Omas Lives Again? Scribo

[dapprman]

Quick question: screw piston filler - is this a captive converter or a proper integrated piston?

Piston

[Bisquitlips]

I also appreciate the insight here!

 

For years I have loved Omas. Even from the days of the Omas pen society / club. Omas was a quality pen manufacturer that did all to encourage their patrons to love their pens and keep coming back. From their little black Omas Society card to their free polishing cloths that come when you joined the society via their website. Just a quality company.

 

Armando Simoni Club has carried on the Omas tradition, in my opinion. I have the privilege of owning a dozen or more Omas pens and now have at least 8 of the ASC Arco pens in my collection.

 

This may not make some of my Omas collector colleges happy, but I have to say that ASC has literally taken Omas to the next level. Their pens are wonderful and every bit as good as any pen that Omas had ever made. Just my opinion, but that is my belief.

 

Yes, ASC pens are not cheap. But neither are they sub par. As I said, I have the privilege of owning 8 ASC Arco FPs in both their bronze and verte celluloids. They are a dream to write with and luscious to hold and view / enjoy!

 

Polished to perfection and just look at that piston filler, nib, and grain in the celluloid! Stunning!

 

I will continue to purchase the ASC pens for as long as they create them!

 

I sorely miss Omas, but am so appreciative that ASC has stepped up to create for us a pen that honors Omas crucially! And not only honors Omas, but does so in a way that I think Omas would applaud!

 

Richard

[mongrelnomad]

I also appreciate the insight here!

 

For years I have loved Omas. Even from the days of the Omas pen society / club. Omas was a quality pen manufacturer that did all to encourage their patrons to love their pens and keep coming back. From their little black Omas Society card to their free polishing cloths that come when you joined the society via their website. Just a quality company.

 

Armando Simoni Club has carried on the Omas tradition, in my opinion. I have the privilege of owning a dozen or more Omas pens and now have at least 8 of the ASC Arco pens in my collection.

 

This may not make some of my Omas collector colleges happy, but I have to say that ASC has literally taken Omas to the next level. Their pens are wonderful and every bit as good as any pen that Omas had ever made. Just my opinion, but that is my belief.

 

Yes, ASC pens are not cheap. But neither are they sub par. As I said, I have the privilege of owning 8 ASC Arco FPs in both their bronze and verte celluloids. They are a dream to write with and luscious to hold and view / enjoy!

 

Polished to perfection and just look at that piston filler, nib, and grain in the celluloid! Stunning!

 

I will continue to purchase the ASC pens for as long as they create them!

 

I sorely miss Omas, but am so appreciative that ASC has stepped up to create for us a pen that honors Omas crucially! And not only honors Omas, but does so in a way that I think Omas would applaud!

 

Richard

From what I understand ASC pens arent piston fillers.

[Seney724]

I also appreciate the insight here!

 

For years I have loved Omas. Even from the days of the Omas pen society / club. Omas was a quality pen manufacturer that did all to encourage their patrons to love their pens and keep coming back. From their little black Omas Society card to their free polishing cloths that come when you joined the society via their website. Just a quality company.

 

Armando Simoni Club has carried on the Omas tradition, in my opinion. I have the privilege of owning a dozen or more Omas pens and now have at least 8 of the ASC Arco pens in my collection.

 

This may not make some of my Omas collector colleges happy, but I have to say that ASC has literally taken Omas to the next level. Their pens are wonderful and every bit as good as any pen that Omas had ever made. Just my opinion, but that is my belief.

 

Yes, ASC pens are not cheap. But neither are they sub par. As I said, I have the privilege of owning 8 ASC Arco FPs in both their bronze and verte celluloids. They are a dream to write with and luscious to hold and view / enjoy!

 

Polished to perfection and just look at that piston filler, nib, and grain in the celluloid! Stunning!

 

I will continue to purchase the ASC pens for as long as they create them!

 

I sorely miss Omas, but am so appreciative that ASC has stepped up to create for us a pen that honors Omas crucially! And not only honors Omas, but does so in a way that I think Omas would applaud!

 

Richard

 

It is always good to have widely divergent opinions, especially when they are expressed as well as here by Richard and by others in the parallel ASC thread elsewhere in this same sub-Forum.

 

True, it makes the decision process of a new, first time buyer way more complex to see such extremes but best one is fully knowledgable about all the options before making an expensive purchase of this nature.

 

This all stated, I don't see how it is possible that such experienced pen people could have such different reactions and experiences with the purchase of the same product. On the one hand, we have those (more than just 1 or 2) describing an absolute absence of any customer service or communication after the sale and substandard quality control.....both totally unacceptable in a premium priced (perhaps over priced) pen. Then we have Richard. Who could ask for a more glowing report??

 

This is way more than just people having different opinions about how a nib writes or the style lines of the pen. This is a fundamental disagreement over quality, post sales service, etc., etc. How is it possible? Are there conflict or interests or personal relationships that should be disclosed?

 

Just asking, not implying.

 

Go figure! To each, his/her own!

[aardvarkbark]

...Polished to perfection and just look at that piston filler, nib, and grain in the celluloid! Stunning!...

 

 

 

 

From what I understand ASC pens arent piston fillers.

 

 

I don't know. But I do like the flex of the nib on their rollerballs.....

[Seney724]

Re: Quality Control - There is a relevant post which was just made by sub_bluesy up above in the "Fountain & Dip Pens - First Stop" section.

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/337636-armando-simoni-club-arco-verde-speciale/?do=findComment&comment=4095879

 

Next, we will look forward to his report on post sales customer service. Hopefully all will go well.

[frantic]

Piston

 

I've seen 3 pens by ASC and they do not carry piston. They carry converter managed by knob, as a piston but not a piston!

[fabri00]

My opinion is that Omas will never live again.

From the beauty of his celluloid, to the elegance of the 12 faces faceted pens, to the quality of the old in house nib, to the piston filling system.

What we get from scribo or asc or any other recent producers is just a small part of what an Omas was.

And for the expansive price of those new pens is still possible to buy some great Omas of the 80's and 90's with all the value of a real Omas pen of the good days.

I'm personally buying the Omas I can find for a reasonable price more than those new "re-borne Omas".

[mulrich]

 

I've seen 3 pens by ASC and they do not carry piston. They carry converter managed by knob, as a piston but not a piston!

 

The ASC I have uses a pneumatic filling system, which relies on air pressure and a sac. This site has a nice description and image: http://edisonpen.com/filling-systems.

[dapprman]

My opinion is that Omas will never live again.

From the beauty of his celluloid, to the elegance of the 12 faces faceted pens, to the quality of the old in house nib, to the piston filling system.

What we get from scribo or asc or any other recent producers is just a small part of what an Omas was.

And for the expansive price of those new pens is still possible to buy some great Omas of the 80's and 90's with all the value of a real Omas pen of the good days.

I'm personally buying the Omas I can find for a reasonable price more than those new "re-borne Omas".

You might have to wait a while for a reasonable price unless yo are lucky. While the arco prices are beyond stupidity, all the other OMAS fountain pens I've seen going for sale are at far higher prices than just a year ago.

[Seney724]

I, personally, do not believe those who are trying to inflate the market prices and perpetuate the myth of imminent extinction of the Arco celluloid for self serving purposes.

Whereas I agree that the true Omas Arcos are generally selling at a higher price point than they merit, I have purchased several in both Bronze (Brown) and Verde (Green) over the past 6 months ALL at sales prices LESS than what is being asked for the ASC Arco pens. All the true Arcos I have acquired are either NOS or near mint. They are out there, and I agree with fabri00.....they are definitely preferable.

[mulrich]

 

I, personally, do not believe those who are trying to inflate the market prices and perpetuate the myth of imminent extinction of the Arco celluloid for self serving purposes.

 

Whereas I agree that the true Omas Arcos are generally selling at a higher price point than they merit, I have purchased several in both Bronze (Brown) and Verde (Green) over the past 6 months ALL at sales prices LESS than what is being asked for the ASC Arco pens. All the true Arcos I have acquired are either NOS or near mint. They are out there, and I agree with fabri00.....they are definitely preferable.

You must have better sources than I do. Im always on the lookout for omas arco but havent seen one for under $1000 in a long time.

[Seney724]

You must have better sources than I do. Im always on the lookout for omas arco but havent seen one for under $1000 in a long time.

 

I agree, you don't usually see them "advertised" for under $1,000 USD. But they are there to be had......

You are one of the most savvy posters on this Board. Surely you know this to be a fact.

[mulrich]

 

I agree, you don't usually see them "advertised" for under $1,000 USD. But they are there to be had......

You are one of the most savvy posters on this Board. Surely you know this to be a fact.

My arco collection is largely complete so I havent had reason to make offers recently so all I see are listing prices. Someday when I sell things off Ill gain a better appreciation for what people offer.

[Seney724]

I can't imagine the day when I will want to sell mine off. They are all real treasures.

 

But, to the point of what they cost, there have been at least three, maybe more, which have been advertised and sold right here over the past 6 months +/- with the advertised asking price of $750-$895. They go quickly at that price so you have to be lucky enough to be on line when they come up for sale. Of course, those days may now be gone but it really wasn't that long ago. And, when sanity prevails once again and people realize there really are enough genuine Omas Arco pens around for everyone who wants one, the prices will drop back to the more reasonable ranges of the recent past. I think these pens are very legitimately $1,000 pens and, given time & patience, most everyone should be able to find exactly what they want for somewhere between $750 - $1,250

 

Otherwise, like with so many other things, building good relationships are the key. Whether with a professional seller or with another collector, the prices one pays are always better if there is a strong relationship already in place.

[Stylo_dOr]

I also appreciate the insight here!

 

For years I have loved Omas. Even from the days of the Omas pen society / club. Omas was a quality pen manufacturer that did all to encourage their patrons to love their pens and keep coming back. From their little black Omas Society card to their free polishing cloths that come when you joined the society via their website. Just a quality company.

 

Armando Simoni Club has carried on the Omas tradition, in my opinion. I have the privilege of owning a dozen or more Omas pens and now have at least 8 of the ASC Arco pens in my collection.

 

This may not make some of my Omas collector colleges happy, but I have to say that ASC has literally taken Omas to the next level. Their pens are wonderful and every bit as good as any pen that Omas had ever made. Just my opinion, but that is my belief.

 

Yes, ASC pens are not cheap. But neither are they sub par. As I said, I have the privilege of owning 8 ASC Arco FPs in both their bronze and verte celluloids. They are a dream to write with and luscious to hold and view / enjoy!

 

Polished to perfection and just look at that piston filler, nib, and grain in the celluloid! Stunning!

 

I will continue to purchase the ASC pens for as long as they create them!

 

I sorely miss Omas, but am so appreciative that ASC has stepped up to create for us a pen that honors Omas crucially! And not only honors Omas, but does so in a way that I think Omas would applaud!

 

Richard

 

Ah, I'm not quite buying into this yet. Manu is a Frenchman; Armando Simoni was an Italian -- not the same. I wholeheartedly agree that Manu is a savvy businessman who saw a good business opportunity to earn a franc by buying OMAS' old celluloid stock when OMAS dissolved. But to suggest that ASC has taken OMAS to the "next level" is perhaps a little too soon. If ASC has truly taken OMAS to the next level, then perhaps ASC will improve its QC and its customer service and communications. I agree that the new ASC celluloid pens are beautiful because of OMAS' celluloid.

Edited September 1, 2018 by Stylo_dOr

[Ceelo]

My opinion is that Omas will never live again.

From the beauty of his celluloid, to the elegance of the 12 faces faceted pens, to the quality of the old in house nib, to the piston filling system.

What we get from scribo or asc or any other recent producers is just a small part of what an Omas was.

And for the expansive price of those new pens is still possible to buy some great Omas of the 80's and 90's with all the value of a real Omas pen of the good days.

I'm personally buying the Omas I can find for a reasonable price more than those new "re-borne Omas".

Hear, hear.

[strelnikoff]

We can talk about the quality, design and usability and - perhaps - price. For some time I was 100% sure I will buy few new WAHL's. Then - I have tried them, and from an engineering point of view, they were disproportionately designed/engineered. To clarify, the pen is massive, nib is large and some of the parts (feed for an example) are beefy and made of ebonite. My zeal to buy WAHL's was lost due to the few flaws I found, with which I cannot live - out of principle - things that would bother me in the long run. Firstly - some parts (sleeve around the feed/nib unit) are too thin and prone to cracking. In general, for such a large pen with generous proportions - they could have allowed themselves to make thicker parts. When a product is designed - bloated dimensions are usually sure sign that design was not iterated nor optimized more than 2-3 times (if even that many times). Then - this was obvious when I met the owner of Wahl Eversharp - they were pushing the nib as the biggest star of the show (pen). Personally, the nib is not good enough. Calling it - Superflex - while using material removal with laser to increase the flexibility of 18C gold - is just not the right approach. The owner claimed they have spent a lot of time working on the alloy definition, but if they really did - it was composed of "wrong" metals, since they haven't achieved true flex. So they played with how much material can they remove and get softness. Rolled gold, not forged.The nib is soft (at best) and softness/rigidity varies widely from nib to nib. And so - I did not see myself spending 800 plus USD for such pen. Then came the ASC - and I have tried several pens. Beautiful pens, really gorgeous. However, on a closer look - they reminded me of Wahl Eversharp so much, that I became skeptical.

ASC (large) nib is virtually identical to Wahl's nib (as I have learned, they were cooperating). Then, it is fairly heavy pen (talking about the arco bronze large model). Too many features similar to those of Wahl - and so, I did not went for ASC. It does not corresponds to Omas in any way except in pen material. I understand why people love these pens, I almost bought two - but ...
On the other hand, SCRIBO from what I've seen, are aiming at Omas legacy in a proper way.

So, Omas may never come back - but SCRIBO has a good idea and starting point.

But then again, I was the one who could appreciate arco green or bronze/brown - but in general I didn't care much for Omas.

[dapprman]

Wahl = ASC = Manu on here (I think) = stylomaniak on eBay. The nibs and filling system is the same (aside from branding) on the over sized pens from both brands.

[Seney724]

Wahl = ASC = Manu on here (I think) = stylomaniak on eBay. The nibs and filling system is the same (aside from branding) on the over sized pens from both brands.

 

This information is correct. For the Wahl brand pens Manu partners with Syd Saperstein.

Manu also operates under the seller name italianpens on eBay.