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Graf von Faber-Castell Classic Fountain Pen
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Graf von Faber-Castell Classic Fountain Pen
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Product Description
Graf von Faber-Castell has been in business since 1761, making it one of the world’s oldest manufacturers of writing instruments. Known not only for the quality of its products but also for its ability to balance tradition with innovation, this German company began as a pencil manufacturer before expanding to pens Read More
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RayF
22218
Apr 17, 2018
This is a real pen. Sadly, this is what real pens cost these days--on Massdrop. They are less expensive elsewhere, if you do your homework.
Thw1990
209
Mar 10, 2017
As has now become customary, here is my review after test-driving the pen for a few months:
I purchased this pen in a recent drop. The fit/finish/craftsmanship is superb. No one is going to question that. The pen is gorgeous and you will get comments on it when you use it. The attention to detail is stunning. The cap band, the finial, the etched insignia under finial and above the clip, the clip, the barrel, the section, the look of the nib--all show an exceptional attention to detail. One of the best looking pens on the market.
Here is the written review:
The pen I ordered is the Platinum-Plated "Classic Series" with a Medium Oblique 18k gold nib (true-to-size western medium). My first reaction to the nib was I wish it was a size larger, but it may be because many of my daily pens use exceptionally large nibs. I'd chalk that up to mostly personal preference, but I still think for the heft and size of the pen it should be larger.
Paper: Rhodia lined
Ink: Mont Blanc Honore de Balzac limited edition blue (if you haven't noticed, this is my favorite ink)
Initial reactions:
- Flow is good, pen writes well and has no interruptions in flow even with fast writing or cursive.
- Line variation is quite good with this nib grind
- Pen has great weight distribution when not posted. However, pen feels too heavy and top-heavy when cap is posted. Pen is still on the heavier side when not posted, but feels good in the hand.
- Section is rather small for larger hands (long fingers)--you may feel cramping after prolonged use if you have Edward Scissorhands-like fingers. This isn't a deal breaker for me because I generally only write a page or two at a time.
- Clip is quite substantial, beautiful aesthetically, and has great tension (but not too much).
- Finial is etched and looks quite nice
While the writing is not as wet as I generally prefer, with a decent shading ink you should see some nice shading:
This is a close-up of "flex." Keep in mind, this is NOT a flex nib and since the nib is a soft 18K gold if you push this nib YOU WILL DAMAGE IT. However, with light (~1/2 of that needed for a ballpoint) pressure you get nice additional line variation with no interruption in flow or saturation. Feed keeps up nicely under all writing conditions. This is not even a semi-flex nib, I would classify it as a "soft" nib. It's worth repeating: do not push this nib.
This pen does have one major drawback. The nib "squeaks" when writing. It's smooth, but it squeaks. Similar to a nail on a chalkboard, but quieter. It is annoying and none of the standard tweaking (slight tine adjustment, light sanding, etc) has done anything to get rid of it. I'm not sure if this is a problem only with my pen or a larger issue, I've only owned ballpoints/rollerballs from these folks in the past (which are fantastic, but not a standard parker gel refill).
Bottom line: The pen is in the $400-$500 price point, which is an insanely competitive space with many good to great options (this pen fits in the "good" category). There are certainly better performing pens you can buy that have a little less "flash" in this price point. Ultimately, if you like the look, buy it, but if you're looking for the best (or a better) performing pen in this price point, you've got a ton of better options, and many are frequently offered on Massdrop at competitive prices.
I purchased this pen in a recent drop. The fit/finish/craftsmanship is superb. No one is going to question that. The pen is gorgeous and you will get comments on it when you use it. The attention to detail is stunning. The cap band, the finial, the etched insignia under finial and above the clip, the clip, the barrel, the section, the look of the nib--all show an exceptional attention to detail. One of the best looking pens on the market.
Here is the written review:
The pen I ordered is the Platinum-Plated "Classic Series" with a Medium Oblique 18k gold nib (true-to-size western medium). My first reaction to the nib was I wish it was a size larger, but it may be because many of my daily pens use exceptionally large nibs. I'd chalk that up to mostly personal preference, but I still think for the heft and size of the pen it should be larger.
Paper: Rhodia lined
Ink: Mont Blanc Honore de Balzac limited edition blue (if you haven't noticed, this is my favorite ink)
Initial reactions:
- Flow is good, pen writes well and has no interruptions in flow even with fast writing or cursive.
- Line variation is quite good with this nib grind
- Pen has great weight distribution when not posted. However, pen feels too heavy and top-heavy when cap is posted. Pen is still on the heavier side when not posted, but feels good in the hand.
- Section is rather small for larger hands (long fingers)--you may feel cramping after prolonged use if you have Edward Scissorhands-like fingers. This isn't a deal breaker for me because I generally only write a page or two at a time.
- Clip is quite substantial, beautiful aesthetically, and has great tension (but not too much).
- Finial is etched and looks quite nice
While the writing is not as wet as I generally prefer, with a decent shading ink you should see some nice shading:
This is a close-up of "flex." Keep in mind, this is NOT a flex nib and since the nib is a soft 18K gold if you push this nib YOU WILL DAMAGE IT. However, with light (~1/2 of that needed for a ballpoint) pressure you get nice additional line variation with no interruption in flow or saturation. Feed keeps up nicely under all writing conditions. This is not even a semi-flex nib, I would classify it as a "soft" nib. It's worth repeating: do not push this nib.
This pen does have one major drawback. The nib "squeaks" when writing. It's smooth, but it squeaks. Similar to a nail on a chalkboard, but quieter. It is annoying and none of the standard tweaking (slight tine adjustment, light sanding, etc) has done anything to get rid of it. I'm not sure if this is a problem only with my pen or a larger issue, I've only owned ballpoints/rollerballs from these folks in the past (which are fantastic, but not a standard parker gel refill).
Bottom line: The pen is in the $400-$500 price point, which is an insanely competitive space with many good to great options (this pen fits in the "good" category). There are certainly better performing pens you can buy that have a little less "flash" in this price point. Ultimately, if you like the look, buy it, but if you're looking for the best (or a better) performing pen in this price point, you've got a ton of better options, and many are frequently offered on Massdrop at competitive prices.
Thw1990
209
Mar 29, 2017
FPH has a sale going now with these for $375 brand new...in case you need more
Theroc
2318
Keyboard Club Member
Mar 29, 2017
Thw1990God no. I recently watched a Snakewood go for $400 on eBay. Sigh!
RGerard
4
Feb 23, 2017
I have one that I bought myself as a gift when I graduated grad school. It's gorgeous, fits my hand, and writes beautifully, except that the nib size is a German fine -- meaning that I really should have gotten an extra-fine. If you are used to Japanese nibs, go down a size for your nib. If you are used to German nibs, then you will know what you are getting.
Theroc
2318
Keyboard Club Member
Feb 22, 2017
This was my grail pen for the longest time (14 months :p). Every time it dropped I lamented the fact that I could not afford it.
I own it now.
What I paid for it did not even come close to the price tag here, and I received mine with GvFC's beautiful wood case in matching finish.
I love this pen and I love Massdrop, but the two are destined not to get along.
marcelol
20
Feb 21, 2017
Seriously? $459.99? C'mon...It's possible to find better than this...if you look. I would LOVE to buy one, but it's gotta come down further.
And that's only for the Classic Ivory Anello ? And every other nib but Medium incurs an extra $30.00?
Sorry, but it's a pass this time....
And that's only for the Classic Ivory Anello ? And every other nib but Medium incurs an extra $30.00?
Sorry, but it's a pass this time....
MrSharkbait
479
Feb 21, 2017
marcelolIf you look further down the options you will find the other nibs at no extra charge.
marcelol
20
Feb 21, 2017
MrSharkbaitYeah I saw that, but not in the style of FP I'd be interested in...I currently own a Titanium Anello. I wouldn't mind an Ebony Anello, but I was looking for a Grendilla or Ebony Grenadilla...yet...at that price is still a bit much for what could be found elsewhere.
Not being snarky, just giving honest input for MassDrop to consider.
Not being snarky, just giving honest input for MassDrop to consider.
elimelendez
2201
Jan 5, 2017
The vendor is currently waiting for the arrival of the missing pens at their location. Based on current estimates these should arrive at their warehouse around 1/16. We will make sure to update the group with the shipping schedule as soon as we receive more information.
We understand that the additional wait time is undesirable. If you would prefer to cancel your order, please contact Community Support using the “Contact Support” button in your transactions page (http://massdrop.com/transactions).
You can expect an update from us on 1/17 or sooner if something comes up.
If you have any questions, please visit our Help Center (http://massdrop.com/helpcenter).
We understand that the additional wait time is undesirable. If you would prefer to cancel your order, please contact Community Support using the “Contact Support” button in your transactions page (http://massdrop.com/transactions).
You can expect an update from us on 1/17 or sooner if something comes up.
If you have any questions, please visit our Help Center (http://massdrop.com/helpcenter).
elimelendez
2201
Dec 27, 2016
The group's bulk order arrived earlier to our warehouse in New Jersey and many of the individual packages have already shipped back out. However, upon taking inventory of everything received, our team was made aware of a backorder affecting a small handful of units. Rest assured, we've reached back out to the vendor to resolve this hiccup and expect to have the remaining units in our warehouse shortly.
Expect another update from us on 1/4 or sooner if something comes up.
If you have any questions, please visit our Help Center (https://massdrop.com/helpcenter).
Expect another update from us on 1/4 or sooner if something comes up.
If you have any questions, please visit our Help Center (https://massdrop.com/helpcenter).
elimelendez
2201
Dec 14, 2016
Bulk order shipped! The vendor informed us that the group's order was picked up and is on its way to our warehouse in New Jersey. Based on the tracking provided, the order is scheduled to arrive on 12/30.
Expect another update from us on 12/31 or sooner if something comes up.
If you have any questions, please visit our Help Center (https://massdrop.com/helpcenter).
Expect another update from us on 12/31 or sooner if something comes up.
If you have any questions, please visit our Help Center (https://massdrop.com/helpcenter).
elimelendez
2201
Dec 5, 2016
Thanks again for joining this drop! We have submitted the group's order with the vendor for the Graf von Faber-Castell Classic Fountain Pen and they are working hard to prepare it for shipment.
As soon as the group's order is ready at the vendor's location, they will send the bulk shipment to our warehouse in New Jersey where our warehouse team will break it up into individual orders and ship them. The current estimated ship date from our warehouse is 12/30.
We will keep the group updated throughout the fulfillment process. You can expect an update from us by the end of the day Pacific Time on 12/15.
If you have any questions, please visit our Help Center (http://massdrop.com/helpcenter).
As soon as the group's order is ready at the vendor's location, they will send the bulk shipment to our warehouse in New Jersey where our warehouse team will break it up into individual orders and ship them. The current estimated ship date from our warehouse is 12/30.
We will keep the group updated throughout the fulfillment process. You can expect an update from us by the end of the day Pacific Time on 12/15.
If you have any questions, please visit our Help Center (http://massdrop.com/helpcenter).
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