Kaweco Al Sport Vs. Kaweco Brass Sport - Long Term Durability

[kyle5598]

Hello, FPN! First time posting

 

I've been coveting the metal Kaweco Sport line for a while now, and plan on purchasing one soon, but didn't realize how hard the decision would be!! At first I knew I wanted the Raw Al, then the Blue (non-stonewashed), now I think I want the Brass, ahh!

 

My main criterion for whatever my ultimate choice comes down to the long term durability of the pen (like 10+ years kind of durability).

 

I thought I had made up my mind on the Al version, but then came across this thread

 

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/293656-unable-to-open-kaweco-aluminum-sport-fountain-pen/

 

I want this pen to last a long, long time. I love the idea of carrying it around with me everywhere and developing the patina, and scratches, etc. So, back to my original question: which version (besides the plastic Sport) do you think offers the longest operating life? I understand the Brass sport has some type of plastic in the cap to help with posting, is it possible that could wear away over time, does the Al not have that?

 

Thank you for any help with this decision, and if anyone has any photos of their well-used Sports, I'd love to see them!!

 

Kyle

[JulesSilvan]

I've had this Al-Sport (non-stonewashed, that's all natural patina) a while now - at least over a year and it never fails to write. Not sure if it has a plastic insert in the cap but then I've never looked, it doesn't have a problem posting though. The only other thing I would add is that I would avoid dryer inks as my experience is that Kaweco tend to be a bit on the dry side but other than that they do their job well.

 

[Ted A]

I would think, as a guess, that the problem of the 2 parts getting stuck would be relatively uncommon. The pens have been around for a long time and it seems to be unusual. I've had one of the aluminum pens for a couple of years and haven't had an issue. I fiddle with things. So I will unscrew the barrel probably at least once a day just fiddling around. I also refill cartridges. It's easy and fast. You might consider silicone grease and greasing up the threads periodically. I don't know whether that would work, but it seems like it might help.

 

Personally, the thread you linked would not dissuade from another.

[Goudy]

Here's my AL Sport (raw), which is about 2 years old, and my brass Sport, which is about 1 year old:

 

http://i.imgur.com/T26UWYR.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/boq2UXq.jpg

 

The AL Sport has picked up a lot of microscratches from being carried around in my pocket. The Brass Sport has acquired a fair bit of patina, mainly on the cap, just from sitting around on my desk and being used occasionally. I prefer the way that the AL Sport is ageing. I also prefer the weight of it - the brass version feels a bit too heavy, and also leaves that characteristic brass odour on my fingers.

 

After reading that post about thread galling last year, I put some silicone grease on the section thread of the AL Sport. I've never had any issues with it. It unscrews smoothly and posts well, too.

 

Both pens are about the toughest writing tools I own. The nibs are satisfactory if unexciting (and easy and cheap to replace).

I understand the Brass sport has some type of plastic in the cap to help with posting, is it possible that could wear away over time, does the Al not have that?

 

As far as I can see, the caps are the same design internally, with what appears to be some plastic lining inside to assist posting.

Edited April 25, 2016 by Goudy

[pbhat]

The Brass sport is very well engineered and manufactured and will definitely going to last for a long time and can take some amount of rough handling as well. Eventhough it is heavy when capped it is well balanced and you get a feel of quality in your hand and the Fine steel nib is pretty good.

pbhat

[Ink Stained Wretch]

I want this pen to last a long, long time. I love the idea of carrying it around with me everywhere and developing the patina, and scratches, etc. So, back to my original question: which version (besides the plastic Sport) do you think offers the longest operating life?

 

For longevity I'd go with the brass version. And .

[kyle5598]

Thanks for all the replies, everyone!!

 

I've been waiting for the AL sport and Brass sport to come back on massdrop (I am just a poor graduate student after all hahaha)

 

So in the meantime, I went ahead a bought myself a Skyline Sport in gray, medium nib

 

It's supposed to arrive sometime next week! I'll be sure to post some pictures and my thoughts on the pen!

[RMN]

I don't know how the cap innards are. Does the body, which has metal threads screw into metal threads or into a plastic inner cap.

 

I can't see in my AL sport. IF it is AL on AL then in the long run the aluminium could oxidise. I had an old pen which had an Al pumpsystem which was oxidised after many many years of non-use.

 

However, if you regularly unscrew the pen that won't happen.

 

Advise is to dry your pen well after flushing it out.

 

 

D.ick

[FOUR X FOUR]

Kyle, I wouldn't make a choice based on which pen has the best longevity, as both pens will out last you. In this case, I'd go for looks

[aeba]

I don't know how the cap innards are. Does the body, which has metal threads screw into metal threads or into a plastic inner cap.

 

I can't see in my AL sport. IF it is AL on AL then in the long run the aluminium could oxidise. I had an old pen which had an Al pumpsystem which was oxidised after many many years of non-use.

 

However, if you regularly unscrew the pen that won't happen.

 

Advise is to dry your pen well after flushing it out.

 

 

D.ick

The threads are metal on metal. I don't know if Al sport uses the plastic inner cap for posting or (and?) threads in the cap. Classic uses only the threads, but seems to cap shallower than Al.

 

It's nice touch that one can use a Classic cap on Al and vice versa. However neither posts securely, so there is some differences in the pens.

[rickygene]

Well. I've had my first fountain pen, a brass Sheaffer Targa since 1989 and it is just starting to age nicely! In my opinion you shouldn't have any problems with the Kaweco for a long time.