TWSBI tones down the 850 IROC with a raw finish and adds the ink window

By On · 27 Comments · In Fountain Pens

Just a few days ago TWSBI showed off the 850 IROC with an all chrome finish:

TWSBI Diamond IROC Metal 850 cappedNow they’ve created one with a raw finish that I actually think looks better. But I’d still like the option to buy both and make the decision first hand.

TWSBI Diamond IROC Metal 850 fountain pen raw capped

TWSBI also delivered a nice shot of the ink window:

TWSBI Diamond IROC Metal 850 fountain pen raw ink window

TWSBI Diamond IROC Metal 850 raw piston knob

So, what do you think? Chrome or matte? If you weren’t interested before, are you now? If not, what would it take to get you interested?

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  • Jay Pulli

    Matte! Say no to fingerprints.

  • http://manoeuver.blogspot.com/ Tim Hofmann

    I like the Matte better.

  • h.davim

    matte

  • Ed J.

    The matte finish is better, but the machining makes the pen look kind of like a bad piece of furniture from the 80′s. I think in this situation, less would certainly be more. Something about the pen just screams glass and metal coffee table from 1986 that should have been in the garbage a long time ago. I would take the Levenger L-Tech over this if they don’t make anymore changes.

    • http://fpgeeks.com/ Dan Smith

      I totally understand what you’re saying and I think I’d even agree. The knurled section on the L-Tech really makes a huge difference. It’s enough to sway me away from the piston of the 850. But really, who am I kidding? You know I’m buying it.

  • the ruffled quill

    Oh matte = much better

  • ianmedium

    I prefer the Matt finish and this pen cries put to be stealthed. There is something else though. This has been dragging on for ages now, like the mini. One of the things about the Internet is that we get sneak peeks sometimes a year in advance, now to some it may build excitement but for me it actually quells it! When I first saw this pen I thought Wow but now with so many variations being shown and still no pen I am much less inclined to purchase one simply as I have become so familiar with it I have become bored with it. Does this happen to anyone else or am I alone in this? This seems to happen for me only with run of the mill things though, not special editions or exotics!

    • jay

      I completely agree. Too many “coming soon in a few months”

      • http://fpgeeks.com/ Dan Smith

        I think TWSBI is trying to show us as much of their development as possible to see what’s most favorable. I’d prefer it this way where my input might actually influence the product rather than have them be completely silent and disconnected from their consumers and release a product that I have absolutely no interest in.

  • ianmedium

    Oh yes, and I really dislike the chrome accents on the matt pen, it cheapens it for me, they look like the pressed shiny tin found on old cheap toys one used to get that we’re made in China back in the seventies! The blind cap in particular!

    • http://www.facebook.com/brianpanderson Brian P. Anderson

      While I dislike the frosted clip on the 700, I do like the contrast presented here with the matt finish and shiny appointments. No matter how it ends up, I think this will be a neat pen!

  • skyppere

    Once was lost but now I’m found! I MUCH prefer the matte finish!

  • Lili

    Matte but they look heavy.

    • http://fpgeeks.com/ Dan Smith

      You’re right about that. They weigh 65 grams, more than twice that of the 540 which only weighs 27.

  • ever onward

    Yum! I love the matte one.

  • RagingDragon

    Is that nib the same size as on the 530/540?

    • http://fpgeeks.com/ Dan Smith

      No, its a #6, the same size that’s on the Vac700 and the Micarta.

  • Jaz

    Matte is my preference. Wonder if it’s heavy in the hand, Like the large nib. More important is how the nib will flow. I like them wet. Also like nibs that are other than the standard fine/med/broad. Sorry asking for alot…

  • Rachel Gast

    Definitely matte.

  • Doug C

    Both….but the matte has a slight advantage.I also am a fan of the different finish on the trim. I would love to see TWSBI offer stubs as a standard on their pens.

  • Stephen Brown

    Matte for me, but I’m still hoping we’ll see a black version…

  • Chi Town

    I Really, Really like the Raw finish!

  • http://okami-whatever.blogspot.com O-kami

    definitely matte – I love this pen

  • Keith

    Matte. I wish TWSBI would build them to post. Alas, it does not seem likely.

    • http://fpgeeks.com/ Dan Smith

      It’ll probably post on the piston knob like the 540.