Hero 381 Calligraphy or Art Pen

[jsonewald]

The Hero 381 is a "bent nib" calligraphy pen. This is a very quick and superficial review, as I am not a calligrapher in any sense of the word, and am left-handed, so view my comments and writing example in that context.

 

The pen has a brushed stainless body with a snap cap. It weighs 17.2 grams w/o converter. The converter supplied with mine is a slide piston international style. Capped the pen is 132mm long, posted it is 142mm long. Diameter at the widest point is about 11mm. Overall, the pen is similar to a Hero 82-1, but with an extended and bent nib. Under a 10X magnifier, the end of the nib appears tipped. In normal position the tip and the horizontal bent section contact the paper. It writes smoothly compared to standrd fountain pens. There is virtually no difference in feel to my hand, between this pen and my other smooth writing pens.

 

The writing example is on Rhodia paper, using Noodlers Navy ink. This is the only ink I've used in it so far. Based on my experience with other pens, and Noodlers vs. traditional inks, I don't anticipate any change in performance with a traditional ink. The card with color squares is a miniature MacBeth Color Checker. The top-left square should appear pure white. The bottom-left square should appear pure black. This ink does have a slight greenish cast, by the way.

 

Overall this seems to be a well made pen. As a non-calligrapher, I can't give an opinion about it's utility for someone who is serious about the art. For a fountain pen user who wants something different and kind of fun, without breaking the budget, the 381 is a good deal at $12.

 

It is available at isellpens.com. I have no relation to them, just another very satisfied repeat customer.

Edited January 24, 2007 by jsonewald

[isellpens]

Nice review! I have been adding several Chinese Calligraphy pens to my line up. I also have these type nibs by Haolilai, Picasso, Duke and my brand new line of Kaigelu at www.isellpens.com .

[kissing]

Hello isellpens (Todd&Theresa)

 

It sure is great to see you here. I just ordered a few Dukes and Heros from you recently, and waiting for them.

 

I have been curious about the Hero calligraphy nibs this past week. Thanks for the review, jsonewald

[happy_time]

I found out that it costs $9 + $5 (international shipping) = $14 for shipping.

It will cost more than some of the pens I wanted to buy off ISELLPENS.

hmm...