Franklin-Christoph Model 31Pc New Pen Day.

[Driften]

My F-C Model 31 PC showed up in today's mail and I think I really like it. This set of materials is a Pen Chalet exclusive and actually has a PC engraved over the 31 on the cap. Speaking of the engraving its very finely done and nicer then on my Amber Model 45 XLV. This is my second F-C so I don't know if other solid color ones are engraved as nice.

 

The black like my other black pens does show finger prints, but that is nothing new. I like the transparent section and final. F-C calls that bronze to be different then the smoke color used in other models. The pen is heavier and thicker then I expected and I also like that. The section is very comfortable for me. One issue is the transparent section would show ink that gets between the nib unit and section when filling the pen. When I washed it out it showed water that way so I filled the converter directly instead of doing it through the nib. Depending on the converter performance I might eyedropper fill it like I do my 45 XLV. For eyedropper filled pens I would much rather have a transparent body. There is a small area of the section were you could see ink if filled like that but it would not really work as an ink window but I think you might get a general idea of the color of ink its filled with. I like the design elements of the beads on the barrel as well as the chamfer just behind the block threads.

 

There is another difference between buying direct and going through Pen Chalet. They supply the gift box instead of the zip up leather pouch. The box was also missing the couple of ink cartridge normally supplied but I never use those so it was not a big deal. With Pen Chalet you are also limited to F/M/B nib sizes. They did ship same day and had it in just a couple of days. Also note when buying though a deal you are limited by the dealers return policy not F-C's 30 day no question asked policy. In this case it's 10 days un-inked or pay a restocking fee. For me that is not going to matter since I like the pen and it's not going back!

I would really like to have had the Massdrop glass model now. Oh well I am on the waiting list for the Antique Glass Model 02 and should have that in August so I guess I will somehow manage

The final needed to be tightened and is aligned now. Not sure why it was loose in the picture.

http://driften.dragonsightsoftware.com/images/FC-model31-1.jpg

http://driften.dragonsightsoftware.com/images/FC-model31-2.jpg

[Hejhox]

Interesting variation. I've got the IPO model in all black. It's not my favourite FC model but I like the way they try new things. The issues with a transparent section are not uncommon in my experience and I have the antique glass 02 which has the same "issue". I've learned to live with it as a demonstrator. The antique glass finish is very cool.

[Driften]

Interesting variation. I've got the IPO model in all black. It's not my favourite FC model but I like the way they try new things. The issues with a transparent section are not uncommon in my experience and I have the antique glass 02 which has the same "issue". I've learned to live with it as a demonstrator. The antique glass finish is very cool.

 

I am looking forward to when my name comes up on the list for the antique glass 02. I have not had any issues with my Amber 45 XLV but its setup as an eyedropper and the nib unit has a coating of silicon grease at its threads.

 

I am really liking my model 31. I just ordered a medium SIG nib to go with it as well.

[Hejhox]

You are clearly better at applying the silicon than I, or maybe I'm not using enough! It doesn't really bother me though. I like the medium SIG. Got a decent collection of nibs now which is good to cycle through after re-inkings for some variety.