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Chrissy
November 19th, 2015, 09:32 AM
Kaweco Brass Sport FP Review

History (reproduced from Kaweco)

Kaweco - In 1883 the manufacturer of high-quality writing insturments was founded in Heidelberg Germany. Kaweco has been producing a wide range of fine writing pens and has been setting a great value on classy design and high standard manufacturing.

The first Kaweco Sport was founded in 1912 as a pocket fountain pen for ladies, officers and sportsmen. In 1930 the brands and models of Kaweco and Aurumia fused and the Ka We Co three part circle emerged. This circle is still used today on nearly all of it’s pens.

Even Sepp Herberger already appreciated these characteristics. It was with a Kaweco Sport that the former coach of the German national soccer team wrote on a piece of paper his winning tactics which brought the Germans to the world cup in 1954.

In 1993 H & M Gutberlet GmbH made it’s first prototypes for a relaunch of the Kaweco Sport under the name Trekking, but gained and registered the rights to rename as Kaweco in 1994.

The Kaweco Sport was newly produced as a cartridge holder in 1995, but the design remained the same as the 1935 model.

In 2000 the first Limited Sport edition was produced in green celluloid, and the AL Sport as well as the Art Sport were launched in 2003.

Kaweco's product range is perfectly described by the keywords "tradition" and "innovation"

The Pen

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Measurements: Closed; 108mm, Posted; 129mm, Nib; 17mm. Weight inc cartridge; 44grams.

I liked this pen as soon as I first saw it. It feels so substantial in my hand, and is by far the heaviest of the Sport pens that I have tried out so far. In fact it weighs double the weight of the Stonewashed Sport or the AC Sport. It is all in solid brass apart from the nib, feed and feeder case. I have written with it a few times now, but haven't noticed any darkening of the brass from how it was when I first received it.

My only disappointment was to see that it came with a polished steel nib as standard. I would have matched it with the Classic Sport GP nib, for a closer colour match. Although it's still a slightly different colour.

However, I asked Kaweco if I could try it with the optional 14t gold nib, and this made it look so much better.

Nibs are interchangeable with metal Sport pens, they just screw out. Assuming you are holding the pen in your right hand, hold the nib top and bottom (not sides) and it unscrews out of the section in a clockwise direction using your left hand.

This pen comes with nib options EF, F, M, B and BB.
I am advised by Kaweco that threaded calligraphy nibs are also available to purchase separately as are Classic Sport GP options, 14ct gold options plus black options.

The Filling system

As I’m reviewing some Kaweco pens and inks, I selected a Summer Purple cartridge for the Brass Sport FP. The cartridges are International Short cartridge size.

If you’re looking for a pen with a sophisticated piston filling system, or even a classic type of twist converter, then you might be disappointed with this pocket-sized pen. There is only room for one International short cartridge due to it’s miniature size. However, I don’t find this a problem at all.

The Writing Test

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After I inked up the pen with the Summer Purple cartridge, it wrote straight away. It was so lovely to write with, not at all tiring, and I didn’t find the grip at all slippery. I found the gold F nib a slightly softer writing feel, like I am used to with most of my pens. Granted this pen feels much heavier than the AL Sport pens and the plastic Sport pens when you're writing, but my hand didn't get tired while writing with it. For flex lovers, there is no flex with either nib though. I'm reviewing the Summer Purple ink separately, so I won't say too much about it here, but suffice it to say I really enjoyed the pen and ink combination. I considered that I might have to try this pen with my Pelikan Edelstein Amber ink for a good colour match as Kaweco don't make an amber or gold ink. :)

Overall Opinion

Kaweco Sport pens have a really good screw cap that prevents their cartridges from drying out, and I have always liked that in this type of pen. I also love the fact that the AL & Brass Sport pens come in the Kaweco super metal gift tin that easily takes two pens plus a couple of spare cartridges.

If you want a clip or a converter they are available separately, but I find it as easy to refill cartridges from bottled ink with a syringe, as using the tiny squeeze type of converter that is made to fit this pen. Kaweco sell their inks in 30ml bottles or packs of 6 cartridges.

All in all, I really like this pen and I would recommend it. The gold nib makes it a more expensive purchase, but it's worth the extra.

Kaweco loaned me this pen and nib to review, and I really appreciate that. Thank you Kaweco.

rpsyed
November 19th, 2015, 10:54 AM
The pen looks fantastic with the gold nib! Thanks for the great review.

Chrissy
November 19th, 2015, 03:28 PM
I really wish I could have said that the performance was exactly the same with the steel nib and the gold nib, but it wasn't, and I also think the gold looks so much better on the pen that if you can afford it, you should seriously consider going for it.

mhphoto
November 19th, 2015, 11:37 PM
Awesome review and a gorgeous pen!

Chrissy
November 20th, 2015, 02:38 AM
The pen looks fantastic with the gold nib! Thanks for the great review.


Awesome review and a gorgeous pen!

You're both very welcome. :)

migo984
November 20th, 2015, 03:46 AM
You can get small converters that fit the Kaweco Sports-line & hold nearly as much ink as their cartridges. Much better than messing about syringe-filling empty cartridges and infinitely better than their silly squeeze converters. I have them in a few of my Kaweco Sports-line pens. They're not made by Kaweco.

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writingrav
November 21st, 2015, 10:36 AM
Does anyone know if the gold nibs are available from any US retailers?

migo984
November 21st, 2015, 10:57 AM
Does anyone know if the gold nibs are available from any US retailers?

Seitz-Kreuznach Global. US.
Not a US retailer but they ship to the US and many have had a good experience with them. I buy from them and shipping is fast and efficient to the UK.

https://www.seitz-global.us/en/?BranchId=18&Params%5BSearchParam%5D=Kaweco+gold+nib&Params%5BSearchInDescription%5D=1&aoff=s&ActionCall=WebActionArticleSearch

Chrissy
November 21st, 2015, 11:00 AM
Does anyone know if the gold nibs are available from any US retailers?

Seitz-Kreuznach sells Internationally. Here's (http://www.seitz-kreuznach.de/shop/en/office/writing-instruments/kaweco/kaweco-accessories/kaweco-spare-nibs/15854/kaweco-goldnib-insert-060-mit-thread-14-kt.-585-nib.bb?c=4606) the Kaweco gold nib on his web-site

writingrav
November 21st, 2015, 11:16 AM
Thanks!

migo984
November 21st, 2015, 01:12 PM
Thanks!

You're welcome :)

Chrissy
November 21st, 2015, 01:29 PM
Thanks!

You're welcome. :) Please note that the price shown will be reduced by 20% VAT for US buyers....

migo984
November 21st, 2015, 01:33 PM
There's an echo in here :):crazy_pilot:

Bogon07
November 22nd, 2015, 03:00 PM
Hi Migo984 are they the MONTEVERDE MINI INK CARTRIDGE CONVERTERs you are using ?

Chrissy nice BRASS Sport review. I found the steel nib pretty good as is, not quite as smooth as the gold.

I love the weight of the BRASS Sport. The brass itself did darken slightly, over a week or so of use.
The only downside is the metallic smell it leaves on my fingers. Oddly the pen itself doesn't smell so it must be the reaction of my skin oils.

Now I wish Kaweco would do a Firebird Stainless Steel Sport.

migo984
November 23rd, 2015, 01:04 AM
Hi Migo984 are they the MONTEVERDE MINI INK CARTRIDGE CONVERTERs you are using ?



Yes, those ones in the photo above are Monteverde converters :)

Below is another type that's available and one that works well in all the Sports series pens I own, from the 1980s through to current production models. This one is a bar-squeeze converter, like the Parker aeromatic type. It is Kaweco branded.

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Chrissy
November 23rd, 2015, 01:21 AM
Chrissy nice BRASS Sport review. I found the steel nib pretty good as is, not quite as smooth as the gold.

I love the weight of the BRASS Sport. The brass itself did darken slightly, over a week or so of use.
The only downside is the metallic smell it leaves on my fingers. Oddly the pen itself doesn't smell so it must be the reaction of my skin oils.

Now I wish Kaweco would do a Firebird Stainless Steel Sport.

You're welcome. :) Yes the differences between the two nibs are the same as known differences between steel and gold nibs, but IMHO the steel version doesn't look as good with the warm colour of the brass :) As far as Kaweco steel nibs go, they are really very smooth, by comparison with some other steel nibs.

Bogon07
November 23rd, 2015, 03:32 AM
QUOTE=migo984;150572]
Hi Migo984 are they the MONTEVERDE MINI INK CARTRIDGE CONVERTERs you are using ?



Yes, those ones in the photo above are Monteverde converters :)

Below is another type that's available and one that works well in all the Sports series pens I own, from the 1980s through to current production models. This one is a bar-squeeze converter, like the Parker aeromatic type. It is Kaweco branded.

[/QUOTE]

Does the bar-squeeze work any better than the apalling squeeze one ?

Yes Chrissy, the gold nib would look better than the silver one in the Brass pen. Actually Edison's steel nibs with gold plating would look even better as the one I have has a more brassy look than the actual gold nib.

migo984
November 23rd, 2015, 04:05 AM
QUOTE=migo984;150572]

Yes, those ones in the photo above are Monteverde converters :)

Below is another type that's available and one that works well in all the Sports series pens I own, from the 1980s through to current production models. This one is a bar-squeeze converter, like the Parker aeromatic type. It is Kaweco branded.



Does the bar-squeeze work any better than the apalling squeeze one ?

.[/QUOTE]

Yes - much much better than the silly squeezy one and actually better than their cartridges in my experience. However, I'd go for the Monteverde ones.

Re gold-coloured nibs, Kaweco's own gold coloured steel nibs are a very brassy tone so would work well without the expense of buying a 14k nib.

Chrissy
November 23rd, 2015, 05:23 AM
Yes Chrissy, the gold nib would look better than the silver one in the Brass pen. Actually Edison's steel nibs with gold plating would look even better as the one I have has a more brassy look than the actual gold nib.

As I mentioned in my review the Kaweco gold plated steel nib would look better than the plain steel nib, but I agree, it does have a slightly more brassy look. However, even the 14t gold nib isn't an exact match

Bogon07
November 23rd, 2015, 02:35 PM
Does the bar-squeeze work any better than the apalling squeeze one ?

.

Yes - much much better than the silly squeezy one and actually better than their cartridges in my experience. However, I'd go for the Monteverde ones.

Re gold-coloured nibs, Kaweco's own gold coloured steel nibs are a very brassy tone so would work well without the expense of buying a 14k nib.[/QUOTE]

A wise choice of ink would also enhance the brassiness of a gold coloured nib ...... and I hear you have a large selection of inks to choose from now you've returned to the U.K. :)

migo984
November 23rd, 2015, 05:57 PM
A wise choice of ink would also enhance the brassiness of a gold coloured nib ...... and I hear you have a large selection of inks to choose from now you've returned to the U.K. :)

Maybe one or two bottles........:)

Chrissy
December 21st, 2015, 11:15 AM
I tried a Monteverde mini converter (http://www.penheaven.co.uk/monteverde-mini-ink-converter?utm_source=google_shopping&gclid=CKSYw5fH7ckCFcE_GwodaaIDsQ) today in a Kaweco nib and can confirm that it doesn't fit any of them.

migo984
December 21st, 2015, 12:28 PM
I tried a Monteverde mini converter (http://www.penheaven.co.uk/monteverde-mini-ink-converter?utm_source=google_shopping&gclid=CKSYw5fH7ckCFcE_GwodaaIDsQ) today in a Kaweco nib and can confirm that it doesn't fit any of them.

How strange. They fit mine perfectly. Here's the Monteverde converter in use in two Kawecos.

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writingrav
December 21st, 2015, 01:25 PM
I tried a Monteverde mini converter (http://www.penheaven.co.uk/monteverde-mini-ink-converter?utm_source=google_shopping&gclid=CKSYw5fH7ckCFcE_GwodaaIDsQ) today in a Kaweco nib and can confirm that it doesn't fit any of them.

I've tried them but they fall apart in my hands.

migo984
December 21st, 2015, 01:28 PM
I tried a Monteverde mini converter (http://www.penheaven.co.uk/monteverde-mini-ink-converter?utm_source=google_shopping&gclid=CKSYw5fH7ckCFcE_GwodaaIDsQ) today in a Kaweco nib and can confirm that it doesn't fit any of them.

I've tried them but they fall apart in my hands.

I think I must be very lucky then. I have no problems with them. :-)

writingrav
December 21st, 2015, 01:51 PM
I really wish I could have said that the performance was exactly the same with the steel nib and the gold nib, but it wasn't, and I also think the gold looks so much better on the pen that if you can afford it, you should seriously consider going for it.

Finally ordered the 14k gold nib today. I hope it is worth it; it is not cheap.

Chrissy
December 21st, 2015, 02:05 PM
I tried a Monteverde mini converter (http://www.penheaven.co.uk/monteverde-mini-ink-converter?utm_source=google_shopping&gclid=CKSYw5fH7ckCFcE_GwodaaIDsQ) today in a Kaweco nib and can confirm that it doesn't fit any of them.

I've tried them but they fall apart in my hands.

Mine didn't fall apart in my hands. It just fell straight out of the pen.
In fact Hamilton Pens sent me one, because I asked if I could try one with a Kaweco Sport. He said he had tried it, but told me they didn't fit Kaweco pens, and he was right. The hole is bigger than the one in the Kaweco converter, so it doesn't stay in. Fortunately, I already have converters from Kaweco so I was able to see the difference.

I didn't want everyone to start buying currently available Monteverde mini converters and finding they don't fit. :)

migo984
December 21st, 2015, 02:55 PM
I'm very bemused by Chrissy's comments, I have a Kaweco Sport, a Kaweco Skyline and an AL Raw, all happily fitted with Monteverde converters.

Edit to add: just checked and I bought the mint skyline from Hamilton Pens at the London Pen Show and I have a Monteverde converter in it. Go figure :crazy_pilot:

Magnus919
December 21st, 2015, 03:19 PM
This is a handsome yet novel pen that I could see carrying around in my pants pocket, were I not terrified of the prospect of an ink leak (especially when loaded up with one of my favorites, Noodler's Black Swan in English Rose, which looks more or less like blood). :pound:

cwent2
December 21st, 2015, 04:18 PM
Finally ordered the 14k gold nib today. I hope it is worth it; it is not cheap.

What pen hiatus?
:jester:

writingrav
December 21st, 2015, 05:20 PM
Finally ordered the 14k gold nib today. I hope it is worth it; it is not cheap.

What pen hiatus?
:jester:
Four months ain't bad[emoji4]

Chrissy
December 21st, 2015, 11:03 PM
This is a handsome yet novel pen that I could see carrying around in my pants pocket, were I not terrified of the prospect of an ink leak (especially when loaded up with one of my favorites, Noodler's Black Swan in English Rose, which looks more or less like blood). :pound:

I would be more concerned about an ink leak if the pen was a plastic one and you sat down without removing it from your pants pocket :blink:

writingrav
December 24th, 2015, 12:54 PM
I received my Kaweco Gold nib from Jetpens today. It is incredible how fast they get things delivered. The nib is wonderful. No comparison to the steel nib. It cost more than I would usually spend, but I have to say that it was worth it, especially considering how many Kaweco Sports pens I have.

Chrissy
December 24th, 2015, 03:00 PM
I received my Kaweco Gold nib from Jetpens today. It is incredible how fast they get things delivered. The nib is wonderful. No comparison to the steel nib. It cost more than I would usually spend, but I have to say that it was worth it, especially considering how many Kaweco Sports pens I have.

I'm so pleased it worked out for you. I like the one that Kaweco sent me so much that I'm buying it from them. :)

Bogon07
December 24th, 2015, 09:08 PM
I received my Kaweco Gold nib from Jetpens today. It is incredible how fast they get things delivered. The nib is wonderful. No comparison to the steel nib. It cost more than I would usually spend, but I have to say that it was worth it, especially considering how many Kaweco Sports pens I have.
How does it compare with the gold nib in your Visconti Kaweco ?

writingrav
December 25th, 2015, 07:04 AM
I received my Kaweco Gold nib from Jetpens today. It is incredible how fast they get things delivered. The nib is wonderful. No comparison to the steel nib. It cost more than I would usually spend, but I have to say that it was worth it, especially considering how many Kaweco Sports pens I have.
How does it compare with the gold nib in your Visconti Kaweco ?

Well, maybe a more sensitive hand could tell the difference, but mine can't. They are both great.