Franklin-Christoph Model 31

[dms525]

Franklin-Christoph Model 31 “IPO” through Massdrop

Franklin-Christoph released a new pen model last month via an “initial public offering” exclusive on Massdrop. (www.massdrop.com) I have several Franklin-Christoph pens and greatly admire their designs, quality of materials and stellar service. The new “Model 31” appeared to have many attractive elements, and the IPO price was attractively discounted, so I ordered one. I expect it will be made available on the Franklin-Christoph web site sometime soon.

I received the pen just a few days ago. I inked it immediately and have some initial impressions I will share with you.

The Massdrop information about the Model 31 included an interesting description of the design, presumably provided by Franklin-Christoph:

The Model 31 borrows elements from some of Franklin-Christoph’s past models, and adds a new pocket clip and a small air chamber that allows the nib to stay wet and ready to write. Its fluted section is reminiscent of the Model 40 Panther, the block threads resemble those on the Model 19, and the three cut grooves are similar to the two cut grooves on the Model 20. This new pen also has the precision posting of the Model 03, meaning that the interior of the cap has been shaped to fit with a half-inch of contact on the end of the barrel so that the posting is very secure.

Let’s start by simply stating the quality of materials, fit and finish of this pen is up to the high standard we expect from Franklin-Christoph. Design is another issue, addressed below.

My favorite F-C pen has been the Model 02. (I have four of them.) So, it is natural for me to compare the new Model 31 to the Model 02. They are very similar in length when capped, but the model 31 has a slightly thicker barrel without the tapered end that allows the Model 02 to post deeply. So, the Model 02 is much shorter than the Model 31 when they are posted. The Model 31 does post securely, but the balance is top heavy. I would never use it posted. The Model 02 has essentially identical balance posted or un-posted, which I like a lot. The clip on the Model 31 is Franklin-Christoph’s newer design. It’s okay, but I don’t particularly prefer it over the older clip.

The model 31 uses the standard F-C assortment of #6 JoWo nibs. I ordered mine with a 1.1 mm italic. It writes a smooth yet crisp line. What is special about it is that it is inset like the nib of the Model 20. I am neutral on this feature. However, the placement and prominence of the threads on the section are a bit uncomfortable for me. They are not intolerable, just a little irritating. This is not an issue with my Model 20 or Model 02’s.

 

Overall, I like this pen. It is a good size and shape for me. The section threads - Well, they are tolerable. It won’t displace the Franklin-Christoph Model 02 in my affections. I regard that model as a work of design genius.

David

[KKay]

Great review, thank you!

[benbot517]

Thanks for the review! I like how much your pictures show the color when it's in the light.

Mine arrived a few days ago, and I eyedropper filled it with Pelikan Edelstein Amethyst. I've been enjoying it greatly. Mine has a broad nib that is nicely smooth and pretty wet. I don't regret the purchase, and was glad I could get in on the drop!

Edited November 20, 2016 by benbot517

[dms525]

Thanks for the review! I like how much your pictures show the color when it's in the light.

Mine arrived a few days ago, and I eyedropper filled it with Pelikan Edelstein Amethyst. I've been enjoying it greatly. Mine has a broad nib that is nicely smooth and pretty wet. I don't regret the purchase, and was glad I could get in on the drop!

FC31.jpg

 

You have probably noticed how the lilac color shows only in natural daylight. Because of that, I took the photos out of doors. The color showed, even though the pen was in full shade on a patio table.

 

Interesting material.

 

Edelstein Amethyst is a lovely match. In fact, that's the ink I first loaded in my Italian Ice Model 02.

 

Congratulations to us both!

 

David

[benbot517]

 

You have probably noticed how the lilac color shows only in natural daylight. Because of that, I took the photos out of doors. The color showed, even though the pen was in full shade on a patio table.

 

Interesting material.

 

Edelstein Amethyst is a lovely match. In fact, that's the ink I first loaded in my Italian Ice Model 02.

 

Congratulations to us both!

 

David

 

It is a lovely material for sure. The color change is fascinating to watch. This was my first Franklin Christoph, but I'm impressed with it, and doubt it will be my last!

[GardenWeasel]

Great review! Love the pics! Interesting of the nib being set in like the #20 too.

[Leighmac]

Very nice review David. I also took the plunge and recently received my Model 31 in Coco Pearl with a broad nib.

I've attached a few photos.

[KKay]

That is a great looking pen!

[anaximander]

Can't say I'm a fan of the newer clip design. When I first looked at it, I thought the clip had been damaged somehow. It looks "smooshed."

[benbot517]

 

Very nice review David. I also took the plunge and recently received my Model 31 in Coco Pearl with a broad nib.

I've attached a few photos.

 

 

That finish is also very nice! Lovely pictures!

[TMLee]

Thanks for the review.

 

Is there a reason why the nib is set like that ?

 

It looks kinda odd.

[dms525]

Thanks for the review.

 

Is there a reason why the nib is set like that ?

 

It looks kinda odd.

 

 

I'm sure there is some design/engineering rationale for the inset nib. I could only speculate. I'm not sure I would notice it, if I didn't know it was there.

 

Maybe I will ask F-C for the reason. If so, I'll let you know what I learn.

 

David

[PAKMAN]

Interesting, I will have to check one of these out in person at the next pen show!

[FranklinChristoph]

Thanks for the review.

 

Is there a reason why the nib is set like that ?

 

It looks kinda odd.

 

Hi TM - there are a couple reasons for the inset nib. One is purely aesthetic of course. But there are two functional reasons. One is that it allows for a longer section without lengthening the cap. The second is that the pen actually seats at the end of the section, instead of on a barrel shelf. What I mean by this is that you will see a shelf inside the cap and the end of the section seats against it. (if you don't seat the pen to the cap, you will constantly wedge the threads making it hard to unscrew). Most designs will seat the bottom of the cap against a shelf in the barrel, or at the start of the barrel just above the section. See our Model 03 for an example of this. In the 31, we can have the interior of the threads at the normal place, and the shelf just above them, without having a cap that's too long because we recess the nib inside the fluted section.

 

So by seating at the end of the section, we can use our block threads at the traditional spot where the barrel meats the section, without having to build up a shelf there, which can also cause discomfort depending on how someone holds the pen. We first did this on the latest version of the 40 Panther and applied it to the 31.

Seating at the end of the section also allows for a smaller air chamber, just as when we place the threads at the end of the section. So this pen will be less prone to dry out just as those are.

 

Hope this helps explain the design feature. The Model 31 in a couple of variations will be available in a couple weeks on our site, and there will be another Massdrop of these two colors in Jan or Feb if you want to wait for those.

 

Thanks -

Scott F.

[dms525]

Thanks for the information, Scott! I greatly admire the thoughtfulness your designs reflect.

 

David

[TMLee]

Hi TM - there are a couple reasons for the inset nib. One is purely aesthetic of course. But there are two functional reasons. One is that it allows for a longer section without lengthening the cap. The second is that the pen actually seats at the end of the section, instead of on a barrel shelf. What I mean by this is that you will see a shelf inside the cap and the end of the section seats against it. (if you don't seat the pen to the cap, you will constantly wedge the threads making it hard to unscrew). Most designs will seat the bottom of the cap against a shelf in the barrel, or at the start of the barrel just above the section. See our Model 03 for an example of this. In the 31, we can have the interior of the threads at the normal place, and the shelf just above them, without having a cap that's too long because we recess the nib inside the fluted section.

 

So by seating at the end of the section, we can use our block threads at the traditional spot where the barrel meats the section, without having to build up a shelf there, which can also cause discomfort depending on how someone holds the pen. We first did this on the latest version of the 40 Panther and applied it to the 31.

 

Seating at the end of the section also allows for a smaller air chamber, just as when we place the threads at the end of the section. So this pen will be less prone to dry out just as those are.

Hope this helps explain the design feature. The Model 31 in a couple of variations will be available in a couple weeks on our site, and there will be another Massdrop of these two colors in Jan or Feb if you want to wait for those.

Thanks -

 

Scott F.

 

 

Thank you so much for your detailed reply.

 

Very much appreciated.

 

Indeed , helps me appreciate the design considerations that go into the finished product.

These are not readily apparent.

 

I like the idea of the cap seal, making the air chamber in there as small as possible, reducing ink dryouts. I find dried inks a common nuisance, at least in the FPs that I own.

 

I also appreciate That this seating position also directly does away with the shoulder between barrel and section.

I do notice this in some of my pens , but now I understand why

 

But the way the nib sits in its section looks a little odd .

It looks half hidden or pushed in too deeply.

I am just wondering , can the nib be exposed ?

Like as in , cut a vee in the section to display more of the nib?

Just wondering aloud,

I am no pen designer

 

BTW , I just ordered a Model 02 on Friday, before seeing this thread.

(Model 31 is not on your website yet )

 

You made a good business decision in offering Masuyama's work

A well shaped nib is everything in a pen.

 

 

[MLJinAK]

I just love that cocoa pearl... Have a 45 XLV in that color, it's stunning. I'm signing up for Massdrop today so I'm alerted. Not a fan of the black barrel and the one colored piece.

 

Thanks for chiming in too, Scott! Always good to see manufacturers taking part in the discussions.

Edited December 19, 2016 by MLJinAK

[IndigoBOB]

I recently received my Omnis #31, put it through my rigorous trials, and I must say this is one great pen!

 

This is the pen I've been looking for. This is recognizably a perfected design. I think the section is perfect in every way. I love the fluted design and how easy it is to hold at different points along its length. I even like how the threads create a nicely added grip if held higher where the fluting angle requires it. I love how the shelf is mild and set back from those threads allowing for higher grip without forcing an angling of the fingers. The Barrel is a healthy size but not too thick or long to provide an excellent balance along the weight of the pen allowing gravity to gently wedge the fluted section into your grasp so that it feels like the pen holds you rather than you holding the pen.

 

I do like the recessed nib, didn't think I would, especially because it does work very well with the section's grip shape and where the pen would be handled, but also allowing for a shorter cap that provides a well balanced appearance for the pen when capped, but also when open. And I am very glad a #6 nib was used and not a smaller one!

 

I think this is a very beautiful and artful balance of aesthetics and functionality that I have to applaud Franklin-Christoph for. You guys really did pull out all the stops taking previously successful characteristics from different previous models and integrating them seamlessly into a beautiful writing instrument.

 

Oh yah... and the Masuyama Medium stub isn't half bad either .

Edited September 23, 2017 by IndigoBOB