The latest release from Blackwing, Vol. 64, features colorful halftone patterns in reference to the art of comic books. It looks fantastic, and features the Firm 602 core, which is a favorite of mine. I have one box to give away, so read the rules below and enter away!
Leonardo Momento Zero Mango Fountain Pen Review
Why do I love the Leonardo Momento Zero so much?
Materials, for starters. I mean, look at this Mango model with black trim. I’m not strong enough to take a pass on this one, despite having a few other colorful MZ’s in the library already. The colors are bright and fun, while having a certain depth and complexity upon closer inspection.
Materials aren’t the only external feature that I enjoy - the barrel shape is practically perfect. It is a classic silhouette, with modern refinement. From the slight peaks on the end caps, to the triple-ring cap band, to the simple but stylish clip, it is clear that Leonardo Officina Italiana takes great pride in their manufacturing process.
From a writing perspective, it meets or exceeds all expectations. The Extra Fine steel Jowo nib is tuned perfectly right out of the box, and has a nice firmness - with a medium ink flow - when writing. The black plating is stunning, and doesn’t seem to add to the line width, which I’ve experienced from other plated nibs.
It’s well-balanced in the hand unposted. When posted, it is obviously top-heavy, but it still may be workable for those who like larger pens.
If there is any question about the writing feel, it would be the section design. The upper part of the section is the widest point, which then tapers towards the middle, and finally into a flat area leading to the end of the barrel. I’m not sure I have another pen with this exact shape, but it works well for me. Why? Because I’m a low-gripper by nature. My fingers lock into place as soon as I pick it up, and never budge.
I think you will be fine with a higher grip as well. The barrel threads are relatively tame and never caused me any issue as I moved my grip higher. I do wonder, though, if us low-grippers have a built-in advantage.
Too keep my fawning session rolling, I’ll tell you this: This is my favorite ink converter. Sure, it is simply a Jowo with a fancy metal sleeve over the plastic twist mechanism, but darn it if it doesn’t make me feel special! Oh, by the way, there is a blind cap on the end of barrel for easy access - if you are in to that kind of thing.
Making me feel special is the kicker with the Leonardo Momento Zero. It feels great every time I pick it up and use it. And when I’m not using it, I’m thinking about using it. That’s a clear sign that a pen is perfect for me. Will it be perfect for you? Who knows. But I think it is about as good of a starting point as there is.
The Mango model with black trim retails for $199, and provides great value. Not only do I personally love it, it also ranks as the #2 recommendation on my Top 5 Fountain Pens between $150-$200 list. Additionally, you can find other models, or even the tapered-end Furore model, starting at $169 for some colors - with zero difference in performance.
I’ve been impressed with what Leonardo has brought to an ever-growing fountain pen market since their launch. Luckily for me, and us, they show no signs of slowing down any time soon.
(Goldspot provided this product at no charge to The Pen Addict for review purposes.)
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Misfill, All the Red Inks Edition
Each week in Refill, the Pen Addict Members newsletter, I publish Ink Links as part of the additional content you receive for being a member. And each week, after 10 to 15 links, plus my added commentary on each, I'm left with many great items I want to share. Enter Misfill. Here are this weeks links:
— Mini Collections, Part II: All the Red Inks (The Gentleman Stationer)
— All the trains in my son’s train podcast ranked by how much I hate them | Parents and parenting (The Guardian)
— Diamine Aurora Borealis on Tomoe River (Inkcredible Colours)
— Faber-Castell Grip 2011 (Bleistift)
— Montblanc Writers Edition Homage to Arthur Conan Doyle Scarlet Red Fountain Pen Ink (Gourmet Pens)
— Pen and ink of the Week - July 18, 2021 -Conklin Nozac (Write Experience)
— Remembering Biz Markie, the Uninhibited Spirit of Hip-Hop’s Golden Age (Pitchfork)
— Video-Review: Makers Cabinet Stria (Scrively)
— Fountain Pen Quest Trail Log – July 25, 2021 (Fountain Pen Quest)
— Out of your depth: when imposter syndrome meets creativity (It’s Nice That)
— Tablet Reveals Babylonians Studied Trigonometry Before the Greeks (Hyperallergic)
— Montblanc 149 “90th Aniversary” (El Pajarete Orquidiado)
— Where I Write (From the Pen Cup)
— Trash Print Making: Coffee Bags (Comfortable Shoes Studio)
— Take a Swing Around ‘Par Excellence Redux,’ a Mini Golf Course of Playable Artworks at Elmhurst Art Museum (Colossal)
— Sweet Sixteen. (PENCIL REVOLUTION!)
— Art Supplies Review: Rikagaku Kitpas Wet-Erase Crayons (The Well-Appointed Desk)
— The Power of Overthinking (Kottke)
— Artist Spotlight: Allister Lee (BOOOOOOOM!)
— Armando Simoni Club Studio Yellow Pinnacle Fountain Pen Review (SBREBrown)
— Mount Fuji seen from the Dyers’ Quarter (ZEN in TECHNICOLOR)
— A homemade pen case for less than $10 (mnmlscholar)
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