Bexley Pens

[Rufus]

I am particularly drawn to Bexley FPs because of their classic styling and because Bexley is the only extant FP manufacturer in America (I'm not American). However, my experience with Bexley is limited to the Simplicity, which I think is a fine pen. I like simple, unadorned, robust yet stylish and high quality FPs and Bexley FPs seem to fit the bill. I am interested in soliciting your views on Bexley pens in general and their competitivenes with the European and Japanese FP manufacturers: styling and design; fit and finish; performance; durability; overall craftsmanship. I am in no way connected with Bexley, just an FP-lover seeking good, honest, high quality FPs for everyday use.

[PAKMAN]

I am very pleased with the only Bexley that I own. Good pen.

[tamburlaine]

I don't own a Bexley (but once considered buying a Simplicity) so I can't really comment, but in case you haven't already, remember to have a look at the Bexley section of the reviews database https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/in...?showtopic=8177

 

Patrick

[Rufus]

I've read all the reviews and a few others on another site. They have all been positive, but what I am trying to do is to get a sense of where Bexley might rate in the hierarchy of pen-dom. They don't seem to be discussed too often or to be recommended when people are seeking guidance on new FPs to consider. The field seems to be dominated by Pelikan, MB, Waterman, Parker, etc..

[dreg]

I've read all the reviews and a few others on another site. They have all been positive, but what I am trying to do is to get a sense of where Bexley might rate in the hierarchy of pen-dom. They don't seem to be discussed too often or to be recommended when people are seeking guidance on new FPs to consider. The field seems to be dominated by Pelikan, MB, Waterman, Parker, etc..

 

You know, I had never really noticed that Bexley isn't among the suggestions and realizing that I am kind of embarrassed. Unfortunately, I only own a single Bexley at the moment (a Simplicity as well - all the rave reviews pushed me to it) and I cannot find fault. Only finances have prevented me from adding others to my rotation, however that will be remedied some day - I really enjoy the red Americana and America the Beautiful pens, or if I happen upon a Prometheus when I have the funds for one.

 

Unless I'm mistaken, they use Bock nibs which are found on many other high end pens, so they are definitely not lacking in that category. I do wish we would see some more non-converter filling systems though, but that's just my personal enjoyment of lever fillers (unless I'm cleaning them) speaking there.

 

All in all, they're wonderful pens. I haven't had the opportunity to meet Mr. Levy, however all reports seem to indicate that he is a wonderful gentleman and his company provides quality service.

 

I think I just talked myself into another Bexley.

[OldGriz]

I can tell you from personal experience that the Bexley pens are first rate and the customer service is some of the best in the industry.

I have also been fortunate to have seen the manufacturing facility... it is a small facility and a most of the finish work is hand done as is the assembly of the pens...

[errantmarginalia]

I own one Bexley, a Submariner Grande, and it's a good pen. The fit and finish are excellent. The nib writes like any other well-tuned Bock, which I happen to like. The material feels a little cheap and I prefer self-filling mechanisms (which are rarer in Bexleys), but that's more subjective. All in all, Bexleys don't send my heart racing like other pens do, but it's hard to argue with the quality. I will say that I find their LE's, often made with nice celluloids, to be much more attractive than their regular production pens. Best,

David

[Cloud]

I don't own a Bexley, but I have a Brian Gray Herald with a bexley gold nib which is a first rate nib, smooth, a little springy and fun to write with.

 

I also have a Molteni which is probably made by Bexley, which has another Bexley gold nib and a piton filler which is also a joy to write with.

 

I don't have a Bexley pen, because I couldn't afford the Owner's club or their special edition which are the only design they have that I really like.

[Richard]

DISCLAIMER: I'm a Bexley dealer.

 

Bexley is, as mentioned above, the only extant pen manufacturer in the U.S.A. The factory is small, with only a couple of employees -- which means that Howard Levy, the company president, pretty much hand-builds each pen. Howard is a pen collector of long standing and high repute, and his love for pens shows in the company's designs and in the superb quality of the finished product. Howard is also the first responder for customer problems, so you really have to believe you're going to be treated right.

 

I personally own four Bexley pens, of which three are special versions:

 

Sleeve Filler, the only "standard" pen of the bunch, made in 2001 but not assembled until 2007:

http://www.richardspens.com/images/collection/bexley_sleeve.jpg

 

"Bexwell," a Submariner Grande Blue Pearl SE that Bexley made for us, with Damascus steel clip and band by David Broadwell:

http://www.richardspens.com/images/collection/grande_custom.jpg

 

Simplicity, a Jade Green SE that Bexley made for us:

http://www.richardspens.com/images/collection/simp_jade_se.jpg

 

The Pharaoh, a numbered LE. I designed the pen, Bexley made it, and David Broadwell designed and hand finished the solid 10K furniture:

http://www.richardspens.com/images/collection/the_pharaoh.jpg

 

I sincerely hope nobody gets the idea I might want to consider selling any of these pens, because it ain't gonna happen. They're all quite wonderful, each in its own way.

 

Oh, and Barbara's favorite pen is the Red Pearl Submariner SE that Bexley made for us, with a custom stub:

http://www.richardspens.com/images/collection/submariner_se.jpg

 

I wouldn't count on getting a chance to buy this pen, either.

Edited November 10, 2007 by Richard

[arvadajames]

I have owned 2 Bexley's - A Continental which uses a steel Schmidt nib - beautiful writer, but too thin for my tastes, and a 10th Anniversary which uses a Gold Bock nib. I can't comment on the 10th's nib, because it was a medium that Mr. Binder reground to a fine for me, so I don't know how the "as equiped" nibs would be. The pen istself is ebonite, which I think is just a wonderful material. The pen looks very classy and I would put it up against any of the more frequently recommended brands any day.

[southpaw]

All of the Bexley's I own (4 currently) or have owned (I think I've sold 4) have been wonderfully designed and produced pens. I've only had one "problem" and that was a converter that had a small crack in it. Howard sent me out a new one the next day, no questions asked.

[Col]

I sincerely hope nobody gets the idea I might want to consider selling any of these pens, because it ain't gonna happen.

That's OK, I'm not too proud to refuse a charitable donation.

[arvadajames]

I sincerely hope nobody gets the idea I might want to consider selling any of these pens, because it ain't gonna happen.

That's OK, I'm not too proud to refuse a charitable donation.

 

 

Thanks for the heads up. I misread Mr. Binder's post. I would like the Pharaoh for Christmas please

[Rufus]

The consensus so far seems to be that Bexleys are high quality pens and that Mr levy gives superior after-sales service; so, why aren't they on the list of pens recommended by members of this forum from time to time? Two questions for Mr Binder (he's a dealer you know): First, you aren't, by any chance, hoarding a few of those wonderful Broadbindexley pens? Secondly, are you and your chums planning to produce any new Broadbindexley pens (you could call the next model the B cubed)?

[pmormack]

As somebody who owns six Bexleys, obviously I must like them. That said, they are generally lightweight pens (I would say too lightweight). I don't know if this is how they spec their nibs, but there's practically no difference between the mediums and fines.

 

Their nibs are either all the same 18K design, even when they go on pens with silver trim, or a good steel nib. I don't like how converters seem to rattle around inside. I wish they offered a bespoke service similar to Conway Stewart's. While some of their resin selections are interesting, they're just as likely to be odd and, to my eye at least, unattractive. (For instance, the blue and brown in the America the Beautiful series.)

 

The pricing is reasonable and with the current exchange rates should make Bexleys more attractive to U.S. buyers. That might inch their brand reputation up a notch or two.

 

Those who like Bexleys are also lucky that Richard Binder sells the brand and ensures a pen that writes well.

 

I don't think Bexley does a good job of promoting their products, which also contributes to the perception of the brand. I also don't think their distribution is broad enough that many people have access to them through B&M stores. Again, out of sight, out of mind.

[FrankB]

I was attracted to Bexley pens from the moment I first saw them, which happens also to be within months of their opening their doors for business. The initial production runs were classically styled pens that drew me right in. It is several years later and I now own 12 Bexleys, including the FPN SE. I can only agree with the opinions of the others here that mine have all performed flawlessly out of the box. They are great writing pens that I consistently return to.

 

Why do I fail to recommend them when chatting on this forum? It is a gross oversight that I intend to correct with this thread. I think one reason might be that Bexley has no series of models that are consistently offered. Parker has Duofolds, Centennials or Internationals, that change colors and materials but remain essentially the same model. Peliken has its Souverain series, which varies little, if at all, from year to year. MB has its Masterpiece collection. I wish Bexley would do something like that.

[DrPJM1]

Bexley has such a sweet stub nib!

[vanyieck]

I own at special edition Bexley made for the FPH. It must say it is one of the nicest writing pens in my collection. It's made of ebonite that resembles a wood finish. Over all its one of those pens that I wouldn't part with.

 

If you have a line on a Bexley I recommend you snatch it up. It's well worth the investment.

[jonro]

Oh, good, an opportunity to say how much I like Bexley pens. I have 3 Bexleys, a 10th Anniversary, a Submariner and a Celebration. All are wonderful writers. The 10th Anniversary seems to fit my hand perfectly, so I'm going to be on the lookout for another in a different finish. They are very reliable with wonderfully responsive nibs. I guess they are the last great American pen. Go ahead an try one; you'll be glad you did.

[Glenn-SC]

I own a about a dozen Bexleys because I love the sizes, color, and shapes.

I have only 2 that wrote well when I first got then. Two I have never inked.

 

One that writes well is a Medium that is the smoothest nib I've ever owned, but it writes like a Bold and a fire-hose to boot so I don't use it.

 

Several have made the trip back to Bexley and one to another Restorer to get them to write properly.

Some work now.

Consistently they write "wet" in one direction and "Very to bone dry" in the opposite.

 

The last one I sent back Mr Levy suggested I send it to a Nib-Meister to get it to write "the way I like it". I just wanted it to work!

 

If I could get what I paid for them I would sell them and keep the 2 that seem to work.