Visconti Rembrandt Review

Visconti Rembrandt Fountain Pen

The Visconti Rembrandt has become a staple of the Italian pen maker’s line.  It is priced well, attractive and handles beautifully.  The body and cap are constructed of a variegated resin, which gives it a look reminiscent of chiaroscuro (hence the Rembrandt moniker).  This pattern of light and dark varies between each pen, meaning that any single piece will differ from the rest with its own unique look.  Visconti has taken a different approach to the Rembrandt line by utilizing a magnet inside of the cap to keep a secure hold onto the body of the pen while not in use.  This alleviates any chance of damage to the pen through cross-threading.  The cap posts onto the back of the body via friction.  The stainless steel nib resides within a metal front section which provides a nice color contrast as well as some weight to the body of the pen. There is not a dramatic step-down in size between the body of the pen and the front section, which along with the lack of threads provides for a very comfortable experience while writing.  International size cartridges are used and a converter is included.

The Rembrandt is without a doubt a smooth writer.  I do find that it balances better when the cap is posted, as the magnet in the cap adds weight to the rear.  The use of international size cartridges is a huge plus as it opens your ink selection to a wide variety of brands and colors and especially if you do not want to use the converter for any reason (travel, etc.).  The fact that the nib can be easily removed from the front section is a boon to a thorough cleaning and something which I have come to appreciate when cleaning pieces we have demoed for customers.  The size of the Rembrandt is just right – not so large as to be an encumbrance, but not so small as to lead to cramps while writing for long periods.  This is obviously a personal preference, but I have found this series to be a good fit for most.

If you’re looking for a quality piece that doesn't break the bank and yields a great writing experience, give the Visconti Rembrandt a hard look.  I think you’ll be happy with the results!

- Joe (Pen Boutique Limited, 5560 Sterrett Place, Columbia, MD 21044)

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Pilot E95 Black and Burgundy/Ivory Fountain Pen Review

Pilot E95 Burgundy/Ivory Fountain Pen

The Pilot E95 is the latest in a long line of 14k gold nib pens.  It comes in two versions, black and burgundy/ivory, both with gold trim.  The standard Black with Gold trim is nice, but the Burgundy/Ivory really caught my eye.

It is a shorter pen, only 4.7" capped and 5.8" posted, but perfect for my hands.  The pen would probably be too small for someone with large hands. It has that vintage look from the 1960s and still is very classy and sleek.  The scripted "E" on the cap and the gold inlaid nib add to this look.  The cap is threadless so I don't have to worry about unscrewing the cap every time.  I can just pop it off, post and go.

The pen accepts the standard Namiki ink cartridges and also comes with the Con-20 converter.  I'm not a big fan of the Con-20 and so tried the Con-50 and Con-70, but both are too large to fit in this pen.

The Extra Fine is very fine and so would be perfect for those who write small and fast.  The Fine is super smooth and the Medium is a nice wet writer.  The nib can be customized into many other options, including oblique.

I used Noodler's Black ink on Lokta paper for my test run and was very pleased with it.  The Extra Fine nib did not grab at the fibers in the paper, as I thought it may.  It did not feather and was smooth and quiet while testing.

I can't wait to continue to use this pen as I feel it may become my every day writer.

- Joe (Pen Boutique Limited, 5560 Sterrett Place, Columbia, MD 21044)

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Cross Botanica Red Hummingbird Vine Design Century II Roller Ball CR_AT0645-3 Review

Cross Botanica Red Hummingbird Vine Design Century II Roller Ball

I find the new Cross Botanical designs to be a winner! The traditional slim body Cross formation is only enhanced by the floral patterns Henna designs. It is available in fountain pen, roller ball and ball point. The new offerings include Golden Magnolia, Purple Orchid and my favorite, Red Hummingbird Vine. The Hummingbird Vine design is an informal term used for certain climbing plants whose flowers are pollinated by hummingbirds.They are often planted in American gardens to attract these birds. The Arabic and Indian heritage Henna designs are patterned over pearlescent white lacquer, giving the pen a look of a more expensive writing instrument, such as the Cross Pen of the Year group, making it appear to be a custom design.

Custom design variations requires extra preparation and materials. They help make the pen unique and sometimes more valuable. The extra care Cross provides in crafting these pens, offer the same esthetic.

The Cross functionality is not deterred by this new decorative casing. It still performs in the tried and true way with continued solid performance. It is a performance we have come to expect.

The styling of this series provides an expressive way to show your design sensibilities by adding personal flair and the appearance of a little bling to your everyday writing activities!


- Vicki Marshall(Pen Boutique Ltd, Columbia Store)

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