Graf Von Faber-castell Classic Review

[fuchsiaprincess]

Thank you for a fantastic review, Roger!

 

I have two questions. Firstly, how did you find the metal section? I'm not keen on metal sections, but have made an exception for the ones on Viscontis. Secondly, what is the difference between Graf von Faber-Castell and Faber-Castell pens? Are they two separate companies?

 

they are the same company. Graf-von Faber Castell is a higher end line of Faber Castell brand. GvFC includes limited edition FPs, while FC includes every day stationaries from FP to pencils to eraser to highlighters, thus cheaper in price.

 

Thank you!

[RNP]

Thats one brilliant looking nib mate.

[rogerico]

 

I have two questions. Firstly, how did you find the metal section? I'm not keen on metal sections, but have made an exception for the ones on Viscontis.

 

Well, as I don't mind that the pen is a little heavy, I like the metal section of this pen and I find it comfortable enough to write.

[breaker]

a very nice pen and a good review and as an owner of GVFC Anello and the classic with pernambuco wood I have the opinion that their nibs are top quality and they write flawlessly but still it is a personal matter if you like the way a pen writes

[meiers]

I ordered this fountain pen from www.fountainpenhospital.com last week.

Can't wait for it to arrive.

 

Matt

[MikeF]

Just one question: how old is this pen? A nib may feel one way out of the box and quite differently a few days after.

 

By the way, I asked to exchange both the nibs from my Pelikan M800 and M1000...

[stevlight]

That is a really nice box it came in--I like that you could use it on your desk for a few other pens.

[beluga]

Just one question: how old is this pen? A nib may feel one way out of the box and quite differently a few days after.

 

By the way, I asked to exchange both the nibs from my Pelikan M800 and M1000...

 

 

I couldn't resist the temptation, and over time added the Pernambuco and Grenadilla to my initial ebony pen.

From my experience, I cannot confirm that the nibs changed noticeably.

 

All these pens write just beautifully and the only difference is that the ebony pen one needs a little bit more care because of the silver trim that Graf von Faber-Castell used on the first series.

 

Graf von Faber-Castell actively discourages discounting and internet sales on their more expensive models and if it wasn't for this fact I am sure that these pens would gain much wider acceptance.

 

They certainly deserve it....

 

 

 

 

B.

[alvarez57]

I had a guilloché -the lower end, but I do think it's the same nib. Soft, quite a flex but boring. I gave it away to a friend and don't miss the pen at all. Very uncomfortable to write with as it is thin and the cap is too heavy. Never bothered to get any afterward.

Yet, they are sleek and very elegant, honestly.

[meiers]

I ordered this fountain pen from www.fountainpenhospital.com last week.

Can't wait for it to arrive.

 

Matt

 

 

My pen arrived! It's awesome: 10/10

[scribbler999]

I've always loved Graf von Faber-Castell fountain pens. The Classic one is perfect for those who do not like the "torpedo" FP. It's modern, perfectly designed, with precious woods, platinum plated, a beautiful cap... And as my girlfriend loves them too, she decided to make me a gift for my birthday: a Classic Graf von Faber-Castell in Grenadille wood. Here is my review.

 

1. Appearance & Design: 9/10 Harmony, good taste, elegance, simplicity. I do not ever get tired of admiring such a perfectly designed FP. I must say that the design and the appearance are the strong point of this FP. Just the dark wood and platinum plated.

 

 

 

2. Construction & Quality: 8/10 Nothing to say. This FP is well done. Every part seems well built, polished, resistant and durable. But I put an 8 because of the plastic piece near the nib. I think they could find a better solution, as It isn't a cheap FP. Another reason: I had to change the first FP we bought because the nib didn't work correctly. Obviously, they changed it without problem, but suddenly I felt insecure with this brand.

 

 

 

3. Weight & Dimensions: 8/10 Well, actually there isn't any problem with that FP. But I love big FP and this one is a bit too small for me. It is a pity that this brand don't make a bigger FP apart from the special edition of every year. Because of the sterling silver, this FP is not light althoug I feel it very comfortable in my hand, even caped as I used. It's a pleasure to hold this FP.

 

4. Nib & Performance: 6/10 No, there isn't any problem. My pen has a F nib and it writes very well. It does never scratch, It flows on paper very nicely, wet enough. It never fails. So...? Well, this is difficult to say, but in my opinion this nib has no soul. My Duofold EF nib is a little scratchy but has a soul, it never leaves me indifferent. This Graf von Faber-Castell nib is well done, never fails, but doesn't make me feel anything special. It's a goog worker. That's all. I know that this is a very subjective opinion, but I must be sincere.

 

 

 

5. Filling System & Maintenance: 8/10 Simple: cartridge or converter. Easy to clean.

 

6. Cost & Value: 7/10 It is not a cheap FP, but the price might be right. If only it was a little bigger...

 

7. Conclusion: Final score 7/10 As for me the nib is very important, I will put a low score. Maybe it is unfair, I know.

 

 

 

i have the exact same one. along with the limited version walden wood. GvFC definitely makes nice pens. i love wooden FPs and thus my decision to purchase those two. my only complaint is that i wish the weight is not as heavy as it is. for a pen that slim but weights like a thick pen, it doesn't balance well in my hand. i would also prefer the neck/grip area to be thicker for a better grip feel. otherwise, it's a beautiful wooden FP with a nice nib performance.

 

-rudy-

 

 

Great review Rogerico - thanks.

 

Rudy - would be good to hear your thoughts on Classic v Walden please, I have another thread on the topic: GvFC: POTY, Classic or Walden?. Thanks.

[humsin]

Has anybody ever seen a Classic with a monotone gold nib?

[mrchan]

I don't dispute your Review (since I don't own any GVFC pens) nor your right to write it.

And I don't intend to be antagonistic or confrontational.

I just don't understand giving a pen that "never fails" a poor rating because it doesn't make you "feel anything special".

 

 

Well, I admitted that maybe I'm unfair. However, a 7 is not bad, isn't? I just try to be rigorous. When I find a perfect FP I'll tell you. Thanks, anyway, for your opinion

I'd have to say that I for one, am glad that you gave an honest score. I dislike reviews that give 10/10 for everything. I don't think any pen ever deserves a full 10/10 for everything. Well done. I really like this one, just saw it in the shop.

 

I get it when you say that the nib has no soul. Some of my nicer pens don't have a good nibs as well compared to my 50$ sheaffer touchdown imperial and I know exactly what you mean. The nib is everything. Perhaps what you should do is send the pen for some tuning by an expert? might bring your pen back to life.

[rogerico]

 

 

I'd have to say that I for one, am glad that you gave an honest score. I dislike reviews that give 10/10 for everything. I don't think any pen ever deserves a full 10/10 for everything. Well done. I really like this one, just saw it in the shop.

 

I get it when you say that the nib has no soul. Some of my nicer pens don't have a good nibs as well compared to my 50$ sheaffer touchdown imperial and I know exactly what you mean. The nib is everything. Perhaps what you should do is send the pen for some tuning by an expert? might bring your pen back to life.

 

Well, now, in septembre of 2013, the truth is that I haven't used my GvFC at least for one year. What can I say? A beautiful FP, nothing else. The nib is definitively desapointing.

[Pen_Collector_4554]

Thanks for the review ... great perspective on FC pens ... I bought my first FC pen today from Daly's Pens: an Ambition in Black ... your comment on the nib is very interesting ... sometimes there is no direct correlation between a nib w/ character and the overall pen price. What I've read overall is that FC nib's are reliable and for some people that is enough.

[mrchan]

 

Well, now, in septembre of 2013, the truth is that I haven't used my GvFC at least for one year. What can I say? A beautiful FP, nothing else. The nib is definitively desapointing.

That is unfortunate to hear..Hmm, perhaps I could take it off you for about 150$. Just to give you a hand there as you seem to be struggling with the pen.

[Edwaroth]

Also...GvFC have gold nibs, F-C have steel. I don't believe that even the Ondoro (higher end of Faber-Castell have gold nibs). I also believe it's a JoWo versus Bock thing. Jar would probably know all the details.

[Pen_Collector_4554]

Hi All - just an update on the nibs. F-C only has F, M and B nibs and does not offer the EF nib (which is available in the GvFC line)

 

Thanks Edwaroth for your clarification as well! :-))

[rogerico]

That is unfortunate to hear..Hmm, perhaps I could take it off you for about 150$. Just to give you a hand there as you seem to be struggling with the pen.

 

Thanks for the offer... but I think that for the instance I prefer to keep the pen. Recently I sold my three Montblanc and now I'm happy with my for FP. Maybe in the future... ;-)

[523]

Has anybody ever seen a Classic with a monotone gold nib?

I have never seen a classic with a monotone nib, mine are all two tone. Have you seen one or would you prefer one with a monotone nib?