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A community member
Jun 6, 2015
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How does this one compare to the black Lamy 2000? In terms of design, feeling etc., as I suppose they use the same nib.
Jun 6, 2015
AlexGk
143
Jun 6, 2015
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Yep, this model does have the same exquisite nib used on the regular 2000. Mind that, unlike pretty much every other Lamy pen, the nib of this model is unique to the 2k. Once you choose its size, the only way to change it is sending the pen back to Lamy itself (unless you don't mind voiding the warranty). The main difference in design between the regular and this version of the 2k is, obviously, the material used for the body. I'll try give you some pros/cons of the two. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~Makrolon Pros: lightweight, good strength/weight ratio, warmer feeling compared to steel, unique (this is the only pen I know of made with it), nice grip due to the brushed finish. Cons: imperfections due to the composite nature of the material, the Makrolon might develop a certain shiny patina with time and use that will make the pen appear more polished, low scratch resistance, it needs more care and attention when cleaning, risk of stains if exposed to aggressive chemical agents. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ~Stainless steel Pros: the finish is more consistent compared to the Makrolon version, high strength, higher scratch resistance, nice grip (altough slightly worse than the Makrolon version IMHO) due to the brushed finish, high resistance to chemical agents, well balanced despite its weight. Cons: its weight (more than twice the one of the regular version) which might make posting uncomfortable, a somewhat colder feeling mitigated by the brushed finish, less unique material compared to Makrolon. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A couple more things you might want to consider. The stainless steel 2k lacks the ink window above the grip section, and being this pen piston-filled, you'll have no way to know for sure how much ink you have left. The clip, made of brushed steel in the regular 2k, it's polished to a mirror finish in the stainless steel version, in order to stand out from the body. If you need anything more in particular, I'll be happy to answer. You might also want to have a look at previous comments, both of this drop and from the older one for the regular Lamy 2000.
Jun 6, 2015
cbmd
23
Jun 6, 2015
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AlexGkThe nib in the L2K is only “unique” because it is (a) platinum plated 14k gold and (b) the L2K is only pen still in production that uses this nib.
The predecessor models Lamy 27 (the -30, -31 and -32 variant with flat barrel and cap ends) and the later Lamy 99 (-36/-37, also flat ends) have the same 14k gold nib—just not plated—with two lateral mounting tabs and the same feed-system (even the piston assembly is interchangeable). The Lamy 25P, 26P, 66P, 67P, 68 and 69 also have compatible nibs, but those nibs are made of steel .
So, if you are comfortable with disassembling the pen (and thus very likely voiding the warranty) and you can æsthetically tolerate a gold nib in a steel or makrolon L2K this is a great way to try out other nib sizes or to “fix” a damaged L2K. The pens can be found on eBay at bargain prices—compared to the price of a new L2K nib/section. To be fair: At least in Germany you can send the pen to Lamy and request a nib exchange, the value of the old nib will be offset against the cost so the actual cost is quite low and the warranty is not affected. YMMV.
Jun 6, 2015
AlexGk
143
Jun 6, 2015
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cbmdI did know all this, but I was trying to keep my message as short as possible :). That said, I never feel comfortable suggesting something that might void a warranty, considering how many times I've needed it in the years. Anyway, thanks for saying all the things I omitted in my previous message! P.S.: I live in Italy, so I might often take for granted that sending a pen back to Lamy usually ends up being cheaper and faster than buying a spare nib. And without voiding the warranty!
Jun 6, 2015
A community member
Jun 6, 2015
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AlexGkThanks for all the informations! And thanks to @ironhelixx for the video too!
Jun 6, 2015
Mattsplat
30
Jun 8, 2015
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I own both. The steel version is very heavy and scratches easily. Both seem just a bit finicky with the writing angle or perhaps it is just the smooth design that makes it harder to index. I prefer the Makrolon version to the stainless steel. I love the look of both but my Makrolon 2000 writes better and is more comfortable to me.
Jun 8, 2015
AlexGk
143
Jun 8, 2015
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MattsplatI fully agree with you, with the only exception that I find Makrolon even more prone to scratches. That said, I would no doubt go for the Makrolon version. The steel 2k was designed to be the higher-end version of the already not cheap regular 2k, and I imagine Lamy wanted to keep a certain continuity with their already on sale line of steel pens (St, Linea etc.). Still, if this was really supposed to be Lamy's trademark fountain pen, I would have made it with a more exotic metal. Maybe not an expensive one (gold, platinum, palladium etc., some of which are already covered by certain versions of Lamy pens) but at least titanium or some other lightweight alloy of aluminum, magnesium or something like that. I would have certainly found appropriate for a pen by Lamy to be made with such a material. Still, this is a wonderful pen, the nib alone justifies its price. I'd still take the Makrolon version over this one though, but that's only my personal taste!
Jun 8, 2015
andypak01
430
Oct 23, 2015
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AlexGkThank you for the information. I got the EF Makrolon after reading your post. It is beautiful pen with very unique texture and color. At half the price if this stainless one, I am very happy with the pen.
Oct 23, 2015
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