Sheaffer Valor in Glossy Brown/GT

[ballboy]

I've just returned to using Sheaffer pens since my Targa in 1990. I had my eye on them since they were brought to my attention here on FPN last year. I was intrigued to see if that nib would wet my appetite for more smooth writing experiences like I had in the past. I was not disappointed at all. Bought online at PenFountain in the UK, for £141 plus a bottle of Skrip Brown ink at £3.90, I was quite delighted with the service, speed of delivery and of course, the package.

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s149/bucketzoid/DSC00265.jpg

Although I've only had the pen for a few days, and it's my most expensive pen ever, it is now out on my desk on top of its ink box being used as my daily writer; such is the smooth usability of the exquisite fine nib. My Carene and Apogee took me ages to dig out on a daily usable basis, such was the state of fuss I poured over them! Now, thanks to the Valor, they've been cleaned, re-inked and are following behind in the rotation procession.

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s149/bucketzoid/PENS/Valorinboxwithcapoff.jpg

The pen in hand, with cap posted is satisfyingly long with a reasonable weight for its size. It doesn't have the heft of my Apogee or the firm writing experience of my Carene; rather, it is a more elegant expressive writing experience for me. I thought the sheer size of the cap and clip compared to the sleek nib section would look and feel ungainly. Thankfully I've become more used to it, treating it as my Townsend replacement (sold after lacklustre performance and irritating section alignment with the barrel).

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s149/bucketzoid/PENS/Valorwritingsample.jpg

The gold trim with the subtle brown, almost green at times, plastic (acrylic?) make for an inviting instrument to use with the brown ink for casual warm hearted letters to be written in this fall season. In all, this is a pen that is a collaborative product: nib from USA, body from Italy, German design inspiration and a Chinese made box.

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s149/bucketzoid/PENS/Valorcartridgesandconverter.jpg

Overall, a most promising flagship for my collection.

[Mr Ink]

I've got one of these in black with gold trim. It's one of my best writing pens. The nib is excellent and the pen is very robust. Hope you enjoy your new pen as much as I do mine.

[ballboy]

On nagging quality issue regarding appearance is that the clip on the cap looks askew. I finally worked out it is the black cap top with the white top that seems slightly misaligned with the rest of the cap. Other than that it is a great pen still.

[Nib Joy]

I heard these were semi-flex nibs. Is that true of your medium point or is that just on the fine points?

[ballboy]

The fine nib is very nice: not sure if I'd say it's flexi, but with the slight tilt to the nib it makes for a soft rather than firm writing feel.

[lovemy51]

The fine nib is very nice: not sure if I'd say it's flexi, but with the slight tilt to the nib it makes for a soft rather than firm writing feel.

i really like the feel of the nib. too bad this pen is so underrated. i love mine.

 

thanx for the review, ballboy! i guess i missed this review back when...

[ballboy]

As a fine point, this pen is one of the best I own, along with the Intrigue which is not only finer but smoother! The Valor is such a nice, well balanced pen, even when posted, that it is effortless to write with and just melts into my hand.

I love the idea of a P51 but find I'm set with Sheaffer.

 

additional: I've just learned how to adjust the black cap end with the white dot by twisting the clip round for better alignment: much better!

Edited May 23, 2010 by ballboy