Lamy Al-Star

[HDoug]

I do like my Al-Star. I have an aluminium coloured one like yours and it is a very reliable writer. However more than the piston feed justifying the higher price of the L2k, the nib is simply much better giving a lot more feedback and a cushioned ride rather than the nail that is the Al-Star. I also think that the L2k looks better but that is entirely subjective.

 

Youʻre right about the Al-Star being a nail. Sometimes I think about trying out the gold nib from the fancy Studio but buying a $65 nib for a $40 pen seems kinda dumb. Yet Iʻm going to try this eventually...

 

Doug

[effika]

The nibs are OK, though the EF isn't always that fine, but what kills the whole line for me is that clip. I just can't get it on to a shirt pocket (polo or T) without a lot of trouble, and then it never wants to let go. I just recently discovered the CP1 and ground an EF to italic and love the combo.

Bonus is all the Lamy nibs that style seem to write quite well flipped over. I used an F nib upside down in a red safari through a lot of notetaking.

 

That never-lets-go clip is not a bug, it's a feature! I clip it to my ID lanyard at work, so I am quite appreciative of how much it takes to get that clip to let go.

 

The reversible nibs are swell, too. The italic-esque properties mine has when flipped over are inspiring me to get an italic nib, perhaps one for that nice new ruby red color.

[radellaf]

They're fine for clipping to a lot of things, I just don't have much luck with shirt pockets... or soft cover notebooks. Pants pockets, lanyards, thin-but-hard notebooks, backpack straps - works great.

[effika]

They're fine for clipping to a lot of things, I just don't have much luck with shirt pockets... or soft cover notebooks. Pants pockets, lanyards, thin-but-hard notebooks, backpack straps - works great.

 

True-- substances without a lot of their own structural integrity are not so great for that clip. Shirts and softcover notebooks are problems for it.

[maryannemoll]

I used to cringe that the Al-Star has a plastic section with an aluminum body, but after my S.O. gave me my first Al-Star (even when I have decided to limit my collection to purely Safaris), I now understand the reason for the plastic clip.

 

The Al-Star's body is slightly wider because of the aluminum material. The cap is wider as well. If Lamy used aluminum for the section it would have been wider as well, and it would throw users off the Lamy grip they have already gotten accustomed to. Considering that these are pens made for fountain pen beginners, the grip is quite important.

 

And now I have four Al-Stars, with four more on the way. Here are all my Lamys, and all are my everyday pens:

 

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f40/maryannemoll/IMG_6905.jpg

 

Needless to say, I, too, am an Al-Star lover.

 

And I, too, love your handwriting. Seriously, you have got to put up a video of you writing with an Al-Star.

Edited February 12, 2013 by maryannemoll

[Malice]

What more can be said.

 

The review is excellent and I really wish I had handwriting like yours.

 

Looking forward to your next review.

 

M.

[frogbaby]

i love the al-star and frankly wish i didn't since it's hard to find another pen that competes with it for the cost and quality of the instrument

 

i recently sold my foam green al-star because i was afraid that if i didn't i might start collecting all the colors and there would be no end to that pursuit :-)

 

i am thinking of buying another pen and since i have 2 al-stars, i need to look at something else in the same price range that is as good as the al-star, not an easy task

 

i am thinking about a twsbi since it gets similar rave reviews

[Runnin_Ute]

Great review - My aluminum finished Al Star was my first fountain pen. I still use it on a very regular basis. I don't recall what nib it had when I bought it, but because a break in the plastic where it screws into the barrel, I had to replace the entire nib section. Don't recall if it was originally a M or an F, but it is an F now.....

 

Never really noticed/paid attention to the internal feed/flow monitor in the translucent section myself. Or perhaps that was because I was using it....

Part of that has to be the right lighting for the photo. Love your collection of these beauties. As well as your terrific handwriting.

[Bern1]

Thanks for the review.

 

Here's another left hander who has no problem with the Safari/Alstar grip.

 

I bought an Al Star because I love my Safari so much. Since I generally prefer larger barrel pens along with aluminum in general, I thought I would go with the Al Star and its' slightly larger diameter.

 

Actually, I prefer the Safari overall. There is something also about the finish on the Al Star that is slightly disturbing, can't put my finger on it though......couldn't resist that one, sorry....

 

Another comment from the lefthander: I bought the Al Star with the lefty nib, wanting to check out what that is all about. I can't for the life of me tell the difference between a RH and LH Lamy nib.

 

Having said that, I do use the Al Star, maybe it will grow on me.

[cjjohnst]

Dear HDOUG I couldnt agree with you more.I have an al star with a black fine nib.I must say that apart from the springiness of my Falcon ,the Lamy is a much smoother nicer writer.Also if you want a wet deep vibrant purple try Chesterfield Amethyst.You will NOT be disappointed.Its in my Lamy.Regards Chris.