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Franklin-Christoph Model 31 “IPO” through Massdrop Franklin-Christoph released a new pen model last month via an “initial public offering” exclusive on Massdrop. (www.massdrop.com) I have several Franklin-Christoph pens and greatly admire their designs, quality of materials and stellar service. The new “Model 31” appeared to have many attractive elements, and the IPO price was attractively discounted, so I ordered one. I expect it will be made available on the Franklin-Christoph web site sometime soon. I received the pen just a few days ago. I inked it immediately and have some initial impressions I will share with you. The Massdrop information about the Model 31 included an interesting description of the design, presumably provided by Franklin-Christoph: The Model 31 borrows elements from some of Franklin-Christoph’s past models, and adds a new pocket clip and a small air chamber that allows the nib to stay wet and ready to write. Its fluted section is reminiscent of the Model 40 Panther, the block threads resemble those on the Model 19, and the three cut grooves are similar to the two cut grooves on the Model 20. This new pen also has the precision posting of the Model 03, meaning that the interior of the cap has been shaped to fit with a half-inch of contact on the end of the barrel so that the posting is very secure. Let’s start by simply stating the quality of materials, fit and finish of this pen is up to the high standard we expect from Franklin-Christoph. Design is another issue, addressed below. My favorite F-C pen has been the Model 02. (I have four of them.) So, it is natural for me to compare the new Model 31 to the Model 02. They are very similar in length when capped, but the model 31 has a slightly thicker barrel without the tapered end that allows the Model 02 to post deeply. So, the Model 02 is much shorter than the Model 31 when they are posted. The Model 31 does post securely, but the balance is top heavy. I would never use it posted. The Model 02 has essentially identical balance posted or un-posted, which I like a lot. The clip on the Model 31 is Franklin-Christoph’s newer design. It’s okay, but I don’t particularly prefer it over the older clip. The model 31 uses the standard F-C assortment of #6 JoWo nibs. I ordered mine with a 1.1 mm italic. It writes a smooth yet crisp line. What is special about it is that it is inset like the nib of the Model 20. I am neutral on this feature. However, the placement and prominence of the threads on the section are a bit uncomfortable for me. They are not intolerable, just a little irritating. This is not an issue with my Model 20 or Model 02’s. Overall, I like this pen. It is a good size and shape for me. The section threads - Well, they are tolerable. It won’t displace the Franklin-Christoph Model 02 in my affections. I regard that model as a work of design genius. David

My F-C Model 31 PC showed up in today's mail and I think I really like it. This set of materials is a Pen Chalet exclusive and actually has a PC engraved over the 31 on the cap. Speaking of the engraving its very finely done and nicer then on my Amber Model 45 XLV. This is my second F-C so I don't know if other solid color ones are engraved as nice. The black like my other black pens does show finger prints, but that is nothing new. I like the transparent section and final. F-C calls that bronze to be different then the smoke color used in other models. The pen is heavier and thicker then I expected and I also like that. The section is very comfortable for me. One issue is the transparent section would show ink that gets between the nib unit and section when filling the pen. When I washed it out it showed water that way so I filled the converter directly instead of doing it through the nib. Depending on the converter performance I might eyedropper fill it like I do my 45 XLV. For eyedropper filled pens I would much rather have a transparent body. There is a small area of the section were you could see ink if filled like that but it would not really work as an ink window but I think you might get a general idea of the color of ink its filled with. I like the design elements of the beads on the barrel as well as the chamfer just behind the block threads. There is another difference between buying direct and going through Pen Chalet. They supply the gift box instead of the zip up leather pouch. The box was also missing the couple of ink cartridge normally supplied but I never use those so it was not a big deal. With Pen Chalet you are also limited to F/M/B nib sizes. They did ship same day and had it in just a couple of days. Also note when buying though a deal you are limited by the dealers return policy not F-C's 30 day no question asked policy. In this case it's 10 days un-inked or pay a restocking fee. For me that is not going to matter since I like the pen and it's not going back! I would really like to have had the Massdrop glass model now. Oh well I am on the waiting list for the Antique Glass Model 02 and should have that in August so I guess I will somehow manage The final needed to be tightened and is aligned now. Not sure why it was loose in the picture. http://driften.dragonsightsoftware.com/images/FC-model31-1.jpghttp://driften.dragonsightsoftware.com/images/FC-model31-2.jpg