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KAPS1M0
378
Feb 27, 2016
I have the Carbon and I would like to share my experience with it.
It looks great and feels great in-hand. The manufacturing quality is superb.
In addition, Faber-Castell nibs have a reputation for being excellent. Unfortunately, mine is very, very, very dry. There are no spare nibs sold, despite the fact that the nib and feed are friction-fit in a screw-in housing. So if you want a replacement, you have to send it back (or buy another pen).
But the biggest disadvantage of this pen is its weight distribution. Simply put, it's back-heavy. I like to balance my pens on the first knuckle of my index finger when writing, but the Basic falls deep down in the webbing and stays parallel to my thumb.
You see, the grip is all plastic and lightweight but the barrel is metal. As a result, I sometimes feel awkward when I hold it. In comparison, the Pilot Metropolitan also has a plastic grip and metal body, but the centre of balance is approximately at the middle of the pen, which makes it feel way better.
Note that my hands (8 1/2 in, base to top of middle finger) and fingers (3 1/2 in, index finger) are larger and longer than average, so the balance problem will be even bigger for anyone with smaller hands. Here's a picture that I hope will demonstrate that this pen is back-heavy.
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jsolar
71
Feb 29, 2016
KAPS1M0I thought the same thing as well about the nibs. Even called the company and talked to the lady, and all she said is nibs arent sold seperatly. But that was untill I found this in europe. Albiet its not super cheap and in euros but the usd to euro conversion is great. Also there is a 10% off code from gourmet pens (GOURMET10) that makes it a quite attractive place to buy from. I got a big order (enough to get free international shipping) and so many things were an unbeatable price from anywhere. Once you login itll show you prices minus VAT (approx 20% cheaper than what you see without logging in).
http://www.lacouronneducomte.nl/webstore/main/faber-castell-p-6741.html
By the way. The same nib unit is used in the Basic, Loom, Ondoro, Ambition, and E-motion.
I have no affiliation with these companies (LCDC & Gourmetpens) besides realy liking what they do.
BorA
6
Mar 15, 2016
KAPS1M0bout the balance, maybe try 'posting' the cap. Some pens are designed to balance with the cap on the back of the pen.
KAPS1M0
378
Mar 15, 2016
BorAOh, no. That would make it even worse.
Posting the cap amplifies the problem: it makes the Basic too long and even more back-heavy. Fortunately, the cap is featherweight and it doesn't add too much.
There's only one scenario where posting the cap makes sense and that is if one holds the pen way, way up at the section, or even at the start of the barrel. Holding it like that brings the center of balance inside the "O" formed by the fingers, getting rid of the back-heaviness. And the pen is so long when posted that it actually can be held like that. But I don't think anyone can write comfortably with the nib being 2.5'' away from their fingers.
Here's another poor quality picture showcasing that last scenario. If anyone likes writing like that, this pen will be perfect for them.
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ps: @jsolar I totally forgot to reply to your comment. Thanks for sharing the info, indeed it can be useful. I know about lacouronneducomte, their prices/discounts and shipping. However, I only need one nib unit (or just the nib and feed) for the Basic and at that price I can buy a new pen. If I had a F-C Ambition or Emotion, I would totally buy a separate nib unit.
BorA
6
Mar 15, 2016
KAPS1M0ahh. got it. I was thinking the opposite. That's strange that it's so heavy at the back. Good to know...
DaddyDiBs
72
Jan 18, 2019
KAPS1M0You can try to fix the nib yourself with small brass sheets that you can purchase from any fountain pen retailer these days and spread the tines a bit to allow more ink to flow.... All at your own risk of course.
(Edited)
ladyluvw24
0
Jan 20, 2019
KAPS1M0Goulet Pens has the tools you need and videos to explain everything
Qwervy
464
Jan 22, 2019
KAPS1M0It were me I would just do some nib work, its pretty easy to do with steel nibs the 14k gold ones are so springy it takes ages to adjust them but steel nibs are easy to open up the tines on. Nib work is very easy... or at least for me it is you can YouTube tutorials on how to do it. It might be worth a shot if you are gonna buy a new nib anyway.
KAPS1M0
378
Jan 25, 2019
Qwervy@ladyluvw24 @DaddyDiBs @Qwervy Thanks for the tips guys. I've been absent from Massdrop for quite some time but I'm glad the FP community remains helpful :) I've tried opening up the tines using brass sheets. Unfortunately, the F-C Basic nib is built really well, it's like the Hulk and the brass sheet is a puny human in Hulk's clenched fist. No chance of moving those tines. I'd need special equipment, but I don't have the time or the will to bother with a pen that would feel imbalanced anyway. Huh, my original post was 3 years ago, which means I haven't used the Basic at all over these 3 years...
Qwervy
464
Feb 3, 2019
KAPS1M0you can use your hands to pry open the tines i dont have any brass sheets. if you can take off the nib without the feed do that and then grab those curved bits on either side of the nib and pull outward gently. remember to check and re-allign afterwards.