My First Italian Pen!

[Florida Blue]

Hello Italian fountain pen aficionados!

 

This is my first post in this section of FPN and I wanted to show you all my first Italian pen, an OMAS 360.

 

I have admired, but from afar, the 360 for several years now. I remember being intrigued by the clear 360 demonstrator with gold trim that was released several years and thinking that the design was fantastic.

 

This past January, I attended the Philadelphia Pen Show and I was able to try the OMAS 360 in person. I have read on FPN that the 360 is one of those pens that you either "love or hate." Some find the triangular section uncomfortable and others just right (or write in that case ). Some find the design ugly and others see it as a piece of functional neoclassical/modern art.

 

Anyway, I was smitten with the design and the how the nib wrote. I tried three different versions that day. The original full-sized piston-fll model, a mezzo (in red) that looked quite nice and the post-2007 redesign. I ultimately decided to hold off because I wasn't ready just yet to spend that kind of money if I wasn't sure I really enjoy it.

 

Well, several months later I find pen for a very attractive price online and I decided that I would end the years of waiting and get it. It was a sort of present to myself for finishing my masters degree.

 

The version I bought was the post-2007 redesigned one, which I know has been somewhat controversial as the original was very beloved for the classical Greek key trim and more traditional triangular shape. The new design makes no apology for being contemporary and sparse. Also, many preferred the older piston filling to the cartridge/converter fill, which is fine by me.

 

It came in a very handsome (and large), sort of coffin-shaped box wrapped in (real?) leather. It did come with a converter, which I was glad for because I'm used to buying less expensive pens which often do not. The pen is black, with the silver-colored high tech trim and platinum-plated, 18kt gold nib, which writes quite smooth and wet, but it somewhat wide for a fine nib (writes more like a medium). It is VERY lightweight for a pen that is a long and fat as the 360, which I think is a plus. You get the comfort of a large pen without the added weight, which makes for a better, longer writing experience.

 

Here are some photos:

 

http://i966.photobucket.com/albums/ae149/thefancyman/DSCF4226_zps39a704d3.jpg

 

http://i966.photobucket.com/albums/ae149/thefancyman/DSCF4227_zpsf9adae01.jpg

 

http://i966.photobucket.com/albums/ae149/thefancyman/DSCF4231_zps0cdb8911.jpg

 

http://i966.photobucket.com/albums/ae149/thefancyman/DSCF4239_zps475001cf.jpg

 

http://i966.photobucket.com/albums/ae149/thefancyman/DSCF4237_zps9dda7edf.jpg

 

Thanks for reading!

Edited July 8, 2013 by Florida Blue

[gentlyom]

Congrats for both your pen and your degree!! I am newly into Italian pens as well. 360 is a wonderful line, I especially like the cap design of the first release. But the 360 bronze demo is what I am after.

[Florida Blue]

Congrats for both your pen and your degree!! I am newly into Italian pens as well. 360 is a wonderful line, I especially like the cap design of the first release. But the 360 bronze demo is what I am after.

Thank you!

 

I'm really enjoying writing with my new 360. I can foresee additional OMAS pens in my future and yes, the 360 demonstrators are really wonderful to look at. The translucent resin seems to suit the shape well.