as illustrated. The section and barrel all contribute to a very different, purposeful writing experience.

 

Another reason I vote to have both in your stable! They truly are apples and oranges in function and form. Plus who can resist double the dose of urushi?

Edited February 22, 2009 by mava

[mava]

mava, excellent review, perfect execution. I really enjoyed reading it!

And those pens...

 

Another excellent review. I am among the photo impaired and your photos cause me to shudder with envy!

 

I also find your comparison of the Nakaya Decapod and Danitrio Octagon to be very informative. As you said, they are lovely variations on a theme. I can afford neither at this moment, but my November birthday and Christmas allow me time to save up.

 

I envy your Dani collection as much as I do your photo skills.

 

Thank you all for your responses! Pictures are courtesy of a cheapo point and click using macro. I think the pens had more to do with looking good than the camera. I've taken many pictures (of people) with the same camera and they turn out ugly!

 

PS - I'm a November baby as well!!

Edited February 22, 2009 by mava

[QM2]

Thanks QM2! The differences aside, the ergonomics of the pens are quire different. The Nakaya's smaller diameter with very pronounced-feeling facets lend to a quicker writing experience. The Danitrio, although faceted, feels and acts very much like a round pen. The transitions from facet to facet is smoother as illustrated. The section and barrel all contribute to a very different, purposeful writing experience.

 

Another reason I vote to have both in your stable! They truly are apples and oranges in function and form. Plus who can resist double the dose of urushi?

 

Yes, you are quite right : ) My favourite Danitrio thus far has been the Mae West (I have two Mae West pens and one Takumi), but now the Octagon is beginning to sing its siren song with suggestions of even greater potential comfort and writing pleasure! Well, we shall see...

 

As for Nakaya, I have two and one more on the way - and it is really remarkable that two companies working in the same traditional craft can make such different products!

 

 

 

Edited February 22, 2009 by QM2

[bossy]

Good photos. (and review)

[dandelion]

Lovely pen, lovely photos, excellent review! Thanks!

[oberon]

Thanx for the nice review and the photos . I really like the raw one quite a bit.

Oberon

[oberon]

Could I be so crass as to inquire the price of the raw finish pen?

Oberon

[alvarez57]

Thanks QM2! The differences aside, the ergonomics of the pens are quire different. The Nakaya's smaller diameter with very pronounced-feeling facets lend to a quicker writing experience. The Danitrio, although faceted, feels and acts very much like a round pen. The transitions from facet to facet is smoother as illustrated. The section and barrel all contribute to a very different, purposeful writing experience.

 

Another reason I vote to have both in your stable! They truly are apples and oranges in function and form. Plus who can resist double the dose of urushi?

 

Yes, you are quite right : ) My favourite Danitrio thus far has been the Mae West (I have two Mae West pens and one Takumi), but now the Octagon is beginning to sing its siren song with suggestions of even greater potential comfort and writing pleasure! Well, we shall see...

 

As for Nakaya, I have two and one more on the way - and it is really remarkable that two companies working in the same traditional craft can make such different products!

 

 

 

I'm sorry, but I'm a sucker for urushi technique. The first one I saw was the Aka-tamenuri from Nakaya but the price scared me initially .... I kept coming over and over to the website to see the photos until I said enough and bought it. I'm not sorry I spent that money.

The tame-midori is prettier than I thought thanks to your review..... I want more!

I'm glad you're enjoying them.

Edited June 24, 2009 by alvarez57