The Ultimate Twsbi Review - Part 5!

[777]

This review, along with all my other ones, can be found on my blog! Please, do me a huge favor and check it out. I'm certain you'll enjoy your visit.

We're starting to wrap things up here. Part 5 is pretty much the last important part of the review. Not that part 6 will be unimportant. It just won't be as much so. I don't have as many pictures for this part of the review. What I do have (and why it took me so long to do part 5) are two full video tutorials for you!

***********************************************************************

As I will continue to do - Here's a re-cap of the 4 previous parts of the review:

Recap of Part 1:

• How did the TWSBI come about?
• What is the TWSBI is all about?
• What exactly is the TWSBI Diamond 530?

Recap of Part 2:

 

 

• Packaging
• Presentation

Recap of Part 3:

 

• Appearance and design

Recap of Part 4:

 

• The nib
• How does it write?
• Writing samples

I highly recommend you go back and read these if you haven't. The rest of the review will make a lot more sense if you do. Also, be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next part!

 

Today's part of the review is:

 

Part 5:

 

• Filling mechanism
• Mechanics/functionality

I'll waste no time in moving right in.

 

The TWSBI, in my opinion, is once again the best functioning pen ever made for under $100.00. It utilizes a piston filling mechanism almost identical to those found in the Pelikan M800 and M1000. Since getting my TWSBI I have become a piston filler addict! I love how they work, especially in a demonstrator. For me, a piston filler is basically ideal, but I thought I'd give a pros/cons type of thing on it anyway. I'm going to compare it to the most common type of filler in this price range ($100.00 and below): a cartridge/converter (AKA c/c filler).

 

Pros of a piston filler:

• Holds a huge amount of ink. Especially if you're used to c/c fillers.
• In the case of the TWSBI - It is fully serviceable by the user! No need to send your TWSBI off for routine maintenance.
• Again in the case of the TWSBI (a demonstrator pen) - The piston filler is a lot more fun/cool then a c/c filler.
• Can be cleaned extremely easily and quickly. This is a huge bonus for me.

Pros of a c/c filler:

• Easy and cheap to replace.
• You can change inks more often in them as they run out quickly. This is not a plus for me but it is for some...

Cons of a piston filler:

• If you like to change ink often, you may not like the large capacity.
• If the mechanism were to break, it would be more expensive to buy a replacement piston than a c/c filler. Then again, it's a lot less likely to break than a c/c filler.

Cons of a c/c filler:

• They will eventually fail and need to be replaced. Usually much sooner than a piston.
• They do not provide as much fun/enjoyment as a piston filling system does. To me, c/c fillers are a bit boring...
• They hold (especially some like the pilot VP varieties) very little ink. This means that you'll be filling more often and getting inky more often. For most users this is a downfall. Don't get me wrong, there are some big converters, but most that you'll get in a $150.00 and below pen are the small kind.

That's all I can really think of. For me, the good of a piston filler far outweighs the bad. I personally have a distaste for c/c fillers. I've never liked them and never will. This is why the TWSBI was such a welcome pen in my "flock". A pen for under $100.00 that's not a c/c filler!?!? TWSBI got it right on this one! Some pictures of the piston mechanism just for fun:

 

Piston fillers are just really cool looking. Especially in a demonstrator.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wFrXBAuHip4/TflzbrwcYlI/AAAAAAAABQ8/oag6ILFwdjU/s400/DSC09619.jpg

You can see the piston head, the piston rod, and all the other cool parts up at the top. To me, having a lever filling a c/c filling demonstrator is sort of a waste. I tihnk demonstrator should be reserved for interesting filling systems such as: pistons, vacumatics, lever-fillers, and button fillers. I think those pens have enough of an interesting mechanism to deserve a demo body. Also, all of those fillers, if you'll notice, have the filling system incorporated into the body of the pen.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lFsO3mRE0eo/Tflz9aQQsAI/AAAAAAAABRI/QJ9q-3jE3-8/s400/DSC09621.jpg

 

Here's the piston nob with the piston rod coming out into the knob chamber.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QsMp3jHZaRE/TflyZTLoepI/AAAAAAAABQk/KxdwIvsEqtg/s400/DSC09614.jpg

 

 

Overall, piston fillers are cool, fun, interesting, and work extremely well too!

Now, another huge feature of a piston filler, specifically on the TWSBI, is the ability for the average user to service it without assistance. The TWSBI comes with all the necessary tools to take apart, and perform routine maintenance on the piston. This feature completely won me over to this pen.

 

One small problem however, is that there is some slight confusion on how to take apart he piston. There is in fact, a right and wrong way to re-assemble the piston. I decided to make an entire video for this part of the review (Actually two videos. See the part on filling.). I hope it will solve any problems you might encounter while re-assembling your piston!

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezdZ1TQNzjA&feature=player_embedded

I think that's about it for the filling system. I'll give it again a solid 100/100 for its price range. For what a filler could be, I'll still say 80/100. This version of the piston (the 530 version) is not perfect. Apparently if you're rough on it, you'll experience leaking. I've never heard of a case of this but speedy says it's true so I'll trust that. Also, I prefer a brass piston mechanism (like the Pelikan M800). It adds some nice weight to the pen and has a longer lifespan. Still, I don't think you'll ever have any problems with the TWSBI piston. Plus, I'm certain that if it ever failed, TWSBI would replace it free of charge. Overall, I love this pen's filling system. Even more so than ever, I really dislike c/c fillers. I've rid my collection of all of them... Did I forget to tell you that I love piston fillers.

 

Now on to:

 

mechanics/function

This will cover all of the little details of the pen. Things like: how the cap screws on, what's the clip like, how tight is the piston, how do the nibs unscrew, etc. I'm going to inevitable miss some stuff so bear with me. I will do my best though!

 

First thing I want to do is show how to fill the pen. This is the second video I made for this review. This is why it took me so long to make part 5. Two videos!

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUsIYtqw9CE&feature=player_embedded

 

Now I'll talk on some specific details, and in no particular order...

 

The clip: I think the clip on this pen is great. It's a bit tight but certainly not to much so. It a steel folded construction though it will be solid brass in future versions of the pen. I do wish it had a little less play side-to-side. It's not much at all but I wish there was none. Also, I'm a fan of spring loaded clips like vintage Sheaffers or some modern Watermans. Overall though, an excellent clip.

 

 

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pWQO3UwXugM/Tflx0NktT3I/AAAAAAAABQc/8b3XjZgzJps/s400/DSC09612.jpg

The cap: A pretty decent cap if I do say so myself. It takes exactly 2 full revolutions to remove or replace the cap. This a bit much but it's most certainly not unbearable. Near the end of the last turn it really tightens down with a rubber-gasket type of feel. I hope that makes sense... Some really dislike this as they use the clip to open/close the cap. They fear it will pop the clip right off. I do not fear this for two reasons: 1 - the clip is stronger than that. 2 - I don't sue the clip as leverage to close/open the cap. I like the firm closing as it really seals it against ink spills. If ink ever did leak out, it wouldn't leave the cap, that's for certain. Again overall, a very nice cap.

 

 

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lWGZ00WtocE/TflxjruhMUI/AAAAAAAABQU/IZDWroQ28uc/s400/DSC09611.jpg

Piston function: The piston functions very well. I can't say completely flawless but near perfect. No problems even worth reporting. I have found it get's tight, not stiff, but tight after a while. It's not the piston gasket that causes this but the piston knob. Some silicone grease would do the job. An easy fix thanks to the included TWSBI wrench and silicone grease bottle.

 

 

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VED_F9_LCY0/Tfl0hF0wC0I/AAAAAAAABRQ/JcPQMW_76Tg/s400/DSC09623.jpg

 

The changeable nib units: An excellent touch for this pen. I love em'. I have a M nib that I ground to a stub and a B nib that I ground to a CI. Both lovely and I can now change them anytime with great ease. It's very nice to be able to swap nibs so easily on this pen. I've already talked about the nib in Part 4, so go back there for more detail on that.

 

 

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8LAdrJQgyxg/Tfl0PIa_-sI/AAAAAAAABRM/ugTKqEKYQlA/s400/DSC09622.jpg

The gripping section: Again, not to much to note here. Comfortable to me. Thinner than my Pelikan M800 but not too thin. Some people think it's big. I call it medium sized. It slightly flares out near the nib to prevent your fingers from slipping on to the nib. I like this feature. Pens that don't have this always leave me with inky fingers...

 

 

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fxya1pQjH1o/ThDfMRaz52I/AAAAAAAABjk/7c6n_IAy5PU/s400/Nib+front.jpg

I can't think of any more little details for now. If I do, I'll add them on later. Let me know if I missed something vital. As far as ranking goes: probably 90/100 for a pen of its price range. There are some other pens withing this price range with a few better features. They also have many worse features. For what a pen could be: probably 70/100. It has faults, but I've never had a problem with any of them. Overall I love the function/mechanics of this pen and wouldn't change much even if I had the opportunity to.

 

That really sums up this part of the ultimate TWSBI review. I hope that once again you've enjoyed this thoroughly. It's been challenging but we're almost done now. Just one more part to do after this one! Please leave me a comment and tell me what you're thinking. I really want to hear! Did I miss something? Did you love it? Hate it? Do tell, I'd be more than happy to answer questions too. You can always send me an email anytime.

 

Keep your eyes open for part 6 of the review! Subscribe today so you don't miss out!

 

Part 6:

• Overview/re-cap of previous parts
• A conclusion/thoughts on the TWSBI Diamond 530

Keep watch for that last part. It's not going to be as picture heavy as previous parts but it will be just as important. Again, subscribing will keep you informed on when the next part comes out and all of the other cool new things coming up soon.

 

Regards,

777 - Tyler Dahl

[fabrimedeiros]

Thank you for this excellent review! It's the most important TWSBI 530 review I've ever read. TWSBI 530 is a pen that exceeds limits. If we lived in time in which FP are more common than BP, like the 40's and 50's, and the 530 had been released by Parker or Sheaffer, the success of this pen would be overwhelming. Unfortunately, none of these brands had a piston filler.

Edited July 15, 2011 by fabrimedeiros

[wacbzz]

The two videos in this part of the review are excellent tutorials for those of us with less than say, an engineering degree. After I took my pen apart, I was having trouble putting it back together with the piston screw and the exact placing/spacing of the piston. After frustration set in, I realized that I had seen a video somewhere...right here.

 

This review, and for me, this Part 5 in particular, are above and beyond the all-to-generic reviews that I have become accustomed to here on FPN.

 

After Part 6, I wonder what pen will be next?

[Judybug]

I've read all your TWSBI reviews. They are execellent - very thorough. Thanks for taking the time to do this.

 

Will this company be making more 530s (I don't think any are available right now) or are they discontinuing the 530 and coming out with a new TWSBI model?

 

Judybug

Edited July 16, 2011 by Judybug

[WendyNC]

Judybug, it's my understanding that the 530 has been retired in favor of the soon-to-be-released 540, which is similar but with a larger ink capacity.

 

This is a fabulous review, especially the video on the reassembly of the piston. Speedy did a video, but it goes far too fast for the likes of me. Seeing someone else do the fiddling was really helpful for me.

[Judybug]

Judybug, it's my understanding that the 530 has been retired in favor of the soon-to-be-released 540, which is similar but with a larger ink capacity.

 

This is a fabulous review, especially the video on the reassembly of the piston. Speedy did a video, but it goes far too fast for the likes of me. Seeing someone else do the fiddling was really helpful for me.

 

Thanks, WendyNC. I don't have a TWSBI. From what I've been reading the nib is not flexible, but "springy." Maybe those of you who have one can tell me - is it springy enough to give some line variation?

 

Judybug

[WendyNC]

I don't think I'd push it that far as it is a basic steel nib and I'd be concerned about springing it. Then again, I don't do flex, so I may be over-cautious.

 

The first TWSBI broad that 777 ground to a stub was for me! He did a great job.

[777]

Thank you for this excellent review! It's the most important TWSBI 530 review I've ever read. TWSBI 530 is a pen that exceeds limits. If we lived in time in which FP are more common than BP, like the 40's and 50's, and the 530 had been released by Parker or Sheaffer, the success of this pen would be overwhelming. Unfortunately, none of these brands had a piston filler.

 

You're most welcome for the review! It's my pleasure.

 

The two videos in this part of the review are excellent tutorials for those of us with less than say, an engineering degree. After I took my pen apart, I was having trouble putting it back together with the piston screw and the exact placing/spacing of the piston. After frustration set in, I realized that I had seen a video somewhere...right here.

 

This review, and for me, this Part 5 in particular, are above and beyond the all-to-generic reviews that I have become accustomed to here on FPN.

 

After Part 6, I wonder what pen will be next?

 

 

I'm so glad the video was a help to you! That's what I was hoping for when I made it.

 

Up next for review is probably going to be the TWSBI Vs the Pelikan M800. Or maybe a Parker 51 or vacumatic review... I dunno.

 

I've read all your TWSBI reviews. They are execellent - very thorough. Thanks for taking the time to do this.

 

Will this company be making more 530s (I don't think any are available right now) or are they discontinuing the 530 and coming out with a new TWSBI model?

 

Judybug

 

 

Glad you enjoyed the reviews. It's been really fun doing this big of a review. I think I've made history.

 

The 540 will be ever-so slightly different than the 530. Still the same pen, but a few different features. New clip, and bigger ink capacity I do believe.

 

Judybug, it's my understanding that the 530 has been retired in favor of the soon-to-be-released 540, which is similar but with a larger ink capacity.

 

This is a fabulous review, especially the video on the reassembly of the piston. Speedy did a video, but it goes far too fast for the likes of me. Seeing someone else do the fiddling was really helpful for me.

 

 

Once again, looks like the video is working! That's the reason I made it. Speedy's video (while better than nothing) lacked some decent sound (commentary). I think mine explains it a tad better.

 

Judybug, it's my understanding that the 530 has been retired in favor of the soon-to-be-released 540, which is similar but with a larger ink capacity.

 

This is a fabulous review, especially the video on the reassembly of the piston. Speedy did a video, but it goes far too fast for the likes of me. Seeing someone else do the fiddling was really helpful for me.

 

Thanks, WendyNC. I don't have a TWSBI. From what I've been reading the nib is not flexible, but "springy." Maybe those of you who have one can tell me - is it springy enough to give some line variation?

 

Judybug

 

 

My broad nib has a lovely spring to it! Enough for some very slight line variation. It is very slight though... I ground a CI on mine and now it's got a lot of line variation!

 

I don't think I'd push it that far as it is a basic steel nib and I'd be concerned about springing it. Then again, I don't do flex, so I may be over-cautious.

 

The first TWSBI broad that 777 ground to a stub was for me! He did a great job.

 

 

Glad you liked the B stub re-grind. I had fun grinding it!

 

Regards,

777 - Tyler Dahl

 

 

[USMCMom]

Excellent video on reassembling the TWSBI, which always ... always ... gave me trouble and took more time having to do it over and over. Love my TWSBIs tho. Thank you, this is going to be a valuable video for new TWSBI owners.

Edited July 16, 2011 by USMCMom

[777]

Excellent video on reassembling the TWSBI, which always ... always ... gave me trouble and took more time having to do it over and over. Love my TWSBIs tho. Thank you, this is going to be a valuable video for new TWSBI owners.

 

You're most welcome! I'm glad the video was helpful.

 

Regards,

777 - Tyler Dahl

[raging.dragon]

What is the red ink pictured in your pen?

[777]

What is the red ink pictured in your pen?

 

Noodlers Cayenne. It's actually a redish-orange...

 

Regards,

777

[raging.dragon]

What is the red ink pictured in your pen?

 

Noodlers Cayenne. It's actually a redish-orange...

 

Regards,

777

 

I have Noodler's Polar Black in my TWSBI, but that looks kind of dull , so I'll have to try one of my brigher inks...

[wacbzz]

I have Noodler's Polar Black in my TWSBI, but that looks kind of dull , so I'll have to try one of my brigher inks...

 

I have used both Noodler's Habanero and Iroshizuku Kon-Peki in mine. Colored inks look very "not dull" in this pen!

[KrazyIvan]

I was iffy on the piston tear down portion but your video really makes it plain and simple to understand. Thank you! I did not realize you could swap nibs with the pen inked also. That is going to come in handy. I want to swap out the EF nib I have installed now for the F, to try it out.

[Gobblecup]

Tyler,

 

If I'm not mistaken, another feature of the 540 will be the 'home-cooked' feeds and bock nibs Speedy has been working one. Although, I'm not really sure if these will be standard garb for TWSBI's from now on or not.

[777]

I was iffy on the piston tear down portion but your video really makes it plain and simple to understand. Thank you! I did not realize you could swap nibs with the pen inked also. That is going to come in handy. I want to swap out the EF nib I have installed now for the F, to try it out.

 

 

I'm glad the video was helpful to you!

 

Yes, I love being able to switch out nibs with ink in the pen. It's a very cool feature.

 

Tyler,

 

If I'm not mistaken, another feature of the 540 will be the 'home-cooked' feeds and bock nibs Speedy has been working one. Although, I'm not really sure if these will be standard garb for TWSBI's from now on or not.

 

I believe so, yes. I hope they'll be good feeds. Which I'm certain they will if they're built with the same quality as the 530.

[Soundsider]

Great review. I love the richness of the red ink in a clear demonstrator...I filled my 530 with Diamine Monaco Red and really enjoyed using it. Unfortunately, I use blue inks at work, and so it came down to looks versus use as a daily writer, so settled on Private Reserve Midnight Blues for daily use.

 

Still, there's Christmas card season....

 

One question for other 530 owners: Because the piston assembly is reverse-threaded (rightey-loosey), on first use after about four fills my piston assembly got really, really stiff and when I went to disassemble and clean it was almost frozen in the pen barrel. (Had to break out the needle-nose pliers to break free.) Has anyone else had trouble with the self-tightening piston?

[777]

Great review. I love the richness of the red ink in a clear demonstrator...I filled my 530 with Diamine Monaco Red and really enjoyed using it. Unfortunately, I use blue inks at work, and so it came down to looks versus use as a daily writer, so settled on Private Reserve Midnight Blues for daily use.

 

Still, there's Christmas card season....

 

One question for other 530 owners: Because the piston assembly is reverse-threaded (rightey-loosey), on first use after about four fills my piston assembly got really, really stiff and when I went to disassemble and clean it was almost frozen in the pen barrel. (Had to break out the needle-nose pliers to break free.) Has anyone else had trouble with the self-tightening piston?

 

I would recommend a dab of silicone grease on the threads of the part that screws into the barrel. It's what I do, and I've never had trouble with my piston not unscrewing...

 

I suppose I'm fortunate... In my job, I can use whatever ink I like!

 

Regards,

777 - Tyler Dahl

Edited July 29, 2011 by 777

[dcpritch]

... In my job, I can sue whatever ink I like!

 

No, that's what I get to do in MY job!