Category Archives: Reviews

Montblanc Starwalker Spirit of Racing

Kind thanks to Joost from Appelboom Pennen, who lent me this pen.  If you shop at Appelboom, use the discount code in the banner below (‘friend’) for 10% off your purchase – excluding Montblanc.Appleboom Banner

Let’s have a look at this new incarnation of the Montblanc Starwalker.

Measurements
Length (capped): 140.5 mm/5.53″
Length (uncapped): 124.9 mm/4.92″
Length (posted): 150.3 mm/5.92″
Diameter (barrel): 11.2 – 12.1 mm/0.44″ – 0.47″
Diameter (section): 9.8 – 10.3 mm/0.38″ – 0.40″
Weight (all): 37 g
Weight (cap): 19 g
Weight (body): 18 g

Montblanc Starwalker Spirit of Racing Montblanc Starwalker Spirit of Racing Montblanc Starwalker Spirit of Racing Montblanc Starwalker Spirit of Racing Montblanc Starwalker Spirit of Racing

Montblanc_Starwalker_Spirit_of_Racing

Rotring Art Pen Calligraphy Set

This calligraphy pen set with 1.5, 1.9, and 2.3 mm nibs was sent to me by Goldspot – thank you!

Measurements
Length (capped): 178.6 mm/7.03″
Length (uncapped): 166.8 mm/6.57″
Length (posted): not available
Diameter (barrel): 5.3 – 11.7 mm/0.21″ – 0.46″
Diameter (section): 8.5 – 10.8 mm/0.34″ – 0.43″
Weight (all): 14 g
Weight (cap): 10 g
Weight (body): 4 g

Rotring Art Pen Calligraphy Set Rotring Art Pen Calligraphy Set Rotring Art Pen Calligraphy Set
Rotring Art Pen Calligraphy Set

Rotring Art Pen Calligraphy Set  Rotring Art Pen Calligraphy Set  Rotring Art Pen Calligraphy Set

 

Cross Botanica Red Hummingbird Vine

Let’s have a look at the Red Hummingbird Vine finish in the Botanica series from Cross.

Measurements
Length (capped): 135.1 mm/5.30″
Length (uncapped): 123.4 mm/4.90″
Length (posted): 156.4 mm/6.15″
Diameter (barrel): 9.3 – 9.7 mm/0.37″ – 0.38″
Diameter (section): 8.1 – 9.1 mm/0.32″ – 0.36″
Weight (all): 24 g
Weight (cap): 10 g
Weight (body): 14 g

Cross Botanica Cross Botanica Cross Botanica Cross Botanica Cross Botanica Cross Botanica Cross Botanica

Cross Botanica Red Hummingbird Vine

My Personal Pens: Classic Pens LM1 Flame Red

The Classic Pens LM1 Flame Red is a large pen, but it is smaller than the Classic Pens LB5 made from the same diffusion-bonded acrylic, and it was limited to 500 pens (375 fountain pens and 125 roller balls).  I love this pen, and I believe it is a great pen for everyday carry.  I have not yet done a full review on the Classic Pens LM1, but I will record one as soon as I have time.

Ensso Piuma Fountain Pen Review

These Ensso Piuma fountain pens were sent to me by Ensso.

Measurements
Length (capped): 139.9 mm/5.50″
Length (uncapped): 127.7 mm/5.0″
Length (posted): N/A
Diameter (barrel): 11.9 – 15.0 mm/0.47″ – 0.59″
Diameter (section): 10.6 – 12.5 mm/0.42″ – 0.49″
Weight (all): 97 g (brass)/34 g (aluminum)/55 g (titanium)
Weight (cap): 27 g (brass)/9 g (aluminum)/15 g (titanium)
Weight (body): 69 g (brass)/25 g (aluminum)/40 g (titanium)

Ensso Piuma Ensso Piuma Ensso Piuma Ensso Piuma Ensso Piuma Ensso Piuma Ensso Piuma Ensso Piuma Ensso Piuma

Ensso Piuma

Classic Pens LB6 Virtues Essence

This pen was kindly lent to me by Andreas Lambrou of Classic Pens.  An expensive pen, but a largely handmade pen.

Measurements
Length (capped): 152.7 mm/6.01″
Length (uncapped): 139.3 mm/5.49″
Length (posted): N/A
Diameter (barrel): 15.7 – 15.7 mm/0.61″ – 0.62″
Diameter (section): 12.6 – 14.5 mm/0.50″ – 0.57″
Weight (all): 43 g
Weight (cap): 26 g
Weight (body): 17 g

Classic Pens LB6 Classic Pens LB6 Classic Pens LB6 Classic Pens LB6 Classic Pens LB6

Classic Pens LB6

Lingmo Lorelei Fountain Pen Review

This pen was kindly sent to me by my friend Bill.  I was excited to be able to review this pen, as I received a lot of requests for this one…  Clearly, this pen is rather strongly inspired by the Sailor 1911 Standard fountain pen.

Measurements
Length (capped): 134.3 mm/5.28″
Length (uncapped): 118.4 mm/4.66″
Length (posted): 143.7 mm/5.65″
Diameter (barrel): 7.6 – 12.2 mm/0.30″ – 0.48″
Diameter (section): 9.8 – 10.3 mm/0.36″ – 0.40″
Weight (all): 18 g
Weight (cap): 7 g
Weight (body): 11 g

Lingmo Lorelei Lingmo Lorelei Lingmo Lorelei Lingmo Lorelei Lingmo Lorelei

 

Armando Simoni Club Bologna Extra Fountain Pen Review

After meeting again at the DC pen show, Emmanuel of the Armando Simoni Club lent me this pen and after using it for a few days, I had to buy it: it is a stunning piece in the much sought-after arco bronze celluloid, with a great nib and a cool filling system.

Measurements
Length (capped): 161.1 mm/6.34″
Length (uncapped): 148.7 mm/5.85″
Length (posted): does not post
Diameter (barrel): 14.4 – 15.7 mm/0.57″ – 062″
Diameter (section): 11.7 – 12.9 mm/0.46″ – 051″
Weight (all): 59 g
Weight (cap): 12 g
Weight (body): 47 g

Armando Simoni Club Bologna Extra Armando Simoni Club Bologna Extra Armando Simoni Club Bologna Extra Armando Simoni Club Bologna Extra Armando Simoni Club Bologna Extra Armando Simoni Club Bologna Extra Armando Simoni Club Bologna Extra

Montblanc Meisterstück for UNICEF Le Grand Solitaire Fountain Pen Review

Kind thanks to Joost from Appelboom Pennen, who lent me this pen.  If you shop at Appelboom, use the discount code in the banner below (‘friend’) for 10% off your purchase – excluding Montblanc.Appleboom Banner

Measurements
Length (capped): 146.1 mm/5.75″
Length (uncapped): 125.9 mm/4.95″
Length (posted): 162.4 mm/6.38″
Diameter (barrel): 12.2 – 13.5 mm/0.48″ – 0.53″
Diameter (section): 11.1 mm/0.43″
Weight (all): 63 g
Weight (cap): 24 g
Weight (body): 39 g

Montblanc Meisterstück for UNICEF Le Grand Solitaire Montblanc Meisterstück for UNICEF Le Grand Solitaire Montblanc Meisterstück for UNICEF Le Grand Solitaire Montblanc Meisterstück for UNICEF Le Grand Solitaire Montblanc Meisterstück for UNICEF Le Grand Solitaire Montblanc Meisterstück for UNICEF Le Grand Solitaire

Lanbitou 3009 Space Pocket Fountain Pen Review

This pen was kindly sent to me by Stig – thank you!

Measurements
Length (capped): 95.6 mm/3.76″
Length (uncapped): 87.10 mm/3.43″
Length (posted): 132.5 mm/5.22″
Diameter (barrel): 8.09 – 8.17 mm/0.32″ – 0.33″
Diameter (section): 6.11 – 8.09 mm/0.25″ – 0.32″
Weight (all): 17 g
Weight (cap): 9 g
Weight (body): 8 g

Lanbitou 3009 Space Lanbitou 3009 Space Lanbitou 3009 Space Lanbitou 3009 Space Lanbitou 3009 Space Lanbitou 3009 Space