Grail Pens

[SIR]

I really want a Sailor Black Velvet. It's a newer model, but by the time I snag one, it may be vintage....

Perhaps the lady would consider a Sailor Pro Gear 'Mocha' instead?

[amk]

In vintage I suspect true grail pens have to combine two criteria: first rarity, and secondly something distinctive, whether that's size (Waterman 20), eccentric filling systems (Baignol tank), design, tech (Meteore Pullman with its retractable nib) whatever. Rarity means Parker 51 can't be a grail pen - unless it's a prototype, an original demonstrator, or a particularly unusual model of one of the rarer colours.

I personally don't think price makes a grail pen. There has to be some element of rarity - there has to be some kind of a hunt, some luck involved (and I don't mean winning the lottery). In fact, it might be more difficult to find that last colour Pelikano that I don't have than to find some more frequently touted 'grail' pens!

Alternatively, perhaps a custom pen could be considered a 'grail'. I might go the whole hog and combine the 'grail' theme with a proper pilgrimage to the shrine of Hakase... that would be an interesting way to spend the summer vacation!

[Jacoby190]

In vintage I suspect true grail pens have to combine two criteria: first rarity, and secondly something distinctive, whether that's size (Waterman 20), eccentric filling systems (Baignol tank), design, tech (Meteore Pullman with its retractable nib) whatever. Rarity means Parker 51 can't be a grail pen - unless it's a prototype, an original demonstrator, or a particularly unusual model of one of the rarer colours.

I personally don't think price makes a grail pen. There has to be some element of rarity - there has to be some kind of a hunt, some luck involved (and I don't mean winning the lottery). In fact, it might be more difficult to find that last colour Pelikano that I don't have than to find some more frequently touted 'grail' pens!

Alternatively, perhaps a custom pen could be considered a 'grail'. I might go the whole hog and combine the 'grail' theme with a proper pilgrimage to the shrine of Hakase... that would be an interesting way to spend the summer vacation!

But don't you think that limitation of an edition and price can put a pen out of reach, thereby making it a "Grail Pen"?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[inklord]

Vintage: Lamy 2000 first year of production, with papers and all; Lamy Unic, black with 14 k nib; Lamy Persona titanium; Lamy 27 in mint condition....

Did you see the solid 14-carat gold vintage Lamy that Christof is selling in the classifieds? It's a bargain.

Fred

Yes, Fred, I did - beautiful! Momentarily a bit out of my affordability range, but absolutley desirable!

[Sammyo]

Sailor Autumn Under The Stars... I would sell a leg for one... but my leg wouldn't fetch enough

[ChristyOTwisty]

My Grail Pen is MONTBLANC's Charlie Chaplin pen

[amk]

But don't you think that limitation of an edition and price can put a pen out of reach, thereby making it a "Grail Pen"?

Only if it makes it really difficult. For instance, if it's a pen that came out ten years ago in a limited edition and very rarely comes up for sale, AND you want it with a BBB nib, AND you have to sell two pens or save up for months to get it, yet it's a grail. If it's a Pelikan LE where all you have to do is get your order in to the retailer PDQ, and you've got the funds - no, it's not a grail.

[Jacoby190]

But don't you think that limitation of an edition and price can put a pen out of reach, thereby making it a "Grail Pen"?

Only if it makes it really difficult. For instance, if it's a pen that came out ten years ago in a limited edition and very rarely comes up for sale, AND you want it with a BBB nib, AND you have to sell two pens or save up for months to get it, yet it's a grail. If it's a Pelikan LE where all you have to do is get your order in to the retailer PDQ, and you've got the funds - no, it's not a grail.

I've been busy and forgot this comment came back. Also, I thought up more about what you said in terms of Grail Pens. I would definitely stand by your assessment of it more now. I guess mine is more a pen, (or set) that I would really, really want if I have the funds, but far more mainstream than other pans I have seen or heard about others wanting. Which pen(s)would you call your Grail Pen(s)?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[notsim]

here is my submission, with so few of them around and with the current price on ebay its certainly unobtainable for most

[RocketRyan]

here is my submission, with so few of them around and with the current price on ebay its certainly unobtainable for most

Good aspirations.

[carlos.q]

My grail pen is this one:

ChristofL139.jpg

(pen and picture courtesy of Christof)

[RocketRyan]

This is a terrible thread! Making me look at things I really can't afford or even find for sale. :'(

[penwash]

As long as we're dreaming together... LOL!

[Empty_of_Clouds]

For me the question of money does not a grail make.

My grail pen is one made to fit my hand, crafted in Ghost Koi alumilite, and fitted with a medium cursive italic nib.

Of these parts I can only obtain the nib.


In order to satisfy this grail quest both seeker and creator must overcome the prejudices that so beset our modern world and sow discord among us all.

Thus far this has proved to be an impossible task, and may well remain so.

[Medieval]

Mine is a Visconti London fog. Beautiful!

[amk]

Mmmm, my grail pen is a Hakase flat top in buffalo horn. But what makes it a real grail is... having to go to Japan to order it. I've promised myself the trip. Not in the short term perhaps!

(Yes, I know I don't *have* to go to Japan to order it. But I want to go to Japan, and the Hakase would be something very special for me. Quite a few other pen shops to visit too!)