Help! Going Crazy! Cannot Make Up Mind For Pocket Fp

[Xaltotun]

Well, I just sold my Kaweco AL Sport to member chiaroscuro and I already miss it.

 

I have an AC Sport Carbon set in Jubilee red, limited edition (see my old post here), and also an AC Sport Carbon in black, but those do not leave home. I'm very fussy about the pens in my collection, and do not want to either damage them or lose them at work. Indeed, I have pens in my collection, and some very few I bring at work. If I had a drwaer that would lock, maybe I would bring some more of my "collectable" FP at work, but usually I do not have such a drawer.

 

To be honest I'm between jobs now as I've been laid off just as I finished my MBA (yah, I know, crazy, right? Dude get an MBA by himself on nights and week-ends, without asking the company for funds or time off, then gets laid off as he finishes!), so that's another story. But I'm doing interviews left and right so it's a matter of days before I (hopefully) go back to work in a new environment, so I'll need a new FP for work.

 

http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr198/Xaltotun/Kaweco/CIMG2997.jpg?t=1318648976

 

 

Now back to my story; I sold the AL Sport black to my new friend Joshua, because I was tired of black, and to be honest it annoyed me somewhat that the cap would turn in place when posted (I like a solid, unmovable posted cap). So I sold it, thinking I would buy something else as my work pen (which I still baby a lot and do not abuse at all; my now sold AL Sport looked like new!).

 

I thought about a Namiki Pilot Vanishing point (from $100 to $300, depending on finishes, but mostly around $125), but I wasn't so sure. I am worried I will not like the position of the clip. I'm also afraid it'll leak as some people have complained, and I have read those mechanisms can be a bit fussy. It seems some develop little problems, and I need a problem-free, worry-free FP for work, and I highly prefer small, compact designs. Like the Kaweco was. I don't think I am going to purchase one...

 

http://carmenriverapens.com/PilotVP00_US_2.jpg

 

Then when I talked with Joshua, he told me the plastic Kaweco (pardon me, 'resin' not plastic ) post perfectly and the cap doesn't move around when posted.

 

Well I looked around, and fell in love with the 1930 model (around €20), which has Guilloche patterns (I love those lines on the side!). But that one seems elusive since it's been discontinued, and my buddy the dealer in Germany does not carry them anymore. Only ones I could find were on that auction place, and they have Medium nibs (I like Fine nibs). I know I can order nibs separately, but I don't necessarily want to go through the hassle and separate purchase.

 

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7183/6990165205_1980c2b090.jpg

 

 

My dealer has the one with the 'chess' pattern however (around €20), but even if it's growing on me, I'm not sure I will like it in my hands. But I'm liking it more and more. A real possible purchase!

 

http://www.leighreyes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1120533-600x450.jpg

 

 

So I've been looking around, and the Liliput caught my eyes (around €20). To be honest, I like that compact aluminum body, and I know I simply adore the Kaweco nibs! Only two worries that I have are (1) would that roll and fall on the floor? I have never dropped my FPs and would not like this to happen with a perfectly cylindrical pen... and (2) would that diminutive size annoy me when writing? It seems this feels, in the hand, as a fairly slim pen, but from reviews, no one is really bothered by it.

 

http://static.jetpens.com/images/a/000/027/27608.jpg

 

There is also the Special AL (about $120); it would be perfect, p-e-r-f-e-c-t if it was compact, like the Sport. But this is a full length FP. There is also something I do not like, from a review on Jetpens. Seems the threaded parts, as well as the grip, are plastic, so it's a recipe for wear. It would have been a real contender if it was all aluminum. Skip this one, young jedi.

 

http://static.jetpens.com/images/a/000/035/35189.jpg

 

I have also found, by looking around, several Stipula Passaporto that I like (about $90), and the reviews seem to show their nibs are very enjoyable. I like the black and blue one, and will probably eventually (meaning in three or four days, knowing myself :roflmho:) buy them just for my collection. As a matter of fact, I have received a quote from a dealer, two for $137 which is an awesome price, so for sure I will buy these exact same two as pictured. But I will probably not bring them to work, they are really tiny when capped, and I'm not sure once posted, they would be comfortable for long writing sessions (I take lots notes at work, as I work in roles similar to project manager, with lots of meetings). But I lust after them enough to add them to my collection.

 

http://static.jetpens.com/images/a/000/032/32110.jpg

 

http://static1.jetpens.com/images/a/000/033/33447.jpg

 

I have also seen the Worther Compact (about $60 from a dealer in Canada - so no shipping hassled for me); I like the design and would probably like it in my collection at some point, because of its design, but the shape would not suit me for work. There was a black version I would have liked, but that seems to be discontinued. Plus, it does not post. Darn.

 

http://www.cultpens.com/acatalog/Worther-Compact-FP.jpg

 

 

Then I saw the TWSBI Mini (about $50); this seems to be a nice contender: the size is great, the nibs seem to be excellent if one is to believe reviews (if I remember correctly, the Bock nibs are the same as Kaweco? These are probably going to write the same as a Kaweco?). I would probably prefer the black one, like on the picture, and I know there is a very nice transparent blue one, even if it's not on the online TWSBI store. What I really don't understand is why the TWSBI eBay official store won't sell / ship to Canada?

 

http://fpgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/TWSBI-mini-diamond-fountain-pen.jpg

 

 

I also saw the Ohto Rook (about $15), but at that price, I would be worried that I have a pen of lower quality. The clip seems cheapo, on the picture, at least.

 

http://static.jetpens.com/images/a/000/022/22396.jpg

 

 

So there you go. I like Kaweco, and I know it, I will probably buy a Liliput. I will just leave it for my collection if I find it too small (diameter wise, I mean), and look for something else then.

 

• Are there other brands I should look at, in this price range ($40 to $120) and this form factor?
• Does anyone has comments to make about the Liliput's diameter? Is it comfortable enough to write "as usual"?
• Anyone has used the Ohto? Are they really cheap (the price seems to validate this)?
• What about TWSBI, anyone here has the Diamond Mini? What's the verdict?
• I figure, why buy a $50 TWSBI when I can buy a resin Kaweco (the 'chess' pattern one, for example), which is pretty much a better FP for about €20 (or less at my favorite German dealer)? Is there any reason that would make me buy a TWSBI instead?

I welcome all comments, in the hope to finally decide myself...

 

Thanks for reading this long rant ...

 

 

 

 

NB: I have linked to images all over the web in my post; I do not claim these images as my own and all ownership is with their original authors; these images, taken from the public web, are here only to illustrate my little story... No infringement is intended.

Edited November 26, 2012 by Xaltotun

[mAnuscript69]

I personally carry a Kaweco Sport in my pocket wherever I go. It has been an absolute workhorse and is showing no signs of slowing down

 

The Liliput is really tiny, much smaller in person than in pictures. One caveat is that the Liliput will not take any converters, not even the Monteverde Mini Converter which fits the Kaweco Sport. Unless you're content with about three drops of ink in your converter, you're better off refilling cartridges in the Liliput.

 

I wouldn't say the TWSBI is the 'better' pen. I will say that both the TWSBI and Kawecos are smooth writers, but the TWSBI writes wetter in my experience. I am basing this off of my 540; I haven't handled a TWSBI Mini and hence cannot comment on its qualities.

 

If you want a light and compact pen, the Kaweco Sport and Liliput are hard to beat. If sturdy posting is very important to you, the TWSBI Mini has threads at the end of the barrel designed for posting.

[Xaltotun]

Thanks for the reply

 

The Liliput is really tiny, much smaller in person than in pictures.

 

Does that mean in the hand, it's awkward? Like a pen that is too slim?

 

One caveat is that the Liliput will not take any converters, not even the Monteverde Mini Converter which fits the Kaweco Sport. Unless you're content with about three drops of ink in your converter, you're better off refilling cartridges in the Liliput.

 

I'm OK with that, usually I have cartridges lying around and do not use bottled ink at work. I like the usual Montblanc ink smoothness, but mostly love the Kaweco and the J. Herbin brands and colors.

 

I wouldn't say the TWSBI is the 'better' pen.

 

I believe it's pretty much equal to a Kaweco Sport (same nibs manufacturer, right?), so there is absolutely no incentive to pay twice as much when buying a TWSBI ($50) rather than a Kaweco ($20 or so from my German dealer)... Or am I missing an important detail?

[K. Cakes]

Hmm, I love my Kaweco and that the Guilloche pattern is gorgeous, I've been able to find some on ebay but sadly nowhere else. I don't own the Ohto Rook, but I own other Ohto pens that I have been very happily surprised by. I just ordered a TWSBI mini so I can't yet say how it compares to Kaweco or Ohto nibs.

 

Other options Franklin-Christoph pocket pen - Can be used with cartridges or as an eyedropper

 

I have a vintage Platinum pocket pen with a nice fine (or is it EF?) nib that I really love. Also available on that auction site for ~$50 US

 

The Sailor Sapporo mini is a more expensive option at ~$150 USD but its definitely worth the extra price. Beautiful writer, and the threaded cap is great for a "worry free" work FP.

 

Best of luck on your job hunting! I hope you find something very very soon.

Edited November 26, 2012 by K. Cakes

[mAnuscript69]

Thanks for the reply

 

Does that mean in the hand, it's awkward? Like a pen that is too slim?

I don't think it's awkward, just smaller than I had expected. Closed, it is around three quarters of an inch (if my memory serves me right) shorter than a closed Kaweco Sport. People with large hands might not even be able to use the pen unposted.

 

I believe it's pretty much equal to a Kaweco Sport (same nibs manufacturer, right?), so there is absolutely no incentive to pay twice as much when buying a TWSBI ($50) rather than a Kaweco ($20 or so from my German dealer)... Or am I missing an important detail?

 

Keep in mind the resources put into the design of both of these pens. I'm not saying that Kawecos are badly designed, quite the contrary actually. You're paying double for the TWSBI for the design, materials, packaging and performance of the pen. When I received my TWSBI 540, I was pleased to find that the pen came with excellent packaging, as well as some maintenance tools (a wrench and a bottle of silicone grease). Further, the pen feels good. It looks good, writes even better; to find a piston filler of this quality at this price point is an absolute bargain in my book. Throw in excellent customer service and you have a great deal right there.

 

Once again, I am basing this off of my experience with the 540. Maybe someone with the Mini can comment?

[tomgartin]

I believe it's pretty much equal to a Kaweco Sport (same nibs manufacturer, right?), so there is absolutely no incentive to pay twice as much when buying a TWSBI ($50) rather than a Kaweco ($20 or so from my German dealer)... Or am I missing an important detail?

 

Just one detail: the Kaweco Sport is a cartridge pen and the TWSBI Mini is a piston filler. The cost of R&D and production for that feature should help to justify the price difference.

[DrRoger]

If I may, I'd strongly recommend the Pocket Fountain Pen from http://www.jebspens.com/fp_custom/pfp.htm

I have one and it's wonderful as well as being one of a kind. The gentleman who makes the pens is a real craftsman. Should say that the usual disclaimers apply - no affiliations etc just a happy customer.

Just my ten cents - all the best with your search.

Roger

[xwingrox]

As a fellow Kaweco Classic Sport lover, I can recommend the TWSBI Mini (F) with absolutely zero hesitation. You know how all Kaweco's write consistently without a fuss? So does my Mini. And you get to carry more ink in the piston versus a standard international short. One more thing - the Mini has a faceted barrel (I like it a lot). So it's a wee different from the perfectly cylindrical body of the Kaweco Sport and Lilliput lines.

[Emu]

I love the Kaweco Sports, and have a few in both plastic and AL. I might acquire a Stipula Passoporto one of these days when I have spare cash, just because I like its sheer elegance.

 

But the pen than actually ends up in the pocket of my jeans most of the time is the Kaweco Lilliput. Its screw-closure cap seems to me to stay closed much more securely than that of the Sport models. And the thinness of the Lilliput makes it easier to carry with the other pen that's always in my pocket, a Fisher Space Pen black bullet ballpoint. Somebody reading this will grit their teeth at my next comment, but here it is: The Space Pen and the Lilliput almost look like a matched pair.

 

Posting the Lilliput's cap -- it screws on -- is a bit fiddly, but that's not much downside for a pen than is tiny, has a very nice fine nib and can be depended upon to not leak in pocket. I wouldn't want to write a book with the Lilliput, but it's a great go-anywhere random jotting pen.The Kaweco Sports tend to live in my carry bag along with one or two Lamy Safaris and China cheapies.

[fphilipp]

Having no experience with Kaweco, I can recommend the TWSBI Mini: I have an M nib which writes like a dream, just a little bit wet. Size, weight and balance (when posted) are just right for me. As it is a piston filler I prefer it above the Sailor Sapporo Slim which of course is a beautiful little pen as well. You might also consider the Pelikan M215, which is just 1 cm. longer than the Mini.

[acies]

Japan made pocket pen by former Braun designer Dietrich Lubs:

http://www.pen-info.jp/eng_duller.html

 

v. Transehe: German made pocket pen:

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?/topic/196706-v-transehe-design-never-leaks/

http://thelounge.me/2011/05/24/the-fountain-pen-that-never-leaks/

 

My personal favorites: Japanese pocket pens!

http://estilofilos.blogspot.de/2010/05/pockets_17.html

Easy to find on eBay with gold or steel nibs. Some years ago I bought one made by Platinum in the 70ies. Excellent writer, very reliable, friction fit caps, so fast to open, posts firmly. Great pen!

[Xaltotun]

Just one detail: the Kaweco Sport is a cartridge pen and the TWSBI Mini is a piston filler. The cost of R&D and production for that feature should help to justify the price difference.

 

Yep, that is absolutely true. I thought the TWSBI would be available in a non-piston, cartridge version... Since I do not want to carry bottled ink to work, I prefer cartridges for this particular purchase. So I guess I should rule them out.

[carlos.q]

I also recommend the TWSBI Mini. It's a great pocket pen: small enough but a good size when posted. It's a piston filler with a large ink capacity, compared to CC pens. The transparent version is very practical, as you can always monitor your ink supply. On top of all this you can take it apart and it comes with its own wrench and silicone grease. All this for $50? Awesome.

[Xaltotun]

 

v. Transehe: German made pocket pen:

http://www.fountainp...gn-never-leaks/

http://thelounge.me/...at-never-leaks/

 

 

Oooooooh, niiiiice!!!!

I think the Stainless Steel one just ended up on my wish list .... ! Thanks!

[kcnightfang]

I love my Kaweco Classic Sport. The nib is VERY smooth, the only problem I had with it was that it took a while to be primed after putting the cartridge in. It's one of my more durable feeling pens too. It is a great value for the money. I want to try a TWSBI Mini though, the interchangeable nibs and piston fill are quite enticing.

[Xaltotun]

Other options Franklin-Christoph pocket pen - Can be used with cartridges or as an eyedropper

 

I just had a look-see on the web site, and I might say this is a mighty fine contender now. The black with red finial is absolutely gorgeous, as is the green emerald one. At $120 including shipping, this is a definitive contender

 

The Sailor Sapporo mini is a more expensive option at ~$150 USD but its definitely worth the extra price. Beautiful writer, and the threaded cap is great for a "worry free" work FP.

 

Indeed, a nice pen, and seems to have many enthusiasts praising it on the web. But I am more and more liking the clip-less look, and these have clips, and also it does not seem to be easy to get a hold on; with the shipping costs it somewhat goes on the very higher bracket that I am considering. Perhaps I should look at a $120 tops budget (especially since I'm not working yet) .

[Xaltotun]

This morning I ended up ordering a Liliput in black with F nib for €39 shipped, about $50, which is a great price, almost half if compared to some online stores (PM me for the name of the dealer, if you must). This is for now, to have something pocketable in short notice. If I find it too small, I will probably retire it in the collection and hunt for something else.

 

In parallel, I am also waiting to see which colors Franklin-Christoph will launch with their 40PO model (their site says "new colors coming soon"). I will certainly buy one!

 

I am also very tempted by the Stipula Passaporto deal I got from a dealer (see my first post above), since they are entirely manufactured in Italy, with what seems to be a fairly hand crafted manufacturing process, semi-industrial (these kind of items are always nicer, in my mind, than mass produced objects). The price I got is also fantastic, close to 50% less than some online stores.

 

Thinking about a Sailor Sapporo also, but they seem hard to find; I would probably buy a Tombow Zoom Carbon first, if I can find one at great price. And why not a TWSBI, so many people seem to like them and sing their praises.

 

So, the wish list is long, and it is the wallet that does not follow ...

[Marco Polo Pen Company]

The Kaweco Liliput is a fine writing instrument; definitely a good choice for pocket-carrying, in my opinion.

[OcalaFlGuy]

 

[chiaroscuro]

Hey, Xialtotun!

 

What a coincidence: I just got my guilloche today and it looks great -- really cool. Not sure if I'll ink it up yet. Now the chessprint is tempting me...

 

I got the guilloche from iPenStore.com (they shipped very quickly). I think they still have some left.

I have the TWSBI Mini but I didn't get to use it much before I had an issue with the nib assembly that took it out of commission. I should be receiving a replacement soon (2 actually: they offered me one after I had already purchased a unit). The dimensions are perfect, Xaltotun, but it doesn't look very professional IMHO because of the big red jewel. It depends on your work environment, I guess. The Mini posts amazingly because of the plastic O-ring on the threads, btw. I got the EF nib and it wrote a thicker line than the Kaweco F.

 

I can't issue a real verdict yet, but seeing as though I have about five Kawecos now (got another AL yesterday, heheh), I'll have to say I like them better than the TWSBI.

 

TWSBI doesn't ship to Puerto Rico either (through their site or ebay) but I was able to get the Mini and the nib on Amazon. TWSBI has everything for sale there at a slightly higher price, but they don't charge for shipping at checkout. Maybe that'll work for you too?

 

Sorry to hear about your job. I hope everything goes well for you.

 

PS – Please use my username in posts and not my real name