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Maybe this has already been hashed out, if so I could not find it via the search option. I have two different looking converter for C/F and C/C pens (see photo). The brass one looks older. And the stainless steel version has a slightly longer rubbber nipple. Does anyone know if there is a history to the two converters? Is one older? Were they made for different pens? Kevin

Hello Everyone. Recently there are a few exciting new developments in Indian fountain pen scenario. Lotus pens is an Indian company who mainly offered quality hand painted fountain and roller ball pens and also customized painting jobs on pens. There USP is their stress on quality of the products and paints. Recently they decided to venture into the fountain pen scenario and launched Lotus Excel line of fountain pens. I received a prototype of their Lotus Sublime fountain pen. Its a short review of the product. 1.Appearance & Design- Lotus Sublime is a large pen. Its body is shaped like a torpedo and the cap has a cylindrical type appearance. The cap sports a large finial on top and a solid metal ring at the other end margin. The clip is a standard springy tear drop shaped clip and has a clip ring which separates the finial and the body of the cap. Uncapped the body of the pen has more symmetrical and pleasing shape. The section starts with a notch, followed by cap threads and then gently tapers towards the nib end. Just at the nib end of the section, there is a small flaring. I have seen these flaring in some pens with threaded nib units, and presumably these impart extra strength to the margin as changing the nib units put pressure on the margin . Overall the look is simple, elegant and reflects the utilitarian yet attractive nature of the product. I have only one concern about the pretty large cap. The pen is difficult to fit in small pockets, so I had to carry it in a large pen pouch, where I was able to barely fit the length of the pen. So, my suggestion to the makers is to provide a compatible pen sleeve with every sublime so that carrying the pen becomes easier just after unpacking it. Recently I bought a limited edition acrylic pen from constellation 88 named 'Sulpher' which they shipped inside their two pen accommodating 'Orion' pen pouch. So that's a nice gesture and makers of Sublime pen can follow the example. 2. Construction & Quality : Lotus Excel brand stresses on the quality of the products they sell. The Sublime is made of Nicco ebonite. Its a dark brown pen with subtle black patterns and lines and look attractive. I must admit the finish is superb. Although my pen was a prototype and not the finished product, I don't have any complaint regarding finish. The polish was great, the pen felt solid and strong. The ring at the end of cap, the flaring at the nib end of section- these all impart subtle touches of quality. The threads on section were smooth and didn't bother while gripping the pen. I took out the nib unit effortlessly as the inner threads are very smooth as well. Its a cartridge converter pen accommodating standard schimdt converters. The nib unit in my prototype appeared to be a dual tone JoWo unit. The clip is springy and functions great. Lotus claims the trims are high quality, gold plated and they will resist easy rusting and wear. I had this pen for a few days only before I had to return the prototype, so I can not comment on the durability of trims. But keeping in mind the overall quality of the rest of the pen and care taken in small things like threads, the trims must fulfill their pledge for quality product. 3. Weight & Dimensions : Its a large pen. The following are the measurements. Length capped- 165 mm Uncapped length- 143 mm section length- 30 mm Maximum barrel diametre- 13.5 mm Section diametre on top flaring- 10 mm Cap length- 80 mm Weight- Capped about 28 gram, without cap- 15 grams. Now, the cap finial itself is 12 mm thick, and cap protrudes 22 mm above the nib end. But considering the shape and size of body, I do think that the large cap was required simply to maintain symmetry and balance as well as aesthetics. Its a lightweight pen compared to its size as its made of ebonite. I have written a few pages in the short span it was with me and its comfortable to hold and use. Posting not possible and not required as well considering the design and size. 4. Nib & Performance: My pen was a prototype and had a what appeared to be a JoWo medium nib unit. They say it was not tuned and their final product will have better nib options. So I refrain from commenting on the nib of this pen. Their website lists this pen with JoWo nib units. I don't know whether they can provide Schimdt or Bock nib units apert from listed JoWo units with their pens on customer request. But considering their generous care in details, that might be a possibility. 5. Filling System & Maintenance : The pen is standard cartridge converter pen and functions well. No leak or burping in the few days of my usage. 6. Cost & Value : The pen is listed at $95, which makes it a higher range pen for consumers. So, the question is whether this ebonite pen can offer sufficient quality at the intended price point. As far as the prototype pen is concerned, the quality was very good and small detailing made this pen a candidate for a durable EDC pen that will serve its buyer for a long time. Value and price is individual perception in the fountain pen world, and the decision to buy any particular pen rests with the buyer alone. But in my opinion, the pen is very good product with all expected qualities in a single product. My suggestion- 1. remember the pen sleeve. 2. Makers can think of providing a 'Gold' nib option. Link to Lotus website here Disclaimer: I received a prototype pen from Lotus pens for reviewing purpose. but had to return it after a few days for some production issue. This review is done with the belief that the final product is similar to the prototype. I would definitely like to do a full review of their finished product in future. Buyers are advised to clear any confusion regarding the product before buying. Thank you.

I'm a self confessed piston snob! Don't mind power fillers, or any other filling system so long as it's not a c/c! That was until I recently acquired two new Japanese pens, both of which are c/c are work great. Are we really being fair with our snobbery against the humble cartridge converter?