Regal "windsor", Medium Nib

[ScriptDuNord]

Regal "Windsor", Medium Nib

 

This is a review of the "Windsor" fountain pen from Regal.

Regal is based in Taiwan.

 

The first thing I did to get used to a fountain pen, is write what turned out to be a 4 page review. It wasn't the best writing, so I'm not going to post it. Here's a summary of it.

 

How are the pictures?

 

They're not the best.

 

Here's a link to a review that I found after I had bought this pen.

It's in Polish, but the pictures are far better than mine.

This is EXACTLY how the pen looks in person:

 

http://logolife.wordpress.com/2010/03/30/regal-windsor-tajwanskie-pioro-top-line/

 

I'll post a writing example later...

 

http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/9118/p1010001nl.th.jpg

 

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/1797/p1010002o.jpg

 

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/1964/p1010004r.jpg

 

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/1663/p1010013y.jpg

 

http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/4296/p1010015og.jpg

 

http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/673/p1010008rz.jpg

 

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/2845/p1010020d.jpg

 

First Impression

-----------------

The pen came in a very nice box. Two black cartridges were included by the seller.

 

At first sight, it is a very beautiful pen.

The finish is beautiful, with not a single flaw.

 

After inspecting the nib/feeder, I noticed the feed was not perfectly aligned with the nib. It was easily pressed into place with a single finger.

 

The pen was flushed with water. Dried. Then filled with Waterman Florida Blue.

 

It wrote a wonderful, medium-wet line right away. No problems whatsoever. Very smooth.

Appearance/Body

----------------

The barrel is a beautiful marbled acrylic.

It has black, red, orange, gold and white, that flickers, shines, and seems to change colour with angle variation.

 

There is a glossy layer over top that gives a very "Deep" look to the marbling.

 

The grip is a black lacquer, with silver trim.

 

The silver trimming's have what looks like a Gaelic-Celtic design engraved on them.

(This line of pens from Regal is apparently dedicated to a British-Isles, Royal theme)

 

It is a very solid feeling pen. Looks much more expensive than it is.

 

Weight/Size

------------

It is quite a weighty pen with the cap on.

Without the cap it is actually quite light.

 

With the cap posted on the back it is very tail-heavy.

I do wish it was balanced better, but I like the weight overall.

It feels very substantial in the hand.

 

Without the cap posted, it is a bit short for large hands.

 

I originally preferred to write with the cap posted, but I now find that I prefer to use it unposted. Partially because of the balance-issue.

I've come to like the length of it, even though it originally felt too short for my hand.

 

The barrel is a bit thinner than I was expecting it to be, based on the advertised photos.

But, I like it. A bit thicker would be ideal for me.

 

Seller says that it's stats are: 45grams (Medium), 5-1/2" capped, 4-7/8" uncapped and 6-3/8" with cap posted.

 

Nib/ Writing Performance

-------------------------

The medium nib leaves a moderately wet line. It flexes slightly with pressure and allows for some line variation.

It wrote well immediately. No adjustments to the nib were required.

Overall, there are 3 different line thickness's achievable: Inverted, Normal, and Normal with pressure.

 

It is a very, very smooth nib, which can also be used inverted to produce a nice fine line.

Requires little pressure. Writes under it's own bodyweight.

 

The line it produces is medium-fine. It doesn't seem to be as fine as Japanese/Chinese pens.

 

Appearance wise, the nib is a nice shiny silver. (Apparently coated with Rhodium)

It has a nice "vine" engraving and a Regal crown.

 

It never has any trouble starting up. The cap can be left off for quite long periods without drying out.

 

[...]

 

After writing for some period of time, the line has become a bit broader (More Medium) and a bit wetter. Possibly from the tines loosening up, from pressure used to make a broader line.

 

Filling System/ Converter

--------------------------

It comes with Regal converter, that has a green hue to it.

It can also use cartridges.

 

It's a normal size twist-converter that operates nicely.

No leaks.

 

I do wish it had a larger capacity though.

Cap System

-----------

The cap is a black lacquer, with silver trimming. The clip is silver with a black "emerald" embedded on it. It is a very tight, very strong clip, that is a bit difficult to use until it loosens up.

 

I prefer a clip that is strong and requires loosening up, rather than one that is flimsy.

 

The threading for the cap is plastic. I'm not a fan of plastic threading, because they are not very smooth and durability is an issue.

 

The threading on the barrel is metal, and it is very smooth, very nice and solid.

 

I wish the cap threading was also metal, but the plastic threads work fine.

 

The cap posts nice and snug on the back of the pen, with little effort.

 

As I said, the cap is heavy. In fact, it's heavier than the pen itself.

 

Cost and Value

---------------

This pen was purchased for $30 (incl. shipping)(From streetfair on ebay, which is also ipenstore.com). It is a great value for that price. Very smooth writer. Never skips or has any problem starting. Solid construction. Aesthetically appealing. Very Fun.

 

Final Thoughts

---------------

I initially started looking for a fountain pen, because school was coming up and I was dreading going back.

So, I thought a fountain pen might make it more fun and enjoyable.

 

Now that I have a fountain pen and can feel how smooth, how flowing and how beautiful they are. I know why they are so appreciated.

I'm always looking for things to write now and my work is much more enjoyable.

Hooked for life now.

 

This pen has a beautiful body. It's very pleasing to look at. Feels good in the hand. Very solid and substantial.

It writes very well. Very smooth.

 

It is a great joy to write with.

 

I like screw-caps because it gives a sense of meaning to uncapping a pen.

A sense of finality and commitment to work.

 

Cheers

Edited October 9, 2010 by ScriptDuNord

[WendyNC]

Your review is nicely presented, your pictures are good, and including source information is always useful. Well done! I hope you and this pen have lots of fun together.

[rwilsonedn]

Delightful review. thank you!

ron

[mooshi]

Great review, thank you. I adore the Regal line of pens!

 

-- Moo

[Russ]

Well-written review. Thanks!

[lovemy51]

get yourself a ballpoint!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ah, wait, no... never mind... nice review! the pen looks very nice. that resin body looks very attractive. congrats!

[The Royal Pen]

What sport is on the other side of the quarter?

That pen is really nice. Thanks for the great review.

Edited October 11, 2010 by The Royal Pen