Franklin-Christoph - Model 29 Bellus (Special Edition)

[KlytusLord]

Franklin-Christoph - Model 29 Bellus

- Radiant Red Special Edition -

I was not familiar with this American pen maker until about a month ago, when the owner of the one-and-only pen shop within driving distance of my residence mentioned them to me and showed me the Model 29. I decided to purchase the pen, mostly because I liked the color and the design.

 

 

I have been using it for the past few weeks to make corrections to documents in red ink, and I must say I am very pleased with the quality of this very inexpensive pen ($100,) so much so, in fact, that I have just placed an order for one of the better Franklin-Christoph pens, directly from their official website.

 

 

The nib on this particular unit is steel (fine,) but you can get it in 18k gold from their website for about an 80% price increase. It is available in EF, F, M & B in both the steel and gold nibs.

 

 

The size of the pen is nearly identical to a Lamy All Star, though the cap on this pen is narrower, in both length and diameter. The weight, on the other hand, is much heavier, closer to a large, metal Cross Townsend. This is not a light pen. The metal portions are rhodium plated. I believe the body is lacquer, but I am not completely certain on that. The official website does not make it clear if the materials between the standard edition (black) and the special edition are the same or not. The special edition’s body feels more like metal than lacquer.

 

 

The pen uses a magnetic and half-twist mechanism for both, capping and posting. It has a very nice, secure feel to it when placing the cap at either end. I do not post when writing, but for those of you who do, the cap remains very secure at all times. The clip is rather interesting, and it has a solid yet flexible spring action.

 

 

The converter (international standard) was included, along with a single cartridge of ink

 

 

 

Overall, I am very pleased with this pen. In its price point, it is definitely one of the smoothest writers I currently own. Above all, I find it to be an attractive and modern pen, and I think shows that American pen makers are still adding quality editions to the world of fine writing.

I hope to eventually review my other Franklin-Christoph once it arrives, and I have had time to put it through its paces for a few days.

This is my first pen review ever, here or elsewhere, so I apologize if anything is not quite up to standard.

Cheers.

Edited October 14, 2013 by KlytusLord

[MisterBoll]

Your pen review is perfect. Thanks!

 

You'll find most anything with the Franklin-Christoph mark on it to be quite wonderful.

[da vinci]

Interesting and helpful review, thanks