Interesting Dual-Nib Fountain Pen

[SoulSamurai]

I apologize if this has been posted before, but here's an interesting looking fountain pen on kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/84658372/vittae-dual-nib-fountain-pen

 

It seems to be two stacked opposed Lamy-style nibs (it specifically mentions Z50 nibs). It's not the prettiest thing but I think it's a nice idea; you can mix and match both colours and line widths etc. The filling system is not exactly optimal being manually-filled custom cartridges, but it makes sense and lots of fountain pen users manually fill their cartridges anyway. Unfortunately the project doesn't really look like it's going to meet it's funding goal. It would be a shame if it failed.

 

 

Edited November 27, 2018 by SoulSamurai

[tamiya]

Meh. Pointless "solution" to an unnecessary problem plus invites ink drying out; plus how to tell which one you're writing With?

 

I have no probs switching between multiple pens. Sometimes hold 2 together if I'm only using the 2nd briefly.

 

I'm more often needing a Pen & Pencil combo... for which there's the Papermate Tandem (twist retractable) or the Zebra & Pilot Birdie - mechanical pencil with a ballpoint insert at the other end.

 

If I need to write/carry just 1 pen but I need 3/4/5etc colours... I've got BIC 4-colours or Pilot Coleto bodies which can hold 3-5 colours INCLUDING A MECHANICAL PENCIL OPTION yeah ok they're not FPs, but above ain't a Vanishing Point either.

 

Could probably buy ALL of the above for the 160squid those Kickstarter hipsters are dreaming of...

[SoulSamurai]

Meh. Pointless "solution" to an unnecessary problem plus invites ink drying out;

 

 

I think this is aimed at people who are constantly switching between two colours (like, every couple of seconds); it's a bit of a niche case but I don't think it's a non-existant scenario. In that case drying out shouldn't be an issue (at least not with decent inks), plus there is very little exposed ink thanks to the nib/feed construction and the "separator" between the two nibs, so I think it will be slightly more drying resistant than average. Under other scenarios, yes, there's better and cheaper solutions. The price is a bit high (especially the "expected retail price", which I'm not sure I believe is what they would actually ask), but remember it's a new feed and cartridge design; not exactly off-the-shelf components. Most new pens I see on Kickstarter just run standard Jowo/Bock nib units (that probably cost the manufacturer $5 or less).

 

BTW what's an "unnecessary problem"? Is there such a thing as a "necessary problem"?

[fabri00]

Omas did something similar about 60 years ago ....

[SoulSamurai]

Omas did something similar about 60 years ago ....

 

 

Yeah, in the comments section someone brought up a couple of very old designs that were similar (eg http://www.pennamagazine.com/en/vintage_pens/the-short-life-of-the-colorado-_29), so their claim of "first" is completely wrong. Still, there don't seem to be any current-production fountain pens of this type (although I've seen a felt-tip highlighter that works the same way).

[bass1193]

What an interesting idea! I suppose it shouldn't be a surprise that this had been done before, but I hadn't ever heard of any of these! Learn something new every day, here.

[WarrenB]

Gut reaction, it looks like a two-headed calf. A novelty to look at (in a tank of formaldehyde in some side-street exhibit) but not exactly a competitive option in the industry.

 

Unfortunately the project doesn't really look like it's going to meet it's funding goal.

I think this is aimed at people who are constantly switching between two colours (like, every couple of seconds); it's a bit of a niche case...

There you go, then.

[Bo Bo Olson]

.......

[Scylax]

Personally I think it's a great idea and I'd really like to own one. I'm not a fan of putting money into Kickstarter really but I'm tempted in this case!

[SoulSamurai]

Personally I think it's a great idea and I'd really like to own one. I'm not a fan of putting money into Kickstarter really but I'm tempted in this case!

I've generally had good experiences with Kickstarter; I think only one project that I backed funded but failed to deliver (although there's at least one other failed project that I would have backed if I'd known about it earlier). A few failed to fund, but in that case you're not out anything so no harm done. Overall I've been lucky; I've heard from others who have not enjoyed the same luck unfortunately, so you do have to accept the fact that it's a risk going in.

[fabri00]

Year 1946:

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/159620-omas-colorado-double-nibs/

[ParkerDuofold]

Hi SS, et al,

 

I would think teachers and editor's would love something like that... well, teachers that use fountain pens and not a gel ink multi-pen,... ...and since most editing done today is done on one of these hideous "glow panels."

 

Hhhmmmm,... yeah,... I guess its a bit niche, ain't it?

 

 

- Anthony

 

EDITED to correct typo

Edited November 27, 2018 by ParkerDuofold

[tamiya]

Gut reaction, it looks like a two-headed calf. A novelty to look at (in a tank of formaldehyde in some side-street exhibit) but not exactly a competitive option in the industry.

 

haha didn't feel like mentioning earlier but since you brought it up, I was thinking ConJoined Twins stuck together at the forehead...

[sub_bluesy]

I could actually use a pen like that at work but the odds I would be using that particular dual nibbed pen on the day I needed it is about 1 in 100

[Writing Uphill]

Has any manufacturer other than Lamy used these nibs? I'm wondering how long until he gets a cease and desist letter from Lamy.

[SoulSamurai]

Has any manufacturer other than Lamy used these nibs? I'm wondering how long until he gets a cease and desist letter from Lamy.

 

I believe they mention they are using actual Lamy nibs. Even if they don't have a specific deal in place with Lamy, I don't think that's a legal issue?

[bass1193]

I believe they mention they are using actual Lamy nibs. Even if they don't have a specific deal in place with Lamy, I don't think that's a legal issue?

I would strongly agree. If Lamy takes issue, that's another matter.

[Mew]

Omas did something similar about 60 years ago ....

Zerollo did it first, about 80 years ago. Probably one of the most complicated pen designs.

[ParkerDuofold]

I could actually use a pen like that at work but the odds I would be using that particular dual nibbed pen on the day I needed it is about 1 in 100

 

 

Hi all,

 

Actually, there are times when I could use this myself, but for me, its not a $102 problem,... but if they could get their price down to around $65-70, I'd be far more tempted.

 

But knowing me... I might get one anyway... as a conversation piece for my collection.

 

Be well all.

 

 

- Anthony

[sub_bluesy]

 

 

Hi all,

 

Actually, there are times when I could use this myself, but for me, its not a $102 problem,... but if they could get their price down to around $65-70, I'd be far more tempted.

 

But knowing me... I might get one anyway... as a conversation piece for my collection.

 

Be well all.

 

 

- Anthony

I’ll tell you what, we’ll split it! Like a timeshare!!

 

In all honesty, I like it!! It’s interesting and I can’t say I ever use a fountain pen because it’s practical anyway lolol