Celebrating $100 Pens

[ethernautrix]

Since you are a user of really high end pens, at least to me, could you give me your opinion of the Mini as a stand alone daily writer, and perhaps in comparison to one of your Nakayas, e.g. if a Nakaya is a 9.9 on a writing scale, where would the Mini fit?

Thanks

David

 

Aesthetically, the Nakaya is superior -- from how it looks to how it feels in the hand. Using a Nakaya brings a sublime joy that the more utilitarian-looking TWSBI doesn't elicit.

 

Which is not to say that the TWSBI Mini Classic is an ugly pen; it isn't!

 

If someone asked me features I like in a knockabout fountain pen, I would say:

 

transparent window (so I can see the ink -- it's fun and functional!); opaque cap (so I won't see the inky condensation); easily-swappable nibs (nib screws in and out!); easy to fill with a syringe (I prefer c/c pens, cos if the converter or cartridge breaks, it's easy to resolve that problem without having the send the pen in for repair; TWSBI Mini is a piston-filler, and it works smoothly, but if it ever broke, I could easily fill the barrel with a syringe).

 

And since the Mini is a small, light pen, I like that the cap posts by screwing onto the end of the barrel.

 

Also, not too many twists to unscrew/screw the cap.

 

I'd say the TWSBI is an efficient pen, utilitarian, good-looking but not beautiful. I like not being concerned about the Mini's getting dinged up. I carry mine in a pen bag with a few Pilot Parallels. They can rub against each other all day long, and I won't even think about it.

 

My Nakayas are a little more hot-house orchids, in part because of the high price to replace them if I damage them through carelessness. When I use them, I'm more mindful; I'm more aware of using a thing of beauty. And my favorite nib is the Nakaya ruthenium-plated F nib. I just LOVE that nib.

 

So the TWSBI and the Nakaya offer different writing experiences -- the former emphasizing function, the latter emphasizing aesthetics -- while both performing the task of writing itself pleasurably.

[Runnin_Ute]

Lamy AL Star (F) aluminum

Waterman Phileas (F) red marbled

Waterman Phileas (M) black - hasn't arrived yet.

 

Haven't spent more than about $50 for any of them.

[Jeremiah]

My Pelikan M250.