On The Brink Of A Conid, A Little Sadly

[tubular]

Having read and reread everyone's observations and remarks and questions about the Conid pens, I seem to be on the brink of ordering one--but which? As so often, when there are many attractive possibilities, any individual choice begins to feel as if it is missing something, simply because it doesn't have everything.

 

I want the gorgeous red of the AntwerpPen and the titanium knobs of the kingsize demonstrator (which probably wouldn't go with the AntwerpPen red even if the two were available together) but without the visual mess of the demonstrator, plus an ink window. And I want the size 8 titanium nib, because why have titanium unless the nib is big enough for it to make a difference, but I want it in a smaller body. And I'd prefer not to feel like a hypocrite for caring what a pen that first attracted me for its ability to rise above the superficial looks like.

 

If I dither long enough I may go back to the lesser Sailors.

 

Do those of you who had a hard time choosing a Conid pen body regret your choices, or did you simply buy a second (or third or fourth) one?

 

[Tiggercat]

I can empathize - I too am considering a Conid, but am lost in the choices. For the moment, I'm holding tightly to the hope inspired by a comment I read somewhere that the material from the Cavens pen will eventually make its way into other sizes. In that case, I think a Regular in that material would be a good start for me. (Though you're right, the red is gorgeous.)

[tubular]

Too many options! (And yet too few, too.) We are indeed greatly to be pitied.

[Honeybadgers]

the cigar kingsize with a big 18k #8 will probably be my med school graduation present to myself

[tubular]

That sounds as if it will be worth a lot of belated nights and premature mornings!

[kl005]

After much deliberation, I've narrowed down my choices, which are below in order of preference/priority.

 

(1) Regular, either the stealth matte black one with a black titanium nib, or the flat-top clear demonstrator.

 

(2) Kingsize, flat-top clear demonstrator. I would have gotten it as a present to myself upon my graduation last December, but I was (am) short on funds

 

(3) Minimalistica, only for the snap cap.

[tubular]

I like the snap cap too.

 

Do you (does anyone) know what the stealth matte black material is and whether it is as durable as what it covers? It does look very nice. But then everything Conid makes looks very nice!

[kl005]

The website says that it's Delrin. Can't speak from experience, since I've never owned a Delrin pen.

[tubular]

Nor I. My only association with delrin is with turntable parts.

 

The stealth black on the trim and on the nib wouldn't be delrin, though, would it? (No--I see it is anodized metal.)

Edited April 8, 2019 by tubular

[Karmachanic]

Minimalistica, which I own, does not have a 'snap' cap. Gentle push and turn to open and close.

Purchased because of aesthetics and cost. Titanium CI nib and engraved clip. I enjoy the cool soft feel of the Delrin, the smooth lines and the lack of a section/threads. I like that it does not call attention to itself. Discreet.

I have five nibs. Two steel and three titanium. Titanium see the most use. I'll be buying a fourth.

Edited April 8, 2019 by Karmachanic

[whichwatch]

I had the same problem. Fascinated and wanting to try, confused by the options, and no chance to see them in person. Then the solution found me - a friend in our local pen club had one he wanted to trade for one of my pens. So it came to be that I have a Minimalistica Fontuplumo Limited Edition.

 

The engineering is great, though the filling system takes just a touch of getting used to. I wish the cap were screw on rather than press on, but that's a minor quibble.

 

I understand Conid will be at the St. Louis Pen Show in June, so I am looking forward to seeing a larger variety of their products.

 

http://www.fototime.com/%7BCD371B87-796E-4D51-83FD-EEAABAE55413%7D/origpict/conid.png

Edited April 8, 2019 by whichwatch

[JakobS]

The Conid I would go for is the Giraffe, because why not, and I need to empty some bottles of ink already!

[noddle]

Absolutely no regret with Conid.

I have two:

1. Kingsize Ebonite Streamline

2. Kingsize Ebonite Flat-Top with titanium knobs

 

The ebonite versions look very classy and feel great in the hand (I have mixed feelings about the demonstrators, but like titanium knobs). The size is perfect for my hands and I prefer the Kingsize's girthier and less-concave section to the Regular.

[Karmachanic]

I'm waiting, probably fruitlessly, for a Kingsize Minimalistica. Dreamer.

[OmegaMountain]

I have a Minamalistica with the demonstrator body and Delrin cap. It's a great pen. I would love to have a second Conid but there are so many pens and so little money to go around. The Delrin is a nice warm material but it is softer than other normal fountain pen plastics and so will scratch and dent a little easier if dropped. Mine is typically in a sleeve or pouch when I am carrying it though. You really can't go wrong with their pens.

[mauckcg]

Having read and reread everyone's observations and remarks and questions about the Conid pens, I seem to be on the brink of ordering one--but which? As so often, when there are many attractive possibilities, any individual choice begins to feel as if it is missing something, simply because it doesn't have everything.

 

I want the gorgeous red of the AntwerpPen and the titanium knobs of the kingsize demonstrator (which probably wouldn't go with the AntwerpPen red even if the two were available together) but without the visual mess of the demonstrator, plus an ink window. And I want the size 8 titanium nib, because why have titanium unless the nib is big enough for it to make a difference, but I want it in a smaller body. And I'd prefer not to feel like a hypocrite for caring what a pen that first attracted me for its ability to rise above the superficial looks like.

 

If I dither long enough I may go back to the lesser Sailors.

 

Do those of you who had a hard time choosing a Conid pen body regret your choices, or did you simply buy a second (or third or fourth) one?

 

#6 Titaniums are quite soft. I think i have 4 or 5 now. The

[SpecTP]

I opted for the kingsize bulkfiller with CAISO and had a black cap with clear body and titanium trim. It has a very Bauhaus stylistic look to it. I was not swayed by the color options, but I may get another Conid if they release something in green.

 

I originally had the #8 titanium nib that was soft with some feedback (but not scratchy). But I managed to damage it and replaced it with a #8 18k gold nib that is even softer with some small flex and very wet.

[Karmachanic]

I have a Minamalistica with the demonstrator body and Delrin cap. It's a great pen. I would love to have a second Conid but there are so many pens and so little money to go around. The Delrin is a nice warm material but it is softer than other normal fountain pen plastics and so will scratch and dent a little easier if dropped. Mine is typically in a sleeve or pouch when I am carrying it though. You really can't go wrong with their pens.

 

Really? According to DuPont Delrin ihas metal like properties and is used to used to make, amongst other thing, drive shafts, cam shafts, conveyor chains, bearings, and gears. Haven't dropped mine yet though!

[tubular]

#6 Titaniums are quite soft. I think i have 4 or 5 now.

 

This is very useful to know.

[tubular]

How much does it take to damage one of the #8 titaniums? (Other than by dropping them, I mean.)

 

 

 

I originally had the #8 titanium nib that was soft with some feedback (but not scratchy). But I managed to damage it and replaced it with a #8 18k gold nib that is even softer with some small flex and very wet.