Hooded nib pens

[RevAaron]

Mr. Binder's response is spot-on, IMHO. I think #1 might apply in the case of the Aurora 88- there had to be some reason folks at that company said "guys, I got a great idea- let's make a new 88, but retain only a vague similarity in cap design! some will get pistons, too! here's the kicker: put a normal nib in it! zing!"

 

Regarding resistance to drying- the Triumph'd Snorkel I always keep in my bag outlasts my vac 51 and Aurora 88P uncapped. I think many hooded nibs were made like they were largely for appearance's sake, especially with the advent of the ballpoint.

 

That said, my Lamy 2000 outlasts anything else I've tested- I use it in a 4 hour genetics lab class, leaving it uncapped for most of the time, with quick notes taken between looking into a microscope. The Snorkel does well too, but not quite as well. YMMV.

 

Aaron

[I am not a number]

Platignum have re-launched in the UK and and are offering hooded nibs...

 

No. 4

http://www.cultpens.com/acatalog/No4-FP-BM.jpg

 

http://www.cultpens.com/acatalog/No4-FP-BK.jpg

 

No. 5

http://www.cultpens.com/acatalog/No5-FP-BK.jpg

 

No 5 Studio (in a range of colours)

http://www.cultpens.com/acatalog/No5-Studio-FP-P.jpg

 

Click the pic for a link to Cult Pens (no affiliation other than being in the same time zone).

[thibaulthalpern]

1. Modern pens are primarily status symbols, and secondly nostalgia pieces. A visible piece of (preferably gold coloured) metal is a large part of their appeal in either role - writing quality is secondary.

 

I agree with you that this is probably the biggest factor. A hooded nib just doesn't have the same "bling factor".

 

While a hooded nib maybe not have the flashy component of an open nib (I refuse to use "bling" to describe that--we aren't MTV) I would hesitate to say "modern pens are primarily status symbols." Perhaps Montblanc pens are (or not), but if you look at the lineup of Pilot fountain pens, most are actually not flashy and are rather mundane practical and well-built pens. The same goes for Sailot pens--mundane style and excellent writing instruments.

 

So, don't make the generalised assumption that "modern pens are primarily stats symbols". Some companies might aim their pens in that direction but not many others. Aside from Pilot and Sailor, Lamy and Pelikan comes to mind too.

[ignatz49]

Is the Platignum a "real" hooded nib or a hood over a regular nib? Any comments about the weight and balance?

[I am not a number]

I only have the No. 4 version, it's a good writer, not prone to drying and has a good weight and balance to it but for me the metal section is a little slippery and narrow for my paws.

 

I'm not entirely sure what you mean by a "real" hooded nib, it certainly seems that way but I haven't taken it to bits yet.

[ignatz49]

In the scramble to compete with the Parker 51 and its specially designed nib, some manufacturers just enveloped their regular "big" nibs in a plastic hood. I have seen several "modern" hooded nibs which are just a standard nib disguised.