supernormal

[inklord]

So.
Who else is excited about this new pen?
http://www.lamy.com/microsites/aion/index_ger.html

Ever since I first became aware that Jasper Morrison (those who don't know of him may visit https://jaspermorrison.com/exhibitions/2000-2009/super-normal ) might design LAMY's next big release I knew that at last we would get what was missing in the anniversary year 2016. And here it is.
The "supernormal" pen.
A pen that pretends at nothing but simply is a pen.
Reduced, but also refined.
I can hardly contain myself until July when it will be released for sale.
Jasper Morrison.
LAMY.
Wow.

[I might need a "Ply" chair and a "GloBall" lamp to complement this. The thought that at some point I may get off the bus at my favorite bus stop in front of the Vitra. campus - the bus stop designed by Jasper Morrison https://www.vitra.com/en-us/campus/architecture/architecture-bus-stop - with the LAMY aion clipped to my EDC pack is... well, soothingly SUPERNORMAL.

[RocketRyan]

Nice, gold nib options would be good.

[inklord]

Nice, gold nib options would be good.
It seems to have a new nib shape, for sure. I have to admit, for me the pen is mainly about the Jasper Morrison aesthetic, and i trust it will write just like any old Safari, but yes, you're right: gold nib would be nice!

[RocketRyan]

Nice, gold nib options would be good.
It seems to have a new nib shape, for sure. I have to admit, for me the pen is mainly about the Jasper Morrison aesthetic, and i trust it will write just like any old Safari, but yes, you're right: gold nib would be nice!

It's a nice design, I think it would sell well with gold and steel nib options.

[stub]

Looks a LOT like the Profil 81. Almost looks like a reissue.

[inklord]

Looks a LOT like the Profil 81. Almost looks like a reissue.

Not really IMHO. There is no step at the juncture of grip-section to barrel, the clip is quite different as is the nib. Keep in mind that Jasper Morrison often creates fairly inconspicuous objects that seem to quote a common denominator rather than "stick out", following his supernormal philosophy. So it would seem natural for his pen design to look mostly like "a pen" or at least lean on common perceptions of what a Lamy pen "should" look like, rather than being revolutionary.

[KrazyIvan]

It looks like a blend of the Accent and 2K to me.

[migo984]

It's not for me, unless it offers a VERY different writing feel. Lamy pens all seem to offer a rather sterile writing experience.

[inklord]

maybe this will help
http://www.penexchange.de/forum_neu/download/file.php?id=35504
I have a feeling that this will be the most minimalist pen from Lamy since the L2k and the CP1. The all-aluminum construction with various texturing treatments sounds promising to me. Anyways - this is one pen I'd buy even if it provided the worst writing experience ever. Just because of the Morrison factor (after all, his collaborator Naoto Fukasawa got me to like a ball-point pen... :) )

[migo984]

The section shape looks similar to the Studio & 2K, both of which I find uncomfortable to use. My fingers slip on the convex-style section. I even struggle with the ridged section on the Persona. It might be better if the nibs weren't so hard/firm, both steel & gold.

[Sammyo]

... honestly... in my own personal opinion... it looks like a cheap pen... and knowing the recent Lamy prices, I imagine it won't be.

I get a the same feeling as when I saw the Montblanc M; just blah. A designer made pen is usually not a good thing IMHO.

Sorry Inklord, it is not aimed at you, just my opinion of the pen itself. For those that love it, great... I do not.
I DO like the 2K, I own one with a massive BB nib, and it is a scream to write with... all fat and squeaky and soft. This just feels like someone was shown a 2K, a Studio, a Nexx and Montblanc M and asked to make "something like those please... but more basic".

[Ahriman4891]

maybe this will help
http://www.penexchange.de/forum_neu/download/file.php?id=35504
I have a feeling that this will be the most minimalist pen from Lamy since the L2k and the CP1. The all-aluminum construction with various texturing treatments sounds promising to me. Anyways - this is one pen I'd buy even if it provided the worst writing experience ever. Just because of the Morrison factor (after all, his collaborator Naoto Fukasawa got me to like a ball-point pen... :) )

I have and like both the 2000 and the CP1, so I'm excited for the Aion as well. Probably will grab a Noto at some point just to add to the collection.

Wondering how effective Aion's grip texture will be.

EDIT: The prototype is called JM1, which is fitting; I wonder if "Aion" is the final name? Also, hoping for a spring-loaded clip.

[TSherbs]

I like the look. But as someone else said above, this section shape hurts my fingers.

[ethernautrix]

Truth be told, I'd rather have a Safari.

[Lady Onogaro]

It doesn't do much for me.

[dfo]

It looks simple yet beautiful, but I'm sold on modernism.

[Jon Szanto]

Ick.

[inklord]

maybe this will help
http://www.penexchange.de/forum_neu/download/file.php?id=35504
I have a feeling that this will be the most minimalist pen from Lamy since the L2k and the CP1. The all-aluminum construction with various texturing treatments sounds promising to me. Anyways - this is one pen I'd buy even if it provided the worst writing experience ever. Just because of the Morrison factor (after all, his collaborator Naoto Fukasawa got me to like a ball-point pen... :) )


I have and like both the 2000 and the CP1, so I'm excited for the Aion as well. Probably will grab a Noto at some point just to add to the collection.

Wondering how effective Aion's grip texture will be.

EDIT: The prototype is called JM1, which is fitting; I wonder if "Aion" is the final name? Also, hoping for a spring-loaded clip.
The clip will be spring loaded... Jasper has a pretty good reputation for getting things right - his chairs are incredibly comfortable, as is his "three" sofa. Quite unlike Mr. Newson's furniture...

[inklord]

Ick.

...care to elaborate or are you feeling too sick? ;)

[Jon Szanto]

Ick.

...care to elaborate or are you feeling too sick? ;)

It was all the comment the pen required. Fortunately, we all have differing tastes.

[Ahriman4891]

maybe this will help
http://www.penexchange.de/forum_neu/download/file.php?id=35504
I have a feeling that this will be the most minimalist pen from Lamy since the L2k and the CP1. The all-aluminum construction with various texturing treatments sounds promising to me. Anyways - this is one pen I'd buy even if it provided the worst writing experience ever. Just because of the Morrison factor (after all, his collaborator Naoto Fukasawa got me to like a ball-point pen... :) )


I have and like both the 2000 and the CP1, so I'm excited for the Aion as well. Probably will grab a Noto at some point just to add to the collection.

Wondering how effective Aion's grip texture will be.

EDIT: The prototype is called JM1, which is fitting; I wonder if "Aion" is the final name? Also, hoping for a spring-loaded clip.
The clip will be spring loaded... Jasper has a pretty good reputation for getting things right - his chairs are incredibly comfortable, as is his "three" sofa. Quite unlike Mr. Newson's furniture...

And Mr. Newson's pen, going by the reviews (no personal experience). And Mr. Newson's camera. (http://www.imaging-resource.com/news/2013/02/25/pentax-japan-discontinues-k-01-compact-system-camera) There is useful design and masturbatory "design".

I gather you have the Lamy Noto? How do you like it?

[inklord]

Ick.

...care to elaborate or are you feeling too sick? ;)

It was all the comment the pen required. Fortunately, we all have differing tastes.
Indeed, Jon! Otherwise the world of human-made stuff would be rather boring. And I always appreciate your input. Your comment was actually quite appropriate: minimalist. Do you like Eric Satie?

[penwash]

I like it better than Lamy 2000. I hope it's a piston filler with a lot of nib options.

[Jon Szanto]

Your comment was actually quite appropriate: minimalist. Do you like Eric Satie?

In small doses.



http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb204/EnvoyC/emotes/lol.gif

[stub]

In small doses.



well played Monsignor Szanto, well played.

[FredRydr]

I still prefer the design of the 2000, but the proof is in the pudding writing. I'd like them side-by-side at a pen show.

Fred

[inklord]

In small doses.



well played Monsignor Szanto, well played.


:) ;)

[inklord]

maybe this will help
http://www.penexchange.de/forum_neu/download/file.php?id=35504
I have a feeling that this will be the most minimalist pen from Lamy since the L2k and the CP1. The all-aluminum construction with various texturing treatments sounds promising to me. Anyways - this is one pen I'd buy even if it provided the worst writing experience ever. Just because of the Morrison factor (after all, his collaborator Naoto Fukasawa got me to like a ball-point pen... :) )


I have and like both the 2000 and the CP1, so I'm excited for the Aion as well. Probably will grab a Noto at some point just to add to the collection.

Wondering how effective Aion's grip texture will be.

EDIT: The prototype is called JM1, which is fitting; I wonder if "Aion" is the final name? Also, hoping for a spring-loaded clip.
The clip will be spring loaded... Jasper has a pretty good reputation for getting things right - his chairs are incredibly comfortable, as is his "three" sofa. Quite unlike Mr. Newson's furniture...

And Mr. Newson's pen, going by the reviews (no personal experience). And Mr. Newson's camera. (http://www.imaging-resource.com/news/2013/02/25/pentax-japan-discontinues-k-01-compact-system-camera) There is useful design and masturbatory "design".

I gather you have the Lamy Noto? How do you like it?

A nice ballpoint, very inconspicuous. Lamy does not exactly make the best BP refills though (a little stiff, like the good old Parker refills) Design-wise I particularly like the fact that the clip is integral to the body, which makes the pen both shirt pocket and bag friendly. In Europe the pen is also quite cheap (I got mine fo €8.- if I remember correctly) It's certainly not an upscale BP like the Pico or the 2000 BP.

[Anne]

I am surprised that some here would find the section uncomfortable - I am not into the cigar-type shaped pens, but the grip section actually Looks like it would be comfortable to me. It looks ergonomic to me, although I prefer the classic flared/contoured slope around most sections. I wonder how balanced this pen is ...

[TSherbs]

I am surprised that some here would find the section uncomfortable - ....

My issue is very specific to my hand and a nerve issue: I had to sell my lovely L2K because it hurt my hand on the second finger that rests under the pen. Just the way it is for me.

[inklord]

I am surprised that some here would find the section uncomfortable - ....

My issue is very specific to my hand and a nerve issue: I had to sell my lovely L2K because it hurt my hand on the second finger that rests under the pen. Just the way it is for me.
Thanks for pointing that out... Our hands are as individual as our handwriting, and it stands to reason that "one size/shape fits all" makes no sense for fountain pens, especially not for the grip sections!

[inklord]

Here are a few more pictures that show the texturing by circular brushing, blasting and also (albeit on what I think are the ball point pens) clip design with the imprinted LAMY logo script:
https://mom.maison-objet.com/en/product/26768/lamy-aion#xtor=AL-283
The colors are announced as being satin black and "olivesilver" - whatever that might mean (Lamy has a tendency to come up with these mutilated "Germlish" terms that are meant to sound English, but are direct transliterations from the German... so silly!)

[inklord]

Last bit of news: the Lamy factory outlet lists the the pen at €49.-, which puts it in the same price class as the Lamy Studio with stainless steel nibs.
On their webpage Lamy calls the aion's nib a "newly constructed, [highly] expressive nib made from stainless steel". The entire pen is drawn aluminum with the grip section being bead blasted and the remainder circular brushed. The clip is Lamy's typical (Scala, 2000, CP1,) solid stainless steel spring-loaded clip. The pen is a cartridge/converter pen, and currently not available with gold nibs. given its all-aluminum construction, the pen should be extremely light. The release date (from Lamy's online shop in Germany) is now given as the 27th of June. The colors are as stated above: black and grey. The nib widths are EF, F, M and B.

[titrisol]

Not bad, I hope that grip is not rubber... and that it can be ordered with black nib :)
http://www.lamy.com/microsites/aion/img/models/Lamy_077_aion_Fountain_pen_silver_161mm_large.png
http://www.lamy.com/microsites/aion/img/models/Lamy_077_aion_Fountain_pen_black_161mm_large.png

[catbert]

Interesting video.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzGxKpAAI8w

[inklord]

Has anybody heard of a release date for the US???

[Ahriman4891]

Has anybody heard of a release date for the US???

In September, according to Goulet Pens. (https://www.gouletpens.com/lamy-aion/c/687)

TBH, the US MSRB is kinda high. I won't buy the Aion before handling one.

[inklord]

Has anybody heard of a release date for the US???

In September, according to Goulet Pens. (https://www.gouletpens.com/lamy-aion/c/687)

TBH, the US MSRB is kinda high. I won't buy the Aion before handling one.
To handle before buying is always a good idea :) . This is a piece for the design community rather than the pen community anyways (being aware that these subsets overlap, of course).
The price is, for me, astonishingly low, considering that there has never been a pen on the market built from deep drawn aluminum (compare with Lamy's Studio). I'd expected Lamy to market such a piece equipped with a 14k/585 nib in the €/$200.- to 300.- class, but that would probably have collided with Mr. Morrison's attitude of making good design affordable. With a steel nib it's not going to write any better than a Safari, of course, but it will surely stand alone based on its design merits. Having handled, viewed and sat on/in a selection of Jasper Morrison's designs, I am quite confident that this will be a minimalist's dream pen. Sorry if I sound a bit sycophantic, but as Po says in Kung Fu Panda: "...big fan"

[Ahriman4891]

The FPN thread mentioned that it costs €51 with shipping. That's 60 bucks. Not bad. In the USA, the MSRP is 90 dollars, for some reason. Good design was made a bit less affordable, that's my main gripe.

I get that the manufacturing process is cool, but why was it needed for a supernormal pen? It's longer and fatter than the 2000, and I am suspicious of metal grip sections in general. I was really excited about it in the beginning, but somewhat cooled off.

[stub]

I was really excited about it in the beginning, but somewhat cooled off.

It went the opposite for me. I thought it was a box of meh at first, now I actually really interested.

[inklord]

The FPN thread mentioned that it costs €51 with shipping. That's 60 bucks. Not bad. In the USA, the MSRP is 90 dollars, for some reason. Good design was made a bit less affordable, that's my main gripe.

I get that the manufacturing process is cool, but why was it needed for a supernormal pen? It's longer and fatter than the 2000, and I am suspicious of metal grip sections in general. I was really excited about it in the beginning, but somewhat cooled off.

US price policies of Lamy are odd, to say the least. But here in the US we have at least the "street price" (which is actually dictated by online business competition) of approx. 20% off, which makes the Aion available at $71.20, including converter. I assume that the idea behind the seamless construction is to have an icon of a 'generic' or 'supernormal' pen shape rather than a construct, similar to a simplified outline drawing.

[Tarbyonline]

Not for me I'm afraid. And that's before I even know what it costs (way too much is my guess). It very much reminds me of the 2k/studio as well. Not sure how much "design" has gone on here, looks like a bit of restyling to me. I'd love to see the original design brief!

[stub]

Hey.

A company. A big company. Made a pen.

& for once it is not tiny.

That alone is something.

Personally find minimalist industrial design (particularly Lamy's flavor of it) dead boring but I enjoy the writing performace of the small army of Lamy pens I own and this pen looks like a big, sturdy, workhorse pen with a non-slippery grip (another small miracle)

More interested in this pen with each passing day.


https://youtu.be/wSNCluc_8_o


https://youtu.be/6LOP1w4YFsY

[urushi4u]

It's a budget 2000 with a boring nib. Maybe suitable for those who've finally grown up enough to ditch their Safari but not yet ready to write with a proper adult nib.

[stub]

It's a budget 2000 with a boring nib. Maybe suitable for those who've finally grown up enough to ditch their Safari but not yet ready to write with a proper adult nib.

Fine if you don't like it. Totally open to criticism of the pen design but don't use that as a tool to disparage people.

That's a snooty and insulting thing to say.

[AzJon]

Nice, gold nib options would be good.

It can still be swapped out with any Lamy gold nib.

[RocketRyan]

Nice, gold nib options would be good.

It can still be swapped out with any Lamy gold nib.

I heard they fit, but are a slightly different shape. May give one a go.

[dam]

As I replied to this other thread (https://fpgeeks.com/forum/showthread.php/21650-Video-review-of-the-new-Lamy-Aion?highlight=lamy+aion)concerning this pen, I got mine 2 days ago from Fontoplumo. Got the black version in fine. The nib is different from the Safari's but I'm pretty sure they will fit (width is the same, as far as I can tell). It's a smooth, functional nail, attached to a nice, simple and functional design. I like to change inks often so I don't need a piston filler and I don't really enjoy hooded nibs - and the 2000 is expensive. I was looking for a new everyday pen and this fits the bill. Pedestrian design, yes, but the thing seems serviceable and dependable - time will tell, but out of the gate, things are looking good.

It has a decent weight (around 37 grams inked, capped with the converter). My only worry is the cap. It's a little loose. I remember reading a review mentioning this a while back, but I can't remember where. Anyone else notice this? Might just be my particular pen, might be model specific. Any thoughts, for those who have one?