Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 20 of 27

Thread: Mini Pens talk...

  1. #1
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2024
    Posts
    281
    Thanks
    147
    Thanked 228 Times in 104 Posts
    Rep Power
    1

    Default Mini Pens talk...

    You'd probably hafta like mini FPs to notice this, but with their caps closed the Kaweco Sport is a full 1/2" shorter than Pilot's Prera. However set them up (posted) for writing and their nibs tip out at about the same length! ~I think that's clever of Kaweco, how they've managed to do this...

    However I very much like and enjoy both these minis; -their convenient size, and the great way they write. Plus both these pens (one German made, one Japanese) can be eyedroppered, which makes them even more desirable for me. ~And neither of their price tags should break anyone's bank...

    I do like the slightly sturdier built Prera a wee bit more than the Sport. ~But I'm still picking up a 3'rd Sport so I'll then have one with an F (writes more like an EF) nib, an M, and a BB nib to cover all the line widths I'd ever need with a pen that takes up so little storage space!

    **EDIT** On second thought I don't think I would call Pilot's Prera a "mini" pen. It probably falls more in the 'pocket sized' category IMO. The minis are all a bit smaller than the pocket sized range when they're closed for travelling or storage. ~But they also do interesting shape increasing tricks when they're posted for writing...
    Last edited by Skip; January 16th, 2025 at 09:34 PM.

  2. The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to Skip For This Useful Post:

    forester (January 17th, 2025), Lloyd (January 15th, 2025), Yazeh (January 16th, 2025)

  3. #2
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2024
    Posts
    281
    Thanks
    147
    Thanked 228 Times in 104 Posts
    Rep Power
    1

    Default Re: Mini Pens talk...

    OK here's some comparative photos showing the Pilot Prera, the Kaweco Sport, and the Montegrappa MVP from left to right. When they're all closed the two minis are smaller than the pocket sized Prera, but when they're posted for writing the smallest mini, the MVP, becomes the largest fountain pen!

    Minis-closed.jpegminis-opened.jpeg

    All of these can be used with cartridges or can be eyedroppered but only the Prera and Sport also have available convertors. I find using them all as eyedropper pens works best for me, but then that's just my own experience and to my liking also. The Prera and Sport's caps can be just jammed on firmly for posting, but the MVP has an identical thread at the top end of it's barrel and the cap has to be screwed back on there for posting.
    Last edited by Skip; January 16th, 2025 at 10:14 PM.

  4. The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to Skip For This Useful Post:

    catbert (January 17th, 2025), INeedAFinancialAdvisor (January 18th, 2025), Yazeh (January 17th, 2025)

  5. #3
    FPG Donor ♕ Chrissy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Location
    United Kingdom
    Posts
    11,940
    Thanks
    7,381
    Thanked 11,514 Times in 4,314 Posts
    Rep Power
    26

    Default Re: Mini Pens talk...

    Out of the 3 pens shown the only one I have (and have several as I once reviewed them for Kaweco) is the Kaweco Sport. For me that section is the best shape.
    I really dislike that huge, ugly step on the Montegrappa as much as I always dislike steps like that.
    Regards, Chrissy | My Review Blog: inkyfountainpens

  6. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Chrissy For This Useful Post:

    dneal (January 17th, 2025), Lloyd (January 17th, 2025)

  7. #4
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2024
    Posts
    281
    Thanks
    147
    Thanked 228 Times in 104 Posts
    Rep Power
    1

    Default Re: Mini Pens talk...

    Quote Originally Posted by Chrissy View Post
    Out of the 3 pens shown the only one I have (and have several as I once reviewed them for Kaweco) is the Kaweco Sport. For me that section is the best shape.
    I really dislike that huge, ugly step on the Montegrappa as much as I always dislike steps like that.
    Yes the MVP really has an abrupt level difference at it's section, but that doesn't bother me. I think it was designed that way so the cap can screw onto similar threads at each end of the barrel? ~Having to take the extra time to screw the cap off and then back again on for posting sometimes annoys me, but I still appreciate the cleverness of the overall design...
    I also like Kaweco's Sports a lot, but I do find the slightly larger nibs on the MVP and Prera easier for me to write with. ~Ah well, we all have our own unique preferences, right?
    Last edited by Skip; January 17th, 2025 at 01:02 PM.

  8. The Following User Says Thank You to Skip For This Useful Post:

    Lloyd (January 17th, 2025)

  9. #5
    Senior Member Yazeh's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2019
    Location
    Montreal, Canada
    Posts
    9,224
    Thanks
    12,141
    Thanked 9,014 Times in 2,989 Posts
    Rep Power
    16

    Default Re: Mini Pens talk...

    I think if Kaweco sport could figure out their filing system, it's one of the best pocket pens. I've had them filled with ink (eye dropper), no evaporation. I love also they have such a huge nib selection.
    I tried the Hongidan M2 but it's quite slippery (Aluminum) but it has a lovely nib.
    I also love Platinum / Pilot Pocket pens. They are so dependable and have wonderful nibs.

  10. The Following User Says Thank You to Yazeh For This Useful Post:

    Lloyd (January 17th, 2025)

  11. #6
    Senior Member dneal's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2014
    Posts
    8,137
    Thanks
    2,931
    Thanked 2,799 Times in 1,631 Posts
    Rep Power
    20

    Default Re: Mini Pens talk...

    I love pocket pens. Omas' Dama, Sheaffer's Tuckaway, Kaweco's Sport, etc... Some are novel in their size differences (Pilot's 95 and similar pens by other manufacturers); but most are Kaweco design clones (Franklin Christph's pocket 20).

    Sailor's Slim Mini is a new favorite. Great size (and section), and a perfect seal to keep it from drying out. 14k nib (although only in MF, which luckily is my preference).

    Vintage pens had integrated filling systems, but most modern iterations suffer from the limitation of being cartridge only, although cartridges are ubiquitous and no trouble to carry. Other filling systems are a compromise. Eyedropper is great until it isn't, and all that ink capacity becomes a liability instead of a benefit. Converters are a joke and hold less than a cartridge.

    After years and years of promises, Kaweco has finally made a plain old Sport with a piston filler. No aluminum, no clip, just the classic based off of the 112, for $70 or so.

    Jet Pens LINK here

    Screenshot 2025-01-17 at 3.08.38 PM.png

    Now they need to do some nice Art Sports with a piston filler.
    "A truth does not mind being questioned. A lie does not like being challenged."

  12. The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to dneal For This Useful Post:

    Chrissy (January 17th, 2025), INeedAFinancialAdvisor (January 18th, 2025), Skip (January 17th, 2025)

  13. #7
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2024
    Posts
    281
    Thanks
    147
    Thanked 228 Times in 104 Posts
    Rep Power
    1

    Default Re: Mini Pens talk...

    I very much like piston fillers but in this case I see it as this same sized Sport now having a filling mechanism that only takes up a lot of space that otherwise would be easily eyedropper filled with ink.
    ~And for lot's more $$ too? ~'"? -Nah... ~I'll stick with the basic Sport!
    Last edited by Skip; January 17th, 2025 at 05:49 PM.

  14. The Following User Says Thank You to Skip For This Useful Post:

    Lloyd (January 17th, 2025)

  15. #8
    Senior Member Lloyd's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2012
    Posts
    1,792
    Thanks
    5,114
    Thanked 1,509 Times in 844 Posts
    Rep Power
    15

    Default Re: Mini Pens talk...

    Opus88 make a nice ED pocket pen with a cut-off valve.

    Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk
    M: I came here for a good argument.
    A: No you didn't; no, you came here for an argument.
    M: An argument isn't just contradiction.
    A: It can be.
    M: No it can't. An argument is a connected series of statements intended to establish a proposition.
    A: No it isn't.
    M: Yes it is! It's not just contradiction.
    A: Look, if I argue with you, I must take up a contrary position.
    M: Yes, but that's not just saying 'No it isn't.'
    A: Yes it is!
    M: No it isn't!

  16. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Lloyd For This Useful Post:

    Skip (January 17th, 2025), Yazeh (January 18th, 2025)

  17. #9
    Senior Member manoeuver's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
    Location
    Near Midwest, US
    Posts
    1,608
    Thanks
    1,243
    Thanked 1,093 Times in 559 Posts
    Rep Power
    16

    Default Re: Mini Pens talk...

    Quote Originally Posted by Skip View Post
    OK here's some comparative photos showing the Pilot Prera, the Kaweco Sport, and the Montegrappa MVP from left to right. When they're all closed the two minis are smaller than the pocket sized Prera, but when they're posted for writing the smallest mini, the MVP, becomes the largest fountain pen!

    Minis-closed.jpegminis-opened.jpeg

    All of these can be used with cartridges or can be eyedroppered but only the Prera and Sport also have available convertors. I find using them all as eyedropper pens works best for me, but then that's just my own experience and to my liking also. The Prera and Sport's caps can be just jammed on firmly for posting, but the MVP has an identical thread at the top end of it's barrel and the cap has to be screwed back on there for posting.
    eyedroppin a prera is some wild shit!

  18. #10
    Senior Member dneal's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2014
    Posts
    8,137
    Thanks
    2,931
    Thanked 2,799 Times in 1,631 Posts
    Rep Power
    20

    Default Re: Mini Pens talk...

    Quote Originally Posted by Skip View Post
    I very much like piston fillers but in this case I see it as this same sized Sport now having a filling mechanism that only takes up a lot of space that otherwise would be easily eyedropper filled with ink.
    ~And for lot's more $$ too? ~'"? -Nah... ~I'll stick with the basic Sport!
    It's a self-filling eyedropper. Just turn the knob.



    -edit-

    The original Sport was a piston filler. There were several variations of style and even size (some being slightly smaller, the 11 compared to the 12, for example). The main ones were the 112, which was pre-war to post war, the 12 from the 50s, the V12 with a hooded nib popular at the time, and finally the V16 of the 70s.

    The company went bankrupt, the name was purchased, and eventually the cheap plastic cartridge version was released a couple of decades ago. It has had limited releases in nicer materials, and the more recent versions of various metals. Visconti made two versions for Kaweco that were expensive piston fillers - a green one under two limited releases, and another in blue.

    All that time, people have grumbled that they should make an inexpensive piston fillers like the originals. Not long ago, they kind of did. It was aluminum, had a clip like the Luxe, and cost $150 or so. Now this plastic one is out, fulfilling a promise from Herr Gutberlet that he would make one. $70 isn’t terribly expensive.
    Last edited by dneal; January 18th, 2025 at 09:43 AM.
    "A truth does not mind being questioned. A lie does not like being challenged."

  19. The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to dneal For This Useful Post:

    catbert (January 18th, 2025), INeedAFinancialAdvisor (January 18th, 2025), Skip (January 17th, 2025), Yazeh (January 18th, 2025)

  20. #11
    FPG Donor ♕ Chrissy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Location
    United Kingdom
    Posts
    11,940
    Thanks
    7,381
    Thanked 11,514 Times in 4,314 Posts
    Rep Power
    26

    Default Re: Mini Pens talk...

    @dneal I love the idea of the piston filler Kaweco Sport. It's on my to buy list in case we fly back over the pond this year.
    Regards, Chrissy | My Review Blog: inkyfountainpens

  21. The Following User Says Thank You to Chrissy For This Useful Post:

    dneal (January 18th, 2025)

  22. #12
    Senior Member Kaputnik's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    By the long tidal river.
    Posts
    1,229
    Thanks
    3,317
    Thanked 3,617 Times in 879 Posts
    Rep Power
    15

    Default Re: Mini Pens talk...

    Some more minis, including a Kaweco Sport for comparison, since that has been mentioned above. L-R, A.G. Spalding, Kaweco Sport, Vintage Moore (the nib says Eversharp), vintage Paramount (14k warranted nib), Pilot Petit 1, Kaweco Liliput (with a pocket clip), vintage Waltham ( cheap 3rd tier brand), Stipula Passaporto.

    None of these are inked right now, nor likely to be soon. I have so many pens. Doesn't mean there's anything wrong with these, but I do have some notes.

    The Passaporto is meant to be an eyedropper pen, but without a relief valve, as on the Opus 88 eyedroppers, it tends to seize up after a while, at least if you fill it all the way. Maybe leaving a bit of an air gap when you fill it would help. Might try that some time. Both it and the Liliput have caps that screw on in the posted position.

    The Liliput will only take short cartridges. Someone did make a squeeze converter for it at one point. Quick review, it didn't work. Can't be eyedroppered because of the metal barrel. But you can refill a cartridge with a syringe.

    The Petit 1 will only take a special short Pilot cartridge. Could probably be eyedroppered, but I'd just refill the cartridges, of which I've saved several (and I still have unused one).

    I have another Kaweco Sport in Dark Blue. This white one has very noticeable ink stains that aren't coming off.
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Last edited by Kaputnik; January 19th, 2025 at 05:55 PM.
    "If a thing is worth doing, it is worth doing badly."
    G.K. Chesterton

    https://www.deviantart.com/slivovitz

    https://www.flickr.com/photos/77103607@N00/

  23. The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to Kaputnik For This Useful Post:

    catbert (January 18th, 2025), dneal (January 18th, 2025), Skip (January 18th, 2025), Yazeh (January 18th, 2025)

  24. #13
    Senior Member Yazeh's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2019
    Location
    Montreal, Canada
    Posts
    9,224
    Thanks
    12,141
    Thanked 9,014 Times in 2,989 Posts
    Rep Power
    16

    Default Re: Mini Pens talk...

    @kaputnik, I've seen a hack where they cut the end of a short cartridge, glue a latex sac to it (the length of the barrel) for more ink, storage

  25. #14
    Senior Member FredRydr's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    Carlisle, Pennsylvania USA
    Posts
    5,056
    Thanks
    1,521
    Thanked 6,753 Times in 2,620 Posts
    Rep Power
    20

    Default Re: Mini Pens talk...

    I had the Stipula Passaporto cartridge pens, which came in two designs. I prefer the design of the version at the bottom in the following photo, and the rightmost pen in Kaputnik's photo above. To post the cap, the cap threaded onto the barrel. I used them as eyedroppers. They write very nicely, but I sold mine because I just didn’t use them much.

    DSC02383.JPG

    There’s always the Sheaffer Tuckaway if you want the class of a vintage mini. Ron has a ‘41 plunger Triumph Tuckaway for sale on his website.

  26. The Following 5 Users Say Thank You to FredRydr For This Useful Post:

    catbert (January 18th, 2025), Kaputnik (January 18th, 2025), Scriptitans (January 21st, 2025), Skip (January 19th, 2025), Yazeh (January 18th, 2025)

  27. #15
    Senior Member Kaputnik's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    By the long tidal river.
    Posts
    1,229
    Thanks
    3,317
    Thanked 3,617 Times in 879 Posts
    Rep Power
    15

    Default Re: Mini Pens talk...

    Quote Originally Posted by FredRydr View Post
    I had the Stipula Passaporto cartridge pens, which came in two designs. I prefer the design of the version at the bottom in the following photo, and the rightmost pen in Kaputnik's photo above. To post the cap, the cap threaded onto the barrel. I used them as eyedroppers. They write very nicely, but I sold mine because I just didn’t use them much.

    DSC02383.JPG

    There’s always the Sheaffer Tuckaway if you want the class of a vintage mini. Ron has a ‘41 plunger Triumph Tuckaway for sale on his website.
    Thanks Fred. Yes, the Passaporto does take short standard cartridges as well, but as an aesthetic as well as a practical measure, I wanted to use it as an eyedropper, and it is supposed to work that way. It occurred to me while typing my post that perhaps leaving more of an air gap when filling it might help.

    I know that FP enthusiasts say this anyway, but in all seriousness, I intend not to buy any more fountain pens in the foreseeable future. The last I did buy was in 2020. I am enjoying going through the ones I already have, though, even though it will be a long time before I use most of them again.
    "If a thing is worth doing, it is worth doing badly."
    G.K. Chesterton

    https://www.deviantart.com/slivovitz

    https://www.flickr.com/photos/77103607@N00/

  28. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Kaputnik For This Useful Post:

    catbert (January 21st, 2025), Yazeh (January 18th, 2025)

  29. #16
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2024
    Posts
    281
    Thanks
    147
    Thanked 228 Times in 104 Posts
    Rep Power
    1

    Default Re: Mini Pens talk...

    Well my 2'nd Kaweco Sport arrived via USPS today. It's gray colored and this time has a BB nib. ~And am I pleased! I didn't want to take the time for eyedroppering to test this mini out so I just plugged in the cartridge it came with, and ~wow~, I was rewarded with a beautiful, smooth flowing, bold line of royal blue ink! Even tho I already have a Sport (~burgundy, with an F nib) I didn't expect such beautiful writing from this inexpensive, very plain looking little gray pen. If the way a pen lays down ink on paper (any kind of paper!) is of one's prime concern, then a basic Sport with a BB nib is definitely a good answer AFAIC!
    BB-Sport.jpeg
    Last edited by Skip; January 19th, 2025 at 04:41 PM.

  30. The Following 5 Users Say Thank You to Skip For This Useful Post:

    catbert (January 21st, 2025), Kaputnik (January 19th, 2025), Lloyd (January 19th, 2025), Scriptitans (January 21st, 2025), Yazeh (January 19th, 2025)

  31. #17
    Junior Member Scriptitans's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2024
    Location
    Nice - France
    Posts
    23
    Thanks
    276
    Thanked 71 Times in 18 Posts
    Rep Power
    0

    Default Re: Mini Pens talk...

    The MajohnN7. Lightweight and often pocketable, cartridge powered (better for clothing safety in my opinion).






  32. The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to Scriptitans For This Useful Post:

    catbert (January 21st, 2025), Kaputnik (January 21st, 2025), Skip (January 21st, 2025), Yazeh (January 21st, 2025)

  33. #18
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2024
    Posts
    281
    Thanks
    147
    Thanked 228 Times in 104 Posts
    Rep Power
    1

    Default Re: Mini Pens talk...

    Quote Originally Posted by Scriptitans View Post
    The MajohnN7. Lightweight and often pocketable, cartridge powered (better for clothing safety in my opinion).





    Except for the square designs on the barrel this pen appears identical to the Monteverde MVP.
    ~Prolly made by a Chinese company to clone the MVP? ~But really? The MVP is a cheaply made (but fairly good) pen already...
    Last edited by Skip; January 23rd, 2025 at 11:28 PM.

  34. The Following User Says Thank You to Skip For This Useful Post:

    Scriptitans (January 21st, 2025)

  35. #19
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2021
    Posts
    668
    Thanks
    2
    Thanked 289 Times in 168 Posts
    Rep Power
    4

    Default Re: Mini Pens talk...

    Here are mine:20250121_133852.jpg

    Sent from my SM-G781V using Tapatalk

  36. The Following 6 Users Say Thank You to Dougc For This Useful Post:

    catbert (January 21st, 2025), dneal (January 21st, 2025), Kaputnik (January 21st, 2025), Scriptitans (January 22nd, 2025), Skip (January 21st, 2025), Yazeh (January 21st, 2025)

  37. #20
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2024
    Posts
    281
    Thanks
    147
    Thanked 228 Times in 104 Posts
    Rep Power
    1

    Default Re: Mini Pens talk...

    Really interesting minis!... -How about some names? I'm really curious about the smallest one that looks like an orange lipstick? ~And how that double ended one on the end works? ~And that purple and white one that looks like a deodorant stick? ~Names, please???

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •