Kaweco Sport Classic Or Lamy Safari

[nigeldsouza]

Hello FPN!!

 

I've had my eye on two pens for quite a while and have finally decided to go ahead with a purchase. My problem is my budget restricts me to only be able to buy one of these for now. I have to choose between The Kaweco Sport Classic and the Lamy Safari in matte black, both with fine nibs.

 

Which one would your'l suggest I get because I really cant put my finger on which one I seem to like more. Im looking for a smooth writing, everyday pen. I may also later on want to fiddle around and fit it with a stub nib.

 

Im hoping your'l can help me make a better decision

 

Thanks in advance

Edited August 23, 2013 by nigeldsouza

[theadityajain]

Lamy Safari

[Nate_Emmi]

LAMY Safari. It's a better "workhorse" pen and swapping nibs on it couldn't be easier. I've got both, and the Kaweco has some issues starting sometimes and can dry out/ get skippy when writing, the Safari has never skipped. Also, the Safari has a converter, something the smaller Kaweco does not.

[Xeros]

I would say the Lamy Safari if you don't mind the grip section.

[andreamcantu]

Lamy Safari for sure.

[gmax]

I have both, but if I could have only one then it would be the Lamy Safari. It's easy to clean, the nib is good and can be changed later on and the pen holds a standard Lamy converter to allow use of bottled ink.

[xwingrox]

I would save up your money and just get both.

[DarkSymphony]

I'm a big fan of the Safari. Had a Vista (the transparent Safari) as one of my first FPs back in school and loved it to death.

[smiorgan]

Matt black safari would be my choice. Textured finish feels much more "grown up" than the other Safaris, or the Kaweco, and will handle abuse much better. Good converter too, and you can play with nibs. I use an oblique medium with mine and the grip is perfect.

 

Go for the Kaweco if you need to put your pen in a trouser pocket, or want something without a clip, or you must use international short cartridges. Otherwise the Safari edges it.

 

I must say my mum preferred the Kaweco because of how the nib looked, but I think both have their charms.

[chris.hale]

Lamy Safari, the lack of a converter for the Kaweco is a deal breaker for me. I know you can refill cartridges with a syringe, but it's a hassle.

[Tresconik]

Safari. Changing the nibs is very easy.
Also, since you're in India, don't buy it online. Go where you can check the nib, and make sure you can get a smooth one.

[Fabienne]

I'll be the maverick here, go for the Kaweco. I love the nib, mine is smoother and has less drag than my Safari. I also had the satisfaction of making mine into a sac filler with an inexpensive #18 clear silicone sac and a dab of shellac. Holds a lot of ink now! I get many compliments on its small size and large capacity. Either way, you won't go wrong.

[KateB_tps]

I vote for Lamy Safari- I have many of them and love them! They've never let me down! They are great writers, excellent every day pens!

I have a Kaweco Ice Sport, unfortunately only the ink roller version, but the body is the same as the fountain pen version. I'm guessing you are a guy, so theoretically your hands would be bigger than mine (I'm a girl), so the Kaweco might be a bit too small for your hands. In contrast to what the others are saying, there is a converter available for the Kaweco Sport range, but it doesn't hold much ink.

[SnorriRafn]

Both are really good but if I had to choose only one I'd go with the Safari.

[Ted A]

I prefer the Kaweco for me. But if you want to change nibs, the Safari will be easier. If you can, look at both and handle them as the ergonomics of each could be an issue. The triangular grip of the Safari might be a problem. The shorter size of the Kaweco also might be.

 

I almost always have a Kaweco inked and in my pants pocket (I have several). I've found the nibs to be as reliable as the Lamy nibs. I just really like pocket pens.

[Elizabeth in NJ]

Do you like triangular grips?

 

The triangular grip on the Safari is a dealbreaker for me.

[wastelanded]

I couldn't do without either: both are dear to my heart. I use the Safari every day as a work pen. I own several of them, and several Sports. If I had to pick one it would be the Sport, only because the cartridges would be easier to find. And no other $25 pen has a nib as juicy and sweet as a Sport BB.

[Senecabud]

Another vote for the Safari for all the reasons already mentioned. I love all four of mine, and using either cartridges or converters is convenient, as well as changing nibs.

[dadspens]

Wow. So many Safari lovers!

 

I have both, and I NEVER use the Safari. I don't like it at all. Mostly because of that ridiculous grip section that dictates where and how you should hold it, but also, beyond that issue, the pen is just 'meh' for me. It's OK, but not great, and certainly not great enough to overcome that three sided grip design. That kills it for me.

 

The Kaweco Sport Classic is my Every Day Carry in the pants pocket pen. It's not necessarily what I use at home, but when I leave the house, it's the only one I take with me. Small and portable, perfect size when posted, reliable, and really smooth. I bought it thinking it'd be just another inexpensive pen in my collection for occasional use, but it immediately went to the top of my rotation. I use a syringe to fill the cartridge, which I find kinda fun to do.

 

In fact, I'll trade you my Safari. Make me an offer! Mine's white with a medium nib and a converter. It works perfectly fine, I just never use it.

 

Bottom line though, get both!

[PAKMAN]

More of a clip fan here and like a longer pen with out having to post so the Safari all the way for me.