Franklin-Christoph - But Which One?

[hologram]

Having thinned my collection with some selling on eBay I am now able to purchase a long awaited Franklin-Christoph pen.

There's plenty of information on their web site but the breadth of the range and subtle differences between the various pens mean it's hard to get a handle on which one would suit.

I'm based in Australia, so going to a Pen show and trying one before buying isn't an option.

 

My pen preferences are for pens weighing 17g to 24g, not too long (a posted Lamy Al-Star is too long for me) and for F to M nibs, including stubs. Think vintage Pelikan 140/400nn or modern Pelikan 200/400.

 

Interested in any pros and cons of these pens and suggestions as to which ones might fit the bill. Any opinions gratefully received .

Edited February 15, 2020 by hologram

[WLSpec]

I like my model 20, I recommend it. My only FC and a recent purchase

[Driften]

I've owned quite a few F-C's and currently own six different models. Most all of them are in your weight range. For the size I would suggest looking at the Model 20 and 45L both are C/C. If you don't mind cartridge or eyedropper only then the the 20p or 45XLV would also work. I think I would suggest the 20 as your first one. It is more of the length of a Pelikan m600 though. For the same pen in something shorter is the pocket 20 (p20) but it's too short for a converter.

[hologram]

Thanks all for your advice.

Sounds like the model 20 is the best option.

 

Now to choose a colour and nib

[hh1990]

If it sounds like something you might enjoy, I would recommend ordering an SIG nib as well.

[sansenri]

there are a few threads on FC which you might search.

I'm happy with the 20 Marietta too, the pen has no threads (the reason why I like it), the cap is friction fit and works well

 

[MGHamlin]

As a data point, I have the Model 20p and find that it is too small for me to write with unposted. I really like the way it feels in my hand, it writes wonderfully, and I like the friction fit cap which makes capping and uncapping during quick notes a breeze. Unfortunately, the convenience of the capping mechanism is offset by the need to post and unpost to use it (for my hand).

 

Definitely not a flaw in the pen! It's a pocket pen, so it's expected to be short. This one is just a touch too short for my hand, that's all. It's something I would have identified had I held one in person before purchasing, but live and learn.

 

For reference, I find a TWSBI VAC mini to be about as small as I can go unposted at about 4.5 inches. The 20p measures 4.19 inches (4 3/16) unposted.

 

I expect I will probably sell the 20p for the reasons above, but I will be using the proceeds to fund a full size 20. Great pen!

Edited February 17, 2020 by MGHamlin

[Driften]

The 20p (105mm) is shorter than a vintage Pelikan 400 (121mm) and a 20 (127mm) is longer. I expect if you can handle a Pelikan 400/m200 unposted you can do fine with the 20p. If you normally post, the 20p is 132mm posted vs 146mm of the Pelikan. I like using my Model 20 unposted.

[gerigo]

Wow, what a difficult question to answer. For me I find that FC pens can't be described simply by physical assets and nib size. I find the design of the pens, and the material they are made of has a direct affect on how I feel about the pen as well. I found their designs from maybe 5 years ago more appealing than the current designs they have. One of my favorite designs is the 25, which is a pen that's no longer as easily available. The other pen I really like is the 20 made for Wonderpens. The combination of the translucent material together with the shape of the pen really appeals to me. Currently I find their designs to be a little too simplistic for me.