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kaisnowbird
October 26th, 2013, 12:02 AM
[Warning: Long review ahead. For quick summary, jump straight to the next post below. :bolt:]

I recently acquired my first Pelikan – Souveran M320 Ruby. It’s so cute, tiny and precious, to call it a ladies’ pen would be an understatement.

As I already have three other pocket size/mini fountain pens in my humble collection, including the arch nemesis :fencing: of the baby Pelikan – Montblanc Mozart, I thought it’s time to do a comparison and see which one reigns supreme in my little Junior bantamweight division.
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INTRODUCTION

Candidate No.1 – The Düller fountain pen, designed by former Braun designer Dietrich Lubs in collaboration with Naori Miyazaki of IDEA, combines the best of German minimalism and Japanese craft. Although it is a lesser known member of the team, it has some respectable credentials.

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The cap, barrel and section are all made of high quality aluminium in a minimalist matte black finish with attractive bands of emerald green. The fit and finish is flawless and the cap snaps shut with a satisfying click. Its Schmidt nib is one of the smoothest steel nibs I have used. The writing comfort level of this Fine nib rivals many gold nibs and broad steel nibs. The pen comes embedded in a hard covered notebook (similar to the new TWSBI Micarta).

Its immediate competitors would be Kaweco Lilliput and A.G. Spalding Mini, but IMHO, this one is superior. Its push on/pull off cap is secure and much quicker to operate than Lilliput. It also has a very simple but solid and functional clip. Against the A.G. Spalding, this one is so much cooler looking.

Even though this is the least expensive/famous review candidate today and the only one that carries a steel nib, it has some stealthy qualities that shouldn’t be underestimated.

Candidate No. 2 – the baby Pelikan

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It’s got gold trim on a ruby-like translucent body. This pen is surely the prettiest and cutest darling of the team. Not even half the size of M800 and M1000, but this miniature beauty has got pretty much everything its big siblings have, inside and out. The quality of its nib is so high that many consider it to be on par with the nib of an M1000.

Candidate No. 3 – the Montblanc Meisterstuck Mozart 114

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Although tiny even among mini pens, this Montblanc actually carries a good weight. Its “precious resin” is applied over a brass body, which makes it feel centred in the hand. The taller, skinny brother Meisterstuck 144, for example, sometimes feels more flimsy in comparison.

Candidate No. 4 – Parker Duofold Mini in Green/Olive checks (1st quarter of 2006)

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About the size of a TWSBI Diamond Mini, this pen isn’t very mini at all when lying next to the other three candidates. However, its miniature in moderation makes it a lot more comfortable for longer writing sessions. Its many shining qualities and small disappointments will be discussed in detail below.


Without further ado, let the shootout begin!

SIZE & WEIGHT

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This picture, using a 50 cents AUD coin as a size reference is for my fellow Aussie geeks (I’m thinking of you Mr Bogon :wink:). The following pics use a Lamy Safari as a size reference.

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As shown here, when capped the lengths of the pens ascend in the order of 1, 2, 3 & 4.

When writing with the cap posted, the ascending order is 3, 2, 1 & 4.

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It should be noted that Duller is the shortest when capped and one of the longest posted, whereas Montblanc Mozart’s size didn’t change a great deal.

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Comparing to an unposted Safari, which is a comfortable size for most hands, with the exception of Mozart, everyone else is at least on par, if not longer when posted.

But do we dare to write with our mini pens unposted?
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I would say that candidates 1, 2 and 3 will feel inadequate except in the smallest of adult hands. Parker, however, can still be used comfortably by small and medium (my) hands. Its girth helps too.

Weight-wise, the ascending order goes like this: 2, 1, 3, 4. Though the numbers appear pretty close, especially 1 vs 2, and 3 vs 4, in hand, the differences are more pronounced:


Duller feels light, but comfortable (metal density helps);
Pelikan feels too light and delicate, I’m afraid to use it sometimes;
MB feels nicely weighted and centred;
Duofold feels evenly weighted and solid, posted or not.


STYLE, FIT & FINISH

1. The very modern and minimalist looking Duller is all about form follows function. Its fit is fantastic. Being the only push on/pull off cap among the four, the cap stays on tight with a satisfying click. When capped or posted, the barrel and cap is entirely flush. The only problem is the coating’s longevity. After some extensive use, the black paint is showing signs of wear, the gold plating on the nib (around the slit) is somehow worn/washed off by a green ink I once left in it for a few weeks. However, being all metal, this pen may get wounded over the years, but will not die easily!

2. M320 Ruby is the most beautiful of the four. Its fit and finish is flawless. The aesthetic pleasure it gives is exceptional. However, the acrylic material is very thin. I couldn’t help worrying about its fragility. It needs to be protected at all times. The cap screws on/off with ¾ of a turn. I’m afraid to post the cap too deeply (please don’t crack :hail:), but it’s too tiny to write unposted.

3. The MB Mozart is all about class – classic cigar/torpedo shape and classic black/gold combo. You can’t go wrong with this style; it exudes elegance and quiet luxury. The white star emblem adds the finishing touch. The fit and finish is perfect. The cap crews on and off with a quick turn (just over 180 degrees). The gold plated metal threads on the pen are situated near the beginning of the section and near the tail of the barrel, which leave a flush section-to-barrel transition to maximise writing comfort. The attention to detail makes this miniature pen a true masterpiece.

4. The Duofold Mini’s acrylic body is not only beautiful, semi translucent and complex, it’s also very sturdy. It feels secure and solid. The black finials and section complement the olive check nicely. It’s olive under daylight, but becomes more emerald green under florescent light. Despite its flat top, it looks soft and gentle. However, nothing yields with this pen, not even the 18K nib, which is a silky smooth NAIL. Top notch fit and finish.

FILLING MECHANISM


Duller – international short cartridge, Kaweco mini converter. 6/10.
M320 Ruby – probably the smallest piston filler currently in production and one of great quality. The translucent body allows easy inspection of ink level. Given its small size, ink capacity is moderate. 9/10 :thumb:
Mozart – MB cartridge and selected international short cartridge (those that don’t have a ridge near the neck). No known compatible converter. 4/10
Duofold Mini – Parker Mini cartridge only. No converter PERIOD. I’m using a syringe to refill the cartridge. 2/10 :rant:


Now, the best part ...

kaisnowbird
October 26th, 2013, 12:09 AM
NIBS & WRITING EXPERIENCE


Duller

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Buttery smooth Schmidt F nib, standard European fine lines. The nib doesn’t feel hard, but do not expect line variations. Great flow. Wetness: 5/10.

Pull out nib and feed. Easy to clean and maintain.

Writing comfort: 6/10 – nice nib, but the barrel and section are a bit too thin for me.


Pelikan M320

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Very high quality 14K gold two-tone nib. Medium on the broader side. Feels soft and springy as if it’s slightly cushioned. :lazy2: Sheer writing pleasure! The nib has a very slight baby’s bottom issue though. As I’m not going to use it to write pages and pages of notes, it doesn’t bother me that much. Beautiful flow. Wetness: 7/10.

PS. Note the writing sample’s last line, written with the nib flipped upside down. It’s like a fine stub nib, still quite smooth. Wetness reduced to 4/10. No more baby’s bottom. ;)

Screw in/out nib and feed.

Writing comfort: 7/10 – great nib, but the section is dangerously thin and the pen is too light for me.


Montblanc Meisterstuck Mozart

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(The last sentence pictured above meant to say that the pen wrote all these words with a single shallow dip. Good feed!)

This nib SINGS. It’s a firm 14K gold nib that is wet and smooth. There is feedback, like running your fingers over smooth but unvarnished timber surface. It’s a pleasant kind of feedback. Line variation is minimal. Amazing flow. Wetness: 8/10.

Special tools required to remove nib and feed. Still, it’s easy to flush and clean the pen.

Writing comfort: 7.5. Its section/barrel, being slightly wider than candidates 1 & 2, is more comfortable to use, but the pen, even with the cap posted, is a bit small for longer writing sessions.


Parker Duofold Mini

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(The PR Ebony Green inside the pen has been diluted. It’s usually a lot darker. The white balance isn't right, which makes the green a little blue-ish.)

Probably the hardest nib I have – harder than most steel nibs. This 18K two-tone handsome nib is super reliable though. Wetness: 6/10.

When writing with it upside down, it becomes an extra-fine nib. Wetness reduced to 4/10.

Haven’t tried to remove the nib and feed yet. Didn’t want to force things.

Writing comfort: 9/10. The hard nib is not everyone’s cup of tea, but if you don’t mind it, this pen is very comfortable to use. The cap doesn’t post extremely securely, but I can use it unposted. The posting doesn’t affect the balance much either.

I could use this for long writing sessions. Well, as long as the mini cartridge lasts me.

FINAL COMMENTS

Each of these pens goes into my daily rotation. From the most frequent to the least, I would say it’s 1, 3, 4, 2.

I carry Duller around because it can take abuse (from coins, mobile phone, keys and wallet in my pocket). I only use it to write down quick notes (a few words only) or sign a credit card receipt.

I can take the Mozart to a meeting and write short notes (usually less than a page). It’s elegant and cute. When the meeting gets boring, I can admire my pen to prevent myself from falling asleep.

Duofold Mini gets inked a little less often due to its proprietary cartridge system.

Pelikan M320 Ruby is too delicate (at least judging by appearance) to go out often.

I hope the above is useful and please excuse my poor pictures (no time to Photoshop :p). Let me know if you are curious about any other aspects of the pens. Thanks for reading. :tea:

AndyT
October 26th, 2013, 02:58 AM
Many thanks for that, Kai. I've particularly enjoyed your pictures of the Pelikan: it's so pretty. :)

Tony Rex
October 26th, 2013, 03:17 AM
Great effort. Thanks Kai. Did you use plain ol Reflex paper?

kaisnowbird
October 26th, 2013, 05:43 AM
:redface: Yep, it's plain Reflex, 90 gsm. A tad heavier than usual. They are my day-to-day doodling stock.

firewhatfire
October 26th, 2013, 07:18 AM
I like the matte finish and size on the 1st one. I may try and make one similar to it and to number 4.

jar
October 26th, 2013, 07:46 AM
Interesting. I did a review of four other mini pens but for the life of me I can't find it. I looked at the Sheaffer Tucky, YoL Pocket, Waterman 52½V and the Montblanc Boèhme.

Goldfish
October 26th, 2013, 08:33 AM
Thanks for the very detailed review, the Ruby Pel is very pretty and the ink matches nicely. I love my orange M320 :-)

krazyklod
October 26th, 2013, 10:29 AM
Thanks for doing such a detailed review but damn you for showing me the Pelikan M320! It would be a perfect pocket pen and 14k nib, piston filler in a pretty package...my wallet might get even lighter.

Laura N
October 26th, 2013, 10:55 AM
This is great, thank you.

I think Pelikan's M600 Ruby looks a bit like the M320, for those who want a non-mini.

jacksterp
October 26th, 2013, 11:21 AM
What a delightful, thorough and inspiring review! I'll bet you have created pen lust in many besides myself.

Thanks again!

orfew
October 26th, 2013, 12:21 PM
Great review. I only have one of these pens-The Mozart and I agree with almost everything you have said about it. I have used it for longer writing sessions with no problems and find it most comfortable when posted. I have the platinum finished version and am constantly surprised about how good a pen this is. It not only writes very well but looks great as well.

Thanks again for the review I might have to try a couple of those.

heath
October 26th, 2013, 12:30 PM
Great Review!

Mags
October 26th, 2013, 12:31 PM
Excellent review and I only own a Mozart but love it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)

kaisnowbird
October 26th, 2013, 06:31 PM
Thank you all for the encouraging comments.


Interesting. I did a review of four other mini pens but for the life of me I can't find it. I looked at the Sheaffer Tucky, YoL Pocket, Waterman 52½V and the Montblanc Boèhme.

Oh Jar, if you manage to track it down, please do share it. I'm interested in all of them, especially the... uhmmm... damn it, all of them!!


This is great, thank you.

I think Pelikan's M600 Ruby looks a bit like the M320, for those who want a non-mini.

Thank you Laura for mentioning the M600 Ruby. It not only has very similar material (pehaps a little brighter?), is bigger in size and ink capacity, it also comes with the new style tassie. The only problem is I couldn't find one available at a price I could afford. :p


Great review. I only have one of these pens-The Mozart and I agree with almost everything you have said about it. I have used it for longer writing sessions with no problems and find it most comfortable when posted. I have the platinum finished version and am constantly surprised about how good a pen this is. It not only writes very well but looks great as well.

Thanks again for the review I might have to try a couple of those.

Thanks Orfew. I think I would've enjoyed the platinum version even more. I should add to my wish list a platinum MB. Hopefully this Christmas I'll save on gifts, holiday and food and seriously expand my pen budget. :rolleyes:

KrazyIvan
October 26th, 2013, 06:53 PM
Very nice review. I'm especially interested in the Duller (sorry, don't know how to make an umlaute (Sp?) on the iPad.)

earthdawn
October 26th, 2013, 07:27 PM
GREAT review and outstanding pictures!

I really like that Düller, very interesting and sleek design. Never even heard of the brand before.

Also, using the Safari at the end to show size comparison really helped a lot. I did not realize how small all those pens really were till you did the group shot.

I enjoyed that review a lot and appreciate you taking the time to write it up and share it with us.

PS.. with this group I don't think you need to warn us about a long review as we all LOVE the long reviews!

Goldfish
October 26th, 2013, 09:23 PM
Very nice review. I'm especially interested in the Duller (sorry, don't know how to make an umlaute (Sp?) on the iPad.)

Hold your finger on u and options will pop up;-)

earthdawn
October 26th, 2013, 10:54 PM
Very nice review. I'm especially interested in the Duller (sorry, don't know how to make an umlaute (Sp?) on the iPad.)

LOL.. I didnt either so I copied and pasted :crazy_pilot:

countrydirt
October 27th, 2013, 08:46 AM
ü Well, come to FPGeeks to read about pens and learn something new about the keyboard! What a great place to hang out!!!

ñ as in Cañon City, Colorado!

Oh, and great job on the review. Loved the pictures

KrazyIvan
October 28th, 2013, 01:46 PM
Odd, I thought so but it did not work that day. It works now. :) I'm not on the iPad today or I would demonstrate. :p

Sailor Kenshin
October 29th, 2013, 08:33 AM
That is a wonderful review, Kai! Now you have me interested in that model MB.

mmahany
October 29th, 2013, 11:15 AM
I own two Mozart fountain pens (gold trim and platinum trim), and have also owned the 40/1924 rose gold/MOP limited edition 75th anniversary Mozart . They are leaps and bounds better than the 144 precious resin classique.

The metallic 114 body is much more rigid than the thin plastic body of the 144. It's also nice that the barrel is threaded on both ends.

One of the biggest benefits of the 114 is the availability of accessories. I have a couple leather wallets that can accomodate a 114 sized pen. It's small enough to fit in a suit jacket pocket and go unnoticed.

I also agree that the cartridge-only filling mechanism leaves a bit to be desired. However, it's a pen meant to serve a specific purpose, and a converter or piston mechanism wouldn't significantly benefit its intended use (in my opinion).

It's a very compact pen that is very trouble free. It can hold up to more abuse than the larger 144 (as you said), but is more easy to carry.

kaisnowbird
October 30th, 2013, 06:21 AM
Yes mmahany, I agree.

Of the 4 pens in this review and a few other lesser mini FPs I have owned or sampled, I would say that the Mozart rates very highly on what I consider to be the three key criteria for a good mini FP: 1) ultra portable, 2) flawless and lasting quality, and 3) elegance and design details.

For users who enjoys or doesn't mind a small pen, there is no real down side to this pen. (It's not cheap, but that's not the pen's fault, is it?)

Pelikan M320 may be prettier and sports a piston filler, but in terms of usability as a pen, I believe it falls behind the Mozart.

PS. Although I agree with every point you made about the MB 144, I love them both equally. That's mostly because my 144 has a butter-on-glass BB nib. :rolleyes:

mmahany
October 30th, 2013, 08:26 AM
Yes mmahany, I agree.

Of the 4 pens in this review and a few other lesser mini FPs I have owned or sampled, I would say that the Mozart rates very highly on what I consider to be the three key criteria for a good mini FP: 1) ultra portable, 2) flawless and lasting quality, and 3) elegance and design details.

For users who enjoys or doesn't mind a small pen, there is no real down side to this pen. (It's not cheap, but that's not the pen's fault, is it?)

Pelikan M320 may be prettier and sports a piston filler, but in terms of usability as a pen, I believe it falls behind the Mozart.

PS. Although I agree with every point you made about the MB 144, I love them both equally. That's mostly because my 144 has a butter-on-glass BB nib. :rolleyes:
I'm a Montblanc junkie so I certainly empathize with your appreciation of the 144 nib. I should note that my comments were in strict regards to the 144 precious resin version. I own several 144 variations and my way of combatting the thinner barrel was to move up to the solitaire line. It's the best of both worlds: same nib, but a metallic barrel.

Laura N
October 30th, 2013, 04:37 PM
Yes mmahany, I agree.

Of the 4 pens in this review and a few other lesser mini FPs I have owned or sampled, I would say that the Mozart rates very highly on what I consider to be the three key criteria for a good mini FP: 1) ultra portable, 2) flawless and lasting quality, and 3) elegance and design details.

For users who enjoys or doesn't mind a small pen, there is no real down side to this pen. (It's not cheap, but that's not the pen's fault, is it?)

Pelikan M320 may be prettier and sports a piston filler, but in terms of usability as a pen, I believe it falls behind the Mozart.

PS. Although I agree with every point you made about the MB 144, I love them both equally. That's mostly because my 144 has a butter-on-glass BB nib. :rolleyes:
I'm a Montblanc junkie so I certainly empathize with your appreciation of the 144 nib. I should note that my comments were in strict regards to the 144 precious resin version. I own several 144 variations and my way of combatting the thinner barrel was to move up to the solitaire line. It's the best of both worlds: same nib, but a metallic barrel.

I would love to read a review of the 144 by one or both of you. :)

mommalisa
October 30th, 2013, 06:20 PM
The Düller is new to me- thank you for an introduction to a new future pen option for me! Great overall review.

mmahany
October 31st, 2013, 07:56 AM
I would love to read a review of the 144 by one or both of you. :)
I would be happy to do one. However, I will tell you right now that my reviews aren’t nearly as eloquent as Kai's. I own (or have owned) every current Montblanc Meisterstuck pen, and I also have quite a bit of experience with the Starwalker and Boheme line as well.

kaisnowbird
November 1st, 2013, 07:10 AM
mmahany, you flatter me. :redface: I would love to read your review on the 144, and particularly looking forward to seeing photos of the Solitaire.

If you publish one in the review forum, I promise to do one as a supplement, :wink: even though my 'precious resin' version is much less glamorous.

everybodylovesbacon
November 24th, 2013, 04:50 PM
What a wonderful review! Thanks very much for being so thoughtful about each pen. I would love to get a mini fountain pen one day.

Conversely, I'm thoroughly enjoying my new Ahab!

kaisnowbird
November 24th, 2013, 07:51 PM
Glad you enjoyed the review, and happy to hear you are having fun with your Ahab.

VertOlive
November 26th, 2013, 08:37 PM
Oh my, that Mozart is singing to me! Looks like the perfect "Little Black Pen"!

Watching one now on Eeeebay...:spy:

VertOlive
December 2nd, 2013, 07:35 PM
So. Now I have the Mozart on the way. I am totally blaming Kai for everything! The great review. The awesome pictures. The incisive rating. The creation of the state of mind best described as "Total. Must. Get. One."

Any equally brilliant suggestions as to First Ink? :bounce:

Goldfish
December 2nd, 2013, 08:39 PM
Congrats!! Can't think of specific one, but wine color ink might look nice!

Jon Szanto
December 2nd, 2013, 08:42 PM
Got a ruby M320 a few weeks ago. Love it, the nib is something wonderful. Perfect for my shoulder bag, survived two-week trip to China and no refilling!

orfew
December 2nd, 2013, 09:26 PM
So. Now I have the Mozart on the way. I am totally blaming Kai for everything! The great review. The awesome pictures. The incisive rating. The creation of the state of mind best described as "Total. Must. Get. One."

Any equally brilliant suggestions as to First Ink? :bounce:
I use Montblanc Irish Green in mine. Nice combo.

kaisnowbird
December 3rd, 2013, 05:23 AM
So. Now I have the Mozart on the way. I am totally blaming Kai for everything! The great review. The awesome pictures. The incisive rating. The creation of the state of mind best described as "Total. Must. Get. One."

Any equally brilliant suggestions as to First Ink? :bounce:

Yay, I'm proud to be an enabler. :boink:
You got the Broad nib one, right? In that case, I would recommend inking it with something that shades well. Is the B nib stubbish? I always wondered.

reprieve
December 3rd, 2013, 06:08 AM
Is the B nib stubbish? I always wondered.

All of my Montblanc B nibs (and BB and BBB nibs), both modern and vintage, are quite stubbish. Some lean more toward the cursive italic side while others are rounder, but they all have a nice chiseled profile. I'm a huge fan of their broader nibs!

Sailor Kenshin
December 3rd, 2013, 07:35 AM
So. Now I have the Mozart on the way. I am totally blaming Kai for everything! The great review. The awesome pictures. The incisive rating. The creation of the state of mind best described as "Total. Must. Get. One."

Any equally brilliant suggestions as to First Ink? :bounce:

I would say one of the Diamine Composer inks, but they're only sold as a set. Hmmmm.... MB Leonardo Red Chalk, or is that too much like mxing metaphors?

lisantica
December 3rd, 2013, 06:43 PM
I enjoyed your review. I'm rather new to fountain pen admiration, so I soak up every bit of information I can gather.

VertOlive
December 8th, 2013, 11:58 AM
Just got the 114, I dipped it in Diamine Aubergine and it writes smooth as cream! Problem, since there's no converter, where to get cartridges for this little pen? Am I doomed to blues and blacks??

AndyT
December 8th, 2013, 05:21 PM
Problem, since there's no converter, where to get cartridges for this little pen? Am I doomed to blues and blacks??

Two possible solutions: firstly, you can take a syringe and refill a cartridge with whatever takes your fancy. That's tiresome in more ways than one, because you'll have to wait for the ink to be dragged through the feed to the nib by capillary action.

So secondly you could take a used cartridge, cut it down and shellac a suitable latex sac onto it and convert the pen into a bulb filler. That's completely reversible so there's no risk, and it's actually quite straightforward. Earthdawn has a video which explains everything, here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bl92XmaQ3Hg).

kaisnowbird
December 8th, 2013, 05:52 PM
Just got the 114, I dipped it in Diamine Aubergine and it writes smooth as cream! Problem, since there's no converter, where to get cartridges for this little pen? Am I doomed to blues and blacks??

Great to hear that your Mozart is performing well.

For cartridges, you have several options:

1. The most obvious and expensive would be Montblanc's own cartridges, which come in a variety of colours.

2. My experience is that some international standard cartridges work with the Mozart, others don't.
If you compare the MB cartridges with "standard international", you will notice that there is a ridge near the neck of the cartridge and the MB's ridge is further back, whereas the standard int'l has the ridge closer to the opening. I would recommend you find a brand that has either no ridge (eg. Schneider) or a soft one (eg. J Herbin) and test.
Even if some won't fit, you can always use it in other pens.

3. As Andy suggested above (my preferred option except when travelling ) -- fill empty cartridges with your favourite bottled ink using a syringe. This way, I get to mix colours in the cartridge when I feel like it too.

VertOlive
December 9th, 2013, 09:00 AM
Given that I don't see my favorite colors in cartridges, guess I'll go hunt down a syringe. The nice thing is, the pen came with one empty cartridge so I won't have to mix my Diamine Aubergine with the yucky black ink in the full cartridge they sent!

Sailor Kenshin
December 9th, 2013, 09:27 AM
Given that I don't see my favorite colors in cartridges, guess I'll go hunt down a syringe. The nice thing is, the pen came with one empty cartridge so I won't have to mix my Diamine Aubergine with the yucky black ink in the full cartridge they sent!

Plastic pipettes work, too, as well as craft syringes. Good places to look are craft stores and fleabay, but I think Goulet also has a kit.

Given that I have a few Pilot pens and HATE their squeeze converter, refilling is a plus.

mbsjr
December 23rd, 2013, 10:13 AM
Excellent. Thank you. By the way, I post fountain pens, but not on threads. Today is my first. Your effort and attention to detail were of great use to me. I am grateful.

kaisnowbird
December 24th, 2013, 05:50 AM
Excellent. Thank you. By the way, I post fountain pens, but not on threads. Today is my first. Your effort and attention to detail were of great use to me. I am grateful.

Thank you mbsjr. I'm very flattered and glad to be of help.

Merry Christmas, and :welcome:.

mhphoto
December 28th, 2013, 12:02 AM
Well, I'm sitting here drooling over the M320 and Mozart… :hail: Great reviews!

Simon Pen-Pusher
December 29th, 2013, 07:18 PM
Wonderful stuff thanks.

BUT, what about one of the most amazing min-fountain pens of all.... the Kaweco Liliput. I am always blown away by its performance. A midget that performs like a giant!

And it is possibly the cutest little pen of all - brilliant design. This ad photo shows it in full flight - capped (screw type) for big pen like performance.

8151

And this shows its parts:

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kaisnowbird
December 30th, 2013, 01:43 AM
I think I mentioned in my review of the Duller FP that I prefer it over Liliput, for two reasons:

1. Liliput has a screw off cap and if I'm not mistaken, the cap is then screwed onto the back for posting. For me, that's a little too much effort just to sign a credit card receipt or tick a few items off my shopping list.
2. Liliput has no clip, and I need that clip. A mini pen is harder to retrieve from deep pockets, I need to clip it somewhere. Besides, the clip prevents it from rolling off the desk.

I am very interested in the carbon fiber version of the Kaweco Sport though - if I can find one at a better price somewhere.

Woody
January 1st, 2014, 12:47 PM
Interesting and great stuff. That Kaweco makes a great eye dropper as well.

KrazyIvan
January 1st, 2014, 04:37 PM
In my findings with the Liliput, I agree with Kai. It annoyed me to no end otherwise I would have kept it.

BillZ
January 3rd, 2014, 07:17 AM
I didn't go through all of the responses but was the Bexley Jitterbug mentioned? I picked one up at Dromgoole's in Houston a few months ago as an upgrade to my Kaweko FP. It's the same length so it fits in the Kaweco case easily. It uses I. S. cartridges but comes with an o-ring for eyedropper use.