Platinum Carbon Desk Fountain Pen

[Tumbleweedtoo]

A couple of years ago, I bought a Sailor Desk Fountain Pen from Jetpens to use with my antique fountain pen desk stand, a family keepsake (but the family had lost or thrown away the ballpoint or fountain pen that came with the desk set).

 

Growing up, I always remembered seeing the stand with a pen on a desk, and I wanted to use it on mine, but I did not know (and do not know) the maker of the unmarked stand. So, I bought the Sailor Desk Fountain Pen for the stand because all of my Sailor fountain pens were perfect right out of the box. As expected, the Sailor Desk Fountain Pen also wrote exceptionally well, and I wrote a review of the Sailor Desk Fountain Pen for FPN, showing how it fit in my old desk stand (not very well at all, and very ugly I have come to see now over time). However, the pen wrote so well and was put to such good use that I could easily overcome the poor aesthetics of the set, until I felt I needed to look for a pen that looked better in the stand. From my FPN review, here is a picture of the Sailor Desk Fountain Pen in my old stand, along with a Lamy Vista Fountain Pen (which I also reviewed) setting on the old stand.

 

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8152/7262279808_62593f5431.jpg

1SailorDeskPen by OUSoonertoo, on Flickr

 

Fortunately, I have finally found a modern fountain pen that will fit perfectly in my antique keepsake stand, and I found it on the Jetpens website! Not knowing that the Platinum Carbon Desk Fountain Pen would fit my vintage fountain pen stand, I bought the Platinum Desk Pen Stand from Jetpens at the same time, and I was thrilled when I discovered that the Platinum Carbon Desk Pen I bought would fit my antique desk pen stand to perfection. The three pictures below I borrowed from the Jetpens' website and reduced in size:

 

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7079/7262278390_a1f1629d28.jpg

1PlatinumDeskPenJP by OUSoonertoo, on Flickr

 

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7224/7262280300_e54f72d216.jpg

2PlatinumDeskPenJP by OUSoonertoo, on Flickr

 

The photo below shows the pen in the official Platinum Desk Pen Holder.

 

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7086/7262281734_bea83ffb72.jpg

3PlatinumDeskPenJP by OUSoonertoo, on Flickr

 

Here are some pictures of my brand new Platinum Carbon Desk Fountain Pen in my vintage fountain pen stand. A perfect fit!

 

First, the Platinum Carbon Desk Fountain Pen in the holder and the Sailor setting on the stand.

 

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7226/7262279370_2ced34c5b6.jpg

1PlatinumInOldStand by OUSoonertoo, on Flickr

 

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7080/7262282182_9d4dc8cc06.jpg

3PlatinumInOldStand by OUSoonertoo, on Flickr

 

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7090/7262283398_a17760f669.jpg

4PlatinumInOldStand by OUSoonertoo, on Flickr

 

The nib on the Platinum Carbon Desk Fountain Pen is a “Super Fine,” and writes as nicely as or better than my Sailor Desk Fountain Pen “Extra Fine” nib. Below is a picture of the pen and how I wrote with it on an old Legal Pad.

 

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8158/7262284578_bd38d59347.jpg

6PlatinumInOldStand by OUSoonertoo, on Flickr

 

If you are ever looking for a new desk fountain pen that will probably fit an old pen desk stand, you may want to consider the Platinum Carbon Desk Pen. I wish now I had bought the Platinum pen instead of the Sailor pen. So far, I still have not found a desk stand that will fit the Sailor Desk Fountain Pen, because it is a thin pen. The Sailor Pen just wobbles around in the Platinum Desk Pen Stand. Since I particularly like the larger in diameter Platinum Carbon Desk Pen, that is the one that will remain my daily desk pen, along with an Esterbrook Desk Pen that is also larger in diameter. I can heartily recommend all three desk pens, but the Sailor Desk Fountain Pen does not fit my hand as well. [since writing this review initially, I have discovered that a vintage Parker 45 Desk Pen will fit both the my old vintage desk set and the new Platinum Desk Pen Stand. In my opinion, the Platinum Desk Pen Stand tulip part that holds the pen is slightly larger in diameter than I would prefer. Both pens fit in the newer Platinum Desk Pen Stand holder more loosely than I would like, but fit acceptably.]

 

As with the Sailor Fountain Desk Pen, I began by using the recommended Platinum Carbon Ink. This ink writes smoothly in the Platinum Carbon Desk Fountain Pen and this particular pen is recommended for carbon ink. I have never had any problems using Sailor carbon ink in my Sailor Desk Fountain Pen because it was capped and then placed in the pen holder. Unfortunately, I discovered that so much air was left in the tulip that held the Platinum Carbon Desk Fountain Pen that overnight the ink clogged the pen and was very hard to start. After I put regular Platinum Black ink cartridges in the pen, it has never clogged and writes perfectly with the first stroke of the pen. Though I have not tried this, I believe the Platinum Carbon Ink would be fine if I kept the pen capped in the original cap. Both pens are relatively inexpensive and write so well that I have no incentive to put the carbon ink in a more expensive pen (which is not recommended!). Since I do not prefer to write with an extra fine nib, I use only the desk pen for my pocket calendar and short notations when needed. My desk pens are the handiest pens I have. So, now I have a new Platinum Carbon Desk Fountain Pen in an antique no-name desk stand, and an Esterbrook Dip-Less pen in a Number 444 ink well desk stand, which I reviewed here on FPN.

 

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7220/7262284696_bb0532647a.jpg

TwoSets by OUSoonertoo, on Flickr

 

In Summary:

 

• Appearance & Design (9) – Now that I have done more research, the pen is very similar to a Parker 45 Desk Pen and would be an excellent modern pen substitute for the vintage Parker 45. Since the pen currently retails for $13.50 on the Jetpens website, and a Parker 45 NOS sells currently for between $30.00 and $60.00 on ebay, I must give the Platinum Carbon Desk Fountain Pen a 9 (only because it comes in a plastic bag with a cartridge included instead of a box).

 

• Construction & Quality (10) – The construction is high quality, as we have come to expect from all Platinum pens. For a pen at this price point, I must give it a 10, especially because the nib is a perfect “Super Fine” (Extra Fine) nib that far surpasses some of my more expensive Extra Fine nibs on other Japanese pens. So, I must give the pen a 10; however, do not compare it to a pen costing more than $100.00.

 

• Weight & Dimensions (10) – The pen fits much better in my hand than did the Sailor Desk Fountain Pen I first used in my vintage desk set. I prefer the larger diameter pens; such as a Platinum President, and Platinum Desk Pen is comfortable for me to write with daily. Again, the pen feels similar in diameter to a Parker 45 desk pen. Because the pen fits my hand well as well as my desk pen set holder, I will give the pen a 10. It was exactly what I was looking for, and looks great in my old desk pen holder. Even the gold ring and lettering on the match the gold on the desk set.

 

• Nib & Performance (10) – As you can see from the pictures, the nib is gold plated. I basically prefer a medium or broader nib than a fine or extra fine. For what I use this extra fine nib for (writing in a pocket calendar), it suits my purposes. The nib is smooth and writes well even on cheaper pocket calendar paper, and the Platinum Black ink is bold and black without bleeding distractingly through the very thin calendar paper. Medium and broader nibs are not good for my calendar, but this Super Fine nib is smooth and perfect for my purposes, So I give the nib a 10. I might add that I have used more expensive Fine and Extra Fine nibs that were scratchy out of the box and had to be sent to a nibmeister; not so this Platinum Super Fine nib. Once again remember, this pen currently sells for less than $15.00.

 

• Filling System & Maintenance (10) – The pen uses either a cartridge or a converter. One cartridge comes with the pen, so you can begin writing immediately. The Platinum cartridges are proprietary. I have no problems using or refilling cartridges or converters, so I give the filling system and maintenance a 10. If you use the Carbon ink, you should clean the pen often as recommended. I know I prefer this system to the less reliable vintage pens that have not been restored.

 

• Cost & Value (10) – For less than $15.00 (I will even say for less than $20.00, if we have price increases), the pen is a bargain! So, I give the pen a 10.

 

• Conclusion (Final score is 59!) – 59/60 for a pen that is less than $15.00 and is perfect for my needs: exactly what I was looking for in a modern desk pen. So, the 59 score is based on all things considered, and the pen is a reliable and comfortable writer based on any standard.

 

All the best,

T

[Malcy]

I saw these at Cult Pens and thought that they looked interesting. Thanks for a great review.

[Tumbleweedtoo]

  On 5/24/2012 at 11:11 PM, Malcy said:

I saw these at Cult Pens and thought that they looked interesting. Thanks for a great review.

 

Thank you. What I really like about this pen is I can put it in a vintage desk pen holder and it looks like and fits like it belongs there. When I have time, I will try to add a picture of the pen with a Parker 45 so people can see how similar they look.

 

All the Best,

T

[ink mixer]

Thanks for the review. Pardon my desk pen ignorance, but most modern pens can't fit in the holder?

[Tumbleweedtoo]

  On 5/25/2012 at 11:52 AM, ink mixer said:

Thanks for the review. Pardon my desk pen ignorance, but most modern pens can't fit in the holder?

 

When I began using fountain pens with enthusiasm again, I bought a few Sailor pens; which inspired me to buy a new Sailor Desk pen for the old family desk set. The price was right and I did not know of any alternatives at the time. As you can see, it did not fit correctly because it was too thin. After reviewing the Sailor Desk pen and looking more at how unattractive (ugly) it was in the old desk set holder, I thought I would try the new Platinum Desk pen (the price was right), which did fit perfectly. I think I ordered the Platinum Desk pen at about the same time I ordered the Parker 45 (why I did not wait and try the Platinum Desk pen before buying the Parker 45 can best be explained by pen addiction :embarrassed_smile: ). Of course, in finding a desk pen for the old set, I just had to buy a a couple Esterbrook desk pen sets of varying kinds that were dip-less (which I really like), an an eight-ball desk pen set :embarrassed_smile: . I do not know if there are other desk pens currently being made that will fit my vintage desk pen set or not, other than the Sailor and the Platinum that both sell for a very good price. I hope I have all of the desk pens and inkwells that I need; but, I do not have any dip pens yet, just dip-less pens!

 

All the best,

T

[Chthulhu]

No idea on whether it will fit your base(s), but how about this one:

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PILOT-MARBLE-EBONITE-SHADE-SUPER-AIR-DESK-FOUNTAIN-PEN-/360416522197?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item53ea7fafd5

[Sandy1]

Hi,

 

Thanks for such a great review!

 

Thanks also for allowing cost-avoidance of the purchase of a Sailor Desk pen.

 

I share your high opinion of the Platinum Carbon Pen.

 

I chose it when I wanted a pen with a very narrow nib that was less rigid than a Posting nib, and wetter than the Pilot Penmanship. Bingo!

 

Certainly low mass, so I do not use it for long-haul writing, yet the ergonomics & balance suit me well.

 

The short nib slit + feed have prevented nib dry-out; and when using saturated inks with a high dye-load, the flow is very even. I have yet to try it with the Platinum carbon inks - wanting to get a feel for it with dye-based inks first.

 

If one can tolerate my atrocious hand writing, there are written samples from the PCP in these Ink Reviews: Diamine Denim, Diamine Bilberry (The NIB-ism image depictions nib width & wetness; the feint vertical pencil lines are 25mm apart.)

 

Bye,

S1

Edited May 25, 2012 by Sandy1

[ethernautrix]

I have a couple of these Desk Pens and have been very impressed with the quality of them, particularly at the low price. The fine/extra-fine nibs are among the smoothest around.

 

I'm glad for your pen and base solution -- perfect! Nice review, too.

[breaker]

nice review and pics!

thanks!

[perrins57]

I love the Platinum desk pen, writes really well if you use VERY little pressure. It's a great cheap pen for exposing bad handwriting and practising improving penmanship.

[Tumbleweedtoo]

Thanks for resurrecting this review, because I have wanted to write something additional about potential Platinum pen problems. About a month ago, I put a Platinum Carbon Ink Cartridge in a nice ribbed Platinum pen. The Carbon Ink quickly dried in the pen nib and the pen became very hard starting and skipped badly. Day by day the problem worsened, so I took the cartridge out and put it in the Platinum Desk pen reviewed here.

 

Three observations. First, it took much effort and time to clean the Platinum 3776 pen nib so I could use the pen again. After thorough cleaning, I put a non-carbon ink cartridge in the pen and wrote it empty to make certain the pen was clean and working well (which it was). I carefully cleaned the pen again and took it out of rotation.

 

Second, I think one reason the ribbed Platinum pen with a medium nib had a significant problem with the Platinum Carbon Ink may be related to the fact that the cap, which does not screw on but snaps on, did not make a good seal and air caused the Carbon Ink in the nib to dry out somewhat overnight (even though it was also kept in a pen box lying flat). I have not tried the Carbon Ink in one of the new Platinum Century pens that is supposed to have a cap that seals much better.

 

Third, The cap on the Platinum Carbon Pen fits nice and tight making an airtight seal as far as I can tell. It is back in the old desk set pictured above. The pen always starts immediately, even if I have not used it for a few days, and makes a nice fine line. It is good for writing checks, addressing an envelop, or writing for longer periods of time. I only use mine when I want Carbon Ink and use other pens for long writing sessions.

 

I hope these three observations will help anyone considering this Platinum Desk pen (which is a fine pen) and the use of Platinum Carbon Ink in pens that do not seal tightly, such as a ribbed Platinum pen (which is also a fine pen with the right ink) or a pen that does not have a cap that screws on tightly.

 

All the best,

T

[cleosmama]

I think I know the answer to this, but do you have to use the Platinum Carbon Ink in the Carbon pen? Can you use some other ink cartridge?

[Tumbleweedtoo]

Fortunately, you can use any Platinum cartridge or Platinum converter in the pen. After writing my recent post above, I picked up the pen again and wrote something because the pen really is so good to write with (and it is a cheap pen!). I compare it very favorably to my Pilot Vanishing Point 18K Fine nib pen; the Fine VP nib has been so scratchy and frustrating in spite of many efforts to smooth it, change inks, and change paper that in frustration a couple of days ago I ordered an M nib replacement unit for it (fortunately, others have had better experiences with Fine VP nibs). I think I will keep the Platinum Carbon Pen inked and on my desk for quite awhile now and use the Carbon ink cartridges that I have.

 

All the best,

T

[perrins57]

I have my desk pen fitted with the converter and Diamine Registrars. I found the carbon ink a little dry. I've also put Herbin rouge hematite in it but it leaked when the pen got warmed up from a long writing session.

[truthpil]

I've noticed similar problems with this pen and leaking related to heat. Right now my fingers have carbon ink all over them because I held the Platinum Desk Pen for too long. This is the third time it has happened to me in a week's time (once damaging a textbook) but I've been using this pen daily for a month (still on the first cartidge that came with the pen).

I thought leaking due to hand heat was a problem peculiar to underfilled eyedropper pens (had a horrible experience with an exploding ED preppy while signing some important documents), so I was surprised it would happen with a cartridge. Any idea why this is a problem with the desk pen? My theory is that the heating up of ink is due to the pen's design. If you hold the pen below the gold band your fingers are directly over the ink that is going into the feed and nib. Any thoughts?

 

Since I bought the pen to write archival notes in a family Bible, I think I'm going to have to switch to a Pilot Penmanship for that purpose. So far no leaking problems with the Pilot and the fact that the nib is drier than the Platinum desk pen is a good thing for my purposes.

[perrins57]

I've not had the leaking problem with Diamine registrars, its obviously archival (one of a couple of inks recommended for births, deaths and marriage certificates in the UK). The Diamine also is a dry ink but it hasn't clogged any pen I've used it in. I have also had good results with Rohrer and Klingner Scabiosa iron gall ink which is like the Registrars, but purple/black not blue/black in colour.

[nickjagg14]

So this desk pen is compatible with the Platinum converter right? It isn't limited to the catridges?

[perrins57]

Yep I've got the converter in mine.

[fpdougm]

Yes, this pen definitely works well with the Platinum converter. I've been using it as well.

 

I like having a desk pen (as opposed to a pocket pen) on each of my desks, so there's always a pen available and I don't have to hunt around for where I took a pocket pen. My other desk has a more elaborate pen, but not a more effective one. This desk is graced by this inexpensive desk set which amazes me every time I lift the pen from its holder and I find that it writes without hesitation. The holder has a tight enough seal that the nib does not dry out. Wonderful. And unexpected, at the price. The fine tip is not my first preference - I'd prefer a medium. But it works well, and works consistently. My only complaint is the minimal weight of the base. I'm tempted to open the bottom up and find a way to make it heaver and lend it a little "gravitas." . Has anyone done this? Thanks.

[Scribble Monboddo]

We've just reviewed the Carbon Pen at United Inkdom, and we were all impressed, if not in the way we had expected to be; it's not actually so great for writing, but just the thing for sketching and doodling (as per my lamentable effort below).