REVIEW: Varuna Rajan, Black Ebonite Bakul Finish

[majorworks]

This is a nice review of the Varuna Rajan and it was the one that made me decide to buy one. Rather than post a new topic I'll just add my take on it here.

 

I've had my Rajan since October and it has become a favorite daily writer. Mine is identical to the one reviewed in this thread with two notable differences:

 

1. The rhodium-plated clip is different on mine; it's a more sculpted style with a teardrop on the end and,

2. The section now ends in a "lip" that helps keep one's fat fingers from slipping off onto the nib if you tend to hold pens low (like I do).

 

Since I've had the pen, I've found that it does not play nice with heavily saturated inks such as Noodler's Black and BSB. BSB was the worst, clogging the pen pretty quickly and forcing me to flush it within a couple of days (I will note that Steve didn't exactly endorse the use of that ink when I asked him about it). The bulletproof black was a bit better, tolerable but still kind of balky. It sometimes started hard and skipped strokes at times.

 

Of late, I've had the pen filled with Pelikan 4001 royal blue, which was excellent, and as of yesterday, with J. Herbin Perle Noire. With the Herbin, this pen sings. I had Steve fit it with a medium stainless-steel JoWo IPG nib (a steal at $15) that is silky smooth. It loves the Perle Noire, which, of course, matches the black ebonite to a T.

 

At first I was unsure about the ebonite "B.O." but I have actually come to like it. Don't ever let your wife catch you sitting around smelling your pen, by the way. Hilarity will likely ensure and at your expense.

 

This pen has grown on me -- a lot -- since I've had it. If you're looking for a large Indian ED, you really can't go wrong with a Varuna Rajan.

[Highbinder]

 

This pen has grown on me -- a lot -- since I've had it. If you're looking for a large Indian ED, you really can't go wrong with a Varuna Rajan.

 

I too have a Varuna and I have to agree. So much so I'm seriously considering 'upgrading' to a Danitrio but I'm not sure if the huge price will match in performance, the Varuna is pretty tough competition

[QM2]

Thanks for the comments re my review : )

 

In response to the remarks and questions about Danitrio - IMO, you can't like Danitrio "better". They are different types of pens. Think of Varuna as the Lamy of handmade ebonite pens, Danitrio as the Pelikan, and Nakaya as the Montblanc. I don't know, maybe that's a bizarre analogy, but you know what I mean. In short, get Danitrio and Varuna.

 

 

 

Since I've had the pen, I've found that it does not play nice with heavily saturated inks such as Noodler's Black and BSB. BSB was the worst, clogging the pen pretty quickly and forcing me to flush it within a couple of days (I will note that Steve didn't exactly endorse the use of that ink when I asked him about it). The bulletproof black was a bit better, tolerable but still kind of balky. It sometimes started hard and skipped strokes at times.

 

Of late, I've had the pen filled with Pelikan 4001 royal blue, which was excellent, and as of yesterday, with J. Herbin Perle Noire. With the Herbin, this pen sings.

These pens have ebonite feeds. Vintage-style ebonite feeds. This means that, when it comes to ink, it's best to treat them as vintage pens. You are right on the mark that they (like 99% vintage pens I've owned) do not like Noodler's and other super saturated inks, but love Pelikan and Herbin.

Edited January 15, 2010 by QM2

[Highbinder]

Thanks for the comments re my review : )

 

In response to the remarks and questions about Danitrio - IMO, you can't like Danitrio "better". They are different types of pens. Think of Varuna as the Lamy of handmade ebonite pens, Danitrio as the Pelikan, and Nakaya as the Montblanc. I don't know, maybe that's a bizarre analogy, but you know what I mean. In short, get Danitrio and Varuna.

 

 

 

Since I've had the pen, I've found that it does not play nice with heavily saturated inks such as Noodler's Black and BSB. BSB was the worst, clogging the pen pretty quickly and forcing me to flush it within a couple of days (I will note that Steve didn't exactly endorse the use of that ink when I asked him about it). The bulletproof black was a bit better, tolerable but still kind of balky. It sometimes started hard and skipped strokes at times.

 

Of late, I've had the pen filled with Pelikan 4001 royal blue, which was excellent, and as of yesterday, with J. Herbin Perle Noire. With the Herbin, this pen sings.

These pens have ebonite feeds. Vintage-style ebonite feeds. This means that, when it comes to ink, it's best to treat them as vintage pens. You are right on the mark that they (like 99% vintage pens I've owned) do not like Noodler's and other super saturated inks, but love Pelikan and Herbin.

 

Re: Noodler's inks, I've stuck Zhivago in my Varuna several times and it doesn't object. At the moment though its Iroshizuku Tsuki-yo and I believe it's a perfect match for it. Lays down a surprisingly dark line for an F nib

[QM2]

I've stuck Zhivago in my Varuna several times and it doesn't object.

That's actually kind of amazing; lots of my other pens have a problem with Zhivago.

I've never tried it in a Varuna. The colour is quite suitable I think.

[majorworks]

I have other Noodler's inks that I haven't tried in the pen yet, none of which are bulletproof or special in other ways (Eternal, Eel, Polar, etc.). Things like Green Marine, Cayenne, and Kiowa Pecan, just garden-variety Noodler's inks (if there is such a thing). I will try them in the Rajan at some point and I'm hoping to have better luck with these inks than I did with the black or BSB.

 

I'm not one to worry over matching inks to the color of my pens' bodies, but in this case, I really like to see a rich black coming out of this minimalist ebonite pen. The Perle Noire is definitely scratching that itch at the moment.

Edited January 16, 2010 by majorworks

[Ed Ronax]

Excellent review, thanks.

[Highbinder]

I've stuck Zhivago in my Varuna several times and it doesn't object.

That's actually kind of amazing; lots of my other pens have a problem with Zhivago.

I've never tried it in a Varuna. The colour is quite suitable I think.

 

Yeah I thought the colour was quite fitting I've not really found a home for zhivago yet, hoping this lamy 2000 on the way will suit the ink as I prefer not to put it into my more expensive pens (just incase!)

 

/e: Must say though the nib creep was just ridiculous though!

Edited January 16, 2010 by Highbinder

[MBFan]

Hi gang,

 

This looks like a nice pen! I've been curious about the Varuna pieces as i've not yet held or used (or smelt) an ebonite pen. I know that it's a raw material but what's it like compared to good ol' plastic? that's all that's holding me back. So far what i've read about ebonite is that it's a hard rubberish substance, so i could score it with a finger nail? Does it feel like rubber?

 

A description of the qualities of ebonite would be appreciated

[bbs]

Hi gang,

 

This looks like a nice pen! I've been curious about the Varuna pieces as i've not yet held or used (or smelt) an ebonite pen. I know that it's a raw material but what's it like compared to good ol' plastic? that's all that's holding me back. So far what i've read about ebonite is that it's a hard rubberish substance, so i could score it with a finger nail? Does it feel like rubber?

 

A description of the qualities of ebonite would be appreciated

 

Whereabouts in the UK are you? If it's within striking distance, happy to let you see (and sniff!) one in person .....

[rwilsonedn]

Hi gang,

 

This looks like a nice pen! I've been curious about the Varuna pieces as i've not yet held or used (or smelt) an ebonite pen. I know that it's a raw material but what's it like compared to good ol' plastic? that's all that's holding me back. So far what i've read about ebonite is that it's a hard rubberish substance, so i could score it with a finger nail? Does it feel like rubber?

 

A description of the qualities of ebonite would be appreciated

 

The properties depend a bit on the finish. In general, if you weren't paying attention, you wouldn't notice much difference. If you were paying attention, you would notice that there are differences in density and in feel. As others have mentioned, ebonite tends to be lighter for the same size pen. It has a more warm, almost natural feel to it--not cold against your fingers. Ebonite is not rubbery as in squishy, nor should you be able to score it with a finger nail, unless you have seriously hard nails. But it manages to feel less resistant to touch than modern plastics or metal somehow. It can be finished hard and shiny or dull, smooth or decorated with an engraved pattern. Or it can be coated with a hard material like lacquer. You really should experience it.

ron

[USMCMom]

I have a mottled gree/black Varuna Rajan and I love it!! It's comfortable in my hand, writes beautifully and has never given me any problems. Hope to be able to add another to my inventory this next year.

[njagota]

Does anyone know what happened to allWriteNow.net?

 

Regards, Nimesh

[terim]

We've started to carry some of of the Ranga models with plans to offer more colors, models and configurations. (Ranga makes the Varuna pens.) We've changed the feeds to the more forgiving and ink absorbing Sheaffer No Nonsense feeds, and can offer them with the Sheaffer cartridge/converter systems.

These pens really must be held and tried to be fully appreciated .....

Teri

 

[de_pen_dent]

I have the Ranga #3 (same pen - the Rajan) in a polished black, inked with Ottoman Rose. Lovely pen, and I plan to get a couple more, albeit with JoWo nibs and a CC mechanism.

[Daisy]

We've started to carry some of of the Ranga models with plans to offer more colors, models and configurations. (Ranga makes the Varuna pens.) We've changed the feeds to the more forgiving and ink absorbing Sheaffer No Nonsense feeds, and can offer them with the Sheaffer cartridge/converter systems.

These pens really must be held and tried to be fully appreciated .....

Teri

 

I just pulled the trigger on one of these yesterday -- the one in blue-green ripple with the Sheaffer nib and feed, but with the original nib and feed included for ED use, plus a converter (presumably for the Sheaffer) all included in the price. It just looked like a REALLY great deal, and I have a feeling I'm going to love it. I cannot WAIT for it get here!

[terim]

We've started to carry some of of the Ranga models with plans to offer more colors, models and configurations. (Ranga makes the Varuna pens.) We've changed the feeds to the more forgiving and ink absorbing Sheaffer No Nonsense feeds, and can offer them with the Sheaffer cartridge/converter systems.

These pens really must be held and tried to be fully appreciated .....

Teri

 

I just pulled the trigger on one of these yesterday -- the one in blue-green ripple with the Sheaffer nib and feed, but with the original nib and feed included for ED use, plus a converter (presumably for the Sheaffer) all included in the price. It just looked like a REALLY great deal, and I have a feeling I'm going to love it. I cannot WAIT for it get here!

 

 

FYI -- You'll be getting the better No Nonsense feed installed in the original Ranga section with the Wality nib for the eyedropper configuration. The converter configuration is the all-Sheaffer No Nonsense section.

 

I hope you like it!

 

TERI

[Daisy]

We've started to carry some of of the Ranga models with plans to offer more colors, models and configurations. (Ranga makes the Varuna pens.) We've changed the feeds to the more forgiving and ink absorbing Sheaffer No Nonsense feeds, and can offer them with the Sheaffer cartridge/converter systems.

These pens really must be held and tried to be fully appreciated .....

Teri

 

I just pulled the trigger on one of these yesterday -- the one in blue-green ripple with the Sheaffer nib and feed, but with the original nib and feed included for ED use, plus a converter (presumably for the Sheaffer) all included in the price. It just looked like a REALLY great deal, and I have a feeling I'm going to love it. I cannot WAIT for it get here!

 

 

FYI -- You'll be getting the better No Nonsense feed installed in the original Ranga section with the Wality nib for the eyedropper configuration. The converter configuration is the all-Sheaffer No Nonsense section.

 

I hope you like it!

 

TERI

 

Hi Teri! This is very obviously a well made pen, and you're right, the hand feel of the hard rubber is exceptional. I'm getting used to the size -- I didn't expect it to be Quite That Large -- but it's a pleasant ergonomic shape, just fine otherwise, and I think the size is actually having a beneficial effect on my hand tremor.

 

That, and it's purty. Handsome, even. What can I say?

 

And of course now I see that you have even more similar options from which to choose... *sigh*

 

Thank you!!!

[n1019]

I have two Varuna Rajans with converters and German iridium point nibs, one fine and the other medium. They both perform well as far as writing is concerned.

The only problem I have experienced (with both) is in drawing in ink through the nib to the converter. The ink simply doesn't flow (so far), as though there is no suction from the converters. When the converters are removed and dunked directly in a bottle of ink, they fill as they should. The ink I used was Parker Quink black, and a mix of black and blue. I have yet to try them out as eyedroppers.

Edited April 16, 2014 by n1019

[majorworks]

A little thread necrophilia, if I may... I just inked my Varuna Rajan after a bit of an FP hiatus. It was always a favorite pen and still is! I hadn't used this pen for a good couple of years or more, so it's really great to be reunited with it. It's like seeing an old treasured friend after a long absence.

 

It's now filled with Diamine Saddle Brown and just skating along on the Tomoe River paper of a Hobonichi Techo. Wonderful! A sublime writing experience.