What About The Sheaffer Snorkel?

[Giordana]

Still on my quest for finding the awesome workhorse...a pretty horse who can do tricks too hehe. I always look for a pen that you can get fine lines when needed (usually by writing with it 'upside down'), as this comes in handy for writing small letters, writing on cheap paper, or just sketching. The Snorkel has captivated my eye because it has this beautiful upturned conical nib, and has a interesting filling system. However, when it comes to recommended pens for workhorse candidates, I see many responses being the Lamy 2000, Namiki Falcon, Lamy Safari, etc. I've had these before, and I have not been impressed.

 

My question is, do you think the Snorkel would be a good workhorse for note-taking and sketching? Why or why not?

[risingsun]

If you can get one in properly serviced, fully-functioning condition, I think it can do just fine as a workhorse. I think its a great pen, and I honestly prefer one (a Snorkel in the Valiant model) over the venerable Parker 51. Keep in mind that they are quite slender, so if you like pens with a larger girth, this pen may not be for you.

Edited November 7, 2013 by risingsun

[redbike]

Not all Snorkels have the conical nib. Admirals have a monotone gold open nib, and Saratogas have a two tone gold open nib. That said, I use my two Snorkels - an Admiral and a Statesman - for note taking, letter writing, list making, etc. Both are fine nibbed pens which write well on a variety of paper types, including cheap office and drug store paper. The nibs are smooth and firm - the conical nib on the Statesman being very firm - so they write quickly, which is good for work and note taking. I can't say how they'd be for sketching, since I draw as well as I fly a plane.

 

Good luck with your search.

[anideaweb]

I use a snorkel every day and I've been very happy with it (them). I don't know that they're going to be any better for you than the lamy 2000 or the namiki falcon, but I would definitely put my vote in for the snorkel.

[Giordana]

If you can get one in properly serviced, fully-functioning condition, I think it can do just fine as a workhorse. I think its a great pen, and I honestly prefer one (a Snorkel in the Valiant model) over the venerable Parker 51. Keep in mind that they are quite slender, so if you like pens with a larger girth, this pen may not be for you.

I don't mind the girth, as a have slender feminine hands. In fact, I'm comfortable with the Pilot Prera uncapped, and that one is pretty slender too. I like that the nib section doesn't have an "ergonomic" curve - just straight, similar to most Snorkels I've seen online.

 

Not all Snorkels have the conical nib. Admirals have a monotone gold open nib, and Saratogas have a two tone gold open nib.

 

I am aware that there are various nibs, but the conical one, called Triumph (I think?), is my favorite of the bunch, whether it single toned or two toned.

[icevic]

The Snorkel really doesn't hold a lot of ink so it isn't ideal in that respect. Filling it is a real treat though.

 

The 51 is usually a better candidate for writing upside down.

 

I believe Richard Binder does a specific nib service that is designed to write smoothly upside down, and other nib specialists probably offer the same service. Strap one of those nibs into something with a big tank and you'll have your perfect pen.

[pajaro]

I have a Triumph nib on what must be a low-priced pen, not a Lifetime. The Triumph nib in fine on my pen writes as well as anything, but the roundness of it makes it hard to keep on center, or maybe it's my eyesight.

 

Usually very light smoothing will enable a nib to write upside down. Some can do it without smoothing.

 

The Snorkel is a cool technology.

[bernardo]

My question is, do you think the Snorkel would be a good workhorse for note-taking and sketching? Why or why not?

 

Here are some pics of the celebrated architect Le Corbusier sketching with a Snorkel. If it was good for him, I think it will be good for you...

 

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yYDPz0d7Or0/ULJAD6M0lxI/AAAAAAAAAVU/y6h1iV8yzrs/s1600/Le+corbusier-drawing-burri-michele-Arquitectohamuerto.jpg

 

http://designwire.interiordesign.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Le-Corbusier_working-cell-2.jpg

 

http://designwire.interiordesign.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Le-Corbusier_working-cell-1.jpg

 

[Giordana]

Here are some pics of the celebrated architect Le Corbusier sketching with a Snorkel. If it was good for him, I think it will be good for you...

 

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yYDPz0d7Or0/ULJAD6M0lxI/AAAAAAAAAVU/y6h1iV8yzrs/s1600/Le+corbusier-drawing-burri-michele-Arquitectohamuerto.jpg

 

http://designwire.interiordesign.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Le-Corbusier_working-cell-2.jpg

 

http://designwire.interiordesign.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Le-Corbusier_working-cell-1.jpg

 

Wow thanks! It is very inspiring to see these photographs. I am now seriously considering one, and with the upcoming holidays, I'll add it to my wish list muahahaha.

[georges zaslavsky]

great pics thanks for sharing