The Otto Hutt Design 03 is a prime example of the challenges buying a fountain pen without getting to handle it first. My process with this pen has gone something like this:
“Wow, that’s a great looking pen.”
Acquires pen
“Hmm, this is heavier than I imagined.”
Inks it up.
“The balance is towards the end of the pen, not the nib.”
Commits to using it daily.
“It’s fantastic!”
I’m fortunate that I am able to test and try a TON of stationery goods, and I want to relay my thoughts on them as best as possible to you. Sometimes, that means breaking down the materials, mechanics, and specs of the products. Other times, feel plays an outsized role. This review falls in the latter category.
It took using the Design 03 for an extended period of time for it to really click. I’m at the point now where I want to use it all the time, which is fantastic, because at $180, this is not an inexpensive pen.
Otto Hutt has been manufacturing pens in Germany since 1920. You may have already guessed that, with design nods from classic German brands like Faber-Castell and Lamy seen throughout the lineup. The Design 03 is no exception, but brings a more modern look to the brand.
The design is what caught my eye the most with this pen. It is simple, clean, and understated, but is subtly impressive. Of course, I love the all-black look, including the PVD coated black steel nib. In fact, the full name of this pen includes the word Allblack, because there is also Rosewhite, Darkgrey, and Lightgrey. Maybe they should change the company name to Ottohutt?
What they shouldn’t change is the design of this pen, no matter if I think the weight should be 1. Lightened, or 2. Shifted slightly. The Design 03 clocks in at 2.02 oz., which is weighty for a pen of this stature. For example, the Sailor 1911 Large is the pictures clocks in at less than half of that, at 0.88 oz. When simply holding the pen, that is noticeable. But when writing, not as much.
I think that is why the Design 03 reminds me so much of one of my all-time favorite pens: The ystudio Brassing Portable Fountain Pen. Just look at the picture below:
Pretty close, right? And at 1.49 oz., it is closer to the weight of the 03 as well. They both have a thinner than standard section, too, which I don’t mind.
From a writing perspective, the Fine steel nib was perfect out of the box. You only choices for the 03 are Fine and Medium, which is why I didn’t choose an Extra Fine, but I’m pleased with the output. The nib is smooth, flows well, and I didn’t notice the PVD coating making the line wider than I would expect from a German Fine nib, or feel any different.
Finally, let’s talk price. I think $180 is at the upper limit of value for this pen. It’s fair, but there is a ton of variety and competition in this range. The aforementioned ystudio runs $160, and I think both could use a $20-$30 decrease to be more competitive. But that’s irrelevant, really. The price is the price, and if you’ll spend $150 on a pen, then you will spend $180.
If you couldn’t tell, I am enjoying using the Otto Hutt Design 03. Will you? That depends. I think there are necessary questions to ask up front, especially about the weight of the pen, the lack of nib options, and the price. For me, I look forward to seeing what else Otto Hutt has to offer.
(I purchased this pen at a discount from Vanness Pens.)
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