Asa Azzadi: Review Of A Sheer Beauty

[Sagarb]

Introduction:

I never thought about making a review of this pen because my fellow FPN member Prithwijit Chaki (who had also designed this pen) already had reviewed it.

Since I missed the group buy I made a request to Mr.Subramaniam of 'Asa Pens' to make an Azzadi for me once he gets free from Nauka rush. I received this pen few days earlier from Subbu and let it be un-inked because I had already around 6/7 pen filled with ink. I had nothing to do but bringing it out from the velvet pouch (which ASA provides with every pen) and admire its beauty at least once or twice a day…it has been going till I get prepared to ink it up. One thing I realized then that this Puja is going to be very special because of Azzadi.

And at last the long awaited day came, I inked it up and then..

WOW MAN...WHAT A PEN... WHAT A PEN IT IS!!!!

Appearance & Design (5/5):

Capped, uncapped and posted

The design is classic. I specially would like to thank Prithwijit for making this incredible design and thanks to Subbu for an outstanding execution of it. The design is inspired from Conway Stewart Churchill model. The concentric circles on the cap finial and the straight shape of the cap of Azzadi are identical to Churchill as well. Only the difference here is the material.

Cap view from different angle

The cap finial, section and the barrel-end, here in case of Azzadi have been introduced with ebonite (hard rubber) which is in my opinion very unique.It opens up only in 4 turns.The gold plated clip is ball end designed which doesn’t look very impressive to me as such. A roller ball end clip would have done proper justice to this gem.A tapering is there in the barrel and the top and bottom end are flat.

The body of the barrel and the cap are polished smooth and shiny.

Section,barrel end and engraving

The entire pen was designed to be regular size so we can use it as our EDC (everyday carry pen).The acrylic blanks which are used here are very shiny and smooth.'Asa Azzadi' is nicely imprinted on just below 5/6mm gap of the cap lip.

Construction & Quality (5/5):

Azzadi is a very robust, well-constructed and a premium quality pen. The long section design is same as Asa I Can( which is one of my favorite pen) and so comfortable to grip it. I always prefer ebonite pens because it feels very soothing in fingers than other materials do. I am very happy that Prithwi for introducing ebonite in case of the section. It feels so comfortable to write with made the pen more sturdy and strong.

Weight & Dimensions (5/5):

Size camparison

Azzadi is superbly built and well-engineered. Its light weight and outstanding balance made it unputdownable to me ever since I am using it. Its size is very appropriate for any hand I suppose.

It is very well balanced pen. Prithwi wrote in his review that-“But nothing beats the feeling in hand once you start writing with it and realize the comfortable”...I am totally agreed with him. There is no way to contradict him.

Dimensions

ts long section and medium sized diameter makes the writing experience so pleasant .The pen is perfect for tireless, long writing and suitable for every size of hand.

 

Nib & Performance (4/5):

There are two nib options- Schmidt (Model FH 452) nib in F/M/B or Jowo/WIN nib (Model 12-56) in EF/F/M/B/1.1/1.5 tip options. Since it has no eye-dropper version no Indian made nib be introduced.

Nib & feed

I have taken Schmidt (Model FH 452) in ‘M’ grade. It floats like a butterfly and stings like a butterfly (not bee) as well on any kind of paper. It started writing as soon as it was filled up with ink and no burping issues are found. Ink flow is superb. The plastic feed works really good.

Writing sample

Filling System & Maintenance (5/5):

Azzadi comes with is c/c filling mechanism, any international cartridge can be fit in. My azzadi is fitted with Schmidt converter. It is very easy to wash out for cleaning and easy to maintain.

Filling mechanism

It may be used as an eyedropper by applying some silicone grease on the section threads, but IMHO it is better not to use it so. If some aggressive ink is filled, it may leave some bad stains inside the barrel wall and harm its sheer beauty.

Cost & Value (4/5):

Azzadi is a VFM pen. I got it in INR 2400/-.When I compared this price with other ASA products; it was a bit expensive for me. But after using it I have realized its true value. I am very happy that I have owned it. The pen represents great value and justice to this price I think. Now I am getting ready to take another Azzadi in different colour and nib unit.

Conclusion:

I was supposed to post this review during the Durga Puja ( the biggest festival in Bengal). I picked up shiuli flowers from my neighbor's house to make this photo session. The shiuli flower signals the arrival of Durga Puja or Sharadotsava. Yesterday was the last day of Durga puja which is known as 'Vijayadashami' in Bengal and 'Dussehra' in some other states.. In Hindu mythology the day marks the victory of Durga over the demon Mahishasura or victory of good over evil.

So guys, enjoy the review. May Goddess Durga bless you all and may give you every success in your life ahead.

 

Happy Vijaya Dashami and Happy Dussehra.

Edited October 12, 2016 by Sagarb

[dinuraj]

Nice review and awesome pictures.

[T4TEXAS]

Thanks for the review. A beautiful pen. Next on my list.

[gopool]

Great review. Thanks for sharing.

[Sagarb]

Nice review and awesome pictures.

[Sagarb]

Thanks Dinu..

[Sagarb]

Thanks for the review. A beautiful pen. Next on my list.

[Sagarb]

Nice review and awesome pictures.

thanks dinu..

[Sagarb]

Thanks for the review. A beautiful pen. Next on my list.

thanks very much..

 

Great review. Thanks for sharing.

thank you gopool.

Edited October 12, 2016 by Sagarb

[inkstainedruth]

Thanks for the review. That's a beautiful pen. I don't like a lot of acrylic blanks but that one is quite lovely.

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

[rwilsonedn]

Congratulations on acquiring a beautiful pen, and thank you very much for the detailed review and kind thoughts!

ron

[amk]

Nice review and lovely pictures, particularly with the flowers which really set off the dazzling blue acrylic.

[bobje]

Sagar,

Am in full agreement with you on the Azzadi design. Thankful to Prithwijit and Subbu for making the design happen. Love the shiuli flowers in your photographs, and your handwriting is simultaneously fluid and elegant. Great review.

[Sagarb]

Thanks for the review. That's a beautiful pen. I don't like a lot of acrylic blanks but that one is quite lovely.

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

thank you..

[Sagarb]

Congratulations on acquiring a beautiful pen, and thank you very much for the detailed review and kind thoughts!

ron

 

 

Nice review and lovely pictures, particularly with the flowers which really set off the dazzling blue acrylic.

thanks very much....

[Sagarb]

Sagar,

Am in full agreement with you on the Azzadi design. Thankful to Prithwijit and Subbu for making the design happen. Love the shiuli flowers in your photographs, and your handwriting is simultaneously fluid and elegant. Great review.

Thanks very much Bob..

[mehandiratta]

Thank you for the review... and beautiful pics...

I like the design...

 

I have few queries...

1. The bands used are made of what material ??
2. Has the color of bands faded over the period of usage??
3. And are the centre bands protruding out ??
4. Have u used this as an ED??

[Sagarb]

 

Thank you for the review... and beautiful pics...

I like the design...

 

I have few queries...

1. The bands used are made of what material ??
2. Has the color of bands faded over the period of usage??
3. And are the centre bands protruding out ??
4. Have u used this as an ED??

 

Thanks vaibhav for reading this review.

Answers to your queries:

1. Bands are plated steel but the clip is brass. I should have mentioned it.

2.Colors of the bands probably fade over time.

3.They aren't.

2.No, I didn't try. Probably can be used by putting some silicone grease. Though the section threads are not very deeply cut.

[Prithwijit]

Hi Sagar,

 

Thank you for sharing such an elegant review. Your photographic composition is outstanding and the expert play of light and shadows creates an ethereal visual experience. I thoroughly enjoy your photographic skills.

 

Lastly, a big thank you for your kind mention.

 

Regards,

 

Prithwijit

[Sagarb]

Hi Sagar,

 

Thank you for sharing such an elegant review. Your photographic composition is outstanding and the expert play of light and shadows creates an ethereal visual experience. I thoroughly enjoy your photographic skills.

 

Lastly, a big thank you for your kind mention.

 

Regards,

 

Prithwijit

Prithwi, I know how great and knowledgeable photographer you are, your compliments about my photography like blessings on me..thanks very much.

Without your initiation and creativity, we would have missed a great writer.

Edited October 14, 2016 by Sagarb