Vintage Conklin Symetrik in Black

[penwash]

The Symetrik was introduced following the Endura line by Conklin to match the Sheaffer Balance, and because of this, it has all the trimmings from the top-of-the-line Endura except of the rounded ends instead of flat.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49056235536_f5afe04bf6_z.jpg

Apart from being a handsome black pen, I like this pen also because it feels quite chunky and substantial. The earlier versions sported the Endura nib, and later switched to the Toledo 14K such as the one we have here.

And then the Toledo 14K nib is quite amazing, producing delicate hairlines and responds to slight pressure by rendering satisfying line variations.

The restored lever filler is also one of my favorites, it's very well designed with short lever that looks good, but attached to a long bar inside that works really well.

The sketch:

I rode air-cooled Honda motorcycles back when I was in high-school, although not this particular Honda S90 from the mid 60's which is the inspiration for the sketch. But should I ever had a chance again to own a motorcycle, I think I'd be looking for one like this.

[FredRydr]

If you had to repair the mechanism of that pen, you have reached new heights.

[penwash]

Not sure which mechanism you're referring to, Fred.
This pen's trims and lever mechanism are pristine. I didn't have to do much other than replacing the crumbling sac.

Compared to my Sapphire Blue Endura that I had to pretty much replace everything on it, this is a walk in the park :)

[amk]

I have a couple of Enduras and what you say about the pen's chunky robust feel really rings true for those Conklins as well. You have your Symetrik looking in tip top shape!

[FredRydr]

Not sure which mechanism you're referring to, Fred.
This pen's trims and lever mechanism are pristine. I didn't have to do much other than replacing the crumbling sac....
Oops! Never mind. I was thinking Nozac!

[penwash]

Not sure which mechanism you're referring to, Fred.
This pen's trims and lever mechanism are pristine. I didn't have to do much other than replacing the crumbling sac....
Oops! Never mind. I was thinking Nozac!

I guessed that you're thinking of the Nozac.

By the way, i have successfully restored a few Nozac, the piston version. But I know what you meant, I've seen the innards of some Conklin pens that just defies logic and reasoning.

[penwash]

I have a couple of Enduras and what you say about the pen's chunky robust feel really rings true for those Conklins as well. You have your Symetrik looking in tip top shape!

Is it difficult to get a hold of Conklin pens in UK?

[amk]

I found my first one at a vide-grenier in France. 15 euros for a woodgrain Endura couldn't be passed up! The other came from an antique shop in the UK that puts pens in a drawer... and I visit every so often... but no, I haven't seen a lot of Conklins. Eversharps are much more common this side of the pond.

[penwash]

I found my first one at a vide-grenier in France. 15 euros for a woodgrain Endura couldn't be passed up! The other came from an antique shop in the UK that puts pens in a drawer... and I visit every so often... but no, I haven't seen a lot of Conklins. Eversharps are much more common this side of the pond.

That's cool (your 15 euros woodgrain Endura).

I guess it's the same way over here, British -made pens are scarce. Most pen people here (whom I know) have heard or own Conway Stewart pens, but they never seen a Burnham or Mentmore.

[Chrissy]

I live in the UK and have never seen a Conklin pen anywhere.

[Deb]

I've had two over the years, a crescent and a Symmetrik. Not like Parkers, Watermans and Wahl-Eversharps which are common here.

[Empty_of_Clouds]

Very nice pen. I had a little chase of Conklin's a while back - either too expensive or questionable condition (sometimes both!) - but that's the bay for you!

Short lever, as efficient as a longer lever? I tend to think of all sac-based filling systems as essentially the same though. :)