New Conklin Duragraph Merlot - $35 At Goulet Pens With Free Ink

[akrohn2010]

Just saw this on Goulet Pens' website:

 

They have a new version of the Duragraph, the "Merlot," which is a red/purple flecked design.

 

https://www.gouletpens.com/conklin-duragraph-fountain-pen-merlot-1.1mm-stub/p/CK71383

 

According to their blog post, it is exclusive to Goulet Pens. Right now they have the 1.1 stub and medium in stock, fine is currently not in stock, though they take #6 nibs so a swap would be easy.

 

They're offering the Merlot initially at $35 instead of the $52 the other Duragraphs go for on their site. Finally, they still have an outstanding promo for a free 90ml of Monteverde Ink with any Conklin, so that's a Duragraph w/converter and 90ml bottle of ink for $35.

 

I might have gotten lucky with mine since I hear QC isn't pristine at Conklin, but my green Duragraph with a 1.1 stub is one of my favorite pens and writes wonderfully. I considered it a deal at $50 -- $35 puts it squarely in "starter pen" territory, and I'd consider it superior to any of the other pens I've tried at that price.

 

For any interested - enjoy!

 

~AK

 

 

 

[RocketRyan]

Oh dear looks like i will be spending again.

[sketchstack]

Oh dear looks like i will be spending again.

 

Couldn't have said it better ...

[Intensity]

Hmm, both out of stock

[paperglo]

Unfortunately I missed out yesterday thinking that I would wait for the F nib. I received an email from Goulet shortly after saying there is an unexpected 'significant manufacturing delay' with Conklin's fine nib. I went on to grab a M nib, but it was sold out already.

 

The good news is that I received an email today notifying me that it's back in stock today with the medium nib: https://www.gouletpens.com/conklin-duragraph-fountain-pen-merlot-medium/p/CK71382

[paperglo]

Hmm, both out of stock

 

The M nib is in stock right now

[Intensity]

I got one Wanted Fine, but looks like Medium might be ok. All the ink colors I wanted were sold out. Their blog comment says Fine won't be available at all.

Edited December 8, 2017 by Intensity

[gryphon1911]

I got one of the amber duragraphs a while back and like it. Medium nib, a bit on the dry side...but writes well. The Merlot color scheme doesn't appeal to me, but for the $35 they are asking a good way to try out a Conklin if you ever wanted to do so.

[cubfanbob]

Medium is sold out again - with a note that they've sold the last of that nib size.

[Intensity]

I actually really like the "Merlot" acrylic. Another one I like is "Purple Nights". Not a fan of other Duragraph color options. Thanks to the OP for listing this deal.

[akrohn2010]

Just checked the blog again -- looks like Mediums are gone for good and Fines will not be coming in at all, but there's maybe one more chance to pick up a 1.1 stub if you're interested -- I'd sign up for email notifications if so. Remember it's a #6 nib so plenty of options to try a different nib if you like the acrylic/vintage style.

 

~AK

[KellyMcJ]

I ordered one, in medium. It's GORGEOUS pen, the Duragraph is an attractive design...it will be my first Conklin. I wasn't willing to pay full price for one but the sale was too much to resist.

[Honeybadgers]

Looks like they're only going to restock the stub. I'm going to be grabbing one if I can.

[paperglo]

I also actually like the Merlot color on this pen and can't wait to try it out. I've never used a Conklin before, so I guess the medium nib is as good a place as any to start- and worst case, a #6 nib is easy to get my hands on. I'm so glad I impulsively bought this when it came back in stock

[inkstainedruth]

Maybe it's good that it keeps going in and out of stock so quickly. I've blown my pen budget for the year, and then some.... And I won't have a budget anywhere near that next year.

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

[paperglo]

For anyone who doesn't like the merlot color, FPH has the blue on sale for $39. As of posting, there are 32 fountain pens left.

 

https://www.fountainpenhospital.com/?src=navhome

[Intensity]

Added my brief review of this pen here: https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/278338-review-conklin-duragraph-2014-version/?p=3965172

[Honeybadgers]

I tried to get one, but woke up literally 25 minutes too early, went to bed for another hour, woke up and they were sold out.

 

I consoled myself by buying a bexley from vanness.

[KellyMcJ]

Mine arrived yesterday. True to reputation....the nib had baby's bottom so bad I could almost see it without a loupe, but the pen is otherwise perfect and gorgeous. (At first I thought the baby's bottom wasn't going to be a big deal but once I ran through the excess ink that was in the feed, it very much was.)

 

I spent an hour or so getting the nib writing consistently, but now that I have, it's awesome. The medium writes more like a fine, in my opinion. The Sapphire ink that I chose is a beautiful but somber dark blue. Great for business I imagine.

 

So, I'm happy with the pen. I'd have been less happy if I had spent the usual asking price on it, but I knew Conklin had this reputation going in (and honestly thought I might swap the nib but it looks like I'm not going to have to.)

 

And, it's absolutely gorgeous. I love the flat-top design, and the color is stunning.

[akrohn2010]

I think I see a trend: seems like people have better luck with the stubs - most nib issues I hear about with Conklin seem to be with the F/M, while the stubs turn out better. Maybe the issue is with Conklins polishing of the tipping material on the non-stub nibs?

 

My theory will be tested whenever my 1.1 Merlot shows up in the mail...

Edited December 12, 2017 by AK-47