Duelling Rotrings...

[Tamerlane]

I've owned a black knurled 0.35 mechanical pencil for years. Bought it at one of the highstreet shops, when they were still being made. Since then I really got started on writing with fountain pens. Last year I finally treated myself on a proper FP: a Sailor Professional EF. Although the pen is a good writer, we never got on too well together. For some reason, I can't get into 'the groove' with this pen. It's like there's an ideal position to hold it, and I just can't find it, which makes it really frustrating because you can feel that it's a great nib. Browsing along one of the auction sits, I happened to come across someone offloading two 600s, for 50 euros each, so having read a fair bit about them here, I decided to take the plunge.

 

My 600 shows slight marks of use; the barrel's end has some paint that's come away, but apart from that it it still very pristine looking, no chips or dents or anything. As for writing, wow. It feels just like a German pen should feel: precise and mechanical. Just the right amount of weight and balance and dimensions (I have small hands). From the pictures, I thought I wouldn't like the nib's looks, but their austerity really complements the rest of the pen. Suffice it to say that with this pen my handwriting has become even smoother and precise, and that's after only about a month of writing. I have retired my Sailor, and use my 600 exclusively now (I'm not a real collector, I have a few nice FPs, but I really use it as a practical instrument rather than a collectible object).

[dogpoet]

Thanks for chipping in, Tamerlane. That's an interesting note (I'm very impressed to hear that the finish on a black Rotring is that hard wearing, as I'd assumed it would be one of the pen's weak points looking at mine. Just goes to show you can never be sure.) What size is the nibs on the Rotring, though? Is that one an XF as well?

[Tamerlane]

Thanks for chipping in, Tamerlane. That's an interesting note (I'm very impressed to hear that the finish on a black Rotring is that hard wearing, as I'd assumed it would be one of the pen's weak points looking at mine. Just goes to show you can never be sure.) What size is the nibs on the Rotring, though? Is that one an XF as well?

 

 

Hi Dogpoet, yes, it is an EF nib. As to the finish, the black on my mechanical pencil still hasn't worn off, and I've had that thing for years, but always kept good care of it, because the tip can bend easily, and I'm afraid it might break off. Only last night did I try to write a bit with my Sailor, but it just really isn't my kind of pen, shame really as I paid 300 euros for it...

 

I'm thinking about trying to swap it for another Rotring 600, maybe one of the lava ones.

[dogpoet]

I get the impression the lava ones are more desirable than the matte ones (not surprising as it's a very nice looking finish). I'm sure you'll find somebody who's up for that, though.

[MYU]

Thanks for chipping in, Tamerlane. That's an interesting note (I'm very impressed to hear that the finish on a black Rotring is that hard wearing, as I'd assumed it would be one of the pen's weak points looking at mine. Just goes to show you can never be sure.) What size is the nibs on the Rotring, though? Is that one an XF as well?

 

 

Hi Dogpoet, yes, it is an EF nib. As to the finish, the black on my mechanical pencil still hasn't worn off, and I've had that thing for years, but always kept good care of it, because the tip can bend easily, and I'm afraid it might break off. Only last night did I try to write a bit with my Sailor, but it just really isn't my kind of pen, shame really as I paid 300 euros for it...

 

I'm thinking about trying to swap it for another Rotring 600, maybe one of the lava ones.

Tamerlane, you should sell your Sailor in the marketplace or on FleaBay rather than look for a trade. There are some FleaBay sellers who periodically offer the Lava coated Rotring fountain pens, in a variety of nib sizes. I think a few came through just a couple of weeks ago at $69, some with just one bid on them. Keep looking. I've got a BP and FP in Lava and really like that material.

Edited October 22, 2008 by MYU

[Stani]

Cool review...

 

I have both as well and I must say my Newton surprised me for not being as solid as other Rotring products I own .

 

Now did you see the new Parker "Facet"

 

www.parkerpen.com/en/discovery/range/comtemporary/facet

 

It looks like the same pen. The only thing different is the colour and the clip. Same strange opening system etc.

 

Same manufacture???

 

....Stani

 

[DirtyDog]

I really enjoy the style of the old Rotring 600, but after searching on ebay, I am not yet willing to pay over $100.00 for this pen, especially since I just purchased a new Lamy 2000. Maybe I should have purchased the Rotring 600 instead of the Lamy 2000?

 

The newer model Newtons are quite a bit cheaper, but for some reason, they look really different to me in the pictures when compared to the old 600. I don't know if this is just me, or are they more similar than different?

 

Does anybody know if the newer model Newtons are also made out of brass like the older style Rotring 600? The idea of a sturdy brass fountain pen is pretty appealing to me, as I would like to take this pen out in the field for hiking and camping trips.

 

If they are both made out of brass and are similar in terms of durability and writing quality, I might be willing to settle for the Newton. If not, I may just have to be patient and wait until I get enough saved up for the old style 600 with lava finish and a medium nib.

 

On another note, I must admit that the Parker Facet looks nice also.

[Stani]

 

The Newton is not made of brass or metal like the 600. It is made out of a type of plastic. It is a very fine writer and looks just like the Parker Facet in pictures. I have not seen a Facet in real life tough. But one wonders both Parker and Rotring have been swallowed up by Sanford a while back. Rotring closed its manufacturing facility in Hamburg shortly after. Now we have the Newton or is tit the Facet I'm confused......

 

 

 

.....Stani

 

 

I really enjoy the style of the old Rotring 600, but after searching on ebay, I am not yet willing to pay over $100.00 for this pen, especially since I just purchased a new Lamy 2000. Maybe I should have purchased the Rotring 600 instead of the Lamy 2000?

 

The newer model Newtons are quite a bit cheaper, but for some reason, they look really different to me in the pictures when compared to the old 600. I don't know if this is just me, or are they more similar than different?

 

Does anybody know if the newer model Newtons are also made out of brass like the older style Rotring 600? The idea of a sturdy brass fountain pen is pretty appealing to me, as I would like to take this pen out in the field for hiking and camping trips.

 

If they are both made out of brass and are similar in terms of durability and writing quality, I might be willing to settle for the Newton. If not, I may just have to be patient and wait until I get enough saved up for the old style 600 with lava finish and a medium nib.

 

On another note, I must admit that the Parker Facet looks nice also.

 

[dogpoet]

I'd better clear this one up: if anybody's thinking the Newton is as solid as the 600, it isn't. Even I can tell that.

(However, the Newton did come in far more attractive finishes than the Facet does.)

 

Thanks, Stani.

[DirtyDog]

I'd better clear this one up: if anybody's thinking the Newton is as solid as the 600, it isn't. Even I can tell that.

(However, the Newton did come in far more attractive finishes than the Facet does.)

 

Thanks, Stani.

 

 

Thanks for clearing that up for me Dogpoet. I would have certainly been fooled by the pictures of the two pens.

[oxepyonxo]

Hello everyone,

 

First post here, and unfortunately, its going to involve a question. Are the nibs on the newer style newtons, and the older style 600s interchangable? I have a black 600 2nd gen FP in an OM nib, but was thinking of switching it to a fine nib. Unfortunately, since nibs are impossible to find, I was thinknig of buying the newer newton for its nib. Any response would be appreciated.

[dogpoet]

I'd be very surprised if they were interchangeable: the feed's completely different on the two I have to hand, and the nib itself has a simpler design on the 600 as well.

[Stani]

Hello everyone,

 

First post here, and unfortunately, its going to involve a question. Are the nibs on the newer style newtons, and the older style 600s interchangable? I have a black 600 2nd gen FP in an OM nib, but was thinking of switching it to a fine nib. Unfortunately, since nibs are impossible to find, I was thinknig of buying the newer newton for its nib. Any response would be appreciated.

 

 

You might be able to have the nib re-ground. Call up nib-meister.

 

 

 

 

....Stani

[ralphawilson]

I was given a matte black 600 about 9 years ago by the folks in my tech writing group when I left the company. Naturally, it has a lot of sentimental value to me, despite its hard edges. The design of the pen strongly suggests engineering, architecture, or industrial design to me, clearly inspired by the kinds of technical drawing tools these professions use (or used to use). I hope this isn't sexist, but the design to me seems obviously meant to be masculine.

 

After reasonably heavy use for nearly a decade there's not a chip or other cosmetic problem with the finish, and it continues to write nicely. Mine doesn't have the knurling of the original, but I always wondered if that would be comfortable to hold.

 

Sometimes I put the 600 aside for a few months and take up with another pen for everyday use, but whenever I come back this pen continues to be a pleasure.

 

Just had to add a word or two for my 600. I've really enjoyed this thread--thanks all.

[dogpoet]

That sounds like the NOS 600 I have Ralph. I was obviously completely wrong about the finish on them not wearing well, and I'm very glad to be proved wrong on that. I'm pleased to hear it'll still look just as good in a decade.

[Empacherguy]

Yeah, I would have to agree: the finish on my 600 is still pretty much flawless. It's pushing about 6 years old now, and given the virtually daily hard use I put it to, that's way more than I ever could've asked. Aside from the aforementioned semi-loose cap locks, it's 'bout as good as the day the stork brought it.

[Gul]

Bought my Rotring 600 fountain pen, Fine Nib, in 1992. In Matt black. 28 years and...it is indestructible, reliable and an absolute joy to write with. 

Edited December 14, 2020 by Gul
Typographical error.