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My name is Jeremiah, and I am a designer of consumer goods. I have manufactured one of many of the pens I have designed (I have to do them one at a time due to costs associated with the process). Id like to know what the general initial impression is of the design, materials, color, etc.? Thank you for any positive and/or negative feedback!

Two of my favorite pens are the Waterman 94 Ripple and TWSBI Micarta. Unfortunately, both are out of production. So, for fun, I decided to make some micarta pens that "cross" these pen's properties. Shown are my first attempts at Blue Green, Orange, Rose and Olive Micarta TWSBI sized pens. Shown with them are the inspiration pens.

The TWSBI Micarta fountain pen is made from a unique material (Micarta), which makes it a useful and versatile pen beyond the casual spectrum of the coffeehouse. Reviews about the TWSBI Micarta Version 1 and Micarta Version 2 have flourished on the FPN and other sites. I will not attempt another detailed review, but will provide a few points which determined my purchase and/also how the pen has performed. “Micarta was originally used in electrical and decorative applications. Micarta was developed by George Westinghouse at least as early as 1910 using phenolic resins invented by Leo Baekeland. These resins were used to impregnate paper and cotton fabric which were cured under pressure and high temperature to produce laminates.” - Wikipedia What is the “life state" of the TWSBI Micarta material when compared to the acrylic fountain pen, or pens made of various materials? I realize that TWSBI offers a stable product for sale. But, since it is made of a composite material, I would think that it would have a very minor shrink rate, as do acrylics/plastics, over many years. Antique stores are full of pens which seem far from their original size. I was hesitant to purchase this pen, due to its size. But, finally opted to make a purchase, since it is no longer in production (scarcity), and as an experiment with my man’s medium size hand. My pens have a #5 size nib, and are a size smaller than this pen. The Micarta is a light to medium weight pen with a section/grip diameter (max/min) = 12.3/10.8mm. I am hoping that the Micarta’s larger grip size will allow me to rest my fingers, while alternating between other pens. It’s an experiment. I chose the Micarta Version 2 / 805 over the Version 1 for the plastic insert lining to the cap, and the gold plated stainless steel 14 carat JoWo #6 nib. Although the Version 1 had a Bock nib, and I did not see a great deal of negative reviews on it, I thought the later version might be of interest. The number 805 appears on my clip version, while 803 appears on the version without a clip. The gold clip matches the colour of the nib. The clip is tight and fits easily within a man’s shirt pocket. I, also, ordered this pen to accompany my ’YES World Watch II’ from YES Watch Company. The gold on the Micarta Version 2 closely matches the rose gold on the YES watch. The pen has several unique stampings in black to the top of the cap (company logo), and around the base of the cap (Chinese lettering and TWSBI). All are indiscreet, while providing classic styling to the nature of the pen. The Micarta cap and body colour are matching on my pen. The Micarta material feels like a smooth pleasant resinous wood. I do not detect any odors emanating from the Micarta pen or barrel. I don’t find the pen to look like a ‘cigar' or appear as 'utilitarian’. It has a unique pleasant styling, which reminds me of visits to the Japanese gardens. I would not mind taking this pen with me to the gardens, but would not take a similar Japanese handmade wood pen, which costs 15 to 20 times as much, outside the house. The nib is not as wide as most #6 nibs, due to its smaller shoulders, which I prefer. The plastic feed is beautifully proportioned and constructed with a large air channel leading to approximately 15 “comb” serrations. The gold plated nib has the company logo imprinted on the top of the nib, along with scroll designs, the company name, and size of nib. These extras add to the presence of the pen. The tines on this nib, although not obtrusive to visualizing your script, are (in my opinion) long, but then again, I’m used to the #5 nib. The nib and tines are strong to prevent bending. (I write with a “light hand” and let the nib work for me.) Some reviews have stated that the EF Micarta nib writes like a ‘nail’, and does not provide enough flexibility. However, I found that the JoWo nib wrote like a true EF (probably due to The Writing Desk tweaking it), and that there was enough variance to the line, if one did not pressure it to perform like a medium or bold nib. In my opinion, writing with an EF nib takes some finesse and consistency. The rounded EF smooth nib is, also, one of the most forgiving nibs to those of us who print and scribble in notation. I have not experienced any problems with starting the pen during the day or after leaving it over night. Of course, the choice of paper and ink are a determining factor in any pen’s performance. The Micarta is a push-on convertor. It takes a dozen turns to open the barrel and reveal the convertor. I have not detected any leaks from the convertor, although I would prefer a more secure method of attaching the convertor to the pen. I always ink the convertor with a syringe to prevent staining. Four full turns secure the barrel to the cap, which prevents the nib from drying. When holding the pen further back from the grip area, I do not feel any sharpness from the barrel grooves. Although the ‘pen cap’ lacks a metal ‘cap lip’, the strength of the Micarta material should suffice to hold the cap to barrel without cracking or chipping. Also, a 'cap lip' would detract from the modern design of the overall pen. I ordered the EF nib and was not disappointed. I asked The Writing Desk, UK to align and smooth the nib before sending it to the USA. It arrived in MINT condition and performed perfectly with Sailor Epinard green ink. The EF Micarta V2 is presented in a specially designed TWSBI notebook 162mm x 190mm graph paper. Some pen enthusiasts have ordered other nibs from Pendleton Brown, Anderson, and Delta. The Delta Fusion Nib, and the TWSBI Vac 700 will, also, fit this pen. Best Writings To You, coffeetoofull

Hello I'm new to this group. I love my TWSBI Micarta but I've had some problems with it. I discovered today that the collar? you know, the piece that keeps the nib and feed in place is cracked. Does anybody know where I can get a replacement collar? I might try to super glue it and see if that works. Thank you in advance. Aida

Does anyone know the size of the converter inside a TWSBI Micarta v1? My faithful pen's converter has finally started to fail (read: leaks), and I want to find a replacement. If anyone knows where I can actually find said replacement, I would be super grateful.

I decided to use multilayered color cloth/resin to try to get a striated celluloid effect. The cloth is cotton canvas of six colors. The effect is most prominent when there is a lot of curvature in the elements. The nib set is Jowo #8 18K cartridge/converter filled. I have not decided on a clip or roll stop but whichever, I will try not to interrupt the patterns. Now that I know more about how it works, I intend to try some more subtle classic colors. Thanks, Joe B.

Before I start, I need to declare that I am a TWSBI dealer in Singapore. I want to check what is the demand for the TWSBI Micarta Version 2 without Clip 803 like else where? (Outside of Singapore) I have the final last 10 pieces now on-route from TWSBI in Taipei to Singapore. Should I be holding at least one as a keepsake or releasing all so that people can get their hands on them. Are there stocks with other dealers? (For those interested in the 805 with Clip models, the TWSBI factory still has stock) 27 new SKUs already this year and only 8 SKUs being discontinued. And no, it doesn't include the Eco. Postscript : I will not be raising the prices even though I know that these are the last 10 clipless Micarta leaving the factory.

First of some context to this review. I am fairly new to the whole fountain pen thing, about 6 months in and a ton of reading on this site. Apart from the Micarta i have the following pens: Lamy safari, Lamy next M88, Jinhao x750, Jinhao x189, Parker 45, Twsbi 580, FPR Dilli. This is my first review. I don’t like the standard black snoozefest pens. So, to the review! The looks: I knew as soon as i saw this pen that i had to have it. It is a stunning pen. Really, whoever designed this pen new what they were doing. From the color, to the small black TWSBI-logo, model number and TSBI logo on top of the cap it all fits with the overall design. It is, in lack of a better word, a manly pen. When it is capped i feel like taking it with me to woods to chop some wood, or live with the wolves. When you uncap it, you want to write. The rough looking pen gives a stark contrast to the delicate gold colored nib and puts it firmly at the center of your attention. I have the clip less version, this contrast is not as great with the clip i think. I really wished i had the ability to take photos to really show of this effect, and i tried, but no. Anyway it would not be the same as when you hold the pen your hand and can really admire it like it should be admired. My particular pen has an even color. That is, the barrel, section and cap is the same earthly brown tone. I have read reviews were some have, particularly the v1, slightly different coloration on the barrel compared to the cap. Not on mine. There is however some darker lines in it. There is a photo of it further down in this post. Those add to the charms of the pen and gives some…well i guess structure is the wrong word since you can’t really feel them, but maybe layered effect is more fitting? People i have shown the pen often think it is wooden. Ravantra wrote a review of the Micarta and wrote the following about it: «…After all the reviews I have read I was expecting a very rough and ragged pen. Well the pen appears slightly rustic but feels pretty smooth to the touch and warms quickly once in hand. To me it feels like a lightly urethane finished wood. Tapping on the pen with my fingernail it feels and sounds like wood…» https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php/topic/218911-another-micarta-review/ I would have to agree. It is really comfortable and fits my hand perfectly. http://bildr.no/thumb/cVIzeCts.jpeg This photo does not do the pen justice, but at least it shows the darker lines i was talking bout. Threads: For me it takes 3-4 turns to remove the cap. This is something i like. My very first FP, the safari, dropped to the ground the very first day i had it due to the loose fitting cap. This makes me secure in the knowledge that the cap is on tight. Also, it has a certain zen-feeling to me. Writing should not be rushed. I can see how some might find it annoying and would prefer it to come off easier, but to me its just another layer that fits in to the overall theme of the pen. At first uncapping it was a sort of rough feeling, like there were some fine gravel there. This is due to the «fuss» on the threads. I have owned the pen for a little over a month now and capping/uncapping is really smooth. The fussing has mostly been worn away. There will be a photo a little later to show this. The writing: Ah yes, the writing. As you probably can tell i really like this pen. So when it came to buying it i discovered there was a nibmeister who sells these. Which is really convenient for me since sending a pen to a nibmeister from were i am is not really an option. I had never tried a nib from such a person before, so i decided to just go for it. This pen then, comes from Pendleton Brown himself. It has a Butter line stub F nib and writes like nothing else i own. So what we have here is a perfect storm of a pen. The pen itself is of an astounding beauty, and with a nib from Pendleton Brown the writing is perfect. I have my perfect pen! In fact i liked it so much that i wanted another one in due time. That time came a whole lot quicker once i learned that the Micarta is discontinued. So i went ahead and ordered another one from PB. The second Micarta: I got it yesterday. This pen as slightly lighter brown color, just slightly, and some different structures in it. But still as beautiful as the first one. The nib is also different. This one is a medium nib with the flex option. First of PB made the nib crisper. It is just one the edge of not being suitable for regular writing, but writing with really light pressure works well. Line variation without pressure is on the other hand much better than on my F BLS. This makes it fun to play around with and i have done quite a bit of writing already. The semi-flex works as shown in the writing sample. Though the pressure needed to flex it makes me uncomfortable. I have a FPR Dilli with a flexible nib that works better for flexing, but on that one i really have to prime the feed to keep it from railroading. On the PB semi-flex nib i have not managed to make it railroad. http://bildr.no/thumb/N3NNUFdr.jpeg Comparison of the threads. Final thoughts: Get the Micarta while you can. It is a stunning pen and if you are at all interested in it you will regret it if you don't once it disappeares. If you can, get it from Pendleton Brown while he has it in stock. He does some incredible work and is a really nice guy. I can fully recommend his nibs! I will certainly order from him again, and when i do i going to get a smooth BLS from him which was the nib option i liked the most. Disclaimer: I am just a regular fountain pen user and does not have any connection with TWSBI or Pendleton Brown, just a happy customer. Oh yeah, here is the writing sample: http://bildr.no/thumb/NUZxM0ZB.jpeg Yes i know. My writing does not do the nibs justice. But i will not apologize for my horrible handwriting. I´m working on it, leave me alone EDIT: Fixed a small error.

I was wondering if anyone has tried one of the new Goulet #6 nibs in a TWSBI Micarta. I am thinking of ordering a new 1.1 stub for my quite dry M nib on my Micarta. Anyone have any issues with this combination. Thanks all.

I hear that the Micarta stains and some times it looks kind of cool, giving the pen some character. Anyone else like the way the stain came out to be? Share pictures of your stained Micarta! The Micarta I had a bluish stain on the grip section that I liked. Pictures doesn't do justice to how the stain looked, I really liked it https://www.flickr.com/photos/119239737@N03/sets/72157645375573297/ What if you were stain the micarta with other colors, I wonder how it would look...

Hey! After a few months lolly-gagging on the forums, I finally took the time (and initiative) to introduce myself. I'm currently a postgraduate and a reborn FP-user (from my early teens, where I actually acquired a bit of $$ buying and selling pens on the Bay) who realized that if I'm going to spend the next 10 years studying and scribbling down notes, I might as well enjoy every minute of it! I just wanted to say hello and show you a few pics of one of my favorite pens so far - a TWSBI Micarta One of things I love most about this pen, is that its unique material allows for some 'customization' to be done to it. A few months ago, I bought and sold another Micarta that had some 'gold' work done to the characters and numbers on the cap. (I thank the first owner of that Micarta for giving me the idea!) On this Micarta, I wanted something a little more subtle, yet still eye-catching, so I colored in the etchings with J. Herbin's 1670 RH. Reason? to get that cool sheen of course! In normal light, the writings just look dark/black as normal. But in a specific light, they will shine that bright green that we are all familiar with in the Rouge Hematite ink. And thankfully, on the pen, the non-waterproof ink is pretty resistant when I tested it with water on the pen (so at least it stays on there and not my hands lol). I'm mostly glad that they are only green in certain light, though, because it would be a little obnoxious if they were constantly shining green IMO. So here are some links to the pictures, some in the light, and some out of light. Btw, I also applied Noodler's Dragon's Napalm to the entire pen, to give it a little darker/redder hue. So far, the ink has not gotten on my hands at all. Let me know what you think! http://www.flickr.com/photos/119945136@N08/13039588253/in/photostream/lightbox/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/119945136@N08/13039589103/in/photostream/lightbox/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/119945136@N08/13039441555/in/photostream/lightbox/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/119945136@N08/13039442545/in/photostream/lightbox/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/119945136@N08/13039803714/in/photostream/lightbox/

Hey y'all! After a few months lolly-gagging on the forums, I finally took the time (and initiative) to introduce myself. I'm currently a postgraduate and a reborn FP-user (from my early teens, where I actually acquired a bit of $$ buying and selling pens on the Bay) who realized that if I'm going to spend the next 10 years studying and scribbling down notes, I might as well enjoy every minute of it! I just wanted to say hello and start off by showing you a few pics of one of my favorite pens so far - a TWSBI Micarta One of things I love most about this pen, is that its unique material allows for some 'customization' to be done to it. A few months ago, I bought and sold another Micarta that had some 'gold' work done to the characters and numbers on the cap. (I thank the first owner of that Micarta for giving me the idea!) On this Micarta, I wanted something a little more subtle, yet still eye-catching, so I colored in the etchings with J. Herbin's 1670 RH. Reason? to get that cool sheen of course! In normal light, the writings just look dark/black as normal. But in a specific light, they will shine that bright green that we are all familiar with in the Rouge Hematite ink. And thankfully, on the pen, the non-waterproof ink is pretty resistant when I tested it with water on the pen (so at least it stays on there and not my hands lol). I'm mostly glad that they are only green in certain light, though, because it would be a little obnoxious if they were constantly shining green IMO. So here are some links to the pictures, some in the light, and some out of light. Btw, I also applied Noodler's Dragon's Napalm to the entire pen, to give it a little darker/redder hue. So far, the ink has not gotten on my hands at all. http://www.flickr.com/photos/119945136@N08/13039588253/in/photostream/lightbox/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/119945136@N08/13039589103/in/photostream/lightbox/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/119945136@N08/13039441555/in/photostream/lightbox/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/119945136@N08/13039442545/in/photostream/lightbox/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/119945136@N08/13039803714/in/photostream/lightbox/ The nib, by the way, is a steel Nemosine 0.6mm stub (Of course I would prefer a gold nib, but who can argue with the cost-effectiveness of a 7$ nib?). It was a bit scratchy at first, but after some light nib hacking, it writes super smooth for a little stub. Let me know what you think!