Noodlers Ahab Flex Pen!

[inkwell84]

those of you that already have one of these pens I was wondering what you think of it?

[JonSzanto]

You might try using the search function. I think there are already zillions of threads about this pen...

[USMCMom]

I have 2 and enjoy them very much. Yes, there are many threads about the Ahab. I've had no difficulty with mine.

[diensthunds]

The Ahabs are very nice pens. I have had mine for awhile now and like it a lot! The piston filler is very nice and has a lot of capacity in it. The one thing I didn't know about it was that when the lower main portion runs out of ink in order to get the upper part to empty it's ink just press it down and leave it there, the remaining ink will give you approximately another couple of pages of writing (depending on how you write and the ink used). I am planning on trying the Knox K35 nibs out at xfountainpens.com simply because I want to have a standard line rather then a flex. I use my Ahab to write letters and for my journal and have only noticed minor issues of skipping on the journal paper which is an off brand no name type paper. For the price the Ahab is a wonderful pen to have around. So far no issues of not starting up after being left capped and unused. Most recently left for 3 days in my back pack and started right up. I have some Noodlers Bad Belted Kingfisher ink in it and the only change I would make is to add some silicon grease to the ring in the piston filler.

[VillersCotterets]

pinned {--- Review index ---}

[plistumi]

They are nice pens. Fun to play and tinker with. I have small hands, though, and have discovered I prefer smaller pens. Mine, as pretty as it is (the Arizona ) will probably go to somebody who will use it more than I. I would not want it to sit in a drawer...

Edited April 16, 2012 by plistumi

[P.A.R.]

Something tells me the quality control has gotten better with the latest batch. I got a Medieval Lapis Ahab (looks amazing!) in the mail about a week ago and it worked fine after just a flush and brushing with some dilluted ammonia. I may not have even had to do that. Meh.

 

Anyway, I am a huge fan of this pen and may not have to look for another one. Here's why:

 

Inexpensive: $20. Makes it very replaceable as far as fountain pens go.

 

Customizable: You can adjust the ink flow's wetness (though admitedly it starts out a little wet) and put in a different nib if you'd like. xfountainpens.com carries a series of Knox K35 nibs that are two tone (steel with partial gold plating), very smooth, and come in six sizes. These are also very inexpensive, and I highly recommend them. There's a thread linked in my signature about these nibs. There are also twenty different colors that the Ahab comes in, a selection you will be hard pressed to find elsewhere.

 

Comfortable: the size is on the large side, making it pleasant to hold. I really like the shape of the grip and how small the step between the barrel and section is. It also has a moderate weight -nice in a larger pen- and good balance. I'm used to using it posted, so I don't find it imbalanced either way.

 

Filling: the syringe filler is very fast and reliable. Very little time is needed to get the pen filled (perhaps two cycles, straight up and down.) One does have to put silicone grease on the o-ring when you flush it, just as a safeguard against minor leaks past the plunger.

 

Build: quite sturdy. Nothing about the pen feels cheap to me, in spite of it being $20. The screw on cap is secure, the body and grip is solid but has a almost soft, smooth feel. The clip has been praised by many and for good reason - it bends out easily to slip over a jeans pocket or even a notepad, but snaps back securely. I personally like the looks of the Ahab because it's so functional and has some class without being flashy.

 

Nib: Though it's not a "full flex" nib, I really like the Ahab's nib for general writing. It's not great for calligraphy, but seems pretty well suited for drawing. It's flexible enough to be springy, so it has some give and is forgiving of heavier pressure from the hand. It's fairly smooth, though not incredibly so. If the flex doesn't suit you and you want firmer, smoother, or bolder nib, the Knox ones are fantastic.

 

I just want to get the Knox B-OBB nib set to complete the EF-M set I have and love. If I get gift cards for gouletpens for my birthday, I might get a ivory darkness Ahab as my last.

[Marsilius]

I like it. Just be careful for that first week of use in case it leaks. Worth the risk.

Best,

Mars

[liz4tin]

But the smell! I just got mine yesterday. Writes like a dream, but smells like death!

 

I've flushed it out, and scrubbed it but it still smells. Any suggestions?

[Ted A]

I've never thought the smell was bad. I thought my first one smelled like new mown alfalpha. But none of my 3 have smelled the same.

 

The smell fades relatively quickly, a week or 10 days. You might soak it in soap an water for a while or set it in sunlight.

[robofkent]

All pens that I've had that are made in India seem to have the same smell......I have to say I've got quite used to it now and find myself sniffing it every now and again......oh dear another addiction!

[Cerbeos]

Smell? I thought it was quite pleasant, actually!

[torstar]

But the smell! I just got mine yesterday. Writes like a dream, but smells like death!

 

I've flushed it out, and scrubbed it but it still smells. Any suggestions?

 

 

Leave it overnight submerged into a full Purex or shampoo bottle (dental floss through the clip will help you retrieve in the morn.)

 

A few nights of that and the smell will be gone, but good.

 

I have 3 Ahabs, the demo has been great as an eyedropper (people PLEASE heed careful instructions on this board and youtube if you want to do this, you will be sorry for not following the proper procedure...)

[torstar]

Smell? I thought it was quite pleasant, actually!

 

 

One thing not to notice the smell of the cat box, but they have you tolerant to the smell of their vomit as well?

[inkwell84]

They are nice pens. Fun to play and tinker with. I have small hands, though, and have discovered I prefer smaller pens. Mine, as pretty as it is (the Arizona ) will probably go to somebody who will use it more than I. I would not want it to sit in a drawer...

i would offer to buy it but money is tight right now..