Varuna Gajendra

[amantadine]

My second handwritten review! I wanted to talk about this pen which I have owned now for a few weeks (my second ebonite pen), and so have had a chance to use it on a daily basis. I have read several reviews previously of the black version, but I wanted to make use of the fantastic colours and patterns that you get with ebonite, coupled with the texture of the finish applied.

 

I've typed out the handwritten part - was not happy with how it was looking!

 

Nib: #6 Steel two-tone (from Meisternibs)

Ink: Montblanc Sepia initially, Diamine Green-Black for the updated writing sample

Paper: Rhodia 80g/m2

 

Initial Impression

 

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8249/8463608962_e362929bf0_o.jpg

 

My second Varuna ebonite pen (the first being the Vishal) - my first impression was that I was blown away by the size of this pen! Similar packaging as my previous Varuna pen: safe and simple! I made one fundamental change to this pen: I switched out the fine IPG nib that came with the pen with a #6 steel two-tone fine nib I purchased from Meisternibs (no affiliation).

 

Appearance and Design (8/10)

 

I opted for the rough/textured or "Bakul" finish on this pen. I have seen lots of black "Bakul" pens reviewed previously, but I wanted to choose a colour combination that would work well with a texture. The black and yellow pattern looks outstanding in my opinion and not only suits the black section but also the two-tone nib.

 

The one negative that I have is that the pattern is not continuous between the barrel and the cap. No clip with this pen, which definitely suits the elegant shape; but this pen has almost fallen out of my pocket at work, not to mention almost rolled off my desk!

 

Construction and Quality (9/10)

 

Outstanding build quality! There is no discernible step between cap and barrel. I love the textured finish, something that has been executed very well by Andy's Pens (no affiliation of course).

 

Weight and Dimensions (10/10)

 

Length: 18.1cm (capped), 14.5cm (uncapped)

Diameter: 1.9cm

Weight: 44g (empty), 50g (full)

Capacity: 6mL

 

There is no doubt, this pen is huge! But for me, with large hands, this pen is exceptionally comfortable to use for long sessions (especially as I use my pens unposted).

 

The added length does not noticeably add to the weight/feel when holding this pen. I don't feel tired at all when writing for extended periods - but my Rhodia pads are getting noticeably thinner!

 

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8513/8462509125_53f64e30ef_o.jpg

 

Nib and Performance (9/10)

 

I have reviewed the Fine IPG nib (that this pen came shipped with) already with the Varuna Vishal. I shall be reviewing the nib I am using for this review. I love smooth nibs (who doesn't?), but along with that I also enjoy nib feedback. This is a lovely stiff (my preference) nib that puts down a reliable, fine, wet line.

 

This nib puts down a line finer than my Lamy Safari (Fine) - not displayed as it is currently not inked. I am definitely a happy customer with this nib: no problems with starting, no skipping during use, and great feedback when writing.

 

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8108/8462778455_670d80aebc_o.jpg

 

Filling System and Maintenance (8/10)

 

I have voiced my concerns with eyedroppers already. If one does want to use this as an ED there won't be any concerns with limited capacity! I shall be using this with the supplied converter.

 

Cost and Value (8/10)

 

Purchased from Andy's Pens (no affiliation). As before, very prompt response to my questions and excellent delivery. Not an insignificant amount of money (unfortunately), but fair when one takes into account the handmade nature and costs involved with importing from India, as well as the modifications made to the standard pen.

 

Conclusion (final score = 52/60)

 

This pen always gets positive comments from colleagues at work - many who do not believe it is a pen, until I show them the nib! Despite its size, I always finding myself carrying this pen around with me. I find it can turn even the most mundane writing task into a special occasion!

 

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8530/8462509049_b65abb4cb3_o.jpg

 

 

As always,

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8090/8463877828_d382cbe572_o.jpg

Edited: I wasn't happy with the Montblanc Sepia ink - so switched for some Diamine Green-Black instead!

Edited February 11, 2013 by amantadine

[markiv]

A nice review of a handsome pen. I especially like your material selection.

[watch_art]

Beautiful.

[PDW]

If you got the German nib version, Andy's Pens claims that the nib is a screw-in unit.

 

Do you, amantadine, know if this is a fitting compatible with other new (or old) screw-in nib units?

[amantadine]

If you got the German nib version, Andy's Pens claims that the nib is a screw-in unit.

 

Do you, amantadine, know if this is a fitting compatible with other new (or old) screw-in nib units?

 

I'm not sure about old screw-in nib units, but I purchased a couple of steel nib units from meisternibs - they screw in perfectly. I was also interested to know whether other nib units were compatible, could anyone else shed any light on this?

 

Thank you!

[PDW]

Just had a look at at http://meisternibs.com/steel-nibs/, and the illustrations don't look like Esterbrook/Osmiroid or Platignum interchangeables. They do look a bit like Pelikan Epoch nib units, although...

 

Can anyone help here?

[raging.dragon]

The Meisternibs are made by JoWo, so their #6 units should be compatible with other #6 Jowo nibs. I don't know whether or not they're compatible with Schmidt #6 nib units. They are not compatible with Bock nib units.

[Alex2014]

This red/blue/white Varuna Gajendra just arrived today. It looks very... traditional, with its cigar design without clip. Certainly Mr. Padurangan did a good job. The FP is huge (for good reason its name is 'Gajendra' = 'King of Elephants') but not as huge as I expected. The length capped is 175 mm, not 181 mm as it was specified. Uncapped the FP measures 146 mm. The section is between 12 mm in the diameter (the lower end) and 14 mm (the upper end), and 22 mm in length - permitting a very comfortable gripping. Maybe for a hand-made FP the tolerances could be accepted.

 

 

Just for a comparison, here is Varuna Gajendra next to Danitrio Genkai and MB 149.

 

 

The ebonite is well polished and very pleasant to the touch. Yes, it smells a bit. Unfortunately, the pattern on the cap does not match the pattern of the barrel, which is evident. But what is really amazing is the nib. It's a dream! The German (JoWo) fine nib duo-tone writes very smooth. I appreciate its down-stroke width to be 0.45 mm, which is usual for an European F nib, with a little variation with pressure. The nib is medium to heavy wet with the included converter. I did not try yet the FP as an ED.

 

 

This is my first Indian FP. More precisely, a Tamil one. But it already stirred my interest.

Edited June 27, 2014 by Alex2014