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KrazyIvan
April 22nd, 2012, 10:04 PM
Kaweco Liliput With EF Nib Review

This review brought to you by Jetpens.com (http://www.jetpens.com) with thanks to Lily for providing this pen.

I find portable pens cool and practical for when you need to travel light and still want to be able to carry a fountain pen with you. I had seen the Liliput on the Jetpens (http://www.jetpens.com/Kaweco-Liliput-Al-Fountain-Pen-Extra-Fine-Nib-Silver-Body/pd/7503) web site before and contemplated getting one. Jetpens does have a picture of one next to a penny to give you a size reference and you buy the pen knowing that it is going to be small. It is not until you actually get it that you realize how small it actually is. While I don't have extremely large hands, I do have above average sized hands. I must make a note here that I own a Kaweco Classic Sport and the FPN LE Stipula Passaporto. This did not prepare me for the [George Bush Jr.]minusculosity[/George Bush Jr.] of this pen. The Kaweco Classic Sport is bigger. The Passaporto is bigger. I think I might have to start the “This pen is too damn small” (http://youtu.be/x4o-TeMHys0) political party. That is my first impression of the pen right out of the box.

Now that my first impression is out of the way. Let's look at the pen closely. The body is all aluminum. A very nicely machined piece of aluminum. The Kaweco logo is laser engraved on the cap end. Right below that, more laser engraving with the Words “Kaweco” and below that, “Liliput Germany”. My sample has an EF nib. It is fitting with the size of the pen. Maybe a broad does not fit in the cap? (I kid). The nib has the Kaweco logo on it with the typical Kaweco scrolling and it also has the nib size “EF”.

When I started with fountain pens, I came from a background of super thin Asian gel pens. The nib on this pen is a perfect crossover pen because of its EF nib. A very nice controlled thin line is perfect for those that like thin line pens. The nib is very smooth for an EF as most Kaweco nibs are. I was using the included Kaweco Blue cartridge for my testing. That brings us back to the barrel and cap. The pen is constructed of aluminum, as already stated. It is available in Silver matte and black aluminum body. This will deter some that may eye the pen for eyedropper conversion. There is no way you are going to fit a mini Monte Verde converter in this pen either. This pen is not meant for that. There is roughly ¼ inch of space left in the barrel once the International Short Cartridge is installed. If you need extra ink, you carry extra cartridges with this pen. A bummer for some. I am indifferent about it because with the EF nib, you are not going to run out of ink that soon.

I used this pen over a course of a work week to see how it would handle the day to day mundane duty of task list writer, quick note taker, and just the rigors of day-to-day use. I don't usually post my pens but the Liliput demands posting for my hand. It measures a scant 3.5 inches (89 mm) un-posted and 5 inches (126 mm) posted. Capped, the pen measures 3.75 inches (97 mm). Did I mention it is small? One thing that was apparent very rapidly is that the cap needs 5 twists to take it off. Then there is the issue of using it. The cap posts by screwing onto the end of the barrel. This takes another 5 twists. But wait, there is more! I found that since the cap is almost the same size as the barrel, I had to hunt for the threads to screw the cap in properly. This meant I screwed the cap backwards until I felt the threads drop in the groove then twist as normal (5 times) to secure the cap. By the time I had the whole thing ready to write, I had to ask for information to be repeated because I was not ready. :/ I found myself just holding the cap in place over the nib, so it would not dry out, then quickly post the cap when I needed to write. This made for awkward pen holding so I would be ready to write.

The barrel diameter is roughly 5/16 of an inch or about 8 mm. Once posted, I found the pen is actually comfortable to write with and is very usable. The construction of the pen feels very solid. There is no clip though. Transporting the pen in a pocket, I felt it was really easy to lose the pen if I was not careful.
Overall, it is a nice pen in a slightly smaller than expected package. It feels like the little kid that gets to wear the big boy pants now. Long writing sessions were okay. The thinness of the barrel did tax my fingers a little and I found myself stopping to take a break often. At $55 USD, I think it is worth the money purely based on the construction of the pen. While I do not think I would use the pen for day-to-day tasks, I think it is a good alternative for the ultra light packing traveler that needs to pack the most amount of items in the least amount of space. I feel that the pen might benefit from a loop hole or some way to attach the pen to a key chain or similar hook in a back pack. Maybe a short stubby clip like those old Sheaffer military pens might even work with it.

Pro's and Con's

Pros

Small
Lightweight
Nice quality construction
Sleek design
Smooth nib

Cons

Small
Thin barrel may be uncomfortable for some
No clip or attachment of any kind
IS Cartridges only
Lots of twisting of the cap to get the pen in a writing position

Roll the pictures:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7115/7066257357_22c3da0d3c_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ivan_romero/7066257357/)
Kaweco Liliput Review (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ivan_romero/7066257357/) by IvanRomero (http://www.flickr.com/people/ivan_romero/), on Flickr

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5459/6906566072_257ea95a51_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ivan_romero/6906566072/)
Kaweco Liliput Review (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ivan_romero/6906566072/) by IvanRomero (http://www.flickr.com/people/ivan_romero/), on Flickr

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5451/6906564630_ca061951ef_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ivan_romero/6906564630/)
Kaweco Liliput Review (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ivan_romero/6906564630/) by IvanRomero (http://www.flickr.com/people/ivan_romero/), on Flickr

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5235/7052653429_bb4e185fa7_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ivan_romero/7052653429/)
Kaweco Liliput Review (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ivan_romero/7052653429/) by IvanRomero (http://www.flickr.com/people/ivan_romero/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8001/6958812550_7e38d0dcd4_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ivan_romero/6958812550/)
Kaweco Liliput Review (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ivan_romero/6958812550/) by IvanRomero (http://www.flickr.com/people/ivan_romero/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8148/7104879563_af6b044a92_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ivan_romero/7104879563/)
Kaweco Liliput Review (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ivan_romero/7104879563/) by IvanRomero (http://www.flickr.com/people/ivan_romero/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7086/6958809408_3db78db6b0_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ivan_romero/6958809408/)
Kaweco Liliput Review (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ivan_romero/6958809408/) by IvanRomero (http://www.flickr.com/people/ivan_romero/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7213/7104877713_2d0e349381_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ivan_romero/7104877713/)
Kaweco Liliput Review (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ivan_romero/7104877713/) by IvanRomero (http://www.flickr.com/people/ivan_romero/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8010/6958807424_dc8d464c40_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ivan_romero/6958807424/)
Kaweco Liliput Review (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ivan_romero/6958807424/) by IvanRomero (http://www.flickr.com/people/ivan_romero/), on Flickr

And I forgot to add one picture. The Stipula Passaporto thrown into the mix.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7188/6926500540_e912d6c709_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ivan_romero/6926500540/)
Kaweco Liliput Review (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ivan_romero/6926500540/) by IvanRomero (http://www.flickr.com/people/ivan_romero/), on Flickr

KrazyIvan
April 22nd, 2012, 10:13 PM
I seriously like this pen, but it is too small for me. I want to go ahead and do a giveaway as a thank you to the forum. Leave your comment in this thread and that will enter you in the giveaway. Only one entry per person will be counted and this is open to anyone. The giveaway will run through midnight on Saturday the 28th Mountain Daylight Time and the Winner will be announced on Monday, April 30th. Good Luck!

eriquito
April 22nd, 2012, 10:41 PM
KrazyIvan,

Thanks for the terrific review! I've wanted a Liliput since I first learned of them. I don't like small pens, but mini pens? I like mini pens just 'cause they're cute.

I don't have a Liliput, however, because every time I see the price tag of $55, I think, "Too much money for very little pen."

Of course, Philip of TWSBI says that manufacturing mini versions is actually more difficult than manufacturing normal size versions (of anything, I imagine). I wonder if that means the TWSBI Mini will be priced higher than the 540. Hmm... time (and apparently lots of it) will tell.

Cartridge only? Surely the Monteverde mini converter (http://www.amazon.com/Monteverde-Mini-Converter-White-31072/dp/B004EDUMBQ) will fit the pen? Please say you think it will.

Anyway, I just wanted to thank you for the terrific review. I may pick up a Liliput yet, but I'd like to see one in real life first. Maybe someone at the Chicago Pen Show will have one.

Note: I recuse myself from the giveaway. Eyes would roll and fingers would point if I happened to win, and besides - I want a black one =)

- Eric

KrazyIvan
April 22nd, 2012, 10:46 PM
Seeing as how you only have about 1/4 inch of space beyond the cartridge to fit a converter. There is no way the Monteverde mini converter will work without extensive hacking. The Sport Classic has more room to fit it than the Liliput. By then, it is just easier to use the cartridge because the converter will hold less ink than the cartridge after hacking it. :(

DET
April 22nd, 2012, 10:54 PM
I'd love to be entered in the contest. I lost my Fisher Space Pen a while back, and this looks like a great replacement -- and a fountain pen rather than a ballpoint to boot. Thanks for the giveaway!

Pinkys.Brain
April 22nd, 2012, 11:26 PM
Nice review, but somehow the handwritten part does not look like an Kaweco EF too me. It almost looks like an M nib...°_°?

xwingrox
April 22nd, 2012, 11:28 PM
Hi, I'd also like to be entered into the drawing. I also found the handwritten part a little suspicious: my Kaweco blue carts were never that saturated nor did my XF Kaweco Al Sport write so broadly. All in all a good review though.

@penfancy
April 22nd, 2012, 11:36 PM
Enter the penfancy please. I heard about the lilliput from the pen addict as well. It's nice to have pictures.

Sent from my HTC Glacier using Tapatalk 2

John the Monkey
April 23rd, 2012, 01:39 AM
Great review! Didn't Brad from Pen Addict have one of these?

Nonsensical
April 23rd, 2012, 02:24 AM
A very interesting fountain pen, how does the EF nib compared to an F nib? (If you have both).
Also, do you find the threads on the pen irritating?
Thanks for the review!

writingrav
April 23rd, 2012, 05:24 AM
Thanks for the review and enter me in the giveaway please. I have a budding collection of these pens (Jinhao Stealth (very similar) Stipula Passporta, Bexley Jitterbug) and would really love to add this to the collection.

Sara
April 23rd, 2012, 06:41 AM
I've always loved the look of these pens and have wanted to try one :) Thank you very much for the chance to win one. ^^

major_works
April 23rd, 2012, 06:49 AM
Please consider me entered! Looks like a decently wet writer. I don't mind an EF unless it's dry... yuck.

Les
April 23rd, 2012, 07:06 AM
Excellent Review

Kaweco's are great, but this pen is so small!!!! I Like :-)

manoeuver
April 23rd, 2012, 07:32 AM
This is the kind of pen secret agents swallow in case of dire emergencies. If I do win it I'll post video.

GilsDesk
April 23rd, 2012, 07:41 AM
Enter me, please! Thanks also for the thorough review! I do love EF nibs...

caribbean_skye
April 23rd, 2012, 07:45 AM
Thanks for the great review and bringing this pen to our attention. Please enter me in for the giveaway, I usually write with a M nib but I'd love the opportunity to try out an EF nib. Thanks.

KrazyIvan
April 23rd, 2012, 08:45 AM
Nice review, but somehow the handwritten part does not look like an Kaweco EF too me. It almost looks like an M nib...°_°?


Hi, I'd also like to be entered into the drawing. I also found the handwritten part a little suspicious: my Kaweco blue carts were never that saturated nor did my XF Kaweco Al Sport write so broadly. All in all a good review though.

It was sitting in my pen case, nib down and in a warm room (it got in the 90's F!) for the weekend. That probably explains the saturation/wider line. A good test though, no leaks in the cap.


Great review! Didn't Brad from Pen Addict have one of these?

Yup, he did mention it in his podcast.


A very interesting fountain pen, how does the EF nib compared to an F nib? (If you have both).
Also, do you find the threads on the pen irritating?
Thanks for the review!

I do have an F nib but I need to install it on my Classic Sport. I have been using my 1.1 mm with it as of late and don't exaclty remember the line width of the F nib. I'll post a comparison later tonight. I don't find the threads bother me when holding the pen. The only beef I have with them is the 5 twists to open the cap, hunting for the threads to post the cap then doing another 5 twists to post it. By the time you have opened the pen, posted it and then put the pen away, you have twisted the cap around 20 times.

dfranks04
April 23rd, 2012, 08:58 AM
Great review and what a great looking pen. PLEASE enter me into the drawing. 8^) I would love to be able to use the pen at school.
Thanks!

inky
April 23rd, 2012, 09:05 AM
Wow! That's the first time I've seen it next to the Sport. I knew it was small but wow! Thanks for the review and the great pictures!

KrazyIvan
April 23rd, 2012, 12:02 PM
Wow! That's the first time I've seen it next to the Sport. I knew it was small but wow! Thanks for the review and the great pictures!

Right? It is very small.

hot cocoa
April 23rd, 2012, 01:04 PM
Add me to the drawing too, please!

The picture of the Lilliput next to the Sport says a lot. Good comparison and analysis! I like this little pen, it has potential for getting a lot of use on the go.

KrazyIvan
April 23rd, 2012, 01:53 PM
I forgot to add a picture with the Passaporto, Sport Classic and Liliput together. Original post edited to include it.

fountainpenkid
April 23rd, 2012, 02:07 PM
Yeah...thats a small pen! But it looks nice! I'll enter the giveaway i guess.


Will

PurpleDrazi
April 23rd, 2012, 04:57 PM
Great review!

If only it didn't require so much twisting :)

Bogon07
April 23rd, 2012, 05:11 PM
KrazyIvan, another thorough and comprehensive review. As usual fantastic macro photography. On your penstand the Kaweco Liliput looks fairly normal but in your hand or beside a Lamy Vista its true tiny dimensions are revealed !! It is a very pleasing design. I suppose the screw cap could become tedious at times.

Alohamora
April 23rd, 2012, 08:03 PM
I love my Kaweco Sports, the nibs are very smooth writing. This pen also looks very cool, but I doubt I'd ever pay the retail price for one. Thanks for the chance to win one.

etoyoc
April 23rd, 2012, 08:14 PM
As much as I love my Kaweco sports in the summer when I get to lose the dress shirt, I can see the draw to this mini. Did I understand you properly that its nibs can be swapped with the Kaweco sport? Inconceivable! How can something that tiny sport that big of a nib?

Please include me in the contest, I would love to give it a try!

Thanks!

KrazyIvan
April 23rd, 2012, 08:29 PM
As much as I love my Kaweco sports in the summer when I get to lose the dress shirt, I can see the draw to this mini. Did I understand you properly that its nibs can be swapped with the Kaweco sport? Inconceivable! How can something that tiny sport that big of a nib?

Please include me in the contest, I would love to give it a try!

Thanks!

Nope, I never said it was interchangeable with the Sport nibs. I am looking at the nibs side-by-side and actually, they look the same size. :eek: You would have to pull the nib/knock it out of the section though. Interestingly enough, the sections of the Liliput and Sport are the same exact length just different diameters.

KrazyIvan
April 23rd, 2012, 08:35 PM
A very interesting fountain pen, how does the EF nib compared to an F nib? (If you have both).
Also, do you find the threads on the pen irritating?
Thanks for the review!

I just compared the F and EF nibs and there is a perceptible difference but it is very minor.

writingrav
April 23rd, 2012, 10:20 PM
Speaking again about Chinese Pens, the Jinhao Stealth looks to be exactly the same size as the liliput, but has an aero filling mechanism; way cooler than a cartridge.

etoyoc
April 24th, 2012, 03:24 AM
Speaking again about Chinese Pens, the Jinhao Stealth looks to be exactly the same size as the liliput, but has an aero filling mechanism; way cooler than a cartridge.

ah.... But then there is the Jinhao issue. I know the rest of you have had good luck with them, but I am 0 for 4 on Jinhao pens. On the other hand, every Kaweco I have had has been wonderful out of the box. The only thing good that I can say about my experience with Jinhao pens is that the nib on the x750 actually works pretty good on an Ahab.

dowdyism
April 24th, 2012, 08:19 AM
Great review! Didn't Brad from Pen Addict have one of these?

I do, and I'm a big fan of it. In fact, I'm a big fan of all things Kaweco. :)

I hope to have my review done soon, and I already have another guest review of the Liliput lined up for next week. Nice review Ivan, and I generally agree with most of your findings. The size was a shocker (I do worry about losing it out of my pocket) but the build, writing quality, and even the dual threading are great.

KrazyIvan
April 24th, 2012, 08:25 AM
Speaking again about Chinese Pens, the Jinhao Stealth looks to be exactly the same size as the liliput, but has an aero filling mechanism; way cooler than a cartridge.

I have not seen that one. I may take a look at it.

KrazyIvan
April 24th, 2012, 08:38 AM
I do, and I'm a big fan of it. In fact, I'm a big fan of all things Kaweco. :)

I hope to have my review done soon, and I already have another guest review of the Liliput lined up for next week. Nice review Ivan, and I generally agree with most of your findings. The size was a shocker (I do worry about losing it out of my pocket) but the build, writing quality, and even the dual threading are great.

Thank you Brad!

dgator
April 24th, 2012, 12:56 PM
Great review! Please enter me in the drawing. Thank you!

GourmetPens
April 24th, 2012, 12:59 PM
Great review of this adorable little pen! Now of course I want it even more... So I'm not really sure how to "use" a forum (i.e. how to post a reply in a normal fashion) so please forgive me if I have done it weird. Please count me in! This pen has been on my wish list for way too long now!

John the Monkey
April 24th, 2012, 02:19 PM
I have not seen that one. I may take a look at it.

Ivan, I've seen those Jinhao's sold as "Pocket Missile" pens too, now I think of it - might help some if you're searching. As I remember, there's quite a striking red marble finish available.

ginigin
April 24th, 2012, 06:46 PM
Thanks for giveaway and what a cool way to advertise this site. Hadn't seen it before. Would love to win a lilliputian pen so I can make tiny drawings.

amk
April 25th, 2012, 04:27 AM
Please enter me for the giveaway. I'm surprised little Darth Vader in the photo hasn't stolen it though - it would make a wicked light sabre!

I was inititally put off the Kaweco Sport by its lightness, but I now have a Sport Art Lapis which is one of my favourite pens. I love the way Kaweco goes back to Bauhaus values, very similar to Lamy in that, though quite different in the actual designs - very clean lines, very simple, great integrity, and great nibs (as long as you don't want flex).

controlsfreak
April 25th, 2012, 09:00 AM
I have an odd predilection for pocket pens. Started with a pilot Petit1, love my Kaweco Sport, cannot wait for the TWSBI mini, lust for a Pilot M90...

fuddydud
April 25th, 2012, 11:10 AM
I have been oogling this pen on jetpens for a while because I love small pens and durable construction, but the price was too high. Thank you for the pics. The pen looks fantastic!

radellaf
April 25th, 2012, 01:27 PM
Please add me to the contest. I'm in kind of a small-pen collecting phase, so it'd fit right in.

bakanekosan
April 25th, 2012, 05:10 PM
I have been looking at Liliput for quite some time now, but heard from a friend that the size of this pen is not very everyone, but I would really like to give it a try!
Thank you for the awesome giveaway!

aardvark
April 25th, 2012, 10:38 PM
Hello,

Please add me to the contest! I had no idea this pen was so small! I have several other mini-sized pens: Sailors, Kawecos, and Stipulas. I'm looking forward to the TWSBI when it comes out.

//mark

gwgtaylor
April 25th, 2012, 11:25 PM
Thank you for the wonderful review of a cute pen I'd love to call my own. I would like to be entered in the draw please.

Lt. Tom
April 26th, 2012, 12:31 PM
I do find it odd that such a small pen wouldn't have a clip on it. I love that capped it is barely long enough to sit on your pen stand! (please count me in for the drawing)

- Tom -

KrazyIvan
April 27th, 2012, 10:20 AM
Just a reminder that the time to enter the giveaway expires on Saturday, midnight, MDT.

Vivenia
April 27th, 2012, 11:39 PM
It's a gorgeous little pen, looks like it would be perfect to carry around to classes everyday. I'd love to enter the giveaway.

KrazyIvan
April 29th, 2012, 12:03 AM
The contest is now closed. Look for the winner to be announced on Monday, April 30th. Thanks to all who entered.

KrazyIvan
April 30th, 2012, 09:11 AM
Announcing the winner of the Kaweco Liliput. I just put everyone on a spreadsheet in the order that the posts came in and we had 34 entries. Using Random.org, #30 is the winner which corresponds to ...




















.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

bakanekosan!!!!


You have 48 hours to contact me via PM with your mailing address. If not, a new name will be drawn. Congratulations!

etoyoc
April 30th, 2012, 11:09 AM
Congrats bakanekosan!

and Bravo to the dark pen lord!

KrazyIvan
April 30th, 2012, 03:07 PM
bakanekosan has claimed her prize. Once again, thanks to everyone for participating! This was done without Dan or Eric's permission and this giveaway was not sponsored by FPGeeks in any way other than they are providing the forum for me to do this. So, as long as Eric and Dan are okay with it, I might have more giveaways in the future.

bakanekosan
April 30th, 2012, 03:39 PM
Thank you for congratulations!


Congrats bakanekosan!

and Bravo to the dark pen lord!

penlover64
May 5th, 2012, 11:14 AM
This is a great review!
How do you think a ef nib compares to a medium one?

KrazyIvan
May 5th, 2012, 11:53 AM
This is a great review!
How do you think a ef nib compares to a medium one?
I don't have any Kaweco M nibs to compare to but I have Waterman and Sheaffer pens with M nibs. Compared to those, the Liliput has a very thin line. The thing about it is that it is a smooth EF out of the box.