New "Kingsize" Bulkfiller prototype in black hard rubber

[Fountainbel]

Hi all !
Ive just finished a new Bulk filler version, being an " oversize" prototype version in the excellent black SEM ebonite.
As you will see, I've made 2 versions, being a "posting" and a "non posting version".
The "posting" version features the narrower barrel step, allowing posting cylindrically deep in the cap.
My wife claims it breaks somewhat the fluent lines of the pen, so I've also made also a "standard" and "sleek" non posting version.
Now I don't know what you all think about it, so I would appreciate your input on which version you would prefer....
Given the pen is rather long, posting is surely not neccesary to improve writing comfort, but some writers do tend to stick to posting....
The clip, cap ring, barrel enclosure screw (and in the future the barrel thread clutch) are made in titanium
The pen has approximately the size a a Pelikan 1000, although 5 mm shorter.

Some technical details :
- Cap diameter 16.5mm
- Body diameter 14 mm
- Smallest section grip diameter 12mm
- Capped length 140 mm
- Uncapped length 135mm
- Posted length 165 mm
- Nib : size 8 14K Bock 1.2 mm stub with hard rubber feed (nib can alternatively be Rhodium coated )
- Weight capped/ posted 30 grams
- Weight uncapped 22 grams
- Ink intake 2.8 ml
- Bulk filler filling system with Integrated ink shut-off valve
- NewBulk filler logo both on cap and barrel top ( symbolizing the "parked" - retracted - piston anchoring engagement)

Note this is only a prototype which is not yet available for sale!
Never the less I would appreciate you opinion if CONID should start to make an "oversize" version, and if you would prefer the "posting" or the "standard" or "sleek" "non posting" version.
Also don't hesitate to comment on other aspects of the pen, your opinion is much important to us !
Note the thread clutch between the section and barrel is made from Ketron Peek, in the final stage this clutch will be made titanium.
Thanks in advance for your valued input !
Regards, Francis

PS : allowing the ink to pass the shut-off valve one has to open the filling knob 1.5- 2.0mm.
Easy to do on the OS version, one opens the filling knob still one just sees to the edge of the titanium barrel enclosure
screw... ( see last added picture)

The 'non posting" version:




Two pictures showing the posting version ( note the double logo is also on this version)


Ink shut off is fully open when one sees the edge of the barrel enclosure flange :


The last two pictures show a "sleek"version, cap and body having the same diameter .
Note the barrel step being 33 mm away from the section front, the barrel step is surely not an ergonomic issue.
In the meantime I've already made the barrel diameter step and the cap entry bore at an angle of 45°, making the barrel diameter step less brusque, hence more pleasing for the eye...
On the last picture you can see a size comparison between a Montblanc 149, the standard "non posting" version and the "sleek non posting" version :

[Jeph]

I think they are beautiful pens. I prefer a pen that I can post simply becasue I never know what to do with the cap. But I have to agree with your wife. When my eyes travel down the lines of the postable version they trip over each other when they get to the step. But for such a neat filling system, that is a small price to pay.

[fountainpenkid]

Those look beautiful! I love the continuous design of the barrel and blinde cap! (well...the posting version is a bit homely, but one can't have everything.)

[cwent2]

Very nice work - for voting I would prefer the non posting model - the posting model disrupts the flow of the design of the pen too much IMHO.

I also prefer to post also, however there are some pens, i.e. Twsbi Vac 700 that look on the dumb side posted -- IMHO.

Thanks for posting

[Feardorcha]

I always post my pens but I have to agree that the non-postable version looks cleaner and more appealing.

[tandaina]

Hmm, attractive pen, I prefer the non-posting version, but have lots of pens I don't post. And a pen that size is so huge compared to the pens I prefer that there is no way I could write with it posted.

[InvisibleMan]

Nice looking pen! I would agree that the non-posting pen looks better to my eye, but I never post and wouldn't buy a pen with specific posting features.

[ardgedee]

I post out of habit, and because most of my pens are more comfortable that way. So the occasional pen that is more comfortable unposted still always feels a little awkward because it means the cap's lying down within eyeshot, and I keep wanting to put it away or something.

That said, if your design truly is better-balanced unposted, you should take advantage of the smooth outline and leave it be.

[dannzeman]

Francis, wonderful work!

I much prefer the lines of the non-postable design.

Although, I'm torn between the streamlined and regular design. I love the look of the streamline design much more than the regular when it's closed, but prefer the look of the regular when the pen is uncapped.

Either way, it's a winner!

[Fountainbel]

Thank you all for your valued input, much appreciated !
Francis

[enchiridion]

I never post so I don't mind.
I like the design, the details and the bulk filling.

[trhall]

The non-posting version looks wonderful, Francis. I personally don't like the posting version as much, but others may.

Looks like a nice sized pen.