conid A Review of the Conid Minimalistica

[sannidh]

PRELUDE

 

An Intrigue with Scarcity Marketing

 

There are some days in life when scarcity marketing absolutely triumphs over our emotions, and this was one of those days where all my rationality seemed to take 'another' toss. As for me, with a career in quants & finance, I have a compulsive inclination to divide anything and everything by the number of users and then by 12 months to arrive at a per-user price metric. But pens, they're poetry to me, and they defy such quantification. I already own a Kingsize with a 14k nib, which I acquired precisely after a 9-month wait in 2020 — no joke. Yet, somehow, the allure of Conid's bulkfiller mechanism with titanium finials, coupled with the temptation of a #6 Ti nib, proved difficult to resist. Then, as fate would have it, the rather modest news section of Conid was updated with this new offering. And honestly, my belief that the Minimalistica surpasses the Regular model in terms of both weight balance and the comfort of its seemingly infinite curvature of the section is grounded in my own experience, as my relatively longer fingers find resting spots almost everywhere along its dimensions. May be more on that later. I acquired a Regular model (the last piece of the AntwerPPen edition) from the gracious Mr. Yves (of Penworld) during my recent visit to San Francisco this month.

 

PS. By the way, if you somehow you managed to overlook the purple rain KS, congratulations are in order because you've just dodged a whopping 1100 EUR bullet

 

 

If you like a pictorial blogger view, here is a link:

A Review of the Conid Minimalistica

 

 

PRESENTATION (6/6)

 

Love to the Cobox 

 

It seems pretty standard for Conid, and I love their engineered box. I would never toss this box into the bin; the first reason, of course, is the whopping price I paid for the pen, and the second reason is that the box is well-designed and pretty lightweight, given it’s made from aluminium sheet. The newer ones carry Penworld logo on the base.

I haven't tested their susceptibility to being malleable enough to be bent, but the anodisation does prevent it from getting scratched. Upon opening the box, you'll find a bulkfiller certificate embossed on a silver metal plate on the inside of the lid, along with an instruction manual, a nib testing certificate, and a few extra O-rings.

Inside the main compartment, you'll find the foam cut to specific compartments to house a disassembly wrench, an Allen key, and a slot to accommodate a spare nib unit.

I do have the tools that came with the Kingsize.

 

DESIGN (5/6)

 

Functionalism 

 

The Minimalistica, previously available in five main finishes, is now offered as a limited run product with the most common nib materials and widths (with a promise of permanent availability for select finishes). In fact, all Conid pens are now more or less limited runs. The finials and ends have been permutations of derlin, ebonite, and titanium. The one I acquired is labeled M-DCB-DB-TI, meaning Minimalistica - Demonstrator Conid Bulkfiller - Demonstrator Barrel - Titanium knobs. There's no "+" sign at the end, but I did opt for it with a clip. Here's a link to assist you when your brain gives out!

                To be frank, the pen's shape isn't particularly attractive. It's not one of those love-at-first-sight designs, like a Yukari Royale! It's simply a cylinder with tapered ends. However, the functional beauty of it becomes apparent when you actually hold the pen. Additionally, the derlin part of the cap in a demonstrator barrel makes it appear even less appealing when it's not filled with ink.

The beauty of the pen truly shines as you uncap it. However, this is where I encountered a learning curve. Here's where my -1 penalty for non-intuitive functionality design comes into play, with zero hints provided in the manual. The cap is secured to the barrel by an o-ring placed almost halfway along its length. Initially, I attempted to pull it off like a snap cap, only to find ink spilling onto the table, paper, or anything within nib's reach. It was later that I discovered the proper method of uncapping it, using a slight twist and pull technique similar to what Johan (JRO) demonstrates while changing the nib in this video. Mastering the uncapping process took some time. Additionally, the nib wasn't properly inserted into the housing at first, causing the pen to leak ink onto whatever surface it could find.

The cap is adorned with the iconic Conid hook emblem, a familiar sight on most Conid pens. Both the finial and the clip of this pen are crafted from titanium, boasting a finish that seems to match the grade 5 titanium used in the Apple Watch Ultra. While I can't confirm if Conid employs the exact same grade, it's certainly a strong possibility. As for the black derlin portion, well, it's not exactly my favorite, but I can tolerate it. Strangely enough, the black derlin adds a certain continuity to the cap, only to be disrupted by the transparent barrel, when un-inked. There's a sense of understated elegance rather than outright luster to the metal parts. Upon closer inspection, you'll notice the now infamous o-ring nestled inside, which secures the cap in place.

While searching for different grades of titanium, I stumbled upon some intriguing facts. Grade 5 titanium, also known as Ti-6Al-4V (which translates to 6% Aluminium & 4% Vanadium), is commonly used in implants to mimic bone-like structures. On the other hand, grade 9 titanium (Ti-3Al-2.5V) finds its home in applications requiring higher precision, including pacemakers.

 

 

FILLING & CLEANING SYSTEMS (6/6)

 

Bulkfiller breathes its magic, double reservoir maintains the flow

 

I believe this is where this pen sets itself apart. While there are certainly cheaper Chinese alternatives and a rather well-made upmarket Kyuseido Kakari that, I must admit, looks better than this Minimalistica with its #6 nib with variations of syringe-filling mechanisms. Personally, I find filling this pen to capacity quite satisfying, although it's more about contentment than any significant difference for me compared to the capacity of vacuum-filled pens like the Visconti Homo Sapiens or the Pilot Custom 823.

Once you unscrew the piston knob, it will initially open the seal of the secondary reservoir, designed for extended writing sessions. To fill ink, you pull out the piston rod (after unscrewing it) and engage the rod with the locking mechanism of the piston seal by further rotating it counter-clockwise. Once the piston seal is disengaged, the pen behaves like a syringe. First, you push it down to expel the air, and then draw ink into the barrel by submerging the nib in an ink bottle and pulling the piston seal up. Then, you lock the piston seal onto the end using the locking mechanism. Next, you rotate the piston rod clockwise to disengage it from the piston seal and push it down to seal the secondary reservoir. Johan's video does a much better job of explaining this process. It takes a few tries to get used to the filling system.

Furthermore, the double reservoir design functions exceptionally well. It endured four long-haul flights without a single drop of ink leaking from the nib. For comparison, an Asvine P36 equipped with a Sailor nib leaked a drop, perhaps two. By the way here is the patent application for Conid’s locking mechanism.

 

NIB - ALL THAT MATTERS (6/6)

 

A rather inconspicuous superhero

 

Bock Titan. I have one of the earlier models from Bock, initially fitted onto a TWSBI VAC700 and now onto a Leonardo Momento Zero Grande, utilizing the MZ’s ebonite feed. While the original titanium nib offers a pencil-like feedback (2B) and maintains a good flow, the Conid-tuned nib is more of a perfected art.

An understated, dull graphite-like luster defines the length of the nib. A series of expanding arcs enclose the brand name CONID, along with the nib size and material Ti, all laser-engraved on the nib.

Once you turn the nib, the first thing you'll notice is the feed, followed by the tip. The tip appears to have a sort of elongated stub grind (similar to a Lamy 2000), and I absolutely adore the way it writes. The Minimalistica comes with a medium nib, which writes narrower than a typical Western medium. It's slightly wider than a stock Bock titanium fine nib, and it's been perfect for my needs. Conid utilizes the stock ABS feed (unlike the custom ebonite feed made for the Kingsize), which seems to be quite well-made to sustain a wetter ink flow. Multiple fins ensure ample buffer capacity, and I haven't encountered any drying out issues thus far.

 

PHYSICS OF IT (6/6) – RELATIVELY SPEAKING

 

The Newtonian Laws

 

The overall capped length measures around 13.7 cm. The section boasts one of the most comfortable girths for grip in my collection. The diameter of the gripping section is approximately 1.1 cm, tapering to 1 cm towards the nib end. The titanium knob balances the inked weight of 32g quite nicely.

 

Below are the pictures along with a Pilot Bamboo (now destroyed Thanks to FedEx) for a comparative reference. 

Here go the dimensions.

• Uncapped Length ~ 12.6 cm
• Total Length ~ 13.7 cm

• Exposed Nib Leverage ~ 2.4 cm (PS. My toddler wanted his chopper to be in the frame)

The weight of the pen is comforting even without the cap.

• Overall Weight ~ 32.2 g (inked, without cap ~22.2)

 

 

ECONOMIC VALUE (4/6)

 

Poetry vs Cash

 

I paid the full MRP for this pen with the titanium nib option. Just for reference, I had previously purchased a brand new Visconti Homo Sapiens Florentine Hills at half the price, but that was quite some time ago. Considering a few observations I've made, I do feel this model should be available at a lower price point. For instance, the Kakari is available at more or less the same price. Additionally, the cap has a tendency to cause micro-scratches on the section, which I can observe under a loupe. Furthermore, the capping mechanism doesn't quite match up to the Lamy 2000, it’s neither quick nor efficient.

 

WRITING & FINAL COMMENTS (5.5/6)

 

Writes magnificently and Functionalism all along

 

The writing experience far surpasses the aesthetics of the pen itself. The nib features a stub-like grind and, coupled with the inherent springiness of titanium and commendable nib tuning, delivers an experience that one would want to revisit time and again. I don't use my Kingsize as much these days, even though it seems superior to the Minimalistica in terms of overall craftsmanship.

     This nib writes wet with no issues of drying out. The feedback, reminiscent of graphite, from a stock Bock titanium nib is somewhat subdued, though still noticeable with drier inks. With even moderate pressure, the nib flexes, opening up its tines and increasing ink flow. The variation is evident with moderate pressure levels, and the tactile sensation can be felt. However, it's worth noting that the theoretical elastic range for titanium nibs is less than that of a 14k/18k gold nib, so I handle it with care. On Endless Regalia 80 GSM paper, the drying time for lines with Iroshizuku Yama Budo ink is approximately 30-35 seconds. While I'm not particularly inclined towards flex writing, the nib does provide a pleasing line variation.

I've been using this Minimalistica continuously for around 9-10 months now, and it has become an essential part of my everyday carry, albeit with different nib variations. One of the most crucial aspects is the infinite section, which provides an incredibly comforting experience as you find your own spot on it. There are no obstacles to hinder you—no threads, no steps, no arches—just smooth, uninterrupted comfort. Here is the same pen with a stiffer 3776 medium nib.

Thank you for going through the review. 

You can find other pen and paraphernalia reviews here. 

  

REFERENCES

 

The Bulkfiller Mechanism

[mulrich]

Conid makes fantastic pens. The quality is noticeably better than other pens (probably not enough better to justify the price premium but prices raise very fast at the top end of the quality curve). I didn’t know about the purple rain before it sold out otherwise I’d have bought it in a heartbeat. 

[Muchacho]

  On 3/26/2024 at 3:02 AM, Mulrich said:

Conid makes fantastic pens. The quality is noticeably better than other pens (probably not enough better to justify the price premium but prices raise very fast at the top end of the quality curve). I didn’t know about the purple rain before it sold out otherwise I’d have bought it in a heartbeat. 

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Isn't the Sailor KOP in that same price range ? I also saw many other pens in that range. Nice aquisition by the way.

 

How did you fit a Sailor nib in a Asvine pen ?

[Paul-in-SF]

Whatever else I might have to say about the pen (nothing, really, I've never seen one in person nor tried one out), your review was a distinct and definite pleasure to read. Thank you. 

[senzen]

Thank you, nice review. I've spent all my time chasing pens around $100 but have no problem with this pen's price, as I've come to appreciate Fountainbel's efforts and contributions over time; and spent more than that last year, on 11 pens.

[sannidh]

  On 3/26/2024 at 3:02 AM, Mulrich said:

Conid makes fantastic pens. The quality is noticeably better than other pens (probably not enough better to justify the price premium but prices raise very fast at the top end of the quality curve). I didn’t know about the purple rain before it sold out otherwise I’d have bought it in a heartbeat. 

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To be honest, I can't disagree with you. If any stock of Purple Rain was available, I would have done the same. But the humor of my situation was overwhelming.

[sannidh]

  On 3/28/2024 at 3:34 PM, Muchacho said:

Isn't the Sailor KOP in that same price range ? I also saw many other pens in that range. Nice aquisition by the way.

 

How did you fit a Sailor nib in a Asvine pen ?

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Thank you @Muchacho. I have a KOP PG, it's the nib that's nice. The pen is otherwise standard, or could be even sub-standard if you compare it with the kind of plating that Montblanc/Pelikan use. 18 YO MB146 vs 7 YO Sailor PG. Check this out. 

Asvine P36 uses a bock housing for the stock nibs too. It may be a pain removing the original housing. I just used a FNF housing to for a sailor #6 nib and feed.

 

[sannidh]

  On 3/28/2024 at 4:32 PM, Paul-in-SF said:

Whatever else I might have to say about the pen (nothing, really, I've never seen one in person nor tried one out), your review was a distinct and definite pleasure to read. Thank you. 

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Thank you so much @Paul-in-SF. And thank you again for introducing us to the Kakari. 

[sannidh]

  On 3/28/2024 at 4:53 PM, senzen said:

Thank you, nice review. I've spent all my time chasing pens around $100 but have no problem with this pen's price, as I've come to appreciate Fountainbel's efforts and contributions over time; and spent more than that last year, on 11 pens.

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Thank you @senzen. I'm with you on this, even when my rational sense of humor isn't. I'll likely snag a Kakari Black PVD with a Kodachi equivalent nib, before embarking on another pen-skippabatical.

[donnweinberg]

Wonderful review, sannidh.  I still hesitate to spend that much on this pen, even if it were readily available, but I do admire the craftsmanship of the pen.

[Vermonter]

Awesome review! 🙏

 

Does the nib have any softness at all?

 

I have a Conid Titan F #8 nib that is a wonderful to write with and a little soft, with a tiny bit of flex, similar to a Sailor King of Pen. How does the BB feel? Is it hard as a rock or does it cushion at all as you write?

[sannidh]

  On 3/29/2024 at 4:42 PM, donnweinberg said:

Wonderful review, sannidh.  I still hesitate to spend that much on this pen, even if it were readily available, but I do admire the craftsmanship of the pen.

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Thanks a ton @donnweinberg for your kind feedback. I held out for a good four years before succumbing to the temptation. But once you take that plunge and get your hands on the first one,  you are down the rabbit hole! 🐇💸

  On 3/31/2024 at 10:57 AM, Vermonter said:

Awesome review! 🙏

 

Does the nib have any softness at all?

 

I have a Conid Titan F #8 nib that is a wonderful to write with and a little soft, with a tiny bit of flex, similar to a Sailor King of Pen. How does the BB feel? Is it hard as a rock or does it cushion at all as you write?

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Thank you 🙏

The Conid #6 Titan nib (Medium in this case) has more flex/bounce compared to the Conid Titan #8 (if I remember correctly, I had tried a friend's Monarch KS with #8 Titan Fine a few years back). It leans more towards a Pilot #30 than a Sailor KOP in terms of cushioning, but I feel Pilot #30 is softer. 

 

[Vermonter]

This is so helpful. Thank you!

[Karmachanic]

The three Conid branded Ti nibs, ordered with my 2018 Delrin Minimalistica, are softer than regular Bock nibs.  Don't know if that's presently the case.

[whichwatch]

Very nice review.  I am still trying to sort out my preferences regarding which of mine to keep and which to rehome. There seem to be positives and negatives to each model/brand and I haven't quite decided the various tradeoffs.   Left to right in photos below are Conid Regular (with stacked nib), Conid Regular, Conid Minimalistica, Conid Minimalistica, Kyuseido Kakari.

 

 

 

[sannidh]

 

  On 4/1/2024 at 2:29 PM, whichwatch said:

Very nice review.  I am still trying to sort out my preferences regarding which of mine to keep and which to rehome. There seem to be positives and negatives to each model/brand and I haven't quite decided the various tradeoffs.   Left to right in photos below are Conid Regular (with stacked nib), Conid Regular, Conid Minimalistica, Conid Minimalistica, Kyuseido Kakari.

 

 

 

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Thanks for sharing this. Can you share some writing samples with the Stacked nib & Kakari ? How do you rate your Kakari nib experience? Is the Kakari #6 nib shorter than the Bock #6 nib? 

[Vermonter]

@whichwatch — your collection and mine have so many overlaps!

 

Who made the stacked nib? I too would love to see a writing sample!

[hari317]

Nice to read your review👍

[whichwatch]

This post is intended to answer questions asked by @sannidh and @vermonter.

 

The first picture below shows a comparison of the Kakari nib next to a Jowo #6 taken from an Edison pen.  To my eye, the Jowo nib looks just a bit larger and longer.

 

The double stack nib I had in the Conid Regular was done quite a few years ago by Ralph Reyes.  When I first met Ralph at one of his earliest shows, he had a double stack that I liked, but it wrote fine in regular position and BB in reverse, and I asked for the opposite.  He made one, and it has long been one of my favorite, if not my very favorite, nib.  I can no longer remember what name he gave this one.  I thought it was Sequel, but apparently that was the first one I saw that wrote BB only in reverse.  Anyway, this one has long resided in my Conid Bulkfiller.  I also have two triple stacks by Jim Crawford that I also like a lot.  Pictures of Ralph's nib also appear below.

 

The Kakari nib I chose was a Broad Architect ground by CY as one of the first group of Kakaris he introduced at the San Francisco Show last year.  I didn't like the way to wrote at first - not because of anything CY did or didn't do, but because Architect grinds are angle specific and the angle didn't quite suit my writing style.  I had the nib touched up by Kirk Speer to a better angle for me and have been quite happy with it ever since.

 

I have also included below writing samples of the Reyes stacked nib and the Kakari Broad Architect.  Ralph's two stack nib writes BB or maybe even BBB in regular position and Fine in reverse, both smoothly.  It's a work of art in my opinion.

 

The Kakari Broad Architect, now adjusted to the right angle for me, writes a proper Broad with appropriate line variation for an architect.  It writes smoothly enough, but with some feedback, which I like.  It does not write in reverse.  I enjoy this nib quite a bit, and it will remain in the Kakari which I do enjoy using.

 

I hope this answers the questions that were asked.  Thanks for your interest!

 

 

[Vermonter]

@whichwatch Thank you. Awesome nibs. The double stack looks super-fun — similar to some Sailor specialty nibs I've seen (but never tried), but an architect grind. Cool!