Caran d'Ache "Ecridor Retro" fountain pen

[cdtidy]

Hi folks,

 

I just bought a Cross "Townsend" fountain pen in the Lustrous Chrome finish. I'm not really happy with it (see my post in the Cross forum for details). So I'm thinking of swapping it for a different pen. I want a heavy, durable, all-metal pen with a broad, stiff nib. Preferably something with a broader grip zone than my Parker "Vector".

 

I'm considering the Caran d'Ache "Ecridor Retro" fountain pen. Does anyone here own one? If so, could you do me a favour and tell me the weight of the pen and the diameter of the grip zone?

 

I tend to hold a pen fairly high up the barrel. The "Ecridor Retro" appears to change from hexagonal to round at the start of the grip zone. How far from the tip of the nib does the cross-section change and how sharp is the transition? Do you think it would be uncomfortable if I tended to grip the pen at this point?

 

Any thoughts regarding this pen or other suitable pens would be most welcome.

 

Many thanks,

 

Chris

[Chippy1199]

If you search in the pen review section QM2 did a good review on a Caran d' Ache Ecridor. Not a retro, but all the models are much the same. Here also i posted a comparison photo of a Ecridor Retro, a YOL Grande and a Pelikan M215.

 

Unfortunately i dont have my retro with me to take any measurements sorry.

 

What i can say is that i dont believe that they are very heavy. But i have rather large hands so that is a factor too. Other than that mine is an excellent writer and looks great especially when polished.

 

Hope this helps.

 

[QM2]

Hi,

 

I do not have the measurements, but if you have the Parker Vector, it is similar to that. This was in fact one of my first "serious" pens after having used the Parker Vector for years.

 

Here I have a photo of the Caran d'Ache Ecridor compared to several other pens, and a standard pencil:

http://themagicfountain.blogspot.com/2008/10/pennarexia.html

 

And my review (written over 2 years ago, but with an update in one of the later posts) can be found here:

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/in...showtopic=30054

 

http://queenmargot.com/yol_vic8.jpg

Edited May 11, 2009 by QM2

[cdtidy]

Thanks for the thoughts. If the "Ecridor Retro" is a similar diameter to a Parker "Vector", I think I'll pass. I want something a bit chunkier. I picked up my "Vector" recently and wondered how I managed to write so much with the pen in the past, as it seems rather uncomfortable in my hand now.

 

Best wishes,

 

Chris

[Anne-Sophie]

Unless you don't like the design, I see you in the market for a Lamy Studio.

 

This is Lamy USA site so you can see the pictures and the Manufacturer retail price.

http://www.lamyusa.com/fountainpens.html

 

The more expensive Studio has a gold nib.

 

This is Pear Tree Pens site (the pens are on sale!)

http://www.peartreepens.com/category-s/72.htm

 

 

I have no affiliation with Pear Tree Pens other than my browser knows to go to the shop when I type pear

 

There are plenty of reviews on the Studio, just go to fountain pen reviews and choose L for Lamy and scroll down.

 

Biffybeans has an extensive review of the Studio on her blog.

 

Many FPN participants own them.

[cdtidy]

The Lamy "Studio" looks like a possibility. I'm not incredibly enthusiastic about the design, but I don't hate it either. What's the pen made from? Are the coloured "Studio" pens metal or plastic? I like the white one with the chrome grip section, but it doesn't appear to be available in England.

 

Chris