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Thread: Fun discussion: pens as cars...

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    Default Fun discussion: pens as cars...

    Here's just a fun little discussion to consider, if you like:

    I recently described the Pilot Metropolitan as the "Honda Civic of fountain pens" to someone, and that -- of course -- set-off a whole series of thoughts in my head about comparing makers and pens to their counterpart car makes & models. Here's just a really short list of some stuff I came-up with right off the top of my head:

    Pilot = Honda
    Lamy = BMW
    Pelikan = Audi
    Kaweco = Volkswagen
    Platinum = Toyota
    Aurora = Ferrari
    Visconti = Lamborghini
    etc.
    ...

    What else you got? :-)

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    Default Re: Fun discussion: pens as cars...

    I sense that country of origin is a key input for you, so I will continue with that pattern...

    If Platinum = Toyota, then surely Nakaya = Lexus.

    Mont Blanc = Mercedes Benz (because of the initials and the perception as a "status brand")

    Omas = Bugatti (highly prized, no longer producing, parts sold to other manufacturers)

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    Default Re: Fun discussion: pens as cars...

    Quote Originally Posted by BayesianPrior View Post
    I sense that country of origin is a key input for you, so I will continue with that pattern...

    If Platinum = Toyota, then surely Nakaya = Lexus.

    Mont Blanc = Mercedes Benz (because of the initials and the perception as a "status brand")

    Omas = Bugatti (highly prized, no longer producing, parts sold to other manufacturers)
    Country of origin seemed like a natural fit to me when pulling things off the top of my head, yes. But not a necessity :-) I like your additions: those all work.

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    Default Re: Fun discussion: pens as cars...

    Montegrappa = Pagani - Interesting, unique, and quality, but also ridiculously expensive. They tend to be more of a status show piece than an actual useful tool.

    GvFC = Porsche - They already make the Porsche Design pens.

    Waterman = NOT Renault or Citroen. Unlike Renault or Citroen, Waterman actually make a product people want to buy.

    Nissan = Danitrio - While I think Nissan is among the worst offenders at making an ugly car they do make some of the most unique styles out there and that could probably be tied to one of the high-end hand-made Japanese pen manufacturers.

    Manu Propria = Koenigsegg - Like Koenigsegg, Martin was successful in creating his own brand of high end product and the results are beautiful.

    Noodler's = Chrysler (FCA) - Neat ideas, often poorly implemented with cheap and inferior materials which aren't expected to last. Because of the former the actual great products are looked down upon because of their brand name.
    Last edited by Scooby921; March 22nd, 2019 at 09:14 AM.

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    Default Re: Fun discussion: pens as cars...

    Back in the United States, I think we can draw some parallel also:

    Parker - Ford. Production volume, interesting and wildly popular models, and they are big.

    Sheaffer - Chevrolet (GM). Many innovations, some became legends.

    Wahl-Eversharp - Chrysler. Many of wild and extravagant models, some innovations, a few very popular lines/family of models that begat cult-like following.

    Conklin - ???. This is where my American automotive history knowledge started to reach its limits. I'm sure some of you can tell us which manufacturer produce very high-quality cars whose production cost exceed their ability to sell them. Pierce-Arrow maybe?
    - Will
    Unique and restored vintage pens: Redeem Pens

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    Default Re: Fun discussion: pens as cars...

    Would it be a stretch to link Conway Stewart to Rolls Royce?

    Yard-o-Led to Bentley?

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    Default Re: Fun discussion: pens as cars...

    Only if they were high end, luxury pens. If they were more mainstream, affordable, and the least bit quirky perhaps best to call them Morgan, Austin Healey, Triumph, or MG.

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    Default Re: Fun discussion: pens as cars...

    I always thought of Lamy as Volkswagen: the people’s pen!

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    Default Re: Fun discussion: pens as cars...

    Moore Fingertip = Edsel - Both were out of touch (pun intended) with the consumer.

    DSCN7979.JPG iu.jpeg
    Last edited by FredRydr; March 25th, 2019 at 08:21 AM.

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    Default Re: Fun discussion: pens as cars...

    Quote Originally Posted by carlos.q View Post
    I always thought of Lamy as Volkswagen: the people’s pen!
    More like a Porsche 912.

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    Default Re: Fun discussion: pens as cars...

    Quote Originally Posted by carlos.q View Post
    I always thought of Lamy as Volkswagen: the people’s pen!
    +1 Safari = VW Golf; L2000 = Passat CC


    MB = MB
    Pelikan = BMW
    GvFC = Audi

    Best
    Jens
    Last edited by SchaumburgSwan; March 23rd, 2019 at 04:58 AM.
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    Default Re: Fun discussion: pens as cars...

    Soennecken = Auto Union. Wide range from small DKWs, medium Wanderer and Audi, luxury Horchs (think of the Soennecken Präsidents).

    What about the british pens? Not easy.

    CS = RR
    Mabie Todd = Bentley or Jaguar
    Onoto?
    Parker GB?

    Best
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    Default Re: Fun discussion: pens as cars...

    Monte Verde could be like Aston Martin very nice looking models but once you get one you see that it can be finicky and needs more attention to keep running.

    I could see the lamy Al Star like Volvo, safe and reliable choice

    Thanks
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    Default Re: Fun discussion: pens as cars...

    L.E. Waterman's 52 = Henry Ford's Model T - Millions sold of these basic devices, mostly in black.

    ILW1_223.JPG

    iu.jpg

    iu-2.jpeg
    Last edited by FredRydr; March 25th, 2019 at 08:23 AM.

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    Default Re: Fun discussion: pens as cars...

    Big black MB = Big black MB

    iu.jpeg

    iu-2.jpeg

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    Default Re: Fun discussion: pens as cars...

    I have to agree that the venerable Lamy = VW. Teutonic design at an affordable price in mass production.

    iu-3.jpegiu-5.jpeg
    Last edited by FredRydr; March 25th, 2019 at 01:20 PM.

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    Default Re: Fun discussion: pens as cars...

    Quote Originally Posted by BayesianPrior View Post
    Would it be a stretch to link Conway Stewart to Rolls Royce?

    Yard-o-Led to Bentley?
    Sounds right to me.

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    Default Re: Fun discussion: pens as cars...

    Quote Originally Posted by BayesianPrior View Post
    Would it be a stretch to link Conway Stewart to Rolls Royce?

    Yard-o-Led to Bentley?
    I would have thought vicey-versa.
    Quid rides? Mutato nomine de te fabula narratur. — Horace
    (What are you laughing at? Just change the name and the joke’s on you.)

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    Default Re: Fun discussion: pens as cars...

    Would a Jinhao be a Kia?
    Quid rides? Mutato nomine de te fabula narratur. — Horace
    (What are you laughing at? Just change the name and the joke’s on you.)

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    Default Re: Fun discussion: pens as cars...

    The brands matter not when they leak:


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