Lamy Studio Imperial Blue

[jethrobrink]

I picked up this Lamy Studio, my first fountain pen, last Friday. I bought the pen at John Lewis (UK Retailer) for £45.

 

I went into the shop wanting to but the matte black version, but after i saw this blue, my mind was changed! It's a little more exciting compared to the black, which i found quite boring in person. The imperial blue is a great colour. It's a bit more understated than the old "electric" blue version, meaning it's better suited to a college or work environment.

 

I thought that the pen was packaged nicely, but the box isn't anything special. I don't think it can quite be called a "presentation box" (you'll see what i mean from the pictures). The box is very functional, but it doesn't have much "sparkle" - thats bauhaus design for you!

 

As for the feel and quality of the pen, i think that it's fantastic. A very solid feel, with a 10/10 standard of finish. There is also a very satisfying, and positive "click" when you post, or replace the cap.

 

I loaded the pen up with the included Lamy Blue ink cartridge and it wrote straight away. At first i found that the pen was a little scratchy, and wrote quite dry; the pen would skip if i wrote quickly, or underlined something too swiftly. However after a day of "breaking in" the pen is as smooth as butter, and it can more than keep up with me. A great point is that the pen starts immediately every time i pick it up to write, no matter what way i store it, nib up, nib down, horizontal - it's fantastic.

 

From the first few days with my pen, the only thing i'd change so far is the grip section. While it looks amazing in chrome, it's not as functional as i'd like it to be. My fingers tend to slip a lot, requiring me to re adjust my grip every few lines. Something like the grip on the palladium version (http://www.lamy.com/eng/b2c/studio/068) would be better i think.

 

These are just my first impressions of my Lamy, so expect a full review in a week or so, but so far i'd put it at 9/10. Enjoy the pictures!

 

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5076/7183617525_5fe4f3fc92_c.jpg

 

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8012/7368854054_73c2f09f99_c.jpg

 

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7222/7183619439_4cc7c6432f_c.jpg

 

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7235/7183617719_a3b8a34bbc_c.jpg

 

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7095/7368851210_5c57a6d3e1_c.jpg

[Josmo]

very cool!!! congratulations it's a great fountain pen, I'm sure you'll enjoy it a lot. I have the black one... it looks more conservative and yeah a little bit boring perhaps... the real fun comes up when I use it

[Uncle Red]

Nice, thanks for the write up. Lot's of people seem to like these pens. BTW, you do know that you can change the nib on this pen?

[jethrobrink]

very cool!!! congratulations it's a great fountain pen, I'm sure you'll enjoy it a lot. I have the black one... it looks more conservative and yeah a little bit boring perhaps... the real fun comes up when I use it

 

Thanks! I am already!

 

Sorry if i caused any offence about the black version! it was just my personal opinion after seeing them both in person. I wanted something a little difference, especially as a 16 year old!

[emiliovillegas]

That's a very nice pen! I have the same one in black and totally love it! You won't regret it! Enjoy and welcome!

Cheers

 

Emilio Villegas

[jethrobrink]

Nice, thanks for the write up. Lot's of people seem to like these pens. BTW, you do know that you can change the nib on this pen?

 

Hi there, no problem Yeah, i found that out in some of my research - it's one of the reasons i went with Lamy, their nibs seem quite available too. I'm thinking of changing to a Fine. The medium is a little too thick for my hand wiring i think. I'll have a writing sample up with my review.

[zhryj]

very cool pen.congratulations.

[Josmo]

very cool!!! congratulations it's a great fountain pen, I'm sure you'll enjoy it a lot. I have the black one... it looks more conservative and yeah a little bit boring perhaps... the real fun comes up when I use it

 

Thanks! I am already!

 

Sorry if i caused any offence about the black version! it was just my personal opinion after seeing them both in person. I wanted something a little difference, especially as a 16 year old!

 

oh not a all don't worry mate. I actually believe the black version is oriented more to business or some other environment where you need to look sober, I mean... it could be used by anyone it's all about taste. haha

[mgm1988]

I was browsing in John Lewis a couple of weeks ago when my eye caught the lovely Imperial Blue of this pen. Having requested a closer look I found myself unable to leave it behind and so it is now sitting on my desk filled with Diamine Prussian Blue. Like you, I too have found the nib to be really reliable and smooth and, also like you, I have found some of the same issues with the chrome grip. Thanks for a great little review.

[RudyR]

I gotta break up this love fest but I found this Lamy to be one of the poorest handling pens that I have ever had or tried. The mentioned grip slipping is the big deal breaker. and the shape of the section also promotes even more slipping and mishandling. Sad, because I really like the looks of this pen and if it wasn't for the fact that the nibs are sometimes problematic then this pen would be a great pen.

 

I also bought it for the wonderful color as I also find the black version very boring. I am going to ink it up again and see if there is a solution to the slipping or way to handle it that will give me more control. I looked at possibly changing the section with the black version but it would clash with the design of the pen and render it a bit homely. If all else fails, this pen will go on the sales block along with its sibling, a Vista.

[jethrobrink]

I gotta break up this love fest but I found this Lamy to be one of the poorest handling pens that I have ever had or tried. The mentioned grip slipping is the big deal breaker. and the shape of the section also promotes even more slipping and mishandling. Sad, because I really like the looks of this pen and if it wasn't for the fact that the nibs are sometimes problematic then this pen would be a great pen.

 

I also bought it for the wonderful color as I also find the black version very boring. I am going to ink it up again and see if there is a solution to the slipping or way to handle it that will give me more control. I looked at possibly changing the section with the black version but it would clash with the design of the pen and render it a bit homely. If all else fails, this pen will go on the sales block along with its sibling, a Vista.

 

Just a thought, if you're brave enough to risk your pen you could always refinish the grip with something like a scotchbright pad. This would give the section a brushed finish. How subtle this is depends on how fine an abrasive material you use i guess. I've known people to use this on things like watch bracelets so I'm sure you can find a tutorial online if you want to give it a try! Obviously at the expense of potentially ruining your pen!

[RudyR]

I gotta break up this love fest but I found this Lamy to be one of the poorest handling pens that I have ever had or tried. The mentioned grip slipping is the big deal breaker. and the shape of the section also promotes even more slipping and mishandling. Sad, because I really like the looks of this pen and if it wasn't for the fact that the nibs are sometimes problematic then this pen would be a great pen.

 

I also bought it for the wonderful color as I also find the black version very boring. I am going to ink it up again and see if there is a solution to the slipping or way to handle it that will give me more control. I looked at possibly changing the section with the black version but it would clash with the design of the pen and render it a bit homely. If all else fails, this pen will go on the sales block along with its sibling, a Vista.

 

Just a thought, if you're brave enough to risk your pen you could always refinish the grip with something like a scotchbright pad. This would give the section a brushed finish. How subtle this is depends on how fine an abrasive material you use i guess. I've known people to use this on things like watch bracelets so I'm sure you can find a tutorial online if you want to give it a try! Obviously at the expense of potentially ruining your pen!

Yes, I've thought of something like this, but I hate to detract from an otherwise nice design. Plus, It will reduce the chance of it being sold and probably have to sell it at a larger discount because it is damaged. I kindo of wish that Lamy would come up with a good tip to top of section striping that would promote a better grip.

[John Cullen]

Sweet pen. I had one in Fine point but found the Fine point a lot wider than I wanted, so I ended up selling it. I should have tried the XF.

 

Enjoy the pen. J

[KrazyIvan]

I just received my matte black version. Looking good and use it in good health.

[IWantThat]

I have the matte black and the Imperial blue. Great pens for the money. They're my workhorse pens.

[kinchi]

I'm a newbie FP user.

 

I've got on order a pair of the brushed steel Studio's from WHSmith's (half price offer) which was an offer too good to refuse.

 

I chose the brushed steel because I anticipated problems with the smooth shiny grip section and the brushed steel one's I think have a black rubber grip section.

 

I've had to purchase additional "extra fine nibs" as WHSmiths only offered the pens with medium nibs which is much too broad for my handwriting style.

 

Downside is I've been waitng almost 2 weeks now for the pens. From your review I think they're going to be worth the wait.

 

Look forwards to your full review and some photo's of your handwriting using the Studio.

 

Regards,

 

k-c

[senzen]

Nice review, it's a very elegant pen, the photos really seem to do it justice. The grip section doesn't look that practical though, as you say.

[Alyssa_Eloise]

I am definitely going to purchase one now! Such a good looking pen! Nuce job with the photos!

[VanRocket]

The black Studio was my first fountain pen and is still one of my favorite. I was concerned about the gripping section but I have to say that it doesn't bother me at all. I find it to be a very comfortable pen to write with. Having purchased several pens since starting this hobby a couple years ago, I can honestly say I am still quite happy with my Studio. I have been tempted to get another in this blue and I am sure I will give in soon.

 

Excellent pictures, by the way.

[RudyR]

I gotta break up this love fest but I found this Lamy to be one of the poorest handling pens that I have ever had or tried. The mentioned grip slipping is the big deal breaker. and the shape of the section also promotes even more slipping and mishandling. Sad, because I really like the looks of this pen and if it wasn't for the fact that the nibs are sometimes problematic then this pen would be a great pen.

 

I also bought it for the wonderful color as I also find the black version very boring. I am going to ink it up again and see if there is a solution to the slipping or way to handle it that will give me more control. I looked at possibly changing the section with the black version but it would clash with the design of the pen and render it a bit homely. If all else fails, this pen will go on the sales block along with its sibling, a Vista.

 

Just a thought, if you're brave enough to risk your pen you could always refinish the grip with something like a scotchbright pad. This would give the section a brushed finish. How subtle this is depends on how fine an abrasive material you use i guess. I've known people to use this on things like watch bracelets so I'm sure you can find a tutorial online if you want to give it a try! Obviously at the expense of potentially ruining your pen!

Yes, I've thought of something like this, but I hate to detract from an otherwise nice design. Plus, It will reduce the chance of it being sold and probably have to sell it at a larger discount because it is damaged. I kindo of wish that Lamy would come up with a good tip to top of section striping that would promote a better grip.

 

Just wanted to give an update on my experience with my Lamy. I have found that if I leave the chrome section alone and stop wiping it down every time, it develops, in short order, a sort of tacky film (dirt?) that allows me to hold it without slipping. Also, I found that if I just hiked my grip a little higher, I could also use a bit of the matte blue finish to hold and control the pen a bit better. After finding the happy holding place, I then gave the nib additional tuning plus I switched to Montblanc Purple Lavender. This pen now performs and functions very well and am happy with the results. Next will be a switch to a Medium nib.

 

So often, it seems, that a pen not quite cooperative may in time, actually need only a little adjusting. Not just to the pen itself but also to the handler.