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So ever since I found out that there were vintage Kaweco Sport pens that had 14k nibs that are piston fillers, I was on a mission to get one. I really like the modern Kaweco Sports, but really wanted one with a 14k nib (use Iron Gall inks) and wanted a self filling one. Long story short, about 10 years later I finally got myself a V12 and 619 (ballpoint) set after moving to the UK (easier to get in EU than in North America). The following is the review of these pens and to show how amazingly lucky I got with the pens. I got the pens off eBay after doing one of my regular checks for the pen and filtering through all (yes, ALL) of the results from a search of Kaweco on eBay that are in the EU. I found a set of the V12 and 619 with a red pouch that was unrestored for a low price of £40 (including shipping). The set was unrestored and there was only one picture with not much description, but it showed the nib and I could see the piston inside the ink window, so I took the plunge. The pen was shipped the next day and arrived from Germany three days later (REALLY impressed by that). I very anxiously opened the parcel up and pulled the pens out and was VERY impressed. The first thing that struck me is that the pens are smaller than modern ones and have 12 sides rather than 8. This meant two things, they wouldn't fit modern pouches or clips, which was a little disappointing, but I thought I could get past that. The second thing that hit me was how much nicer these pens are than the modern ones. The modern Sport Luxe I think might compare, but the pens have a more refined look and feel to them. I took the cap and blind cap off and did a quick inspection before soaking the pen to clean it. Fortunately, the water went blue, that was a VERY good sign as most blue inks are very gentle. After only a few hours of soaking I pulled it all out and started to take it apart and restore it (have another post which I will link to once it's up on how to do that with full pictures). I was really amazed at the condition, a little silicon grease and a little more cleaning and it was good to go (I did do a little nib alignment real quick too). First here's a photo of the two pens in the pouch they came in with the coin. Here's the pens next to the pouch: The fountain pen uncapped then posted. You can see the oblique nib here. I was a little confused at first as I couldn't see a second letter next to the O on the barrel showing what size of oblique nib, but I think it's a medium. It has lots of tipping material left and has a little bit of flex to it, but because the tines are so small it's not much and I don't want to push it. Here's the pen compared to a modern Kaweco Sport Al-Raw, capped then posted. You can see the difference in the size of the pen, both length and girth, but also how it looks a little more refined. Here's the 619 ballpoint (great to have for carrying around, really don't expect to use it much). The ballpoint takes Schneider 75M refills, but you need to cut a portion off the back end to get them to fit. The ballpoint had the original refill so I was able to use that as a comparison for how much to cut off. It also had the original spring in it, which was really great. And finally, a writing sample. This is with J Herbin Cacao du Bresil ink on Rhodia paper. The nib is really smooth if used at the correct angle for the oblique nib, I'm used to normal nibs so I have to pay attention until I get used to it. One thing you'll notice (which made me REALLY REALLY REALLY happy) is that vintage oblique nibs are not only oblique, but italic. This made me so happy because my handwriting looks MUCH better with an italic nib than it does with a round one, so this made me over the moon happy. Writing with the pen is a little dry, but I might have a look at making it wetter, though I'm nervous about taking it too far so might not push it, or find a wetter ink to use. I have a number of inks that I know are on the wet side, so I will certainly try those before adjusting the nib. The size of the pen for writing is really great for me. As I said, it's a little smaller than modern Kaweco pens, so some people might find it a little too small, but I really like it. The pens in the pouch are really awesome for carrying around in the pocket. The pouch is small enough that it will fit in almost any pocket without filling it up fully so can carry other things in it and gives me the confidence that nothing will really happen to the pens. The coin pocket that some dress pants for men have in them are perfect for these pens, they fit just perfectly. I really think that these pens will be my daily use pens from this point forward. The pen really has everything I was looking for in a pen: Easy to carry 14k nib Italic nib Piston fill Blind cap to avoid twisting piston knob Easily taken apart for thorough cleaning (see other post) Doesn't burp ink into the cap when carrying around (have carried it in my pocket almost every day since I got it) Hooded nib so can have it uncapped for a bit if not writing a lot without ink dryingI would really highly recommend anyone that is looking for a great carry around pen to give the vintage Kaweco pens a shot, I don't think you will be disappointed, I most certainly was blown away at how much I like it. Hope you found this useful, sorry for the picture heavy post, but I really like this pen and there are not many reviews on it so wanted to do it justice.

Hi Folks, Is there any of Pelikan nibs of size #2? I ask because I have a #2 flexible waterman nib, and I fitted it on a noodler's nib creaper. It works, but I need to slow down to keep reasonable amount of ink for the flex. If there are any Pelikan nib of size #2 I would like to get Oblique nib, because I prefer oblique over flex for daily writing. Thanks.

Hello! I was wondering if anyone of you has a Parker Duofold (or maybe another pen) with an Oblique Fine nib? I was looking everywhere for some writing/drawing OF samples ....in vain I would like to know if an oblique nib would help me create some more line variation while drawing or would it skip all the time while not holding to a certain angle? I always tend to turn the nib towards me when I write and draw... actually when I draw I twist the pen all the time in all directions and use all the sides of the nib. I did not realise that until I watched a video of my hands while I draw... And if I turn an oblique upside down, does it produce a thinner line like the rounded nibs? I have some dip pens with reverse oblique nibs. They are totally flat, sharp as hell and a bit too broad for detailed drawing so they don't really help me imagine how an OF would work. The thing is I finally ordered my new Duofold. It comes with an F nib...but I could exchange the nib within 4 weeks. I'm really interested in the OF but I'm not sure if I can test it anywhere in Berlin... In all the stores I've been to I've been told I will probably have to send my pen to Parker (in Hamburg I think) if I'm not happy with the F nib. Sorry for writing a novel Here is one of my sketches...I'm interested in a nib that would create long, organic lines and give me lots of line variation.... Thank you for any help! Ewa http://ewaludwi.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/smoke.jpg?w=500&h=836

How has your nib prefer eve changed over the years? I used to buy fine and extra fine nibs exclusively until about seven years ago, when I started getting into broad and upwards. Now, my standard nib is is almost always going to be a stub or cursive italic, and wouldn't bother with anything smaller. I think larger nibs can be more demanding to use, but also help in maintaining a clear hand. Any thoughts?

from iampeth.com website, i found that i need to align the tip of my nib with the axis of the holder, ( sounds reasonable enough ) However, the nib is ALREADY inserted as far as it will go. Yet it protrudes over the axis. My Nikko nib is also the same situation... I think its Speedball design problem. What do you think ? http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3744/11081707705_e0d39eb977_c.jpg

Everyone is probably aware that Pelikan over last year have started dramatically reducing their nib range. After speaking to a contact who has been conversing with Pelikan, they will only be producing: EF F M B Stopping BB & All Oblique Nibs! The question that I would like to pose is, if Pelikan did a production run of 500 nibs for say the M800 & M600 range. The 500 nibs split into 250 of one type of nib & 250 of another. Which Nibs would you like to see production of: Italic: 1.1, 1.3, 1.5, 1.7, 1.9 Stub Nib. Please leave a choice of two nib types! & How many people would be interested in buying one of the pens with reproduction nibs...? Thank You Regards rrs

There are so many reviews of the Namiki Falcon out there, so for this review I want to focus on the custom nib by Mottishaw. A couple of words of praise for Mottishaw and his people at nibs.com. They held my hand the whole way, worked through one exchange because I ordered the wrong kind of pen for the writing I was hoping for, and rushed the job so I could have it before John went on vacation. Everyone is very hot on his Spencerian grind right now, but I am glad I listened to him about the oblique grind. It is very nice for my handwriting. This is also my first review, so let me know what I have left out that you want to know. I am posting two images. One is the pen right after I received it, and the next is after a week or so with it. I have heard that the nib loosens up on the flex after use. It may be the case, or I may just be used to how hard I can ride the nib and still control it. Both reviews are written with the standard Namiki black cartridge. The converter options (Con-50 and Con-20) are pretty small and kind of messy for so little payoff, so I just use cartridges and then refill them with my favorite inks. And here are some pictures of the nib.