Sheaffer knocks one out of the park with the refreshing design of the new Taranis

By On · 23 Comments · In Fountain Pens, New Products

The Sheaffer Taranis is bringing back the hooded nib in a big way. Featuring a patent-pending grip section that is truly unique, it combines the warmth of resin with the durability of metal. Designed by renowned US architect Charles Debbas, the pen collection is named for the Celtic God of Thunder. The long sleek, spring-loaded clip features Sheaffer’s White Dot making it instantly recognizable.

The Sheaffer Taranis will be available as a fountain pen, rollerball pen and twist-action ballpoint and will come in 5 different colors: Stormy Night, Icy Gunmetal, White Lightening, Stormy Wine and Sleek Chrome. The fountain pen has a stainless steel nib in fine, medium or broad. Prices range from $125 to $165 and should be available around the beginning of November. Right before we were about to publish we just received word that the Taranis will be pushed back to a 2013 launch. We don’t know why its release is delayed but I’ll still be here waiting for it.

Sheaffer Taranis

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  • ianmedium

    Now that is the first new Sheaffer in a long time that I am drooling over. I love the design and being a gold fan I really like the burgundy and gold version.. Prices are good as well. I wonder, where are Sheaffer’s made now? Do they make their own pens still or is it just one of those ‘designed in America, made in China’ brands?

    • http://www.facebook.com/nath.krishmaratalata Nath Krishmaratalata

      I agree and have the same question.

    • David

      Ditto, made in China would be a bummer. The design is certainly a move in the right direction. I’m still shaking my head over the price of the Valor.

      Remember, you can get a really nice vintage snorkel with a luscious triumph nib for around the same price as one of these new guys.

  • inkflow

    Highly interesting pen – I’ll be looking for it.

  • kp

    I am a huge fan of vintage Sheaffer, and haven’t cared too much for their modern offerings, but this just went on my list. Thanks for the post.

  • http://www.facebook.com/will.platt.39 Will Platt

    looks interesting! the grip has a cool line down it…don’t know what that is.

  • Dirck de Lint

    That is jolly attractive, and seems quite a diversion from Sheaffer’s usual look. The name makes me think of Asterix comics, which adds a different layer of nostalgia to the slightly ’70s flavour of the design.

  • cerbeos

    Looks great and a fantastic price point!!!

  • Stiggy Ray Cyrus

    Definitely on the hot list for 2013! (Mine, at any rate!)

  • ticoun

    Many years after the retirement of the P51, Sheaffer finally decided to launch a pen with a hooded nib. Looks like it’s going to be a geat pen!

  • DET

    Interesting design. Am I the only one, though, who would like the resin in the section to match the color of the barrel?

    • http://fpgeeks.com/ Dan Smith

      If you buy the black one the section would match :-P
      But, I see what you’re saying. I would really like to see images of what that would look like, at least.

  • SilentSpeaker

    The Sheaffer Taranis (Tranny? Tyranny?…Tyrannosaur?) looks like a Lamy
    2000 which has, after having gazed longingly at its more… how shall I
    put it… “ostentatious” or perhaps just more “flashy” teutonic cousins
    in Pelikan and MontyB, decided to take a course of diet pills and have
    some drastic plastic surgery.

    Tsk Tsk….

    Oh 2000, we loved you just the way you were! (remember, it’s what’s on
    the inside that counts – and you had a internal piston filler)

    Not to rag on “Sheaffer” (or, rather, Bic) (lol not really; I don’t like them), but those names look very “tacked on at the last minute” in my opinion:

    “Black is too boring! When in doubt evoke the elements! Mush, design team! MUSH!” *Whoopish

    Perhaps I’m not being fair on [Bic]Sheaffer (no, I’m not – yes I am… no I’m not)

    (yes, I am)

  • the ruffled quill

    Oh! That is very tasty….and may well have just been added to the have to have list…Thanks for sharing
    Patrick

  • southpaw52

    Sheaffer has been introducing some the most exciting pens lately

  • Brian Anderson

    I spoke with Kenro this past weekend in DC and they indicated to me this was definitely coming out this year yet. I hope so because I would like to see this as well. We’ll see!

    • http://fpgeeks.com/ Dan Smith

      lol, that’s the same source that told me it was delayed.

      • cerbeos

        Let’s just hope they’re having a bit of fun and end up premiering it in Ohio! If it’s there – I WILL buy one in a heartbeat!

  • Maja

    Update—just saw two of the rollerballs in person at a pen store (the Sheaffer distributor for Canada came by) and they look even nicer than in the photos! There is a weighty feel to them—not overly heavy by any means & nicely balanced—and the finishes on the Stormy Wine and Icy Gunmetal is excellent. I didn’t see the fountain pen or ballpoint, but I love what I did see. Yay, Sheaffer!!

    • Maja

      Just wanted to add that I was told by the Sheaffer distributor in Canada that it will be launched in the “first quarter of 2013″. I can wait :)

  • Someone

    Can you post a photo of the pen with the cap on? ( the black fountain)

    • http://fpgeeks.com/ Dan Smith

      Sorry, these are the only images we have.