What Italix From Mr. Pen Should I Buy?

[Vunter]

Hello, everyone!

So I have decided that my next pen is going to be an Italix from Mr. Pen. All of the models interest me and what like to hear peoples on input on which model I should obtain first as my first Italix Pen. No matter which model I choose I am going to go with either a Medium Italic Nib, or a Medium Stub. I'm thinking I should go with The Churchman's Prescriptor or the Parson's Essential.

[MuddyWaters]

Since these pens are from the Far East and made of heavy brass, what's the difference between these pens and a well-tuned Jinhao? Seems like the $50+ difference is quite hefty for some tuning.

Edited December 11, 2016 by MuddyWaters

[bobje]

Differences: craftsmanship, build quality, nib selection, nib and feed performance, quality control, converter quality. Having used both, I'd probably go with the Parson's Essential, with proportions that are a little easier to get used to. The nibs are superb.

[RocketRyan]

Churchman's prescriptor.

[Cezza]

If you want a more "conventional" feel, go with the Parson's Essential. The section is a lot more friendly than the Churchman and, in my opinion, the cigar shape looks a bit better. Saying that, I'm eyeing up the Churchman next as it looks robust.

 

Nevertheless, the nibs are ground to the same specification by Mr Ford so writing style won't vary too much. I definitely recommend MrPen though, excellent service and their pens are some of my favourites.

[mmg122]

Parson's Essential...excellent pen...great Peter Ford grinds.

[MuddyWaters]

Churchman's prescriptor.

 

Sbre Brown is right: this is a great name for a fountain pen

[TSherbs]

Since these pens are from the Far East and made of heavy brass, what's the difference between these pens and a well-tuned Jinhao? Seems like the $50+ difference is quite hefty for some tuning.

 

I have heard this kind of comparison before.

 

If you can find the quality of the Essential for less, please buy the other pen. I have never found a Chinese pen of this quality and looks with a medium stub nib this smooth. I have modified a Jinhao x750, but that pen body is slightly inferior, the nib is far inferior, and for the extra $50 from Mr. Pen you get the better nib (multiple options), the grind, and the more classic looks (which I care for). To end up with a pen from China of comparable merit, you have to buy a second nib and either grind it yourself or pay someone else to do it--and the shipping. Unless you can buy a pen for less, you might as well pay Mr. Ford to do all this and send it to your mailbox ready to go.

[sandy101]

The Parson's Esential is classy and sits nicely in the hand. The Captain's Commission is heavier, and the cap is pretty. I have a medium Italic on my Captain's Commission, and theres not a huge amount of line variation (Peter Ford says this on the website). It might be worthwhile considering a broad nib if you want to see an appreciable difference, but then I'm not particularly skilled at using stubs and Italics.

 

As far as Jinhao vs Italix - they are not the same. The build quality of the Italix is superiour, the nibs and caps fit - and if there's something wrong, Mr Ford will do his best to fix it.

[Erik Dalton]

I have all three of these pens and can say that each is different in character and the way they write. The Parsons Essential is the more conservative pen. It's of average size and thickness. Is brass cigar shape, with piano lacquer on top, but not heavy in the hand, as it is well balanced. The nib is smaller #5, which works with the size of the pen just fine. These are everyday carry workhorse pens.

The Captains Commission, and Churchman's Prescriptor are both larger pens with a big #6 size nib.

I have both and can tell you that I love them both, but they are totally different pens. The Churchman's Prescriptor is larger, fatter (think mb146) and feels lighter weight. For its size and somewhat "lack of lines" it is very comfortable to hold, and a wonderful writer. It can be posted by placing the cap on the end of the barrel and pressing until you hear a click.(which is kind of cool)

The Captains Commission is heavier due to its big metal cap. If you always write posted, you may find it uncomfortably heavy on the back end. Unposted it's a dream. The nib is a big juicy #6 size that just wants to write and write. Mr Pen's own description says that this pen has a very healthy ink flow. I bought a medium nib. I had to search around for a dry ink to turn it around. If I had to do it again I would get fine.

[Vunter]

Thanks, everyone!!! I am going to start with the Parson's Essential.

[Erik Dalton]

Good choice. Come back and show us how it writes.

[pjford]

Mid November 2017 we add two new colours to the Italix Parson's Essential line. Canary Yellow and Purple. We already offer black, amber, blue, green, burgundy.

[Ian the Jock]

What! no deep burgundy Churchmans yet?

:D

 

Ian

Edited September 21, 2017 by Ian the Jock

[david6]

Just purchased the Italix Parson's Essential in the beautiful burgundy colour with an italic broad nib. Pen is delightful 👍

[stevekolt]

pjford, will the new colors be available as part of the 3 pen set of Parson's Essential?

[overwriter]

Agreeing with TSherbs here. I have some very cheap Chines pens and they write ok. Surprisingly ok for the price but my Parson’s Essential medium stub writes beautifully all day.