Graf Von Faber Castell Pen Of The Year 2014 Special Edition Review

[christianch]

Today I have received the Graf von Faber Castell Pen of the Year 2014 Special Edition and I wanted to share with you a review of this gorgeous pen. For these that are not familiar with the pen of the year series, Graf von Faber Castell started a pen of the year back in 2003 and it did run the programme until 2012. After a break in 2013 they have re-started the series this year with a new concept that has essentially two limited editions. A "regular" limited edition of 1000 pieces (similar in run with previous pen of the year) and a new special edition pen of the year limited to 150 pieces. You can find more information about the POY 2014 in the official website at http://www.graf-von-faber-castell.com/pen-of-the-year/poty-2014

 

The POY 2014 is not yet available everyone and it has just started to appear.

 

Apologizes in advance for the photos that are not so great:

 

The box cover is the traditional Graf Von Faber Castell cardboard

 

The real box is in lacquered wood with the GvFC Coat of Arms

 

Inside you can see the pen that is truly gorgeous. Sorry again if the photos do not capture the beauty of the jasper stone:

 

 

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attachment=242615:ppIMG_3578.jpg]

 

While I didn't see the regular LE 1000 edition I have been told that the jasper details are different but I am very happy with the unique structure of this one:

 

The size of the pen is similar to previous pen of the years (here you can see the 2012, 2008, 2011 compared to the 2004 )

 

The box this year doubles as a collection pen holder - under the main tray you can see the pen box. This is an excellent idea and can be very convenient

 

Ready to start writing!

 

The nib is even better than previous pen of the year. I am not sure if this is due of this being the special LE edition but I suspect that extra attention was paid to the special editions. Previous pen of the year were good writers too but not as smooth as this one. Another difference with previous editions is the ink window that is now transparent (and no longer blue/grey) making it very easy o see how much link is left.

 

 

 

The true masterpiece seems to be not just the pen but the Nib too. It is a very smooth M as good as the Montblanc if not better

 

 

Here you can see it compared with a Nakaya and the Pen of the Year 2012

 

and compared with the Montblanc Ludovico Sforza 888

 

 

I think that Graf von Faber Castell is often under-estimated and the regular models (e.g. anello wood fountain pen) are excellent writers too.

 

What do you think about this pen ? How would you rate it, in terms of look, compared with other LE edition from Montblanc and other brands?

Thanks!
Christian

[RMN]

So far I have not been overwhelmed by the POTY designs, but I like this one. Alas way out of my league...

 

 

D.ick

[da vinci]

Great review, magnificent pen(s)!

 

I like GVFC pens. I have a terracotta/black Intuition, the nib of which is on a par with a Montblanc IMHO

[Opooh]

Matches the MB POA series. One great advantage, when you register your pen, you get a free yearly maintenance.

[troglokev]

Thanks for the review of a very nice pen.

 

A photography tip: a nib is a highly reflective surface, so it pays to have something white held above and behind the pen that will be illuminated by the flash and reflect off the nib. I've often used a writing pad for the purpose. The pros use a light tent, of course.

[breaker]

excellent pen!

enjoy!

[ballboy]

...

A photography tip: a nib is a highly reflective surface, so it pays to have something white held above and behind the pen that will be illuminated by the flash and reflect off the nib. I've often used a writing pad for the purpose. ...

 

 

Brilliant! I shall try that next time.

[LordBeldingford]

Wow, amazing pen! The structure of the jasper stone is splendid!

[Montblanc owner and lover]

Very nice and it is at the same standards as MB...Both are great german brand making wonderful SE. Congrats on getting it.

[christianch]

Thanks for the review of a very nice pen.

 

A photography tip: a nib is a highly reflective surface, so it pays to have something white held above and behind the pen that will be illuminated by the flash and reflect off the nib. I've often used a writing pad for the purpose. The pros use a light tent, of course.

Thanks for the hint..will certainly try it next time ! For me what works well is usually taking the pictures in natural light. I received the pen in the late afternoon and I just wanted to do a quick unpacking/testing review. Thanks again. Chrsitian

[christianch]

Matches the MB POA series. One great advantage, when you register your pen, you get a free yearly maintenance.

 

Yes I just found that out from you I think I still would need to see how to send it securely and without having to pay the custom again once they ship it back but well I will think about it later on

[christianch]

Very nice and it is at the same standards as MB...Both are great german brand making wonderful SE. Congrats on getting it.

 

Thank you. I am thrilled as this is the very first of the special limited editions so it was a bit more challenging to find (I think it will be officially available from April). The Nib is really surprising on this one. Much smoother than previous POY I own.

[PenTieRun]

Thank you so much for posting the review and pictures. I've been drooling over this pen...

[troglokev]

Thanks for the hint..will certainly try it next time ! For me what works well is usually taking the pictures in natural light. I received the pen in the late afternoon and I just wanted to do a quick unpacking/testing review. Thanks again. Chrsitian

I find it helps, even with natural light.

 

Exposing past shame, here, it's the difference between this :

 

and this :

[christianch]

troglokev,

thanks a lot for your hint and the example. I will certainly try and add some more nib photos (if successful that is )

Thanks
Christian

[Jeje3325]

Totally gorgeous. I'm drooling...

[Lince]

nice collection thanks for the photos.

[i4sgeorgiev]

Very nice collection!

[raging.dragon]

So far I have not been overwhelmed by the POTY designs, but I like this one. Alas way out of my league...

 

 

D.ick

 

I like some of them. But I don't like the prices.

[ArchiMark]

Beautiful pen....

 

Never saw one of the POTY pens in person, but they sure look like they are very high quality and well made.

 

Most commenters say the nibs on these pens are quite rigid. Is this correct?

 

Thanks.