Waterman Hemisphere/expert Or Parker Sonnet

[Poetman]

I have the chance to get either a Waterman Hemisphere or Expert (not sure which) or a Parker Sonnet? I know the Waterman nibs say 18K on them, but I'm not sure about the Sonnet. For those who have tried or own both pens, which would you recommend? I won't have a chance to test them.

 

Thanks!

Edited September 8, 2012 by Poetman

[rhosygell]

Carene every time. Lovely writer, copes well with being left uncapped. Near indestructible build. Heavy though.

[faustulus]

I have both and love my Carene ... the Parker ...

[Florida Blue]

I own both. It all really depends on what type of writing experience you are looking for.

 

The nib on the Carene is a stiff nail but is perhaps the smoothest nib I have ever written with (mine has a medium nib). It's like writing on butter.

 

The nib on my Sonnet has a nice springiness to it and is a more softer writing experience. The nib on the Sonnet (also a medium) is quite smooth as well.

 

The Carene is a larger pen and is heavier then the Sonnet. Both pens are lacquered brass and will have some weight to them.

 

I should caution that I've had issues with the durability of the lacquer on my Carene. The cap left a scratch in the lacquer after posting it so I no longer post the cap. I had the pen for a few months by them.

Edited September 8, 2012 by Florida Blue

[Malcy]

I haven't tried the Carene, I've never been persuaded by it's looks and hearing that it's a nail, I am even less likely.

 

I have experienced several gold nibbed Sonnets and while they are not flexible, they do have a nice softness/springiness to them which makes writing a pleasant experience.

[Poetman]

EDIT--It's NOT the Carene. It's either the Expert or Hemisphere (based on the photos) but the nib says 18k on it?

[jslallar]

I think the OP changed the title.

 

If it is a choice between Parker Sonnet and Carene - Carene wins.

 

If it is a choice between Parker Sonnet and Hemisphere, not much to give and take there, except the ability of Watermans to accept International cartridges. Waterman Expert is a heavier pen, more hefty and fatter, and would be my choice of the three.

[Florida Blue]

I'm pretty sure that the Waterman Expert and Hemisphere never came with 18kt gold nibs, only gold plated or stainless steel. If the nib says 18kt gold it could be a fake.

 

The Parker Sonnet nibs comes in 18kt gold, gold plated and stainless steel. The 18kt gold versions retail for over $200 and the steel nibs around $100.

[akustyk]

I also have both a Carene with a Medium nib and a Sonnet with a gold broad nib. Both pens write very well, but are very different pens. The Carene is heavier, classier, more original. Its nib is rigid, but very, very smooth, with very good flow, no skipping, etc. The Sonnet is a smaller pen, lighter, easier to carry in a shirt pocket (but mine has a loose cap). The Sonnet's nib is more classic and has a bit of springiness to it. It writes a generous line (after some adjustment by a nib meister). Frankly, these two pens are so far apart, it's difficult to recommend either without knowing more about your writing style and pen preferences. For me, the Carene wins, mostly because of its originality.

[tonydent84]

I have the chance to get either a Waterman Hemisphere or Expert (not sure which) or a Parker Sonnet? I know the Waterman nibs say 18K on them, but I'm not sure about the Sonnet. For those who have tried or own both pens, which would you recommend? I won't have a chance to test them.

 

Thanks!

 

 

I don't like the performance on neither my Hemisphere nor Sonnet. The Expert never gave me a hard time though. Based on my experiences, I'd say the Expert.

[de_pen_dent]

I have a Sonnet and while it is a very smooth writer, it is also a little too wet for my tastes.

 

Unfortunately, I don't have a Deluxe for comparison.

 

Edit - My Sonnet is the steel nibbed one.

Edited September 9, 2012 by de_pen_dent