Purple Safari In 2016... Finally

[AlanO]

Well, it turns out I was wrong about the ink in the cartridge. Sigh. It's blue. It does seem to be well behaved an ink, but it's sort of, well, boring. A nice color, a little bit of shading, some water resistance, but no oomph to it. No je ne said quoi (well, Safaris were designed to be school pens, I guess, so it's a probably ink good for that purpose; either that or I've been spoiled by really glamorous inks...).

 

That's pretty much my thought about the Lamy blue cartridges too (I have a few as I got one with each of my Safaris, including with my Dark Lilac pen). I keep a Safari loaded with one and carry it and a spare cartridge in my coat pocket, which is purely a practical way of always being able to write when I'm out and about - but all of the blues I use at home are nicer than the Lamy blue in various ways.

 

Alan

[a m a r g o]

I was excited about this special edition since I love the black clips and nibs of the Safaris of old, but finally could see one in a shop and was a bit disappointed with the hue of the purple and the plastic, I felt some brittleness into it. I do not know if Lamy uses a different plastic in its charcoal version and the previous textured safaris, but felt different...

 

It wasn't for me, but fortunately they're again open to new editions of the Safari with black garments and textured plastic.

 

Let's see what the future brings!

[AlanO]

I just received a black EF Lamy nib (The dark lilac/black combination is so nice I couldn't spoil it with a shiny silver nib). It seems just about perfect for me with the Dark Lilac ink, and ideally suited to its wetness - I love the combination.

 

Alan

[shuuemura]

I was excited about this special edition since I love the black clips and nibs of the Safaris of old, but finally could see one in a shop and was a bit disappointed with the hue of the purple and the plastic, I felt some brittleness into it. I do not know if Lamy uses a different plastic in its charcoal version and the previous textured safaris, but felt different...

 

It wasn't for me, but fortunately they're again open to new editions of the Safari with black garments and textured plastic.

 

Let's see what the future brings!

 

 

I felt exactly you described when I first handled the shiny Safari pens, after having had my Charcoal version for a while. I thought that the shiny finish felt cheap and scratched too easily. Guess it's first impressions that count!

Edited May 4, 2016 by shuuemura

[snowbear]

It has arrived at the local post office, so I guess it will be at the door when I get home this evening.

[a m a r g o]

 

 

I felt exactly you described when I first handled the shiny Safari pens, after having had my Charcoal version for a while. I thought that the shiny finish felt cheap and scratched too easily. Guess it's first impressions that count!

 

Indeed...

 

I think they used the same plastic as the shinny Safaris and sand blasted the pen or something.

[snowbear]

[ShinjAngel]

I literally just got mine before lunch at work on Friday afternoon I'm so excited that I made my first post here since I started lurking this is the perfect start to the weekend from a bad week *breathless*

 

Hi FPN *breathes*

 

Got the converter + bottle as well. I'm going to open it at lunch and have some fun *giggles*

 

edit: black EF nib and I have ink all over my fingers because I've never used a converter before (used to use cartridges). I'm surprised it dries a little gold on my fingers... but I love this dark purple colour. Just what I was looking for (was considering J Herbin before).

Edited May 6, 2016 by ShinjAngel

[AndreZA]

Yesterday was the longest day ever. Pen was delivered to my office but I was at home sick. I think the thought of it made me get better faster.

 

Hardly in the office and package was open before computer were switched on. I only got the cartridges because the bottles are not available in South Africa yet. Not bothered to clean the pen first. Pen open en popped a cartridge in. Two light squeezes and pen works beautifully. I got it with the broad nib and it makes a nice solid purple stroke. Very happy with pen and ink.

 

The sticker stuck on the lid has the date 160407. Does that mean it was manufactured on the 7th of April? That is pretty close then to delivery date.

Edited May 6, 2016 by AndreZA

[fountainpenlady]

 

 

Isn't Goulet Pen the nicest? Even though I am not a fan of tootsie pops, I end up sucking on it and enjoying it anyway. The bookmark finds a book and the business card marks a place in another book. Believe every pen or nib received is checked since I have yet to get one which is not smooth to write with and this Lamy Purple Safari is no different.

[snowbear]

Yes - I wish they had an actual store; they are only a couple hours from away.

[fountainpenlady]

Yes - I wish they had an actual store; they are only a couple hours from away.

I live in North Carolina so they are a few hours away. I am glad they are kind of close, because when I order from them it does not take long. I think if they had an actual store, I would probably be headed their way far too often. I have a 4 cylinder, gas is relatively cheap, a great GPS and too much time on my hands. Probably, they would eventually have to hire me. It would not be cost effective for either one of us in the end as a passionate pen, ink, paper lover.

[Richard L]

I ordered my purple Safari from them last Thursday and received it two days later on Saturday. Even though they are not far from where I live, that's still impressively fast service.

[pen2paper]

Don't think I saw them mentioned, but I try to spread purchases through our many fine supporters.

This time Pen Chalet, very easy to work with, responsive help with ordering process, zippy quick service, free shipping at specified amount + watch for coupons.

No personal affiliation, just A+ experience. (Thanks!).

[Dillo]

 

1) Yes they are a light pen. You might want to look at the Al-Star's, the aluminium bodied version. Also, whoever does the anodising does a brilliant job. You have to see them in your hand. Photos don't do them justice. The Dark Plum is a beautiful pen.

 

http://www.lamy.com/produktdaten/content/e34/e38/e2605/LAMY_029_LAMY_AL-star_black_purple_FH_eng.png

 

2) Yes, the ink windows are real holes into the soul of the Safari/Vista/Al-Star.

 

 

The problems I've had with my black purple Al-Star have been all cap-related. For some reason, Lamy uses an exposed brass plug in the cap that corrodes if exposed to ink. I have covered mine in a cup-shaped wax plug to protect it from the ink. The other issue is that the clip on my pen is somewhat loose and moves in and out of the cap. This has worn through the anodising clean to the bare aluminium beneath in the two spots where the clip touches the cap. It is a rather vexing problem for a rather nice pen that I get many compliments for. I have otherwise been quite pleased with the looks of the pen, the colour of the anodising, the smoke coloured grip, and the ink window that allows me to see how much ink is left. I use mine with the Z28 (formerly Z24) converter and the top of the ink window lines up with the top of the converter ink reservoir. If I had to choose again though, I would probably pick up another Lamy Nexx (with the plastic caps/clips) or another Lamy ABC. I have two Lamy Nexx, one pink and one blue and two ABC, one 20 year-old red first-generation and one blue second generation. I haven't tried a Safari yet, but I'm thinking of getting the dark lilac Safari and letting go of this Al-Star which is a pity because the Al-Star in the black purple is really quite pretty.

 

Dillon

[carlos.q]

Using my Dark Lilac today:

 

[Misfit]

From bottom to top:

Pink Safari when a special edition, Dark Lilac with a 1.5mm nib, Neon Coral Safari

Edited May 13, 2016 by Misfit

[pen2paper]

Good News for those who've been unable to secure special edition bottled inks!

Quote from Lamy-Worldwide:

"As of 2017, the ink colours of our LAMY safari and LAMY AL-star special editions will be available in ink bottles in ALL markets worldwide – including Europe! Up to now, our European fans could only use the special edition ink in cartridge form.

This is now to change by popular request..."

[Misfit]

That's great news for Lamy fans. I never realized they did not offer the special edition bottled ink in Europe. I like the dark lilac ink, and feel lucky to have gotten a bottle.

[Flippy]

It probably won't happen but a matte purple LAMY with a black clip and black nib would be awesome

Well what do you know! You were right!!!