An Intuitive Conversation With The Graf Von Faber-Castell Intuition

[sannidh]

After a long & strong fight with the penavarice-devil , I finally gave in and bought a GvFC Intuition. I went with the 'terra' - the red-orang-ish barrel.

 

I have also replicated the content with some additional pictures in my blog as the images are reduced to a small thumbnail after a short-while. Below is a link to the same:

Graf von Faber-Castell Intuition Review

Here goes a review of the same:

The Intuition

With a covetous eye on this pen, since the time I had got my FCD Ambition and then an orange coloured Ondoro fountain pen, it indeed required lady luck's blessings, to get this one at a steeply discounted price. I must say, that there was already a strange sense of loss of colours, after I had given both of my orange coloured fountain pens away - Ondoro (mint & boxed) and later the Pelikan m205. And this was an appropriate treatment for my colour blindnesshttp://lh5.ggpht.com/-a-Tba4pAIVk/VPfDFXW0uAI/AAAAAAAAEBE/0lhEVc5hixI/wlEmoticon-rainbow2.png?imgmax=800. Coming to the Faber-Castell Design(FCD) and the rather luxurious Graf von Faber-Castell(GvFC) line of pens, I must say that they have been able to splendidly highlight the art of convergence of design and utility. The Intuition pen comes in six lines of resin-based designs and two(earlier three) lines of wood-based designs. The wooden designs are called Intuition Platino Wood which is an enhanced intuition design altogether, be it the fluted wooden barrel or the platinum plated cap or an extra-large and more exquisitely designed bi-colour nib. And, it naturally places them in a more premium segment http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xbUGfrYQ50k/VPfDGkDN4aI/AAAAAAAAEBM/SJueZw-VO6s/wlEmoticon-surprisedsmile2.png?imgmax=800.

All these design lines come with a fountain pen (with 6 to 7 different nib widths), a roller ball, a propelling pencil (0.7mm) and a ballpoint pen.

Presentation (6/6)

It’s a chamois-coloured gift box with top and bottom wooden linings, which secures itself by a magnetic catch within the two folds. There is the pen resting in a cardboard box within a chamois-coloured linen bag, which carries the Graf Von Faber-Castell name and their coat-of-arms logo.

I someway like the linen, bag because of its differentiated appeal, though not from an utilitarian perspective. There is also a warranty leaflet-cum-manual, which states a lifetime guarantee against manufacturing defects and assures services, in case any need for repair arises. Then, it also illustrates refilling the entire range of GvFC pens and other stationery.

http://s25.postimg.org/pcc1oi7n3/Gv_FC_001.jpg

Design (6/6)

The Intuition range comes in six variants (terra - orange, ivory – off-white/fluted, black - black/fluted/metal cap) with six different nib sizes – EF, F, M, B, OM and OB. Only one of these variants comes with a platinum plated metal cap with a shiny black barrel.

Coming back to the pen, once you take it out, it surely looks like a compact enchanting piece of art. A high gloss sheen of the of the barrel and the cap reflects back quite a bit of light. Complementing this sheen, are the dazzling platinum plated trims of the pen.

http://s25.postimg.org/u4qwx28mn/Gv_FC_009.jpg

On pulling the cap off, you would initially notice the singularity of the barrel, a section sans joints. It’s made out of a single piece of resin, in this case reflecting the colour of earth or ‘terra’, gleaming with an orange smile. At the top end of the barrel, is a twist-metallic crown, which disengages the bi-tone nib section and converter system, from the rest of the body. I just love this element of design! The knob is embossed with the coat-of-arms logo, on the finial. Usually the coat-of-arms logo is used in GvFC pens and FCD pens(Ambition, Ondoro, e-motion) carry the jostling knights logo. Traditionally coat-of-arms is said to represent full-achievement in a heraldic tradition. GvFC has quite a bit of design superiority over the other FCD pens. Towards the nib end, the singular barrel narrows down to a slightly concave section to form a comfortable grip. Despite the glossy and smooth finish, the pen has a subtle but non-slippy grip section.

The cap is engraved with GRAF VON FABER – CASTELL, encircling the metallic finial insert which again bears another coat-of-arms logo with its platinum sheen. The cap band says GRAF VON FABER – CASTELL on one side and on the other end it's HANDMADE IN GERMANY. ‘Handmade’ because there are over a hundred steps in the entire manufacturing process of this pen, a majority of which are carried out by hand. The clip on the cap carries the gleam of platinum with a highly efficient and visible spring loaded system.

http://s25.postimg.org/xcqcczokv/1_Gv_FC.jpg

Filling System (6/6)

Once the crown of the barrel is rotated anti-clockwise to disengage the nib & filling system, you would notice a rather classical CC filler system. The nib has a screw fit, and inserts into a metallic sleeve like most of the Faber-Castell fountain pens which I have seen. The nib sleeve has threads which synchronize with threads on the inner barrel, both ending up with an octagonal cross section. The converter has a metallic premium band which friction-fits into the nib section though it does not fit a FCD Ambition section. However, the Ambition converter fits in the Intuition nib section. The converter has a reasonably high capacity of 0.8 – 0.9 mL, and the ink does last for quite a while! I usually have a bias towards piston fillers, but I do appreciate the Faber-Castell converter capacity.

http://s25.postimg.org/xgk5t8u27/2_Gv_FC.jpg

The nib section carries a six-digit number which denotes the date of manufacture, which I did confirm with the Faber-Castell team. Mine says 011210, which would mean it was manufactured way back on 01-December-2010.http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4LhAicXcVUM/VPfDJ9JciiI/AAAAAAAAEBk/kRvZ6XhRsSM/wlEmoticon-peace%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800

Nib (5/6) – All that matters

The 18k bi-tone nib comes in four main widths – EF, F, M & B and two special widths – OM (left) & OB (left). The tail end specifies the nib size and composition (75% Au , 18 ct) of the alloy used. A white rhodium decor occupies the outer tines converging with the iridium tip, while the inner part circumscribing the breather hole gleams golden with engraved stripes. There is a dazzling white coat-of-arms logo resting just above the tail-end. This one is a fine nib and writes quite smoothly with a 'minutely minute' hint of feedback when I use relatively drier inks. It lays down a wet albeit fine line, which will be covered in the last section of this review. With a rather curved shoulder, the nib does portray an apparently smaller size even if it’s quite similar to the size of the relatively flat Ambition nib. [minus 1]

 

http://s25.postimg.org/yhkeidb1r/Gv_FC_008_wb.jpg

 

Below is a comparison to the FCD Ambition (non-premium) sections. You can check the differences between the two converters, the Intuition has got some metallic embellishment. They do use a similar feed.

 

http://s25.postimg.org/fnylldctr/3_Gv_FC2.jpg

 

Physics of it (4/6) – relatively speaking

With a cylindrical body of 1.2 cm diameter, it does give a comfortable feel without adding too much weight. The capped length of 12.5 cm is quite similar to a Pelikan m400. In short, it is quite a compact pen when compared to an MB146 or even a thinner Ambition, for that matter. And a compact pen, can have its advantages along with some disadvantages. The weight of this pen has a significant contribution from the resin cap.

http://s25.postimg.org/93vtf0ysv/Gv_FC_017.jpg

Uncapped Length ~ 12 cm

Posted Length ~ 15 cm

Nib Leverage ~ 2 cm

Overall Weight ~ 29.4 g

 

Uncapped, it’s quite similar to the m400 but slightly shorter than the Ambition. The loss of weight and length is somehwat balanced by the wider grip section, if not completely.

http://s25.postimg.org/g9nkhh7vz/Gv_FC_018.jpg

Alternatively, you can post it and it’s similar to a posted m400 with a slightly top-heavy configuration. However, I feel comfortable to use it both posted and unposted, although I never have shared the same feeling with Ambition.

http://s25.postimg.org/hant6lovj/Gv_FC_019.jpg

 

Economic Value(5/6)

Although pen retails around USD 600, it is available at a street price of around USD 430. With end of season clearance sale, I was able to get the pen at a good discounted price (around 50%).

 

Overall (5.3/6)

I feel loved by the design and exquisite appeal of this pen on an overall scale, whenever I write with it. No skipping or hard starts right from the beginning, it was quite smooth out of the box. With a stiff nib, it delivers a wet (not broad) line, with the fine nib. The line width closely resembles a Japanese FM nib. For a pelikan 4001 brilliant green ink, it takes around 12-13 seconds to dry up. You may not notice any line variation with horizontal and vertical strokes for this one.

 

http://s25.postimg.org/bp1e2jo6n/Gv_FC_020.jpg

 

It was fun reviewing the intuition. Hope you enjoyed reading it. Thank you for your time. Awaiting your feedback on the intuition...

 

Best,

Sonik

 

 

Edited March 6, 2015 by soniknitr

[Gloucesterman]

Great review. I enjoy your style of presenting the information.

 

The price sounded particularly good.

 

I recently bought a FC Loom with an <EF> nib. It writes VERY smoothly and for $35.00 including a converter and shipping I am very happy.

 

Again, thank you for the review.

[jar]

I believe Graf von Faber Castell Intuition fountain pens about as close to a perfect design as possible and the company in general the best of the German fountain pen makers. One of mine is also a Terracotta.

[sannidh]

Great review. I enjoy your style of presenting the information.

 

The price sounded particularly good.

 

I recently bought a FC Loom with an <EF> nib. It writes VERY smoothly and for $35.00 including a converter and shipping I am very happy.

 

Again, thank you for the review.

 

Thank you so much, brgmarketing! I felt quite lucky with the price myself

My experience with Faber-Castell FPs is exceptionally good. Very smooth out of the box (do not have an EF though, can you share a writing sample of the EF nib?)

35 USD is a great price for loom with a converter + ship. Does the loom take the FCD converter (same as ambition) ?

 

Best,

Sonik

[sannidh]

I believe Graf von Faber Castell Intuition fountain pens about as close to a perfect design as possible and the company in general the best of the German fountain pen makers. One of mine is also a Terracotta.

I could not agree more on this

Checked your post just now. A wonderful collection indeed!

 

Best,

Sonik

[jar]

I could not agree more on this

Checked your post just now. A wonderful collection indeed!

 

Best,

Sonik

 

Thanks. There have been a few more that did not make it into that review, a Classic Ebony Anello, an Intuition Platino Prenambuco and an Intuition Platino Black.

 

The nibs on the Platino Intuitions as well as the bodies are considerably wider than on the standard Intuitions.

 

http://www.fototime.com/09EBE18E95219D2/large.jpg

[sannidh]

 

Thanks. There have been a few more that did not make it into that review, a Classic Ebony Anello, an Intuition Platino Prenambuco and an Intuition Platino Black.

 

The nibs on the Platino Intuitions as well as the bodies are considerably wider than on the standard Intuitions.

 

http://www.fototime.com/09EBE18E95219D2/large.jpg

I see. Do the GvFC limited editions carry the same nib as the platino?

Love the looks of this wooden pernambuco

[jar]

I think that depends on the specific model. Graf von Faber Castell really does pay attention to details and so the nib is whichever size or style is appropriate for a specific model.

[sannidh]

I think that depends on the specific model. Graf von Faber Castell really does pay attention to details and so the nib is whichever size or style is appropriate for a specific model.

 

I do agree..I guess it was Elemento which had a nib similar to the platino. (Not very sure of its size though)

[FountainPages]

Anyone have trouble with the feed not keeping up with your writing and going dry? Both my Intuitions do this,

any remedy? I have flushed both several times, that does not help. BTW...very nice collections both Jar and Soniknitr!

Edited March 7, 2015 by FountainPages

[jar]

Anyone have trouble with the feed not keeping up with your writing and going dry? Both my Intuitions do this,

any remedy? I have flushed both several times, that does not help. BTW...very nice collections both Jar and Soniknitr!

 

Nope. Tell us more.

 

Does it go dry while you are writing, after sitting over night, when writing quickly?

 

What ink are you using?

 

What nib does it have?

[sannidh]

Anyone have trouble with the feed not keeping up with your writing and going dry? Both my Intuitions do this,

any remedy? I have flushed both several times, that does not help. BTW...very nice collections both Jar and Soniknitr!

 

I guess Jar would be the best person to advise on this.

And Faber Castell does have an excellent customer service.

 

Just to add my experience with Faber Castell pens, I never had a dry feed problem while writing with these. The dry inks of mine are limited to pelikan black/blue and nibs are F or M sized.

 

Best,

Sonik

[FountainPages]

Both have 18K two tone in what appears to be size 5. Ink is Noodler's Bad Belted Kingfisher in one and Bad Blue Heron in the other. One is Fine the other EF.

They both write extremely wet at first then go dry rather abruptly. The EF is now at Pendleton Brown's for adjustment.

The Pen Company in UK has several reviews stating quite a few Intuitions do the same. Thanks for help!

 

Ed

 

BTW, they almost never start hard, but dry up when writing letters or journaling.

Edited March 8, 2015 by FountainPages

[jar]

Both have 18K two tone in what appears to be size 5. Ink is Noodler'e Bad Belted Kingfisher in one and Bad Blue Heron in the other. One is Fine the other EF.

They both write extremely wet at first then go dry rather abruptly. The EF is now at Pendleton Brown's for adjustment.

The Pen Company in UK has several reviews stating quite a few Intuitions do the same. Thanks for help!

 

Ed

 

BTW, they almost never start hard, but dry up when writing letters or journaling.

 

Okay. That's an easy one to test. Switch to cartridge and see if the problem doesn't go away. Once it does I can probably explain a way to make even Noodler's inks work.

[FountainPages]

Thanks Jar, I'll get back to you when I round up some carts. That said, I've not had problem in any of my other converter pens just the two GvFC's.

Edited March 8, 2015 by FountainPages

[jar]

Thanks Jar, I'll get back to you when I round up some carts. That said, I've not had problem in any of my other converter pens just the two GvFC's.

 

We'll look into that issue after this test. Most any international standard cartridge will do for the test.

[jmccarty3]

Does anyone know why GvFC stopped making the Intuition Platino Wood in Pernambuco? Not that the Grenadilla and Ebony finishes are unattractive, but I was hoping to find one in Pernambuco (Sherlock Holmes fans will understand). I thought I had located one in Canada, but it turned out to have some obvious darkening of the wood not covered by the cap, so I passed it by in spite of the low price. The odd thing is that GvFC still offers the Classic in Pernambuco.

[jar]

Does anyone know why GvFC stopped making the Intuition Platino Wood in Pernambuco? Not that the Grenadilla and Ebony finishes are unattractive, but I was hoping to find one in Pernambuco (Sherlock Holmes fans will understand). I thought I had located one in Canada, but it turned out to have some obvious darkening of the wood not covered by the cap, so I passed it by in spite of the low price. The odd thing is that GvFC still offers the Classic in Pernambuco.

 

Likely simply the fact that Pernambuco is an endangered wood and sale and shipping is severely restricted. As the existing stock runs down I expect to see the Classic missing as well.

[jmccarty3]

Ah, that would explain it. I imagine that not many of the Intuitions were made with it. I bought my son one of the Classics when he graduated from college.

[sannidh]

 

Likely simply the fact that Pernambuco is an endangered wood and sale and shipping is severely restricted. As the existing stock runs down I expect to see the Classic missing as well.

Jar, wonder whether the pernambucos have a lighter lacquer coat compared to your other GvFC wooden pens? (is the feel different)

Edited March 9, 2015 by soniknitr