First off, I apologize for my lousy photographic "skills." This pen is gorgeous, sturdy, and well-made. Pictures--especially mine--cannot possibly do it justice. At $40, I really feel like I stole this pen.
I ordered a shiny, black Model 8 (eyedropper) from Ranga Pens through eBay late in January. The delivery terms were 2-4 weeks. When it didn't show up by March 2, I figured it had gotten lost and contacted Mr. Kandan, who filed an inquiry with India Post and asked for some more time. He sent me a link to the inquiry, and as of today nobody in that office has yet responded (how's that for government inefficiency!) On March 10, he said that he would have a replacement made and send it to me. That one shipped out a week ago. The original one I had ordered finally arrived today (8 weeks later!).
I say this to encourage anyone who might buy from him to be patient. Believe me, it will be well worth the wait.
I feel bad for asking him to send a replacement, but I've already let him know that I'll send payment when it arrives (so I don't feel too bad. After all, I'll have TWO of his pens! ) Throughout the entire process, he was great at getting back with me and was very professional.
Yes, it arrived sewn in cloth. Impressive. The guys at the Post Office thought it was pretty cool. We don't get a lot of packages from India in Wanamaker...
Attachment 23961
And was in a beautiful brown and creme box. Very classy!
Attachment 23962
When I opened the box, both the pen I had ordered and the Fellowship ED he included as a gift were in plastic. Yes, he even included a spare feed and #5 nib!
Attachment 23963
Here it is, lying next to a Noodler's Konrad for size comparison.
Attachment 23964
This Konrad has the distinction of being the absolute ugliest pen I've ever laid eyes on, but the absolutely most comfortable pen I've ever written with. I asked Mr. Pandurangan to make my Model 8 the same width and length. I call this close enough!
Attachment 23965
I swapped out the Wality nib with a #6 F Knox, and she writes like an absolute dream. Now that I'm on Spring Break, I'm looking forward to getting caught up on correspondence with this beautiful pen!
In short, I cannot give a high enough recommendation for Ranga Pens. My only regret is that it took me this long to discover them. The skill that goes into making these pens by hand is inconceivable. This isn't just a pen. This is a craftsman's love and skill being poured into a piece of functional art.
Bookmarks