Caran D'ache Ecridor Retro

April 28, 2012

INTRODUCTION: With a collection of just over 30 pens, used in rotation, this one seems to find its way into the jacket pocket perhaps a little more often than is strictly speaking fair! Put quite simply, it is a joy to write with. I had been in the market for a reasonably priced Caran D’Ache pen and a local shop happened to have this one on a celebratory offer of 125 Euro. Temptation proved too much (as is so often the way with pens) and the purchase was made.

1. Appearance & Design– The pen has the classic CD hexagonal shaped barrel and decorated with a rather attractive pattern completed with a high degree of craftsmanship. To the non-collector the pen is an eye catcher and offers something quite distinctively different from many other pens.

2. Construction & Quality–The pen feels solid, not too heavy and beautifully balanced. The Silver-plated and rhodium-coated hexagonal body does mark a little, but I do not find that this detracts from the elegance of the pen.

3. Weight & Dimensions– The weight is comfortable in the hand; with regards to dimensions I would best describe the pen as slender.

4. Nib & Performance– The Nib size is the medium variant and made of Steel … It writes beautifully. The ink flow is constant and the pen smooth on paper (with perhaps just the right amount of minimal friction). I can comfortably write page upon page with confidence that no skipping will occur.

5. Filling System & Maintenance– The pen is either cartridge or convertor. I use a convertor which is fine once one accepts that this will reduce the capacity. I keep a bottle of black Monegrappa at both home and work, so this is really of no concern.

6. Cost & Value– I bought the pen at De Groen in Wasenaar, the Netherlands; one of 3 shops that I visit on a regular basis and offers incredible customer service. The pen was on offer (125 Euro); I am not exactly sure of the RRP (175 Euro ?).

7. Conclusion – I use this pen a lot, both at work and for leisure writing. I genuinely enjoy writing with the Ecridor and with the fine build quality will undoubtedly continue to do so for many years to come. I have owned the pen for perhaps 9 months and knew that I had made a great purchase from day 1. I would recommend this to a friend without hesitation.

April 28, 2012

Thank you for a very well done review of a pen and brand I've wondered about.

gary

November 14, 2013

Hi. I've just joined the FPN community. I heartily agree with your review.

I have a Cubrik, with a fine nib, which is smooth and the level of attention to detail and finishing of these pens is fabulous. I've had mine for a year, always inked up. Well worth the money for the quality and I paid the retail price in a bricks and mortar store, where the service was patient and very helpful. Lifetime guarantee to boot!

I'm seriously thinking of getting an Ivanhoe in the future, because the pens from Caran d'Ache are so well engineered and made. (Their artists pencils are top quality too.)

Enjoy yours.

B2