Capless Pens

[spencerwilli]

I’m trying to get a better view of the capless pen market. Obviously I know of the main three; vanishing point, dialog, and that one by platinum. But there has to be more than just three. Also, I’ve noticed there’s a few vanishing point models as well. Any info or list of their entire line up? Thanks


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[Jon Szanto]

I believe those are still the main three. Over the years there have been occasional attempts - there was a really weird looking Italian pen whose name escapes me at the moment - but I believe it's the three. The recent Plat pen is called the Curidas (check spelling).

As to "models" of VP, I'm not certain if you are referring to the two main lines - Vanishing Point and Decimo? As to the finishes offered in those two, it is getting to be endless, with quite a few exclusive models either as limited editions or specific to a particular retailer.

For the VP, you might find the following page of interest, from Carmen Rivera, a noted seller of vintage pens and long-time VP person:

Vanishing Point History

[catbert]

Aurora Asterope


Visconti Pininfarina

[fountainpenkid]

Stipula might still make small runs of the Da Vinci--capless pen with section below clip. Never tried one, but they are striking.

[Wile E Coyote]

I believe those are still the main three. Over the years there have been occasional attempts - there was a really weird looking Italian pen whose name escapes me at the moment - but I believe it's the three. The recent Plat pen is called the Curidas (check spelling).

As to "models" of VP, I'm not certain if you are referring to the two main lines - Vanishing Point and Decimo? As to the finishes offered in those two, it is getting to be endless, with quite a few exclusive models either as limited editions or specific to a particular retailer.

For the VP, you might find the following page of interest, from Carmen Rivera, a noted seller of vintage pens and long-time VP person:

Vanishing Point History

This weird?

[Jon Szanto]

Visconti Pininfarina

Thanks, Cat, that was the one I was trying to think of. Wasn't aware of the Aurora!

[Jon Szanto]

This weird?

Hah! Nope, not the one that I was thinking of, but man... those crazy Italians! Thanks.

[fountainpenkid]

catbert that Asterope video is amazing. I've never seen one in person--and have always wanted to--and had no idea they made such a sonic statement as much as a visual one!

[catbert]

catbert that Asterope video is amazing. I've never seen one in person--and have always wanted to--and had no idea they made such a sonic statement as much as a visual one!

Once seen/heard, never forgotten.

From the same YouTube channel, a pen with two retractable nibs (sadly not capless).

[Turquoise]

Also the Montblanc Boheme (out of production but findable) and Visconti Pininfarina — the Pininfarina is quite pricey (in the vicinity of $1,800!); the Boheme can be found as low as $400 if you take your time and want to spend that much. Also Pilot makes a twistable one called the Fermo which is reasonably priced if you can find it.

[Jon Szanto]

I thought about the Boheme but the original ask was for "capless", which seems a tiny step beyond "retractable".

[Skwerlmasta]

I think pilot has two different Vanishing point pens, the decimo is the one that most people talk about and is the click pen. They also have the fermo which I believe is twist operated.

[Jon Szanto]

I think pilot has two different Vanishing point pens, the decimo is the one that most people talk about and is the click pen. They also have the fermo which I believe is twist operated.

The Decimos is a smaller version of the actual Vanishing Point. If those are counted as two pens, the Fermo makes three (and I was unaware of it!).

[catbert]

Not sure if the Fermo has been discontinued. The LS combines a nock and twist mechanism, aiming to be the anti-Asterope — completely silent.



There's also the Nautilus by Marc Newson for Hermès, which is presumably a Fermo at heart.

[TFarnon]

Also the Lamy Dialog 3, which is as sleek and modern a pen as any German engineer could ever wish for. I'm only the daughter of an American engineer, and I love this pen.

[Ron Z]

I thought about the Boheme but the original ask was for "capless", which seems a tiny step beyond "retractable".

I was thinking about this the other day. The Boheme really is a takeoff of a safety pen VS a retractable like a Pilot because you have to put the cap back on. Great pens though.

[spencerwilli]

I thought about the Boheme but the original ask was for "capless", which seems a tiny step beyond "retractable".

I was thinking about this the other day. The Boheme really is a takeoff of a safety pen VS a retractable like a Pilot because you have to put the cap back on. Great pens though.

Yea I have the larger Boheme and I love it, but you can’t really carry it with the nib retracted and the cap screwed onto the back of the pen because the nib will dry out and ink can splatter. But a cool pen


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[catbert]

Stumbled across this one: Fosfor Iris.

[KrazyIvan]

There are probably other Chinese copycats but I stumbled on this one from the 80's while looking at vintage Russian pens. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Dag....m46890.l49286

I don't think I will shell out the money for it since the real thing is pretty close to the same price but thought it was interesting.

[lilycollins]

The Decimos is a scaled-down variant of the Vanishing Point. If those are considered two pens, the Fermo totals three.

heardle