Search the Community

This pen arrived in the mail today, and I'm not even going to pretend this is a thorough review - I just wanted to get some pics up there, for those of you who might be thinking of grabbing one of these down the track. This is one of four Kickstarter pens I've backed in the past 12-18 months - the 'Nexus' and 'Nova' from Namisu, the 'TiScribe' from Urban Survival Gear... and now the 'Gist' from Tactile Turn (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/eimim/tactile-turn-gist-simple-fountain-pens-that-really/). It's hard to say which is my favourite - but I've gotta say, straight out of the box I'm really impressed with this one. Speaking of which... here's a picture of the box: http://i.imgur.com/2yCxjOD.jpg And a picture of the pen still inside the box: http://i.imgur.com/Uh26Wht.jpg I opted for the full polycarbonate model of the pen - it was also available in brass, copper, bronze, steel, damascus steel or titanium... or in polycarbonate with a metal grip and finial. The pen came with a #6 Bock nib, a 1.1mm stub - but as optional extras I ordered a stainless steel grip and a Fine #6 nib (these were packed in a separate plastic container). Also included in the packaging was a 'thank you card' that includes a 25% off discount for pens purchased via the Tactile Turn website: http://i.imgur.com/oROuT77.jpg The following measurements come from the Kickstarter Campaign page: And here are some comparison photos - with my Lamy 2000 and Safari pens: http://i.imgur.com/XrIipvZ.jpg http://i.imgur.com/CraWsV0.jpg The pen is a little shorter than the Lamy 2000 - 11mm shorter, to be precise - but other than that the pen has a very similar profile. The big difference, of course, is the nib - where the Lamy 2000 sports a 14K gold hooded nib, the Gist employs a Bock #6 nib, in a nib assembly that's readily replaceable or interchangeable. A couple of slightly blurry close-ups (sorry, I don't have a proper macro lens!): http://i.imgur.com/mg2BMGC.jpg http://i.imgur.com/7FHrBLk.jpg The Gist takes standard international ink cartridges - and comes with a good quality cartridge converter installed: http://i.imgur.com/Z5JhDmT.jpg So, what's my experience of writing with this pen so far? (1) The pen is really cool-looking - I love the all-black polycarbonate body, and the ridged finish makes it extremely 'grippy' so it won't easily slip between the fingers when writing. The stainless steel grip section, likewise, allows for firm grip. (2) It's extremely light-weight (~19g with the full polycarbonate body - I haven't tried the stainless steel grip section yet), but very well-balanced and comfortable in the hand. The grip section tapers down from 11.5mm near the threads to 9.5mm nearest the nib, which is a great fit for my hand. (3) The pen easily assembles and disassembles - the acme threads for the cap are smooth and ensure a good seal when the pen is capped; the thread securing the grip section onto the barrel is much finer, and I think there's a good chance the pen could be 'eyedroppered'. (4) The fine stainless steel nib is a true fine, and writes very nicely. I've got a few pens now that use the same Bock #6 nib assembly, and like the fact that they're so readily interchangeable. (5) The pen is equally comfortable to write with, posted and unposted. How the Gist holds up over time remains to be seen - but first impressions are very favourable. Will try and provide some updates as I 'break the pen in'. Would love to hear from others who jumped on board the Kickstarter campaign - but wanted to get the ball rolling... One last shot - a short writing sample: http://i.imgur.com/FgEmcCq.jpg

Hello All, Well after a lot of staring at computer screens, we're delighted to announce that the new izods website is up and running. http://www.izods.ink The wonderful Robert Oster inks are available to order online and we'll be increasing our range of colours shortly... but I'm sure that the current selection will keep you going. We're also delighted to be the only UK stockists of the contemporary Tactile Turn Gist fountain pens. Already receiving fantastic reviews from customers around the world, the Gist is available in myriad selection of materials and finishes. Because the range is so big, if there's something that we haven't got, just let me know and we can include it on our next order. As if this wasn't enough, we've also got notepads covered with the range from Darkstar Collection... hugely fountain pen friendly and the perfect size for leaving on your desk or taking out to a meeting. We love what we do here at izods and we're absolutely thrilled to be working with such brilliant brands. Thanks and have a good weekend. Roy