Esterbrook Estie

[catbert]

Pen Boy Roy has a pre-release review of the Kenro Esterbrooks. Seems there will be an optional spare section to fit vintage nibs.

[Scrawler]

The 200 Million claim is believable because at that time "pen" referred to what we call a "nib" now.

[penwash]

It doesn't look like an Esterbrook (any model).
It looks more like a Sheaffer Balance wannabe.

I'm sorry, when will these modern manufacturers learn to actually and faithfully make a modern version of a tried and true formula?

[dapprman]

It doesn't look like an Esterbrook (any model).
It looks more like a Sheaffer Balance wannabe.

I'm sorry, when will these modern manufacturers learn to actually and faithfully make a modern version of a tried and true formula?

The Conway Stewarts by BBS are faithful updates, as are the pens of ONOTO - I believe (but happy to be corrected) that the Conklin crescent filler is also a good modernisation of the original.

With Esterbrook I think the problem is their popularity is really due to the nibs and the ability to swap them, along with the modern pen enthusiast fixation with flex. As a whole their pens were dated work horse models that at the time were uninspiring. Should add, before you think I'm anti-Estie I have a J with a 9128 nib and a M2 with a 3312 (the latter I also replaced the sac on).

[Kaputnik]

It doesn't look like an Esterbrook (any model).
It looks more like a Sheaffer Balance wannabe.

I'm sorry, when will these modern manufacturers learn to actually and faithfully make a modern version of a tried and true formula?

I agree, but even if it had more of the appearance of a J or Dollar Pen, I doubt that I would want one, with my nice selection of real Js, SJs, an LJ, and a couple of Dollar Pens.

The reviewer's repeated statement that this modern pen, with the Esterbrook name slapped on it, shares the "DNA" of the classic brand is essentially meaningless. Doesn't mean that it will turn out to be a bad pen on its own merits, of course. We'll see, at least if anyone around here buys one. Won't be me.

I'll concede one minor point, though. The adapter for vintage Esterbrook nibs might be good for people who want to try out some of the classic nibs without dealing with the restoration of old lever fillers. I don't know how many people that would be. I enjoyed doing sac replacements (and replacing a couple of J-bars) in mine, and I have a pretty wide variety of nibs, some of which are quite nice to write with. But if I were not into vintage pens in general, I don't know that I'd be that tempted. And I do have other nibs, both vintage and modern, which I prefer.

[Robert]

Frankly, I don't know what the owners of the Esterbrook brand think they're bringing to the table with these new pens. A great big YAWN, imho.

[catbert]

It doesn't look like an Esterbrook (any model).
It looks more like a Sheaffer Balance wannabe.

I'm sorry, when will these modern manufacturers learn to actually and faithfully make a modern version of a tried and true formula?

Why do you think I didn't post in the Esterbrook forum?

On the plus side, you get the generic functionality of modern replaceable nib units in a c/c body. (The option to use vintage nib units is a nice idea.)

The downside is they look generically 'vintagey'. I'd like to see a modern evolution that references aspects of the originals — a clip shape, a cap jewel, something. Car makers do a better job of evoking their heritage while staying current. Brand identity is more than just a logo.

These pens are not for me, but they're arguably closer in spirit to the brand than the efforts by the previous owner, even if the pricing isn't.

[penwash]

It doesn't look like an Esterbrook (any model).
It looks more like a Sheaffer Balance wannabe.

I'm sorry, when will these modern manufacturers learn to actually and faithfully make a modern version of a tried and true formula?

Why do you think I didn't post in the Esterbrook forum?

On the plus side, you get the generic functionality of modern replaceable nib units in a c/c body. (The option to use vintage nib units is a nice idea.)

The downside is they look generically 'vintagey'. I'd like to see a modern evolution that references aspects of the originals — a clip shape, a cap jewel, something. Car makers do a better job of evoking their heritage while staying current. Brand identity is more than just a logo.

These pens are not for me, but they're arguably closer in spirit to the brand than the efforts by the previous owner, even if the pricing isn't.

Don't get me wrong, I am grateful for your post, otherwise I wouldn't have known about this preview since I watch zero pen video reviews nowadays.

You are absolutely right about the car industry analogy, that it is cool to have references to the originals, which could be obvious, subtle or creative.

But this pen is just ... uninspired. It features nothing that differentiate it from any other "vintage-inspired" C/C filler with generic JoWo nib unit. The least it could do is to engrave the brand on the barrel just like the original, but no, they had to opt for the quasi- Japan pens from the 1970's style of putting brand near the cap lip (see vintage Pilot Elite).

[catbert]

It doesn't look like an Esterbrook (any model).
It looks more like a Sheaffer Balance wannabe.

I'm sorry, when will these modern manufacturers learn to actually and faithfully make a modern version of a tried and true formula?

Why do you think I didn't post in the Esterbrook forum?

On the plus side, you get the generic functionality of modern replaceable nib units in a c/c body. (The option to use vintage nib units is a nice idea.)

The downside is they look generically 'vintagey'. I'd like to see a modern evolution that references aspects of the originals — a clip shape, a cap jewel, something. Car makers do a better job of evoking their heritage while staying current. Brand identity is more than just a logo.

These pens are not for me, but they're arguably closer in spirit to the brand than the efforts by the previous owner, even if the pricing isn't.

Don't get me wrong, I am grateful for your post, otherwise I wouldn't have known about this preview since I watch zero pen video reviews nowadays.

You are absolutely right about the car industry analogy, that it is cool to have references to the originals, which could be obvious, subtle or creative.

But this pen is just ... uninspired. It features nothing that differentiate it from any other "vintage-inspired" C/C filler with generic JoWo nib unit. The least it could do is to engrave the brand on the barrel just like the original, but no, they had to opt for the quasi- Japan pens from the 1970's style of putting brand near the cap lip (see vintage Pilot Elite).

Yup, as I said — generic.

And in many ways not an Esterbrook yet, despite the label.

I can see they've put themselves in a difficult spot, trying to simultaneously evoke the past (that's the mistake, I think), appeal to a current generation, and stand out from a host of swirly acrylic c/c pens with size 6 nibs.

[calamus]

Testing the vintage waters by buying a $200 pen plus a $40 adapter plus a $15 nib seems idiotic when you can test out the vintage waters by picking up a real Esterbrook for about $35 on eBay. That said, I think the pen itself looks purty, but I can't see spending $200 on one. I'd be surprised if these guys are still in business 2 or 3 years from now.

[Kaputnik]

Testing the vintage waters by buying a $200 pen plus a $40 adapter plus a $15 nib seems idiotic when you can test out the vintage waters by picking up a real Esterbrook for about $35 on eBay. That said, I think the pen itself looks purty, but I can't see spending $200 on one. I'd be surprised if these guys are still in business 2 or 3 years from now.

I didn't notice a part of the video where it mentioned a price, but then, I find this fellow irritating and hard to listen to, and may have skipped over something. I was assuming a pen like this would go for maybe $40 to $50 with the adapter included.

Okay, I found the part of the video where he mentioned price. Did I mention that I find him hard to listen to? Okay, I remove my minor concession. Slapping the Esterbrook name on a very ordinary modern pen doesn't justify that.

[catbert]

Testing the vintage waters by buying a $200 pen plus a $40 adapter plus a $15 nib seems idiotic when you can test out the vintage waters by picking up a real Esterbrook for about $35 on eBay. That said, I think the pen itself looks purty, but I can't see spending $200 on one. I'd be surprised if these guys are still in business 2 or 3 years from now.

I didn't notice a part of the video where it mentioned a price, but then, I find this fellow irritating and hard to listen to, and may have skipped over something. I was assuming a pen like this would go for maybe $40 to $50 with the adapter included.

Okay, I found the part of the video where he mentioned price. Did I mention that I find him hard to listen to? Okay, I remove my minor concession. Slapping the Esterbrook name on a very ordinary modern pen doesn't justify that.

Not a fan of his style either. Prices are mentioned around the 10:26 mark.

[Scrawler]

I have a significant number of Esterbrook pens made between about 1940 and 1955. The big mistake that Esterbrook made was to make their pens too robust, attractive and plentiful. The ease of interchangeability of nibs is a major factor in their usability. Given the numbers that have survived in excellent working condition, I can see no reason to buy what is effectively an acrylic Chinese pen. Perhaps I am a minority, but I am not in the market for just a name.

[Deb]

I have a significant number of Esterbrook pens made between about 1940 and 1955. The big mistake that Esterbrook made was to make their pens too robust, attractive and plentiful. The ease of interchangeability of nibs is a major factor in their usability. Given the numbers that have survived in excellent working condition, I can see no reason to buy what is effectively an acrylic Chinese pen. Perhaps I am a minority, but I am not in the market for just a name.

I couldn't agree more.

[azkid]

I was entertaining the notion of getting one, despite the various objections listed above, until someone mentioned $200, evoking a shocked "hell no" from me. I need to push my eyeballs back into their sockets now...

I'll stick to my old Estie J's thanks.

[although]

[QUOTE=Kaputnik;247210]

....I find this fellow irritating and hard to listen to, ....

The pen seems fine. I think the whole Esterbrook story has taken a turn for the better with the new owners.

Also, I have to say, I really enjoy PenBoyRoy's style. Fresh, flashy, a little irreverent, a little self deprecating. I love his humor, and I really like reading the things he writes in his writing samples when his voice-over is saying something completely different. It's a nice break from the usual fare. Of course, I also like SBRE Brown and Waski Squirrel. They also aren't afraid to show a little personality. Give Roy another chance. You gotta admit, his fancy graphics are really next level

Cheers!

[jacksterp]

Very difficult style of review - brash and grating - and that's being generous.

Regardless, the pricing for theses 'Esties' is comical. Pilot Falcon, Sailor 1911, Pilot CH92, Platinum 3776, Lamy 2K, Pelican m200 and many others come in well under $200 - some under $100. Add that to the fact that the design is uninspiring makes this a 'not even slightly interested' option for me.

Talk about missing the mark...

[calamus]

If resurrected faux vintage is your cup of tea, you can get a very attractive Conklin Duragraph for $52 on Goulet Pens, with a #6 Bock nib. You could buy four of them for the price of one "Estie."

[ethernautrix]

[QUOTE=although;247258]

....I find this fellow irritating and hard to listen to, ....

The pen seems fine. I think the whole Esterbrook story has taken a turn for the better with the new owners.

Also, I have to say, I really enjoy PenBoyRoy's style. Fresh, flashy, a little irreverent, a little self deprecating. I love his humor, and I really like reading the things he writes in his writing samples when his voice-over is saying something completely different. It's a nice break from the usual fare. Of course, I also like SBRE Brown and Waski Squirrel. They also aren't afraid to show a little personality. Give Roy another chance. You gotta admit, his fancy graphics are really next level

Cheers!

PenBoyRoy is my favorite pen reviewer. I enjoy Waski and SBRE, et al, but I love PBR's sense of humor.

[southpaw52]

Initially, I was excited about Kenro taking over Esterbrook. Being a big a fan of vintage Esterbrooks. These pens areseverely overpriced considering what else is available at that price point. Kenro has missed the mark on these.