Jump to content

Noodler's Konrad Rattlesnake And Adrenaline


sirach

Recommended Posts

I had been waiting for some time to try and snag one of the ripple ebonite Konrads from Noodler's. I have always been impressed with Noodler's Ink. I am not going to tote them as the perfect brand... because I am not sure one exists. I have been using their ink for a long time, and I trust it. I liked the original Nib Creeper pens, and really like the Ahabs. I was a little disappointed in the original Konrad. I did not think the fit and finish was there.



I really thought the ebonite Konrad would be a big improvement. Like anything else, however, I am easily distracted when it comes to pens. Then I saw a video Nathan (Noodler's CEO, Chief Chemist, etc) posted on you tube about the acrylic Konrads ...

.


I am not a big fan of white pens... The picture below show most of the pens I have at the ready. I have more in boxes and drawers, but these are the ones that are usually in active rotation. I think I have a white Lamy somewhere... I am really a fan of blue or black... but the acrylic Konrads are really pretty.



http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UdV1S7vglG4/UYnAlBPSStI/AAAAAAAAB6E/4s8xFSHL5e4/s640/IMG_0985+(1156x1280).jpg



I almost bought the John Mung pen. The one I kept ogling, however, was this one... the Rattlesnake and Adrenaline acrylic Konrad.



http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AgxcvnWMKO4/UYnAbB_VkcI/AAAAAAAAB40/wWAN01kotcI/s640/IMG_0912+(1280x497).jpg



No, it does not come in a pretty sleeve .. it comes in the same box that all the Noodler's pens have. I do think the white background really accentuates the chatoyance of the material. It is somewhat transparent. You can see a few threads about mid-way up the body of the pen.



http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KIPHrTufpFQ/UYnAbgy6QEI/AAAAAAAAB44/YncHQgzj9Mc/s640/IMG_0919+(1280x853).jpg



The fit and finish is excellent. There are no stray pieces of plastic, or metal fittings that slip.



http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pOJgNtv7Ptk/UYnAdQ4NDYI/AAAAAAAAB5I/BNFBw3Fb8-I/s640/IMG_0922+(853x1280).jpg



I have only had this pen a few weeks, but I have used it quite a bit. It is really a lovely pen. I took more pictures than I normally do... simply because it is so hard to express in a photo how pretty it really is.



http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xVo1fSdA37s/UYnAcxyxRKI/AAAAAAAAB5E/7kTFLW-TjyM/s640/IMG_0938+(1280x760).jpg



That is not the stock flex nib on the pen. I have a Jinhao 159 turned into a desk pen that has a wet medium nib. It has one of the wetter feeds of all my pens. I use it at school on my desk to write notes on cheap paper, write discipline referral slips on REALLY cheap paper, and the like. I wanted a finer nib... and after using the stock nib on this Konrad... I knew what I was going to do. The desk pen now has a flex nib. This is the 7th or 8th flex nib I have gotten from Noodler's and I will say it is superior. I don't know what is so different about it, but it is easier to get it to flex and is far more consistent.



http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Eg2jZmg55Bo/UYnAe277e1I/AAAAAAAAB5c/DEZ3OJnH1aI/s640/IMG_0943+(1280x754).jpg



I used the opportunity of getting a new nib to try out Jowo nibs. I usually get Bock nibs as replacements, but the Goulets have started selling branded Jowo nibs. It is a nice nib, smooth and stiff... I prefer some give... but I have learned what to expect from modern steel nibs. The jury is still out as to whether Jowo beats out Bock. It is a nice nib. I got a Broad... It fits the pen nicely.




http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OLpCEhmjKlY/UYnAdq8yn0I/AAAAAAAAB5M/hFFiIC956pg/s640/IMG_0939+(1280x811).jpg



The first inking was Waterman Florida Blue... then Noodler's Black... in the above picture it is filled with Pilot Iroshizuku Tsuki-yo. At first I thought a colored ink would mess with the visual balance of the pen, but I find that I really like the bluish tinge that comes through.



http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Nv6WCbA2BA/UYnAfdKscMI/AAAAAAAAB5g/4T7BT_qEYaY/s640/IMG_0944+(1280x735).jpg



If I were to have a complaint with the looks, it would be this little patch of air bubbles that settled in the acrylic. You can see them in the picture above... just to the right of the ink window. On the other hand... it almost looks like a batch of scales... it is called Rattlesnake and Adrenaline after all.



http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l9InwH59_fc/UYnAfc48dxI/AAAAAAAAB5k/Lf2ekF9pmEU/s640/IMG_0946+(499x1280).jpg



It is a comfortable pen... for me. I thought the original Konrad was a bit small. This one is comfortable. I do not post my pens, but because the piston nob is under a blind cap, you can do so without risking turning the piston.



http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CWSXKLaETys/UYnAiC06_jI/AAAAAAAAB50/abmmyZlN5cg/s640/IMG_0965+(1163x1280).jpg



Compared to the other models of Noodler's I have, it is definitely one of the bigger ones. From left to right: Neponset, Acrylic Konrad, Ahab, Original Konrad, Nib Creeper.



http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IU3EvulURjg/UYnAkGCPv2I/AAAAAAAAB58/TVtpo7i-eyg/s640/IMG_0982+(1195x1280).jpg



Compared to some of the better known pens, I think it can still be considered a larger pen. From left to right: MontBlanc 149, Noodler's Neponset, Noodler's Konrad, TWSBI 540, Sheaffer Legacy II, Lamy 2000.



I will buy another acrylic Konrad when more colors come out. If nothing else, these are a great price for a beautiful pen. 40$ is nothing compared to the money you could spend on an acrylic pen from one of the bigger companies, or to have one custom made. I think they are very comparable to a pen from one of the major brands, but I think the fit and finish of a custom pen is still superior.



If you have been holding off from getting a Noodler's pen because you got frustrated with an early model Ahab, or have just been waiting for the Noodler's to put out a true "user grade" "works out of the box" pen... this is your pen. This is not just a pen for tinkerers... etc... this is a solid, beautiful, functional fountain pen.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 12
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

  • sirach

    6

  • AlejoPlay

    1

  • TMac

    1

  • tguk911

    1

Popular Days

Top Posters In This Topic

 

I had been waiting for some time to try and snag one of the ripple ebonite Konrads from Noodler's. I have always been impressed with Noodler's Ink. I am not going to tote them as the perfect brand... because I am not sure one exists. I have been using their ink for a long time, and I trust it. I liked the original Nib Creeper pens, and really like the Ahabs. I was a little disappointed in the original Konrad. I did not think the fit and finish was there.

I really thought the ebonite Konrad would be a big improvement. Like anything else, however, I am easily distracted when it comes to pens. Then I saw a video Nathan (Noodler's CEO, Chief Chemist, etc) posted on you tube about the acrylic Konrads ...

.

I am not a big fan of white pens... The picture below show most of the pens I have at the ready. I have more in boxes and drawers, but these are the ones that are usually in active rotation. I think I have a white Lamy somewhere... I am really a fan of blue or black... but the acrylic Konrads are really pretty.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UdV1S7vglG4/UYnAlBPSStI/AAAAAAAAB6E/4s8xFSHL5e4/s640/IMG_0985+(1156x1280).jpg

I almost bought the John Mung pen. The one I kept ogling, however, was this one... the Rattlesnake and Adrenaline acrylic Konrad.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AgxcvnWMKO4/UYnAbB_VkcI/AAAAAAAAB40/wWAN01kotcI/s640/IMG_0912+(1280x497).jpg

No, it does not come in a pretty sleeve .. it comes in the same box that all the Noodler's pens have. I do think the white background really accentuates the chatoyance of the material. It is somewhat transparent. You can see a few threads about mid-way up the body of the pen.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KIPHrTufpFQ/UYnAbgy6QEI/AAAAAAAAB44/YncHQgzj9Mc/s640/IMG_0919+(1280x853).jpg

The fit and finish is excellent. There are no stray pieces of plastic, or metal fittings that slip.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pOJgNtv7Ptk/UYnAdQ4NDYI/AAAAAAAAB5I/BNFBw3Fb8-I/s640/IMG_0922+(853x1280).jpg

I have only had this pen a few weeks, but I have used it quite a bit. It is really a lovely pen. I took more pictures than I normally do... simply because it is so hard to express in a photo how pretty it really is.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xVo1fSdA37s/UYnAcxyxRKI/AAAAAAAAB5E/7kTFLW-TjyM/s640/IMG_0938+(1280x760).jpg

That is not the stock flex nib on the pen. I have a Jinhao 159 turned into a desk pen that has a wet medium nib. It has one of the wetter feeds of all my pens. I use it at school on my desk to write notes on cheap paper, write discipline referral slips on REALLY cheap paper, and the like. I wanted a finer nib... and after using the stock nib on this Konrad... I knew what I was going to do. The desk pen now has a flex nib. This is the 7th or 8th flex nib I have gotten from Noodler's and I will say it is superior. I don't know what is so different about it, but it is easier to get it to flex and is far more consistent.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Eg2jZmg55Bo/UYnAe277e1I/AAAAAAAAB5c/DEZ3OJnH1aI/s640/IMG_0943+(1280x754).jpg

I used the opportunity of getting a new nib to try out Jowo nibs. I usually get Bock nibs as replacements, but the Goulets have started selling branded Jowo nibs. It is a nice nib, smooth and stiff... I prefer some give... but I have learned what to expect from modern steel nibs. The jury is still out as to whether Jowo beats out Bock. It is a nice nib. I got a Broad... It fits the pen nicely.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OLpCEhmjKlY/UYnAdq8yn0I/AAAAAAAAB5M/hFFiIC956pg/s640/IMG_0939+(1280x811).jpg

The first inking was Waterman Florida Blue... then Noodler's Black... in the above picture it is filled with Pilot Iroshizuku Tsuki-yo. At first I thought a colored ink would mess with the visual balance of the pen, but I find that I really like the bluish tinge that comes through.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Nv6WCbA2BA/UYnAfdKscMI/AAAAAAAAB5g/4T7BT_qEYaY/s640/IMG_0944+(1280x735).jpg

If I were to have a complaint with the looks, it would be this little patch of air bubbles that settled in the acrylic. You can see them in the picture above... just to the right of the ink window. On the other hand... it almost looks like a batch of scales... it is called Rattlesnake and Adrenaline after all.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l9InwH59_fc/UYnAfc48dxI/AAAAAAAAB5k/Lf2ekF9pmEU/s640/IMG_0946+(499x1280).jpg

It is a comfortable pen... for me. I thought the original Konrad was a bit small. This one is comfortable. I do not post my pens, but because the piston nob is under a blind cap, you can do so without risking turning the piston.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CWSXKLaETys/UYnAiC06_jI/AAAAAAAAB50/abmmyZlN5cg/s640/IMG_0965+(1163x1280).jpg

Compared to the other models of Noodler's I have, it is definitely one of the bigger ones. From left to right: Neponset, Acrylic Konrad, Ahab, Original Konrad, Nib Creeper.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IU3EvulURjg/UYnAkGCPv2I/AAAAAAAAB58/TVtpo7i-eyg/s640/IMG_0982+(1195x1280).jpg

Compared to some of the better known pens, I think it can still be considered a larger pen. From left to right: MontBlanc 149, Noodler's Neponset, Noodler's Konrad, TWSBI 540, Sheaffer Legacy II, Lamy 2000.

I will buy another acrylic Konrad when more colors come out. If nothing else, these are a great price for a beautiful pen. 40$ is nothing compared to the money you could spend on an acrylic pen from one of the bigger companies, or to have one custom made. I think they are very comparable to a pen from one of the major brands, but I think the fit and finish of a custom pen is still superior.

If you have been holding off from getting a Noodler's pen because you got frustrated with an early model Ahab, or have just been waiting for the Noodler's to put out a true "user grade" "works out of the box" pen... this is your pen. This is not just a pen for tinkerers... etc... this is a solid, beautiful, functional fountain pen.

 

Nice review I wanted the Rattlesnake & Adrenaline but was too late so I got the Baikal which is also great looking. This was my first Noodlers and I was really impressed. I can't wait for the Rattlesnake & Adrenaline to come back in or for more colors. Also that Neponset is awesome looking!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

This was the Konrad I wanted (with a 1.1 stub from the Goulets) but couldn't justify another pen purchase at the time. Drat.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Very good review. I wanted one of these but was too late and Goulet sold out before I could purchase (not that I needed another pen, but we've all been through that!).

 

Whenever they come back in stock or the new colors come out, I hope to buy one. I really like the Konrad but think the larger size of this pen will make it a real winner.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm very impressed with the acrylic. Ever since I saw the video featuring the John Mung, I've been looking forward to getting one. I don't usually like white pens either, but this one appealed.

 

It is very classy, a great writer, and has great flex. Also, as the OP noted, the fit and finish on this pen is greatly improved from the original Konrad.

Edited by Waski_the_Squirrel

Proud resident of the least visited state in the nation!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

That is a striking pen! I'd been planning to ask for an Ahab Demonstrator for Father's Day, but perhaps the kids will have to see if an acrylic Konrad is in stock.

 

Nice review - thanks!

 

Edit: Drat, the Goulet's are sold out!

Edited by WayTooManyHobbies
Link to comment
Share on other sites

You just had to put the Neponset in there. I want one so badly!

"While you are proclaiming peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more fully in your heart."

- St. Francis of Assisi

"Don't play what's there. Play what's not there."

-Miles Davis

I will gladly take your unwanted Noodler's pens. Don't throw them away.

 

Assume no affiliation.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm very impressed with the acrylic. Ever since I saw the video featuring the John Mung, I've been looking forward to getting one. I don't usually like white pens either, but this one appealed.

 

It is very classy, a great writer, and has great flex. Also, as the OP noted, the fit and finish on this pen is greatly improved from the original Konrad.

 

I don't think I can say it enough... it really is ... impressive... well put

Link to comment
Share on other sites

That is a striking pen! I'd been planning to ask for an Ahab Demonstrator for Father's Day, but perhaps the kids will have to see if an acrylic Konrad is in stock.

 

Nice review - thanks!

 

Edit: Drat, the Goulet's are sold out!

 

Give it time... there will be more.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You just had to put the Neponset in there. I want one so badly!

 

I keep thinking that if I put it out there enough... and people keep commenting on it... Nathan will see the support and push forward with it. I know he is a busy man with lots of irons in the fire... but the Neponset really is a great pen.

 

I did see a Sheaffer Balance on ebay a few weeks ago made out of the same material.

 

In general... Noodler's really does come out with some neat stuff. Even if it can only come out in limited quantities, he keeps his prices so reasonable, everyone has a chance to get something pretty unique.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sheaffer-Balance-Limited-Edition-Fountain-Pen-/271199181879?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f24bb1c37

Edited by sirach
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Testdrove a Konrad. Liked it very much : )

They come with a 1.1 now???

WTMH's think Goulet's have a waiting list

 

You can order replacement nibs for the Noodler's Ahab, Konrad, and Nib creeper.

 

The Nib Creeper has a #5 nib:

I get the Bock 180 for them from Indy ~ Pen ~ Dance : http://www.indy-pen-dance.com/bock-180-gilded-polished-nibs.html

 

Ahab and Konrad use the #6 available from several people:

Bock 250 http://www.indy-pen-dance.com/bock-250-6mm-gilded-polished-nibs.html

Goulet's branded Jowo nibs : http://www.gouletpens.com/Goulet_Nibs_s/1422.htm

Jowo unbranded nibs in varying styles: http://meisternibs.com/steel-nibs/

 

You can also get Bock nibs from Classic Nib : http://www.classicnib.com/five-mm-nibs.html

 

 

I know several people have also gotten nibs for Noodler's pens from X Fountain Pens http://www.xfountainpens.com/Accessories-s/32.htm I have not personally used any of the knox nibs available from them... I always figure that I can get a name brand nib that supply to the majority of modern fountain pen manufactures (Bock and Jowo) for the same price as the off-brand... to each their own...

Edited by sirach
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now


  • Most Contributions

    1. amberleadavis
      amberleadavis
      43844
    2. PAKMAN
      PAKMAN
      33494
    3. Ghost Plane
      Ghost Plane
      28220
    4. inkstainedruth
      inkstainedruth
      26624
    5. jar
      jar
      26101
  • Upcoming Events

  • Blog Comments

    • Shanghai Knife Dude
      I have the Sailor Naginata and some fancy blade nibs coming after 2022 by a number of new workshop from China.  With all my respect, IMHO, they are all (bleep) in doing chinese characters.  Go use a bush, or at least a bush pen. 
    • A Smug Dill
      It is the reason why I'm so keen on the idea of a personal library — of pens, nibs, inks, paper products, etc. — and spent so much money, as well as time and effort, to “build” it for myself (because I can't simply remember everything, especially as I'm getting older fast) and my wife, so that we can “know”; and, instead of just disposing of what displeased us, or even just not good enough to be “given the time of day” against competition from >500 other pens and >500 other inks for our at
    • adamselene
      Agreed.  And I think it’s good to be aware of this early on and think about at the point of buying rather than rationalizing a purchase..
    • A Smug Dill
      Alas, one cannot know “good” without some idea of “bad” against which to contrast; and, as one of my former bosses (back when I was in my twenties) used to say, “on the scale of good to bad…”, it's a spectrum, not a dichotomy. Whereas subjectively acceptable (or tolerable) and unacceptable may well be a dichotomy to someone, and finding whether the threshold or cusp between them lies takes experiencing many degrees of less-than-ideal, especially if the decision is somehow influenced by factors o
    • adamselene
      I got my first real fountain pen on my 60th birthday and many hundreds of pens later I’ve often thought of what I should’ve known in the beginning. I have many pens, the majority of which have some objectionable feature. If they are too delicate, or can’t be posted, or they are too precious to face losing , still they are users, but only in very limited environments..  I have a big disliking for pens that have the cap jump into the air and fly off. I object to Pens that dry out, or leave blobs o
  • Chatbox

    You don't have permission to chat.
    Load More
  • Files






×
×
  • Create New...