Phil Olin has added his name to the ever growing list of people on the receiving end of what I like to call the "Robert Rosenberg Experience."
Read Phil's article to learn what many of us in this community have already experienced first hand.
And if you want an Esterbrook Pen, please buy vintage!
There is no doubt in my mind that Vanness Pens stocks the best fountain pen ink on the internet. They source inks from all over the world, including top brands like P.W. Akkerman, Bung Box, and Califolio. And they don’t just order them and put them up for sale either. Each new ink brand goes through a minimum of 60 days of testing in both modern and vintage pens to ensure you are getting a quality ink for your favorite writing instruments.
Vanness Pens is also launching a new, limited edition Retro 51 collaboration with artist Joey Feldman. The pen comes in two models: The standard black clip model for $45, and the red clip model with signed artwork by Joey for $65. Pre-orders are open now and they won’t last long!
You can also get 10% all Pilot inks, including some of my favorite Iroshiziku inks like Shin-kai and Kon-peki by using the code PENADDICT at checkout.
My thanks to Vanness Pens for sponsoring The Pen Addict this week. Be sure to head over and check out their new website design!
When reviewing products, there is sometimes a disconnect between products I like and products I would recommend. The Lamy Tipo is the embodiment of this. I personally love the Tipo. The design is a Lamy masterpiece in my opinion, but there is a long list of issues I bring up when actually recommending this pen.
First of all, the clip design takes some getting used to. When clicking it down to engage the refill, the ball on the tip of the clip lands in a circular cut out on the barrel. Most of the time anyway. There are times when it takes two or three clicks, or a little push down to get the clip to sit correctly. And on occasion, it will bounce out randomly and retract the refill, like when putting the pen down on the table.
The end of the clip sticks out far above the barrel too. That has no impact on writing, but it may get in the way depending on how and where you carry the pen.
Grip-wise, it can be slick. The plastic ridges help, but it’s not a smooth plastic where your fingers will stick. Rather, it’s lightly textured, almost matte-like. If your fingers have a little moisture its fine, but if they are dry they slide around a bit.
The Lamy M66 rollerball refill it ships with is decent, but it’s not as good as the Schmidt P8127. It is both wetter and wider, making for a line that is not as clean.
And did I mention the sticker rage? That too.
All that being said, you think I would hate this pen. Fortunately there is one redeeming thing that makes me love it: It fits Pilot G2 refills. For me, that means it fits my favorite Pilot Juice 0.38 mm Blue Black refill. #winning
Swapping in the Juice refill changes everything about this pen. I find it comfortable to hold and use, and the writing experience is excellent. My grip settles in after a couple of lines, and the ridges are no longer slick. Maybe I still have to click the knock two or three times to engage it, but look how cool this pen looks! I genuinely love it.
I buy the Lamy Tipo for gifts frequently because it is unique looking and decently priced. The plastic barrel models are $12.50 at JetPens (look at that orange!), and the aluminum are only $2 more. I’m always sure to include a Pilot Juice pen as well, plus a note on swapping out the refill. It’s fun turning an average pen into a very good one.
(JetPens provided this product at no charge to The Pen Addict for review purposes.)
