Why Is Lamy So Damn Good?

[Bo Bo Olson]

Very good view of the factory. I took a tour two summers ago.

 

Well the close up's were better than when one has some 36 folks around you.

 

We didn't get to see the gold nib section which is on the 'first floor/second floor in German in the ground floor here is the first. We saw the machines, but everyone, but two women in the corner grinding on some rollarball/BP 2000s, were at breakfast @ 9....The 'second" breakfast. That kept outsiders away from the gold laying around.

 

The part where they are testing the steel nibs on the revolving paper roll is done by sound. If it don't sound right, it's kicked off to an older woman who tweaks the nibs..mostly only once, a couple of times twice, once three tries.

Edited October 30, 2014 by Bo Bo Olson

[Yehenara]

Very good view of the factory. I took a tour two summers ago.

 

Well the close up's were better than when one has some 36 folks around you.

 

We didn't get to see the gold nib section which is on the 'first floor/second floor in German in the ground floor here is the first. We saw the machines, but everyone, but two women in the corner grinding on some rollarball/BP 2000s, were at breakfast @ 9....The 'second" breakfast. That kept outsiders away from the gold laying around.

 

The part where they are testing the steel nibs on the revolving paper roll is done by sound. If it don't sound right, it's kicked off to an older woman who tweaks the nibs..mostly only once, a couple of times twice, once three tries.

I am intrigued at the last part. What exactly do you mean the tests are done by sound? Do you mean they can tell if a nib is good or not just by hearing it move across paper?

[owend]

Sorry to be discordant. I have a Logo, and the Fine nib it came with was a Medium width, very stiff and very rough (it pulled fibres from normal papers), it took some time to smooth. I also got a 1.1 nib to experiment with; it's harsh even after smoothing, but to be fair that could be because I can't work with a stub.

 

Later, I got a (black!) EF nib which looks good, writes as a Fine but is a nail.

 

So I'm not a fan of the steel nibs although the logo is a rugged, well-made pen.

 

I also got an Accent with the gold nib beause I loved how it looked (Yeah, I'm a bit shallow). The pen is really good, especially the barrel removal ceremony (hold grip, wind rear of barrel, section rises majestically, ink-free fingers. If you haven't tried it, do so!!). The nib again was rougher than I like, and I do like a bit of friction against the paper, although it has become very smooth after a bit of work and use.

 

Overall, based on two pens and four nibs, I think the pens are well-designed and high quality but I find the nibs disappointing. For both, the inkflow was great, slightly wet, consistent starters.

[Icywolfe]

 

Hello Bo Bo,

 

Nuts! You beat me to it!

 

Altough, I'm also quite fond of their blue-black - I always have a pen loaded with it.

 

 

 

Hello Everyone else,

 

For other fans of Lamy, you may want to watch this:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seL0J8oQMEc

 

 

Best regards,

 

Chris

That video is so hard to watch.....

 

Because it seems like what ever they make would be 100% perfect, but I got 2 duds....

 

And that no slit nib somebody posted on fpn.

 

The design is good, but the function has yet to prove its self.

[kernando]

OP, I think you meant to say damned.

 

But while I'm here, why can't they make a nib that's finer than broad by any realistic scale?

[DRWWE]

I've been a fan of Lamy pens for quite a while.

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w161/drwwe/Pens/1860BD4A-AEA9-459C-A592-6FD7EA2E29F1-13557-00003570FF2165A9.jpg

I own more Safaris than what is pictured. Their pens are just well-made and function as they should. The Persona is actually my favorite but sadly is no longer made (wonderful 18K gold nib). The 2000 is an incredible pen and I write with it frequently. I have never gotten into their inks though. I like Noodler's inks so much I have had no desire to change and I need permanent inks for work and have found nothing superior.

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w161/drwwe/Pens/LamyNibs.jpg

Lastly, my daughters Lamy Nexx:

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w161/drwwe/Pens/795275F0-30D8-4995-9821-7C64799CB064-13557-0000356ED10450AD.jpg

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w161/drwwe/Pens/FD5521A7-647C-4CFC-8FA4-DDEAB2C1AA12.jpg

[WaskiSquirrel]

I think Lamy has a different aesthetic than other brands, but they are attractive pens with clever design features.

 

That said, my first Lamy was a Lamy ABC and I was distinctly underwhelmed. Last spring I purchased a Safari and was so impressed I nearly bought a Lamy 2000. I finally got the 2000 this fall. It has been an amazing pen.

 

Last week, I started typing a thread in which I complimented their ink bottle design and included pictures. I didn't ultimately post it, but I really do like the ink bottle. The well is a great touch as is the blotting paper. I still like the Pilot 70 mL bottle better, but I think Lamy takes a close second.

[LamyOne]

That video is so hard to watch.....

 

Because it seems like what ever they make would be 100% perfect, but I got 2 duds....

 

And that no slit nib somebody posted on fpn.

 

The design is good, but the function has yet to prove its self.

 

Hello IcyWolfe,

 

It is ironic, because I think the same way about Pilot. Several years ago, during my first real foray into fountain pens; I owned six 78Gs, most were so bone-dry, I couldn't get any ink out of them, a couple of them, I managed to get to write, but they were still too dry for me - I had a Prera that was the same way. The Metropolitan isn't a bad pen - when it writes - Pilot's converter is a poor design - they are ALWAYS prone to air bubbles that are difficult to get rid of.

 

Out of several Metropolitans, I found one that was a nice, wet writer, but would always go dry on me due to the air blocks in the converter - that pen, along with another Metropolitan, (I thought I'd give the pen a second chance, hoping it was improved), are in my "for sale" pile. I've purchased over a dozen Lamy's, I think, (I've lost count), and I've only received two that had scratchy nibs - when I replaced or repaired the nib, the pen was fine. I've never had a Lamy that was a complete dud - you'll have to explain your definition of the term "dud" to me. However, since you live in the States, you should send them to Lamy for service - they are guaranteed for life - although, I have to say, I've never had to take them up on it.

 

But I guess that is just how it breaks down, you've never had a good experience with Lamy and I've never had a good experience with Pilot, (and I've owned over twelve through the course of the years - six 78Gs, [scratchy nibs and/or no flow]; one Prera, [smooth nib but no flow]; and six or seven Metropolitans, [smooth nibs but continual vapor lock]), and never the twain shall meet.

 

Best regards,

 

Chris

Edited October 31, 2014 by LamyOne

[senzen]

They make good products, although my Vistas have been far from perfect, and the two inks I have from them I find horrible - bought them only because it was all that was available locally.

[KBeezie]

Marketing?

 

I have both a Safari and a 2000, but they're not what I'd call "so damn good" comparatively speaking to their competitors.

Edited October 31, 2014 by KBeezie

[ac12]

I like the 2000 in general, BUT not for me to use.

I find the 2000 too fat and heavy for me.

If it was a bit smaller, like the Parker 45, then it would be a killer pen, for me.

 

The Studio is even heavier than the 2000. :-(

 

The faceted section of the Safari/Al Star/joy accommodates the "tripod" grip but not the "finger over" grip. So if you have a finger over grip, you have to change your grip or use a different pen. But as a training pen, it gets the students to put their fingers in one of the standard grips.

 

I happen to like the grip of the Safari/Al Star/joy.

 

In fact one of my favorite Lamy pens is the joy.

The longer tapered body balances better than the short body of the Safari.

 

Their interchangeable nibs is a great design. One can easily and cheaply change nibs to a different size, without having to buy a new pen.

 

 

@owend

The problem with nib sizing is that THERE IS NO STANDARD. Each company makes us their own definition of what a particular nib size is. So you CANNOT compare a Lamy F to a Parker F, or to a Sheaffer F, or to a Pilot F, etc. If you are lucky they may line up, but more likely they won't.

And to make it more confusing, companies have changed their size definitions over time. So a current Lamy F is not the same size as an older Lamy F. Parker did the same, and likely other companies as well.

Edited October 31, 2014 by ac12

[J English Smith]

^{Great, durable pens at every price point. Rare these days. Quite good service, at least here in the US. They don't have anything in the $150 t0 $250 price point, bit of a lack there. Love the 2000 and Al-Star/Safari series...}

[estie1948]

Well, Lamy does seem to me to attempt to follow the Esterbrook philosophy of making a quality product out of quality materials. In my opinion, they fall a great deal short of Esterbrook standards. I may be very wrong of course, but I always feel that if people who are so in love with their Lamy fountain pens ever got hold of a fully restored Esterbrook J, their Lamy love affair would be over. Of course, this is only my opinion and I will admit that I have never owned a Lamy fountain pen. I do have an acquaintance who owns four. She has them in a cigar box with a Wearever and a Venus. When I asked how she liked them, she said, "Don't go there. I've got them where they belong and where they will stay." That is the extent of my experience with Lamy fountain pens. I hope you enjoy yours.

 

-David.

Edited October 31, 2014 by estie1948

[kernando]

The picture of the smaller ink bottles reminded me that the regular sized bottles are more fun than other brands. If you pop off the roll of paper, you're left with a top, the kind you spin. Make sure the cap is on tight first, of course, unless it's empty.

[Icywolfe]

 

Hello IcyWolfe,

 

It is ironic, because I think the same way about Pilot. Several years ago, during my first real foray into fountain pens; I owned six 78Gs, most were so bone-dry, I couldn't get any ink out of them, a couple of them, I managed to get to write, but they were still too dry for me - I had a Prera that was the same way. The Metropolitan isn't a bad pen - when it writes - Pilot's converter is a poor design - they are ALWAYS prone to air bubbles that are difficult to get rid of.

 

Out of several Metropolitans, I found one that was a nice, wet writer, but would always go dry on me due to the air blocks in the converter - that pen, along with another Metropolitan, (I thought I'd give the pen a second chance, hoping it was improved), are in my "for sale" pile. I've purchased over a dozen Lamy's, I think, (I've lost count), and I've only received two that had scratchy nibs - when I replaced or repaired the nib, the pen was fine. I've never had a Lamy that was a complete dud - you'll have to explain your definition of the term "dud" to me. However, since you live in the States, you should send them to Lamy for service - they are guaranteed for life - although, I have to say, I've never had to take them up on it.

 

But I guess that is just how it breaks down, you've never had a good experience with Lamy and I've never had a good experience with Pilot, (and I've owned over twelve through the course of the years - six 78Gs, [scratchy nibs and/or no flow]; one Prera, [smooth nib but no flow]; and six or seven Metropolitans, [smooth nibs but continual vapor lock]), and never the twain shall meet.

 

Best regards,

 

Chris

At least Lamy is interchangeable nibs. When I feel like wasting money again I'll buy more nibs. Saving up for Pilot's Flagship pen the C845. One day I'll get the perfect nib for the Alstar or I'll just buy a Lamy Gold nib. (Hoping that they test their gold nibs a bit more.)

 

Well for the 78g I knew that they were dry so I expected them to be dry.

 

I guess that is why people say either get the VP or the L2k as a starter pen. Once you chose one you have decided the path from that. But I will one day buy the L2k only because of the design and maybe I'll buy it then get it checked out by a nib mesiter. Or a preowned L2k that was used so I know it works.

 

Maybe I'm just unlucky. But I'll still get the L2k before I die, that design is iconic, sorry pilot but your stuff look like clones of MB.

 

--------------

 

Lamy ink is odd tho.... The bottles flow better than the carts. I'm in a miss which bottle I like better. Iro bottles vs Lamy Bottle.

Edited October 31, 2014 by Icywolfe

[FoszFay]

Marketing?

 

I have both a Safari and a 2000, but they're not what I'd call "so damn good" comparatively speaking to their competitors.

Agree.

 

Lamy Safari - $30

Pilot 78G - $15

 

Pilot is better than Safari.

 

Lamy seems a bit like TWSBI; "Great" pens, which aren't that great.

 

Tom.

[damonism]

The first fountain pen I actually used regularly was a Lamy Logo, and it's still in my regular rotation. I also have two Studios and a 2000.

 

I like all of them, but I don't think any of them would be my pen I would choose if I could only ever use one pen again. I'm actually quite fond of the way they look — interesting and modern without being over the top. Not generally something that will draw comments.

 

All the Lamys I have are Fine nibs, and it's thicker than I'd generally prefer. Must get myself an EF one day and see how that suits me.

[Sundrah]

Damn... In this thread are the only complaints I've ever seen about Lamy products. Guess I fell short in my swift thread whipping... Oh wells, still less complaints than I've seen in comparison to other companies

[Bo Bo Olson]

In a closed big hooded clear plastic box, the drum with paper spins, as shown in the link and the computer hears if the nib is good or not....They were running Safaris through the nib testing on that side of the factory....when I was there.

 

Nibs/pens that didn't sound right, were kicked out of the production line for human adjustment.

The way the pens were flowing past the woman 3-4 a second...in single file, there must have been at least 50-60 good ones for every one that needed adjustment....perhaps even more.

 

When I got to that station, there were some 6 pens, by the time she did the demos and answered the idiot questions, there were some there were some 16 or so that had been kicked out for adjustment.

Edited October 31, 2014 by Bo Bo Olson

[Venemo]

I don't have any Lamy pens, but I tried some Lamy inks (black and blue), and I'm definitely unimpressed. That ink is just too dry and pale for my tastes.