Lamy safari vs Lamy 2000 in writing?

[jszh]

I have been using Lamy Safari for one year and pretty happy with its performance. It fits my hand and writes well. But ocassionally I think to get a smoother tip/point. My Safari has a fine nib. So my question is: with the same paper and ink, is Lamy 2000 with the fine nib smoother? Or a Safari with 1.1 nib and medium nib will get the same effect? I read somewhere that the hard metal on the tip and craftmanship determine the smoothness not the gold nib.

 

The only thing I care is the writing experience (grip and smoothness). I know the best way is to try it in a store but I am going to buy online. I am not sure the store in town will let me try their Lamy 2000 (220 CN$ + tax) if I have no intention to buy there.

 

Anyone who have used both can help? Thank you.

[PhotoJim]

The only way to know for sure is to try, and if you are going to try at a dealer you should buy at the dealer. That's one of the reasons that in-person shopping costs a little more; you have the luxury of being able to make a better decision.

 

My Lamy 2000 (which I have owned for only a week) writes similarly to my Al-Star with an LH nib.

[Nikhil]

I have the Safari and used the 2000 and it is in a class of it own. Everything about the 2000 is better, IMO. Go for it. The store will let you try the 2000, just pretend to be intrested. Go in and try it, then ask for the price. When they 220, just say its more then you can spend.

Edited November 11, 2009 by Nikhil

[Randal6393]

Safari gives an excellent writing experience. The 2000 gives an outstanding, superlative writing experience, IMHO.

 

Both pens write well. But the go-to pen for writing for hours and not running out of ink is the Lamy 2000.

 

Give one a try -- wouldn't be without mine. Nor my Safari, for that matter. Both pens have their uses and places.

 

Enjoy,

[biffybeans]

You might want to do some poking about here on the forum in regards to the Lamy 2000 - it's a love it or hate it kind of pen.

[jszh]

The only way to know for sure is to try, and if you are going to try at a dealer you should buy at the dealer. That's one of the reasons that in-person shopping costs a little more; you have the luxury of being able to make a better decision.

 

My Lamy 2000 (which I have owned for only a week) writes similarly to my Al-Star with an LH nib.

 

Thank you for telling me your experience.

I wouldn't mind paying a bit more for trying out before purchage. But is 240 US$ (250 CN$) a bit too much???

Edited November 11, 2009 by jszh

[Yuki Onitsura]

Considering that's about double Swisher's current sale price (and 50% more than their usual price), I'd say $240 probably is a bit much to pay.

 

Yuki

[Primicerius]

Way too much! For me, the Safari and the 2000 are very different. I like the Safari but I love the 2000. Very smooth nib in my EF. I don't think the nibs compare at all. There does seem to be an all or nothing love affair with the 2000 though.

[rollerboy]

Smoothness is not the main point of distinction between the Safari nib and the 2000 nib. Assuming equally well adjusted instances of both, they are both very smooth. The difference is in rigidity and flow. The Safari nib is rigid and generally out of the box is probably a 5 out of 10 on the wetness scale. The 2000 nib is softer, it will yield against the paper a little. It's a different feel. Whether or not it's a better feel is personal preference. The 2000 is also generally substantially wetter out of the box. I'd call it a 7 or maybe even an 8 out of 10 wetness.

[penicillin]

In my hand, both write very well (the Safari writes annoyingly well, given its price). I like the feel of the 2000. The price you quote is ridiculous. Isellpens (no relation, just satisfied customer)sells them for less than 100 USD. Remember that the 2000 writes a bit broader than the traditional width for its nib size. I like them both.

 

M

[dogpoet]

I'm probably in a minority on this, but I can't suffer the safari. I don't like the stupid overpriced custom cartridges at all.

[jszh]

I have the Safari and used the 2000 and it is in a class of it own. Everything about the 2000 is better, IMO. Go for it. The store will let you try the 2000, just pretend to be intrested. Go in and try it, then ask for the price. When they 220, just say its more then you can spend.

 

 

Thanks. Actually I am using Parker Quink Black with my Safari too. It is not as black as I expected. It looks a little bit transparent. What do you think?

[Bull Winkle]

I've had a Lamy 2k for over a year or so, and to be honest it is the pen that I measure all others against for ease of writing. I have the EF nib and it is really more like a fat F or almost a M but as far as smoothness, writing first time every time, writing after sitting for a month, and the huge ink supply, really for these qualities it is my favorite pen. I have prettier pens, more "tech" pens but this thing just works.

[jszh]

I've had a Lamy 2k for over a year or so, and to be honest it is the pen that I measure all others against for ease of writing. I have the EF nib and it is really more like a fat F or almost a M but as far as smoothness, writing first time every time, writing after sitting for a month, and the huge ink supply, really for these qualities it is my favorite pen. I have prettier pens, more "tech" pens but this thing just works.

 

I heard about the size issue. I feel the F on my Safari is a bit thin so, if I buy, I am thinking of getting an F with 2000, which may feel like an M.

[Pippin60]

I have quite a few Safar's/Al-Stars but the fine nib on my 2000 is buttery smooth. I know that others have had problms with the EF so check the reviews here. Some also have problems with the metal section/grip but metal sections don't bother me, I think perhaps because I usually have a light grip on my pens. Also at least my fine nib is very wet, I would say wetter than a Safari fine or a Studio fine.

 

The 2k holds a ton of ink and is very light.

 

A note about Lamy cartridges I keep some on hand at home, work and in my briefcase for emergencies, but there is not a one cartridge/converter Lamy I own that doesn't have a converter in it. They're a few dollars but save you in the long run. I could also say I'm not a fan of Lamy ink with the exception of their Turquoise.

 

Lamy service is very good. Also you should be able to get a 2k for under a 100$ on line.

[ofpwriter]

Smoothness is not the main point of distinction between the Safari nib and the 2000 nib. Assuming equally well adjusted instances of both, they are both very smooth. The difference is in rigidity and flow. The Safari nib is rigid and generally out of the box is probably a 5 out of 10 on the wetness scale. The 2000 nib is softer, it will yield against the paper a little. It's a different feel. Whether or not it's a better feel is personal preference. The 2000 is also generally substantially wetter out of the box. I'd call it a 7 or maybe even an 8 out of 10 wetness.

This would be my answer too.

[jszh]

Yeah, I guess it may be two different kinds of feel due to the flexibility of the nib. I am thinking to get another two safari with different nibs just for different colored inks at least.

[mkyy]

Considering that's about double Swisher's current sale price (and 50% more than their usual price), I'd say $240 probably is a bit much to pay.

 

Yuki

 

I think it's not a particular retailer but the Canadian MSRP for Lamy 2000 is around that price.

[grox]

You can always get it online from melpens or pengallery for 89 usd...

 

And to add to the chorus, the 2000 is a much better writing experience than the safari. Both pens have their lovers and haters though, try before you buy.

[jszh]

You can always get it online from melpens or pengallery for 89 usd...

 

And to add to the chorus, the 2000 is a much better writing experience than the safari. Both pens have their lovers and haters though, try before you buy.

 

Definitely have to try it, at least the grip...

There is a Canadian ebay dealer selling it for 135 CND. As to Pengallery, 90 USD + 10% duties + 8$ per package at the border + 15 % provincial tax, the same price...