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I have a Pilot VP with a broad nib (18k). Great writer and I love it except for one thing: When the ink - whether in a Pilot Cartridge or the CON-40 - drops to about 1/2 full, there is no flow/hard starts (which do not resolve after a few strokes) if the pen has been stored nib up. If then placed nib slightly down for a few minutes, the flow is back to normal. By stored, I mean overnight in a pen cup or in my shirt pocket for an hour or so. FYI - the ink - whether in cartridges or via converter - is and has always been Kon Peki. Has anyone else run into this or have any ideas (other than not storing the pen nib up) ? TIA!

Hello, I posted previously about my Visconti Rembrandt and it also had this problem with hard starts and skips every line. I was able to exchange it for a Van Gogh starry night, and sadly it's no better. The starts are really bad. I have to apply more pressure than usual to get it started, and then 5 seconds off paper requires another hard start. Either im extremely unfortunate or visconti has the poorest nib QC here's a pic demonstrating the issue,. Visconti Van Gogh Starry Night B Nib http://i.imgur.com/nDeSjan.jpg?2 If theres any way to fix this without sending it to a nib mechanic let me know pleaseee

Hi folks, I got this Parker 51 from Ebay for a total of $70 including shipping. I'm trying to figure out of the nib is a medium or a broad. The pen is Made in England. If it's a Medium, it's quite a bit broader than my Made in England Parker 45 medium nib. What do you folks think? I am writing on Mnemosyne paper. Thanks! The nib says "14K" "585" "Parker" "Made in England" and I believe that's about it. I'm interested because I never thought I would love a nib that's this broad. It works well for speech outlines because it's easily legible.

So I recently acquired1 a Homo Sapiens Maxi with the two-tone 23k Pd nib. The nib is a broad and, typically for a palladium, writes wet and really broad. I'm not really a broadside dweller, so I am now faced with a quandary. Do I keep the pen and have someone grind it down to a medium cursive italic, or do I not vandalise a beautiful broad, now discontinued, nib and pass it on to someone who would actuall enjoy it? I'm also conscious that having a narrower grind on a nib clearly stamped 'B' would probably trigger my OCD every time I uncapped the pen, so there is that... What are your thoughts? Respect the nib, or grind away? 1. I won this unexpectedly in an auction, and am still sort of surprised I now own it: so it feels like a windfall...

Does anyone know how the sailor cross point [lowest angle] compare to a pelikan 3B nib in terms of line width and wetness ? Pictures are always a plus !

I never used flex, broad, BB, stub, oblique or italic nibs in any pens so far. And I want to try out. I want to select a pen model that is relatively inexpensive that will fit these nib types. I will keep my options restricted to nib manufacturers in India or nibs that are available for purchase in India. Just to clear my confusion around nib size, and nib width - I understand that the size (with numbers like #5, #6) refers to the dimensions of the nib. And if I understand correctly there is no uniform size comparison and it varies between pens. Correct me if I am wrong. The only comprehensive nib catalogue that I got hold of was from Kanwrite. If we look at Kanwrite nib catalogue, the stub, italic and oblique options are available only for large (#35) nibs. Is it the case that smaller nibs (#4, #5) do not come with stub/oblique/italic options for width? Is it the case with all nib manufacturers? If anybody has a catalogue that visually shows different Indian nibs, please share with me. It seems like there are 2 options to explore different nibs: Get a fountain pen that can fit # 35 size nib. Fit and try each nib one at a time. When wanting to write with a different type of nib, change the nib. The problem is that each time I will be changing the nib and I am not very confident whether I will fit them correctly etc. Get multiple fountain pens that are pre-fitted with each type of nib that I want to explore (eg. B, BB, sharp stub, oblique etc). If nibs are pre-fitted they can be tested beforehand and it is easier for me to deal with. But, it comes at the disadvantage of having to buy multiple fountain pens just for the sake of exploring nibs.Is it a good idea to buy relatively inexpensive pens (eg. Camlin 36 or Camlin Elegante or Click Aristocrat) and fit the different nib types from Kanwrite in separate pens to try them out? Thanks in advance..

Overview: The Visconti Homo sapiens is a grail pen for many including myself. The Homo sapiens is one of those pens that just screams flashy Italian design. From the basaltic lava that makes up for most of the pen to the bronze accents this is by no means an understated pen. I have the "older" model with the 23 karat palladium Dreamtouch nib which writes very well having been tuned by a nib mister (at first it didn’t write at all). I tend to take the pen on a lot of trips with me because of the high ink capacity convenient mechanism. In addition, the pen is virtually unbreakable under normal war and tear. The pen is defiantly an eye catcher, but it comes at a price. $620 is a hearty price to pay for any pen, however in the grander scheme of Visconti this pen falls on the relatively “affordable” end of the spectrum. The pen is definitely one of my favorites due to the pen's pretty design and good performance. Writing Experience: In the past there have been a lot of QC issues with Visconti Dreamtouch nibs. In June of the last year they transitioned to 18 karat gold nibs made by Bock in Germany. I have a Visconti Opera Crystal with an old style 18 karat gold nib and that may be one of the most pleasant nibs in my collection, so naturally when Visconti announced that they were transitioning to gold nibs again I was quite happy. This pen has quite a bit of spring to it and even though it comes with a warning that states “Don’t push, this nib will follow your dreams” I can get some line variation out of it. The writing is smooth now that the tines are now in alignment and the nib is quite wet. Overall, it was was worth the investment to make the nib write properly. Design: The design of this pen is classic. Compared with many Visconti pens that tend to have pretty over the top designs this pen may look boring. However, this is really not such a boring pen. The pen has an old feeling ascetic with the bronze trim and dark gray material that's warm to the touch, it really adds to my enjoyment of the pen. Now, let’s get into the parts of the pen. On top there is the "Visconti -- Firenze logo as well as some other decorations. The pen utilizes Visconti’s MyPen system which allows you to personalize the finial of your pen by using s strong magnet to take the little metal piece off and replacing it with a gemstone or your initials. The cap is made of the same lava material as the rest of the pen. The cap angles up to two rings just under the clip. The clip itself is molded after the Ponte Vecchio Bridge in Florence. The “Visconti” name is set in enamel in the clip on both sides. From there, the cap just angles up a bit and transitions to a center brand that is on the barrel, not the cap. The cap attaches to the section with Visconti’s hook safe look mechanism, which isn’t really necessary on this pen because there aren’t any facets that need to line up, but it’s still a cool novelty. The barrel is pretty plain. It angles down about a millimeter from the ring to the blind cap. The pen is one of Visconti’s power fillers, which on this pen is just a vacuum filler because it’s a single reservoir power filler. In all, I like the design of the pen and I use it quite a bit. Measurements: Length (capped): 145.0 mm/5.71″ Length (uncapped): 131.0 mm/5.16″ Length (posted): 170.18 mm/6.70″ Diameter (barrel): 13.9 mm/0.55″ Diameter (section): 10.9 – 11.9 mm/0.43″ – 0.47″ Weight (all): 43 g Weight (cap): 17 g Weight (body): 26 g Presentation: Recently Visconti has changed their standard faux leather packaging to a slightly less expensive cardboard box, which is fine. There’s not much to say about it, but it carries the pen and does its job, so I can't complain. The pen comes nestled in a ribbon going diagonally across the box with “Visconti” branded on it. There is really not too much to cover about the box, so I’ll stop here. The Visconti Homo sapiens was a grail pen of mine for quite a while and when I finally got my hands on one it was clearly worth the wait. The issue with the nib really was off-putting considering this pen was the my first from the brand at the time I purchased it. This was a review that I enjoyed writing because I really like the pen. I tend to only review pens I enjoy because I’m not a big fan of hate-reviewing. My name is Charlie and if you have and questions, comments, or concerns please let me know in the comment below. As always, thanks for reading and make sure to tune in soon for another review! Note: Due to the size of the files I’m uploading I have to split some between two pictures to fit the maximum file size on FPN. Bottom part of writing sample

Hi all, I am about to go after a Pelikan M800 with a Medium nib. Does anyone have some writing samples to show of the Medium nib (ideally compared with the Broad nib, in case you have both pens)? That would really help me move forward with this purchase.

I have a Lamy Safari Fine nib. It writes so so so smooth, but it has a small sweet spot. I am thinking of buying a broad nib, is the sweet spot going to get a bit bigger then?

1951 Montblanc 3-42 G BB Nib with Parker 51s and Watercolor Pens Enjoying Montblanc Pens — Broad, Oblique, Extra Fine, LE & Bespoke ~ One of the pleasures of visiting a Montblanc boutique anywhere is looking over the range of finely crafted pens on offer. Familiar models gleaming under refined lighting share space with the latest sophisticated designs. If circumstances are favorable, one may walk out the door after a friendly farewell bearing a fresh addition to a carefully chosen collection of writing tools which are jewel-like in their elegance. For most first-time Montblanc fountain pen purchasers the nib they buy will be an excellent M or an F, both of which write exceptionally well for most purposes. That there are other types of nibs is mentioned and on display, but for those beginning their Montblanc fountain pen journey, they often remain a specialty item about which little is known. After discovering or being introduced to Fountain Pen Network's Montblanc Forum, it's readily apparent that there's much to learn about and appreciate concerning fountain pens. Every month threads are added about pen repairs and maintenance, possibly fake pen verification, older model identification, questions about market value, news about upcoming pen releases and recent purchases. All of these together constitute an education in Montblanc pens in particular, as well as in fountain pen use, maintenance and collecting in general. There's a sizable number of Montblanc users who enjoy using pens with nibs which are seldom available in boutiques, although obtainable through Montblanc's ‘six weeks from purchase’ nib exchange program. Those include broader nibs, oblique nibs, extra fine nibs, limited edition nibs and bespoke nibs. Writing with such specialized nibs adds to the joy of handwriting in fine ink on quality paper. After nearly one year of posts in a thread about an OBBB nib, it became clear that the comments, pen and nib photos and handwriting samples had expanded beyond the original subject. Accordingly, this thread is for those interested in displaying, using and sharing their love for Montblanc's specialty pens and nibs, defined however one prefers. Daily life with fountain pens includes a rich dimension of tactility, as pens, nibs, ink and paper have texture, pattern, hues, weight, and refined materials. Whether enjoyed on a quiet work desk, or with a friendly pet, or in a work cubicle, in a diary or even on safari, writing with fountain pens is life-enhancing. May this thread gradually include a range of pen and nib photos, handwriting samples, and heartfelt comments to encourage long-time members and visitors alike to enjoy their pens as often as possible.

Hi Recently, after watching a few reviews online, I decided that I'd like to get a Pilot Custom 823. I've heard they have great nibs, and I'd love to get a vac filler. The problem is that they're not available from any UK sellers that I know of. And importing from Japan would lead to import costs, and any issues with the pen/nib would be a pain to solve. Has anyone else in the UK imported the 823? If so, how much did the import duty/VAT cost you? Also, when I do figure out the best way to get one, I can't decide between broad or medium. Some people say the medium is just like a western medium, but some reviews say its more like a fine. Any advice? Thanks

There are already a few Supra Brass reviews on FPN, be sure to check those out. At the end of this review I've copied my thoughts (originally from https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/337221-kaweco-sport-10mm-short-of-love/) about often-heard complaints about Kaweco, which I feel are worth repeating. ^--This photo shows the pen as well as text written with the fine nib (in purple), as well as comparisons with some other pens. This Supra Brass was an impulsive buy. I was saving up to buy a Platinum instead. My son tried it at our local brick and mortar pen store and he handed it to me to try as well. It had a broad nib (didn't have a broad yet), felt great in the hand and wrote really well. I bought it and the Platinum will have to wait a while. As for the design and the material: you either love it or hate it, and I love it. There's just something about brass that I like (you can get the Supra in other metals as well). The design is at once understated, refined and, well, different. Aesthetically, the large #6 nib fits the pen really well and overall it's just beautiful. A totally unique feature is the removable extender piece, which can be used to shorten the pen significantly. Ergonomically, the pen is right for me. But it will be the wrong pen for many people, simply because it is very heavy. Brass is heavy. I have large hands and it doesn't bother me at all. If you require a light pen, then don't consider the Supra. In terms of how well it handles and sits in the hand: brass is smooth but not slippery. Pens with stainless steel sections, such as my Visconi van Gogh, feel very slippery to me and make my fingertips sweaty, with the result that I'm always struggling a bit with my grip. Not so with the Supra: the brass just feels great, it's not slippery at all and long sessions are comfortable. The diameter and the taper of the section are just right for me, and I expect these dimensions will be about right for most people. With the extender section in place, the pen can (and should) be used unposted. Posting it with the extender will make the pen too long, too heavy as well as too back-heavy. If you want a small pocket pen, remove the extender and what remains is something not much larger than a lipstick tube. In this mode, posting is essential and you can screw the cap on the back of the barrel. Posted without the extender, the pen is noticeably less heavy than it is unposted with the extender in place. So the extender not only gives you a size option, but also a weight option. A totally unique feature, that some (like me) will adore, but others might perceive it as a gimmick. Ink capacity depends on the use of the extender. It's a cartridge/converter pen. Without the extender, only a regular standard international cartridge will fit. Even the hyper-small, adorable Kaweco mini-converter (probably the most hated converter ever) won't fit, unless you stop extending the piston at 75%. With the extender piece in place, the pen accommodates all standard international cartridges (both short and tall) as well as full-size converters. Nib and writing. I bought this pen with a broad nib and also ordered a spare fine nib (a spare nib+feed for a Supra costs €26 full retail). Kaweco nibs are relatively cheap and nib swapping is quite literally a 1-minute job with Kaweco pens, which in my view is one of their more attractive features. The nib is #6 size, fairly large, and its size perfectly fits the rest of the pen. The engravings are stylish. The feed is one of the larger feeds I've seen, with a lot of big fins. ^---What it's all about: the F and B nibs of the Supra. Out of the box, the broad defined the word 'smooth'. I can't remember ever having used a smoother nib. To me, smoothness is not the holy grail. I prefer some feedback and character. The broad immediately performed well with Sailor Jentle Blue: wet enough for comfortable writing (including fast writing and signatures) but dry enough to show nice shading. A nice balance. Since I prefer some feedback and just a bit more wetness, I tuned this broad nib a little and quickly got it working exactly according to my personal preferences. But again: out of the box, it was already a very, very good steel nib. ^--This photo shows text written with the broad nib. Then, the fine. In general I prefer nibs ranging from Japanese fine to Western fine, so the broad would probably would not be used that much. It's wonderful for things like postcards, quick note taking, sketching and people with large, flowery handwriting. The fine, however, now that's right up my alley. This is one of the very few nibs that performed perfectly right out of the box, with zero need for any kind of adjustment or tuning. It immediately performed very well with J. Herbin Bleu Nuit and with Sailor Jentle Blue, but I settled on Montblanc Lavender Purple. In terms of feel, this is the best steel nib I own. And although I like the small nibs in my Kaweco AL Sport and Classic Sport pens, the Supra nib is in a totally different league. Smooth but with loads of feeling and character. It's tough stainless steel, yet if you want it to it will give you considerable line variation with very little effort - and it will never, ever scratch, no matter how hard you press down. Line width is surprisingly narrow; check the photo for comparisons with my Pilot Custom 823 F, which is a Japansese fine... In terms of writing sensation, this nib is pure joy. Yes, the pencil-like feedback of my Sailors is still unmatched, but if you'd ask me if the nib of my Custom 823 F is nicer than this steel Supra nib, I'd have to think about it. Really. Also, consider this. If you order an 823 from Japan and the nib is a dud, what are you going to do? With Kaweco, you return a faulty nib under warranty and get a new one. Screw it in and off you go. If you damage it, you pay €26 for a new one and you're back in business. At this price point, the Supra nibs are unbeatable. At any price point, I can't think of a better steel nib. Conclusion. With a street price of about €95 and an extra nib retailing at €26, this indestructible and distinctive pen punches way above its class. People who like line variation but want a pocket pen sturdy enough to derail a train, the Supra is your ticket. Do not dismiss the Supra if you dislike the AL Sport or the Classic Sport - please judge this pen on its own, because the nibs are in a totally different class. This is a pen you'll have to pry out of my cold dead hands. In closing, a brief pros and cons (as I see them) of Kaweco pocket pens such as the AL Sport and the Classic Sport (originally from this topic: https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/337221-kaweco-sport-10mm-short-of-love/), many points of which also translate to the larger Supra: Pro: IndestructibleAwesome designDependable (but see below)As steel nibs go, the price/performance ratio go these nibs is awesome (but see below)Every part can be renewed easily and economically (a new Classic Sport nib+feed costs less than 10 euros)You can use various nibs in the same pen, takes 30 seconds to changeNeutral: It's a pocket pen! Don't buy it if you require 2 mL of your own hyper-special home-brewed ink mixture in a pen.It's a steel-nibbed pen, the nibs are cheap (in terms of price) and are mass-produced by Bock. If you expect it to write better OOTB than your vintage Montblanc 149, then don't buy one. Having said that, personally I really like these nibs. Con: Some new Kaweco nibs are too dry. I'm not making excuses for that, but it's a fact. Accept it, or don't buy one. The dryness will pass. The more you use it, the faster it will pass. Once the pen plateaus out, the flow will be very nice and even on the wet side. If you can't live with the dryness, there are non-invasive tricks you can use or you can seek help from a nibmeister (but note that most of these pens *will* get wetter over time, so if you tune the nib early-on, you might have to re-tune it later). In general, thoroughly and repeatedly flush the nib+feed. After that (not before that!), it will help a lot if you unscrew the nib+feed and put it in a bottle of the ink you intend to use for 12 hours or so. Take it out, clean off with a rag, screw back into the section, pop in a cartridge of the same ink, and you will have accelerated the plateau-ing out process a lot.Some new Kaweco nibs have baby's bottom; if you get one, get another one on warranty (same as with any other new pen) or get a nibmeister to fix it for you

I love my Metropolitan's M nib but want something wider that isn't a stub (eg 78G) or italic (eg Plumix) that's a cartridge-converter style (because I'm having fun playing with ink samples). Since I'm so happy with the Metro nib's smoothness I am considering another Pilot, preferably with a wider section. The least expensive Pilot fountain pens I've found for sale online that feature B nibs are the Lucina with a steel nib and the CH 74 with a gold nib, which I can find shipped for around $50 and $80 respectively. But here's my question: is it a Japanese B (more akin to a Europpean M) or is it more like a European B? I ask because I've seen some individual Japanese pens which offer expected Japanese-style nib sizing for narrower nib sizes but then jump into euro-type sizing when they go broader, so I wanted to be sure.

Woweeeeee... Too bad it shot past my self imposed limit of £150 + S&H. All things considered the price it eventually went for wasn't so bad but too much for me atm. To be honest, I already have one 51 with a factory original 1.1-1.2 mm stub (juicy but would like it to be more crisp). It was just that that nib was... so achingly clean and shaped so nicely. I can almost see it leaving behind a beautiful wide, wet but crisp line with amazing line variation. Oh well, the hunt is still on, just lovely to see an outstanding specimen like that.

I'm a newbie, and a lefty, and I'm thinking I'd like to play with an inexpensive (non-stub) broad nib pen to see if I like it (and how much I'll smear ink all over the place). Because I'm a lefty I think a Safari is off the table because the barrel design seems to be aimed more at training proper handling/angle with the right hand. What are my other choices? The least expensive options I've come across so far are the Kaweco Classic/Ice/Skyline Sport, in the low $20s, or New Old Stock of the Pilot 78G. Does anyone have a preference to recommend? Anything else to consider in that price range or lower?

I'm new to fountain pens and as a lefty have chosen narrower-nibs - Pilot Penmanship EF, Preppy, F, Metropolitan M. But I'm interested in trying something a bit wider. Apparently you cannot buy B Pilot nibs, but there are Chinese 78G and 78G+ pens on ebay ($18-$24) that are listed as B. Pricey for a steel nib alone, but if the pen is decent... But I've read here and there that those may be Italic/stub, which I'm not sure my lefty handwriting would get along with. (I played with a couple of italic pens recently and it did not go well.) Anyone know the answer?

Hello! I am looking into the Pilot Custom 823 and am curious how the broad nib might compare to a western medium. The only Pilot nibs I've used are a fine and medium, and know those usually run a little bit more narrow than a western nib of the same size. Does the broad Pilot size compare more to the western medium, or is the Pilot broad more to a "true" broad? Thanks for any input or advice!

Hello! I am looking into the Pilot Custom 823 and am curious how the broad nib might compare to a western medium. The only Pilot nibs I've used are a fine and medium, and know those usually run a little bit more narrow than a western nib of the same size. Does the broad Pilot size compare more to the western medium, or is the Pilot broad more to a "true" broad? Thanks for any input or advice! My apologies for the dreaded double post..

Advice needed! I enjoy a broad nib on my everyday use pens. In fact, I'd like something broader. I've been considering the Pelikan M800 BB nibs, Visconti Homo Sapiens BB nibs, Pelikan M1000 B as the next step. I've also become very intrigued with the Sailor speciality nibs. The King Eagle looks like great fun but very hard to get hold of and very expensive (and possibly too broad - I've seen some interesting writing samples on this forum). I've tracked down a Cross Point emperor nib on a Sailor 1911 which looks like it offers a great broad line (as well as line variation). I should also say I've no experience with italic or stubb nibs. I enjoy a wet, smooth writer. I'm looking for options / advice on what pens / nibs forum members would recommend. So what's the best broader (very broad) pen/nib? Some constraints to help guide discussion (appreciate this may frustrate some members): - Large pens preferred but the nib is key - Budget up to £700/ $1000 - Not really looking to work on the nib / install in a pen - should (in an ideal world) work out of the box. - Options should be fairly easily sourced online Aprreciate any guidance from the well informed and experienced members of this forum. Thanks in advance.

I have recently gotten into fixing up and using vintage pens, and now I find that I quite prefer them over modern pens. However, my problem is that I prefer broad nibs and most vintage pens (at the very least American vintage pens) have nibs that are quite fine. So I know they're rare, but what I want to know is whether they're somewhat hard-to-find or Holy Grail/Arc of the Covenant/Jimmy Hoffa's Remains hard-to-find. I know the nibs on older ('30s-'50s) English pens tend to be broader than their American counterparts, but those pens aren't exactly falling out of the sky in these parts (Washington state). I am also aware that somewhat younger ('50s-'70s) German pens with broad and oblique nibs are in rather plentiful supply, but those are problematic for a variety of reasons: 1. German broad nibs seem to be rather stubbish, which I don't like, 2. I have absolutely no idea how to go about fixing German pens (most seem to be piston fillers), and 3. I dislike buying things online, which is kind of a necessity since I don't intend to fly all the way to Germany just to buy a pen. tl;dr: I like vintage pens and broad nibs, so what is the probability of me finding them together? Also, how should I go about finding vintage broad nibs? Any specific brands/time periods to look for?

Hi everyone! Is there anyone who would like to exchange medium (M)/Fine Medium (FM) or Fine (F) nib for a Broad (? I decided that I'd have more use of a finer line. I've had this nib since last month and it is in perfect condition.

So I've had my latest addition about a week now. It's a white tortoiseshell M400 with a board nib. I usually use fine nibs, so was intrigued to see how this was to use. It's ever so smooth, and flows really reliably. I was using Montblanc blue ink originally, but have just filled it with an orange ink by Cult Oens. It's a stunning looking pen; very eye catching. So far so good. I'm really impressed.

Which pens do you have that use the most ink? Which pens do you have to refill the most often? Also, the inverse. Which pens do you have that use the least amount of ink? For me, the answers would be a VERY wet Jinhao X450 for the most ink using pen, and a Platinum Standard PTL-5000a XF for my most efficent pen.

This is a video I made a while back that I thought this community would enjoy. The video is a demonstration on the Pilot Custom Heritage 92 in smoke, with a broad nib. The ink is Noodler's Ottoman Rose which I got as an ink sample. Enjoy! I have more videos like this on my channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6pAl06Dx2E1WqWof7JnnvA

Just curious about the nibs on the Visconti pens... I heard that European sizing is a bit different, not sure how though... is their Broad like a Medium? or vice versa? I've been debating a new pen for a while, between a TWSBI 580 and a Monteverde Prima... then while researching I kept seeing Visconti's name show up, and outta my price range so never really looked, but, made the mistake of watching a few videos and looking online, and that Starry Night pen in the Van Gogh series has me hooked. Maybe it's time to get a really good pen, vs a few mediocre pens. I'm looking for a nib that is about as thick/wide as my Jinhao X750 Medium. Thick enough to show off the shading of the ink, but narrow enough that my small handwriting isn't a blob. I have a few Lamy pens, which seem to run a bit dry, and the medium doesn't seem quite wide enough, but the Lamy broad nib that I have is a bit too fat for my handwriting. The Jinhao X750 M, is pretty much where I'm looking to be. What would the Visconti equivalent be? ... and I guess, compared to the TWSBI 580 and a Monteverde Prima, is the pen worth the extra price? Apart from looks, because I just love the look of it. Thanks