Lamy Safari Matte Black W/ Fine Nib

[Fakie]

INTRODUCTION: My brother gave this to me because he didn't want it D: It was his first fountain pen, and though I was disappointed that he didn't convert to the fountain pen camp, I was quite pleased at the new acquisition. The Lamy Safari has been a pen that I've had my eye on for a long time, but never really got to purchasing. I was drawn to its iconic design, but couldn't really justify a purchase due to the triangular grip. After owning it for a few weeks, I'm ready to give my take on it.

 

Appearance & Design (8) – The matte black finish of the pen gives it an understated, functional look. This, coupled with the barrel that isn't completely round, gives it a great utilitarian look. The clip is not ostentatious, but rather a nice metal wire one that screams "USE-ME". Its triangular section fits the utilitarian look quite well, even if it doesn't appeal to me personally.

 

http://i.imgur.com/uWWAWdxm.jpg?5

 

Construction & Quality (8) – The pen feels sturdy and is built like a tank. I've no qualms dropping it repeatedly onto the floor. I find no problems with the fit or finish, and there are no manufacturing flaws that I can see. The only thing I can nitpick over is that I would have preferred a tighter fitting cap.

 

http://i.imgur.com/8vskiX1m.jpg?2

http://i.imgur.com/KnXOQfym.jpg?2

 

Weight & Dimensions (8) –

Overall Weight: 17 g / 0.60 oz
Cap Weight: 7 g / 0.25 oz
Body Weight: 10 g / 0.35 oz
Overall Length Capped: 140 mm / 5.51 in
Overall Length Posted: 166 mm / 6.54 in
Body Length (not including nib): 112.5 mm / 4.43 in
Nib Length: 17 mm / 0.67 in
Body Length (including nib): 129.5 mm / 5.10 in
Cap Length: 66 mm / 2.60 in
Cap Diameter w/o Clip: 14 mm / 0.55 in
Cap Diameter w/Clip: 17.5 mm / 0.69 in
Body Diameter: 12 mm / 0.47 in

 

Dimensions were taken off of fpgeeks.com. Not sure if allowed. If anyone wants me to take it down please contact me.

 

The pen is pretty light. However, when posted, it becomes a little top-heavy. The section might be comfortable for some, but to me it just gets in the way. However, it works for a lot of other people so I will not take off points for it.

 

Nib & Performance (6) – My brother got it in fine. When he first passed it to me, I could understand why he didn't really like the pen. It had starting issues and was scratchy. After realigning the tines, the pen is much more usable. I used a brass shim to increase the flow and now it lays down a line with about a 8/10 wetness. The fine nib lays down a line that's closer to a medium. The black nib complements the color scheme well. The nib still has some starting issues, but they are much less frequent to be negligible. Safari nibs are interchangeable and that's great, seeing as I can just fit in an italic or broad nib when I feel like it.

 

http://i.imgur.com/qEx31tlm.jpg?2

 

Filling System & Maintenance (7) - Standard C/C. Got a 7 because it's proprietary.

 

Cost & Value (7) – At this price point, the Safari has got a lot of things going for it if the nib works fine out of the box. Note that one could get 2 Pilot Metropolitans for the price of one Lamy Safari.

 

Conclusion (7.33) - I would like to love this pen, but I just cannot bring myself to. Other than that, I find that it is a sturdy pen that should hold up well to daily use. If one doesn't mind the triangular section, I'd say go for it!

 

http://i.imgur.com/MpiooRJm.jpg?2

[Koyote]

I'm sorry that your nib is dodgy. For what it's worth, my Safari fine nib was also dodgy, and no amount of fiddling (widening tines, etc) made it totally reliable - so I chucked it out. My xf, 1.1 italic, and 1.5 nibs are great. I also have a new M nib that I've not yet tried, but it looks like it should be acceptable - nice tine gap and alignment.