REVIEW: Varuna Rajan, Black Ebonite Bakul Finish

[QM2]

http://queenmargot.com/Varuna_Rajan1.jpg

 

VARUNA RAJAN

Bakul Finish Ebonite

Black with Rhodium-plated trim

 

When All Write Now announced that the Varuna Rajan would soon be released in black ebonite with rhodium-plated trim, it

seemed that my chance to try a large, handmade ebonite Indian pen was finally here. I received the Rajan at the same time

as the Double-Pen (see review), but while the Double is a fun novelty, the Rajan must be judged in the context of being a

“serious” pen, a daily writer. I was also curious about how the Varuna ebonite pens compare to their Japanese counterparts

– the Danitrio raw ebonite series, so lots of comparison photos between the two are included.

 

http://queenmargot.com/Varuna_Rajan2.jpg

 

Looks and Design

 

The Varuna Rajan is a pen that I would describe as uniquely shaped: It is a flat-top with an elongated barrel that tapers

slowly and gradually towards the bottom. The barrel looks distinctly hand-made, and has an organic and whimsical feel to

it, its intriguing curvature resembling a sculpture.

 

The design decision to forgo any trim on such a pen, save for the minimalist clip, seems appropriate. However, I would go

one step further and suggest that the industrial-looking clip somewhat contradicts the artistic shape of the pen itself, and

possibly a different style clip might be more suitable here.

 

http://queenmargot.com/Varuna_Rajan3.jpg

 

Probably the most notable feature of this pen, is the rough-finish black ebonite. Named "Bakul" finish for its resemblance to

the texture of the Bakul tree, this is a different look from the raw ebonite finish of Danitrio pens. Rather than being merely

unpolished, the Varuna rough finish is distinctly textured in a way that resembles actual wood grain, or sticks of vine charcoal.

This is a neat effect that accentuates the overall organic look of the pen.

 

http://queenmargot.com/Varuna_Rajan4.jpg

 

I believe that the texture of the ebonite varies with each pen, and can be altered according to customer preference. Note that

on the particular model reviewed here, the section and end-cap of the pen have a rougher texture than do the barrel and cap.

This is a neat effect, and if you like the look of the texture on the Lamy 2000, you will love this. However, personally I would

prefer an even texture throughout the pen, and will probably exchange mine for a smoother-textured model throughout.

 

 

http://queenmargot.com/varuna_dani2.jpg

 

Size, Weight, Balance, Comfort

 

The Varuna Rajan is a large pen. The photos here compare it to the Danitrio raw ebonite pen (the Takumi model) that is

familiar to many. As evident on the photos, the Varuna Rajan is pretty much the same size as the Danitrio Takumi, which is

somewhat larger than the Montblanc 149.

 

http://queenmargot.com/varuna_dani3.jpg

 

Despite its size, the pen is light-weight, as it is made entirely of ebonite (including the feed), with the clip and nib being

the only metal parts. The amount of ink you put into this pen will be the biggest determining factor of the weight. For

those who like huge, light-weight, well-balanced pens, this is a dream.

 

The pen is quite comfortable for long writing sessions due to the pleasant, organic feel of the ebonite. The subtly textured

feel of the section contributes to this considerably. My one wish here, is that the section were curved rather than straight.

However, this is a personal preference, and I am not even certain whether a curved section would go well with the overall

design here. So perhaps from this standpoint, the straight section is best.

 

http://queenmargot.com/varuna_dani4.jpg

 

Filling System

 

Eyedropper. I have no way of measuring precisely how much ink the Varuna Rajan holds, but safe to say that the capacity is

enormous. If you like ED filling systems in your daily writer, this one is tops: the closure is extremely tight and secure, and

there areno problems with leaks or blobs. All Write Now makes certain of this.

 

Personally, my relationship with ED pens is unstable, so I cannot yet commit to whether I like this filling system or not. I

travel a great deal, and I am impatient, so whether I enjoy using an eyedropper really depends on my mood. But among ED

fillers, the Varuna pens I have tried were top notch.

 

For the ED-squeamish, these pens can also be fitted with a C/C system.

 

http://queenmargot.com/varuna_dani5.jpg

 

Nib

 

When purchasing these pens from All Write Now, the customer is given an option of steel or gold nibs. Personally I would opt

for steel here, as these nibs are of great quality and write perfectly: They are smooth and have a soft, somewhat vintage feel to

them. No problems with flow or drying out. With these characteristics, I am more than happy to stick with steel.

 

http://queenmargot.com/varuna_dani6.jpg

 

Note also that the Varuna feeds are ebonite (compared to the Danitrio Raw Ebonite models' plastic feed in the photo above).

 

 

Cost

 

A Varuna Rajan with a steel nib runs $40, which includes careful QC and hand-tuning by All Write Now. If you wish to turn

the pen into a C/C filler, there is an additional cost of $25.

 

 

http://queenmargot.com/varuna_dani8.jpg

 

Conclusions

 

Acquiring a handmade, quality ebonite pen need not require hundreds of dollars. I would recommend the Varuna Rajan to

anybody looking for a large and comfortable ebonite pen with enormous ink capacity. For ED-lovers on a budget, the Varuna

Rajan is the perfect alternative to the Danitrio Takumi. And now that these pens are available in classic black with rhodium-

plated clips, they are a better find than ever.

 

http://queenmargot.com/Varuna_Rajan5.jpg

Edited May 2, 2009 by QM2

[jd50ae]

Great review about a pen that has piqued my curiosity more then once.

Now I have to have one.

Thanks.

[QM2]

Great review about a pen that has piqued my curiosity more then once.

Now I have to have one.

Thanks.

 

Go for it! For $40 including QC you can't go wrong : )

 

I wanted to add that one thing I find appealing about the Rajan, is that, unlike many of the Indian pens I have seen out there, its style is not derivative of Western models. It does not seek to emulate the shape of the Parker 51 or the Sheaffer Flat-top, etc. The combination of the flat top and the curiously elongated barrel is really quite an unusual sight!

 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 1, 2009 by QM2

[Brian]

A great review filled with detail and thoughtful commentary. I like the premise of this pen, that it is meant to be a writer. The details like attention to proper sealing of the section, the textured finish, and choice of ebonite for the feed and body could not be better for a real FP nut. I like too that this pen has a steel nib to match its honest and straight forward presentation.

 

Thank you for the tour.

[darkgreen]

Very interesting review: thanks! I had never contemplated an Eye Dropper pen before reading this. The texture of the body looks similar to the brushed black finish on the Lamy 2000: very pleasant to grip, warm and not slippery. In some of the photos, the texture seems to be fairly smooth but the detail shots of the section capture the attractive Bakul finish. The design of the Varuna is streamlined and robust. Seems to be a great value pen.

[greencobra]

An interesting pen for sure. My choice is the one in mottled russet but haven't pulled the trigger on it yet. Thanks for the review.

[FrankB]

A great review. Thank you.

 

Univer's review of the Vishal model Varuna and now your review have combined to give me insight into a pen brand that I otherwise would have know next to nothing about. I have and love several Danitrio raw ebonite pens, and these Varuna pens would make really nice companion pieces. Here is an example of how reviews can help build trust levels because I would have been dubious about the quality of the Varuna pens without some positive reenforcement. I think I will pull the trigger on a Varuna pen on Monday.

 

Edited: By the way - AllWriteNow suggests using silicone grease on the section threads. Are you doing that?

Edited May 2, 2009 by FrankB

[jlepens]

QM2 you have talked me into my third Indian pen. I already have a Wality Parker style and a Brahmann green/brown swirl ebonite eyedropper, but the Bakul finish is too tempting. Steve should give you a thank you. You are a great sales person.

 

Great review.

[QM2]

AllWriteNow suggests using silicone grease on the section threads. Are you doing that?

 

Mine came pre-greased from AllWriteNow . I have found this to be common practice among modern ED sellers: the ED pens that come with Noodler's inks are pre-greased as well, and I believe Danitrio's ED models are pre-greased.

 

I have not refilled either of my Varuna pens yet (the Rajan and the Double-End pen), but when I do rinse them out at some point in the future, I will need to re-apply the grease. I do not own any, so when it comes time to that I will have to see about it.

 

To tell the truth, I am not enamoured of the whole greasing the threads bit, and this is one reason I am ambivalent about ED fillers. I generally prefer FP-related processes to be as clean and neat as possible, and not to involve slimy substances...

 

I also wish that someone (Steve, are you listening?) would sell little ED kits for those of us who are just testing the waters. For instance, I want to try the silicone grease, but I do not want to have to go to the boat store and buy a tub of it. If someone were to sell little tiny jars of it, that would be lovely and I am sure there would be a lot of demand!

[ZeissIkon]

I also wish that someone (Steve, are you listening?) would sell little ED kits for those of us who are just testing the waters. For instance, I want to try the silicone grease, but I do not want to have to go to the boat store and buy a tub of it. If someone were to sell little tiny jars of it, that would be lovely and I am sure there would be a lot of demand!

 

I've seen little pots (looked like 20-30 grams) of silicone grease at a couple online stores; the one I recall for certain having it is Writer's Bloc. That should be enough grease for several dozen refills if you aren't wasteful with it -- given the capacity of the typical eyedropper pen, that'd make it a multi-year supply.

[QM2]

I also wish that someone (Steve, are you listening?) would sell little ED kits for those of us who are just testing the waters. For instance, I want to try the silicone grease, but I do not want to have to go to the boat store and buy a tub of it. If someone were to sell little tiny jars of it, that would be lovely and I am sure there would be a lot of demand!

 

I've seen little pots (looked like 20-30 grams) of silicone grease at a couple online stores; the one I recall for certain having it is Writer's Bloc. That should be enough grease for several dozen refills if you aren't wasteful with it -- given the capacity of the typical eyedropper pen, that'd make it a multi-year supply.

 

Thank you, I will give that a try. Yes, a dozen refills would indeed be a multi-year supply for the Varuna eyedroppers!

[jd50ae]

Great review about a pen that has piqued my curiosity more then once.

Now I have to have one.

Thanks.

 

Go for it! For $40 including QC you can't go wrong : )

 

I wanted to add that one thing I find appealing about the Rajan, is that, unlike many of the Indian pens I have seen out there, its style is not derivative of Western models. It does not seek to emulate the shape of the Parker 51 or the Sheaffer Flat-top, etc. The combination of the flat top and the curiously elongated barrel is really quite an unusual sight!

 

OK, I did.

Don't tell my wife.

[AllWriteNow]

jdae and I have a deal

The pens are Free.

My silence is $40 + shipping.

Steve

[jlepens]

jdae and I have a deal

The pens are Free.

My silence is $40 + shipping.

Steve

 

 

:roflmho: :roflmho: :roflmho: :roflmho: :roflmho: Well played sir

[Inka]

Another excellent review!

Thanks!

I was impressed with the Double-End Pen review you did when I'd first seen it, looked like a magic wand or baton and the first like it I'd ever seen.

Just from the pictures I knew the D-E P couldn't become a daily-carry pen, unless you have unusually deep pockets or a baton case with a belt loop.

 

This is a nice looking pen and I personally like the looks of the clip, even more so if it's solid all the way through as is the heavy-duty clip on my Levenger: Plumpster.

As for the looks of the straight section, I normally like the rounded ends better too but since my fingers never even touch the section the way I hold an FP they have no practicality.

The straight section on this actually looks like it belongs there, with the barrel fatter at the middle and the overall profile being both sharp and soft at the same time; it fits the pen design well.

I really prefer larger pens anyway and for what little they're asking for this one seems sweet for a hand-finished pen.

 

BTW, just curious about what would the cost be for one like this with a gold nib?

I'm growing rather fond of gold nibs, after getting and trying one just last week for the first time.

Nothing wrong with Stainless Steel nibs, all I've ever had were S/S and they're very easy to smooth [if needed], easy to polish [if needed] and rework [if desired].

[rwilsonedn]

I also wish that someone (Steve, are you listening?) would sell little ED kits for those of us who are just testing the waters. For instance, I want to try the silicone grease, but I do not want to have to go to the boat store and buy a tub of it. If someone were to sell little tiny jars of it, that would be lovely and I am sure there would be a lot of demand!

 

I've seen little pots (looked like 20-30 grams) of silicone grease at a couple online stores; the one I recall for certain having it is Writer's Bloc. That should be enough grease for several dozen refills if you aren't wasteful with it -- given the capacity of the typical eyedropper pen, that'd make it a multi-year supply.

If you are anywhere near an ACE Hardware in the USA, you can get a little plastic pot with just under 15 ml of 90% Silicon Grease, no petroleum aditives, for a few bucks. That should be nearly a lifetime supply for most of us.

ron

[jd50ae]

jdae and I have a deal

The pens are Free.

My silence is $40 + shipping.

Steve

 

Snicker Snicker.....

Our little ruse has worked. Pen is in hand......I think it is in hand.....WOW it is so light.....QM2 did a very accurate review,

Thanks

Edited May 20, 2009 by jd50ae

[donwinn]

Another excellent review!

Thanks!

I was impressed with the Double-End Pen review you did when I'd first seen it, looked like a magic wand or baton and the first like it I'd ever seen.

Just from the pictures I knew the D-E P couldn't become a daily-carry pen, unless you have unusually deep pockets or a baton case with a belt loop.

 

This is a nice looking pen and I personally like the looks of the clip, even more so if it's solid all the way through as is the heavy-duty clip on my Levenger: Plumpster.

As for the looks of the straight section, I normally like the rounded ends better too but since my fingers never even touch the section the way I hold an FP they have no practicality.

The straight section on this actually looks like it belongs there, with the barrel fatter at the middle and the overall profile being both sharp and soft at the same time; it fits the pen design well.

I really prefer larger pens anyway and for what little they're asking for this one seems sweet for a hand-finished pen.

 

BTW, just curious about what would the cost be for one like this with a gold nib?

 

On the web site it states to please enquire about gold nibs. You could PM Lucky Grandson, and I am sure he would be happy to answer your question.

 

I'm growing rather fond of gold nibs, after getting and trying one just last week for the first time.

Nothing wrong with Stainless Steel nibs, all I've ever had were S/S and they're very easy to smooth [if needed], easy to polish [if needed] and rework [if desired].

 

[georges zaslavsky]

nice pen but I still prefer the Danitrio

[bbs]

Thanks for that review, QM2, that's a nice-looking pen.

 

The only ebonite pen I've got is a vintage BCHR Blackbird, and much as I love it, I don't like its smell! Does the Varuna Rajan suffer from, ahem, body odour?