Franklin-Christoph Model 31 Fountain Pen Discussions | Drop

Mar 16, 2017

@popery @Tresses @PatShep - and others who received their FC Pens... I see a number of people have requested this drop again. For those that might be interested, would you offer your feedback/review of the pen ? Features you like or don't like... aesthetics, nib, weight, grip ?? Would be helpful if another drop is organized . Thanks !! :)

popery

Mar 16, 2017

j-e-gSorry, I've never written up a pen review, but here are my quick thoughts right now. It's a wonderful pen and makes me want to buy more from F-C. I prefer it unposted both because it's a bit top heavy posted (it's a big and almost clunky cap) and it's just nice to watch the ink slosh about without the cap in the way. Plus, it's plenty long to write with it unposted - my hands are on the large side, I guess. I like the grip. It's smooth and a bit slippy but concave enough to make it easy enough to grip. It looks a bit bulky capped, and once ink droplets start getting on the interior of the cap's clear plastic, it probably will look a bit messy. The nib is super smooth and satisfyingly wet. I got fine. There's little spring to it and it's about the width of a Pilot M nib, but I'm sure you can find much better F-C nib discussions elsewhere from people with nice handwriting.
Here are a few quick and kinda crappy pictures. This doesn't really do it justice since I'm just using my phone here.
With the case: http://i.imgur.com/fbA5itD.jpg Nib: http://i.imgur.com/iLgBqe8.jpg Size comparison to other pens: http://i.imgur.com/pjbHaVG.jpg In a Nock Lookout case: http://i.imgur.com/V8ZDd66.jpg
Hope that helps. I'll try to take some nice pics later.
Edit: I think I put Kon Peki in it and clearly not enough. I always underestimate the capacity of eye droppers.

Mar 16, 2017

poperyTHANK YOU for that - and any information regarding on how people like - or don't like _ about a pen .. is a helpful review. You hit the important points ! Thanks for your thoughts on the size and ability to grip. (I am especially glad to know about the grip for my use, so that is great) The photos are very helpful. Love seeing it side by side with such an assortment, easy to get an idea of the size. Also - seeing the Nock case, which I should have gotten.... Did you leave feedback about the Nock case ?? I think it would help folks decide on one :) Kiitos !

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popery

Mar 16, 2017

j-e-gNo problem.
I actually bought the Nock case from them directly awhile ago. I wasn't aware that they had done a sale on Massdrop. If you're looking for a fabric pen case, Nock is great, although the selection seems different than the last time I checked them out.

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Mar 16, 2017

poperyI believe a drop recently ended, even as recent as last week ??? I like both offered, but I wondered why they didn't both zip completely ? I know the one has a top flap that covers the pen tops, but seems like a full zip would be even better. *shrug*

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PatShep

Mar 16, 2017

j-e-gI don't have much to add, however I prefer to post and this one is better suited unposted, so that's really my only gripe, of course I also prefer a piston filler. The EF nib I prefer over my Lamy 2000 EF, to me the F-C nib writes smoother and finer. I'll definitely buy another F-C pen just not this one, maybe an 02 or a Marietta 20 might be more to my liking.

Mar 16, 2017

j-e-gI really don't have much to add, either. I'm a woman with small-ish hands, and I always write unposted. The pen is very lightweight, even with the converter. (I plan to convert it to an eyedropper pen as soon as I find the right blue.) I purchased the Italian Ice with EF nib which writes very smoothly, with little to no feedback, depending on the paper, and no scratchiness at all. The clip is strong and secure. One thing that popery's (very helpful!) photos didn't show is how this pen reacts to sunlight. It practically glows! Like it's holding a mysterious secret until it's hit with a sunbeam. My photo's not great, but it captures this a bit.

I also purchased the pen pouch, which is softly lined. Well worth the extra $10. This was my first experience with Massdrop and Franklin Christoph, and my only, albeit minor, disappointment is that the cartridges weren't shipped with the pen. I'm very pleased with the pen, and wouldn't hesitate to purchase another FC pen or recommend them to someone else.

Mar 16, 2017

Tresses @Tresses - I can see it bounces off a little violet-ish ?? ... kind of phosphorescent .. like a deep sea creature - Looks terrific as an eye dropper. Glad to have options :) Appreciate all he replies and feedback... feel much more informed - Western nib ?.. So EF similar to a Fine ? or no ?

Mar 17, 2017

j-e-g@j-e-g, my son noticed the pen's reaction to sunlight, so he grabbed a little black light he has for his rock collection to test it. Yep - it glows! Here's a link to the nib page at FC. It includes a link to writing samples with each nib. http://www.franklin-christoph.com/fountain-pen-nibs.html Hope that helps!

Mar 17, 2017

TressesOK - Now ask your son to try n grab us a photo of the black light on the pen !! Interesting ! You might have to try one of the Noodler's glow in the dark inks. I haven't tried them myself.. just read about them.

Mar 17, 2017

j-e-gGreat idea!

PatShep

Mar 17, 2017

TressesTresses, that looks pretty amazing under black light, you have a clever son. Here's a photo album with some comparison pics with my Lamy 2000. https://www.flickr.com/photos/bikerat/albums/72157679136095402/with/32681017033/

popery

Mar 17, 2017

TressesThe pen definitely looks great in stronger light. The interior of the pen seems to have some texture to it, which reflects light nicely. Someone actually asked me if I'd filled it with one of those Diamine Shimmertastic inks.

Mar 17, 2017

PatShepGreat pics, PatShep!