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Visconti Homo Sapiens Dark Age Oversize FP
01 / 07
Visconti Homo Sapiens Dark Age Oversize FP
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Product Description
From Italian pen maker Visconti, the Homo Sapiens Dark Age Oversize is a collector’s item with a commanding presence. It’s handmade with hardened basaltic lava from Sicily’s Mount Etna: the tallest active volcano in Europe Read More
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keyboard_arrow_downMuizz
1
Apr 9, 2019
Keep in mind that this is a very wet writer. You probably want to order one size finer than you usually use.
MurkyGobbs
53
Feb 14, 2019
One day I will buy this pen. I have always wanted one since first getting into fountain pens and I can't wait until I have enough tucked away to not hate myself for spending half a grand on a writing utensil.
cornerstonetom
263
Feb 13, 2019
This is actually a good price.
Be aware that the palladium nib is a soft alloy and not meant for flexing. Do not push this nib. It can be sprung/ruined easily.
derpytar
9
Feb 13, 2019
cornerstonetomI have the Visconti Opera Master Luna (Goulet Exclusive). I was a bit confused at first because there was a certain springiness about it. I contacted Goulet to ask and they told me that it's soft but not meant for flexing. So far, it's been a pretty nice writing experience.
Emiliovillegas
19
Feb 13, 2019
Never had a Visconti that wrote. If I am going to spend that much I d rather give it to the germans to have a pen that works.
willentrekin
40
Feb 13, 2019
EmiliovillegasI have several, including two Rembrandts (EF & F), a Michelangelo Back to Black (F), an Elegance Midi (F) and a Steel Age Midi. They're all great writers.
The only caveat I'd make is that the coating that stealthed the Back to Black nib makes it write wetter and a little more broadly than its Rembrandt counterpart. I think that's a steel nib, though; I've found the palladium nibs fantastic, and had an oversize EF Elegance but I didn't love the size. No experience with the Dark Age finish, but the palladium has been fantastic.
derpytar
9
Feb 13, 2019
willentrekinI recently got the Opera Master Luna from Goulet. I agree with the Palladium nib being pretty fantastic.
willentrekin
40
Oct 24, 2018
I wonder how much of the quality control complaints can be attributed to the ruthenium coating on the nib. I've tried out several stealth pens, and my experience has been that only Sailor got it right on its black luster pen. On the other hand, I own several Visconti pens, including a Michelangelo and a couple of Rembrandts (including "Back to Black" models), as well as a Homo Sapiens Elegance in the midi size, and my experience of Visconti's other nibs has been much better. I intend to buy one of the lava models, but most likely it'll be the Steel Age when I do.
Tali
10
Feb 13, 2019
willentrekinDidn't they stop producing the Steel Age?
That's also the one I'd prefer.
willentrekin
40
Feb 13, 2019
TaliI haven't heard that, but I have been told by a retailer that the midi size is discontinued, and I think perhaps across the whole line. But you can still dig one up with some diligence and luck; I bought one just last week and it's fantastic.
The Elegance is a more inexpensive version of the Steel Age. You don't get the lava, but what you do get is a cartridge-converter fill, very attractive resin, and the same nib. It's like the Homo Sapiens line just decided to do an essential, luxury fountain pen.
Swillyums
45
Aug 3, 2018
This is a pretty pen, but it's pretty garbage. Found one at a local shop with the wrong price tag, and they were willing to honour it at a steep discount. I went through a total of 8 that wouldn't write before giving up. Stood there with the owner of the store trying to get them to work. I think 2 did work, but felt like someone dropped their metropolitan on a concrete floor. I eventually gave up and went with a cheaper Pelikan, which felt great out of the box.
I highly suggest giving this a pass. I don't think a company that is willing to put out pens that often won't even work for these prices should be supported. My bet is that all the youtube and pro reviewers get cherry picked samples. Additionally, I bought a Rembrandt from them a few years ago, and it has stopping problems even after getting a replacement. I want to sell it and buy something good, but I would feel bad about offloading it on someone that may not know the horrors of Visconti.
If you absolutely must have one, send it to a nibsmith before you even open the box. Otherwise you may be spoiled by the fact that it performs far worse than any cheap Chinese $10 pen. Alternatively, just buy a Sailor, Pilot, Pelikan, etc. that will actually feel great.
p.s. the cap's locking system sucks. It basically just pops off, yet is a bit of a pain to remove the correct way. Compare that to the Pilot prera which feels like a pen orgasm to cap and uncap.
I highly suggest giving this a pass. I don't think a company that is willing to put out pens that often won't even work for these prices should be supported. My bet is that all the youtube and pro reviewers get cherry picked samples. Additionally, I bought a Rembrandt from them a few years ago, and it has stopping problems even after getting a replacement. I want to sell it and buy something good, but I would feel bad about offloading it on someone that may not know the horrors of Visconti.
If you absolutely must have one, send it to a nibsmith before you even open the box. Otherwise you may be spoiled by the fact that it performs far worse than any cheap Chinese $10 pen. Alternatively, just buy a Sailor, Pilot, Pelikan, etc. that will actually feel great.
p.s. the cap's locking system sucks. It basically just pops off, yet is a bit of a pain to remove the correct way. Compare that to the Pilot prera which feels like a pen orgasm to cap and uncap.
Swillyums
45
Feb 14, 2019
I've had great experiences with German and Japanese pens at every price point.
Muizz
1
Apr 9, 2019
SwillyumsI've had one for years and never had an issue, same with my friends who have it. I'm sorry you've had such a terrible experience; but as an owner of one, I definitely can't concur about any part of this.
The cap is also the most satisfying cap design I've used to date. It took me all of 2-3 tries to figure out. Opening requires slight pressure and a tiny twist. It will then just come apart. I keep mine loose in a pocket of my bag and I've never had any issues with it opening on its own.
hmgreen
12
Jul 29, 2018
I see only grey lines when I go to the discussions section of any drop. Using my iPad but get this on all computers, including iMac and Windows 10 machines. I am a member and am logged in.
NeWaVdubs
218
Jun 2, 2018
So after going through the comments, I moseyed on over to La Couronne, setup an account, and bought the HS Dark Age, my MyPen accessory initials, Pelikan Twist black, and a Pelikan converter for the Twist.. Used SBRE Brown's discount for 10% off.
Grand total $509.74 USD. Free shipping, Tracking & Insurance, no taxes (as ALL online sales SHOULD be).
Thanks guys!
TomaCzar
755
Jul 29, 2018
NeWaVdubsHolly Smokes!! Could this mean I never buy an FP on MD again? Going to have to give this La Couronne a try.
ZALHERA
843
Jun 1, 2018
It has come to my conclusion that Massdrop is out to get me. I was initially reluctant to join the Bronze Age drop because I wanted the stealth look of the Dark Age. I ended up caving in and what happens as soon as my Bronze Age arrives? The Dark Age drops. Sigh, guess I have no choice, right?
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