I love your take on fountain pens. I wouldn’t worry about pens having lots of reviews already as you bring a different and valuable opinion I haven’t found elsewhere.
I got one about a year ago, (coincidentally around the time this video came out) as a gift. In the last few days I've started watching TH-cam channels about fountain pens because I wanted to actually try the thing out, I've never owned or used a fountain pen before. I love the pen so far, and this channel. Thank you.
I have three of these; Bordeaux , Sage and Navy Blue . I was astounded as to how nicely these write. Boch nibs. You need to push the cartridge in really firmly until you hear and sense that all-important ‘click’. Downsides are: no clip or converter. Both have to be bought separately which I think is far from acceptable when the likes of Jinhao etc. include both. They are for note taking not novel writing. I have banana fingers but don’t have an issue with this model.
@@jessilaine7999 I use the Kaweco cartridges … any international standard short will work. Make sure there isn’t a supplied one jammed inside the cap! The cartridges do need to be pushed in VERY firmly until you hear and feel a distinctive click. 👍
The Kaweco Perkeo is what you may be looking for then. They are a larger pen with a #6 size nib and fit a full size converter. And look like a larger sport.
I personally love this pen, I use it for journaling and writing on the go. I’m a uni student and hate biro pens but wanted something small I could keep in my pocket when travelling to lectures and coffee shops. My advice is not to use the pen without the cap pushed over the top of the pen as it’s too small, and I find putting the cap over makes it almost a normal size. I just bought the converter but haven’t tried it yet. Should easily last my lectures though and as a trainee psychologist it’ll be perfect for writing notes on the go when working. I got the green one with the gold clip. Was a little apprehensive of the colour but I actually really like it. Much nicer than black
Thanks. Your vid helped me make a decision between the skyline. A frosted and this classic color. Also I had no idea (as a newbie) that there’s bronze clips too. Which that solved not only matching better with my traveler’s notebook setup and a current Amazon shortage in gold clips. I have small hands and my first pen was a bit slippery and heavy feeling to me so I had too much of a death grip on that one so far. I realized that quickly because I’m a knitter and needle tip choices make a big difference with certain yarns and types of stitches. So thanks again.
I had the Kaweko sport in fine, then after your review of the AliExpress octagon, heirloom, vintage… pen, I had to get some of those, one in each plating(3 platings). I have all 4 on my desk inked. Usually on my desk that is until one of the cats visits my desk at night or when I’m out of my office. The cats don’t like the metal ones, but the Kaweko sport, is light enough for them to bat off my desk and play soccer with. It writes well, but I have to rescue it periodically. I have an abundance of empty cartridges I syringe fill. The Kaweko converter holds about half as much ink as a cartridge.
To be honest, I wish Kaweco would increase the size a tiny bit so that it would fit a standard converter (much like the Chinese “knock off”) but they’ve got a stubborn refusal to change the historical size and I think it’s a little crazy. Seeing you hold it reminds me how tiny it is. Though maybe I’m old (or was around before fountain pens took off in America?!) but in the 1980s when I was using fountain pens at school, they were smaller then. It’s not until recently and videos like this that I’ve started to think No 6 nibs are a MINIMUM! Thank you for another excellent video, sir.
Well, if a number six nib is a minimum, it would be nearly the only nib out there since it's the standard. I'm a good deal older than you are, but our experience doesn't match. I started using fountain pens in 1960, and they were fairly popular even then. I don't know that pens were really smaller then, it's just that pens were made for men, and were made for women, and there was a size difference. But a couple of the largest pens I have were made in the thirties. Anyway, I like a number six nib, but I also like a number five and a number four. All three write well, and many people have small hands and think a six is too big. I do like number six nib, but they all work well for me. I could like with a Sport long enough to take a standard converter, but I wouldn't want a larger nib. Nor would I want to do away with the standard size Sport. It's a pocket pen, and should be short. I don't like the plastic Sport, but the Brass Sport is now one of my favorite pens just as it is.
The nib problems out of the box are not a fluke for Kaweco, from my experience. I have 5 or 6 Kaweco Sports, all purchased new from different vendors, all with nibs needing attention out of the box. A couple were really awful. In fact, my very first fountain pen was a Kaweco Sport that I bought in the late 1990's. The nib was so terrible that it effectively turned me off fountain pens for about 25 years until I received one of those free promotional [your logo here] pens that happened to be a Jinhao X750 with a fantastic nib! I would really be interested in seeing you grind that broad nib, if you choose to do so. Thank you for your wonderful videos!
I just ordered one a few days ago, and I’m very excited to give it a shot. The Lamu Safari is the only other fountain pen I own so this one will be the second to my collection.
Almost all of the stubby pocket pens are designed to be used posted. Though I do have one that is tiny even posted (uncapped, it's about the same size as a standard international short ink cartridge. Oh, the 1920s attempts to make as small a working pen as possible.😁 Some out there are even smaller...) I have yet to get a Kaweco Sport, but they are on my radar. By most accounts, they are more for just having a pen that you can drop in your pocket to have something to write with at all times, than longer writing sessions. Basically what I use the other pocket pens I have for. Really like the colour and clip combination! Thanks for sharing this!
They're made to write with for as long as you want to write with them. I know many Kaweco Sports users who write for hours with them. I'm one of them. The Sport is NOT a small pen. It simply isn't. Only people used to posting their pens and having four inches of cap sticking out the back would think the Sport is small, and that's a terrible way to use a fountain pen. I write a minimum of eight hours per day, five days per week. I like to switch pens, but I frequently use my Brass Sport for the first five hours, and have no problem at all. It;s the same length as many of my very expensive pens. It's the same length as an ECO, and longer than a Metropolitan. If people would stop posting their pens and learn to use them properly, they would stop thinking a Sport is a small pen.
One of my Kawecos has that problem with cartridges, but not with the converter. Also, your video had me go back to my Kaweco broad nib, which I thought had horrible baby’s bottom (my loupe isn’t very strong). But I tried separating the tines a bit with a copper shim. Voila! Works beautifully now. Thanks for the inspiration.
DB,your hands made that tiny pen look micro-tiny. I've never tried a Sport. The Kaweco pen that I really fell for last year is the Dia2. It's more of a regular-size pen compared to the Sport. The finish on the deep-shine,black acrylic against the dual chrome ring cap-band are so classy. You really have to see it and feel it to appreciate it. The Dia2 reminds me of the vintage Kaweco pens. It has the Kaweco badge on either end;and it posts deeply and securely. The broad nib on my pen wrote very smoothly and wet right out of the box. Was hoping you might be able to do a review on the Dia2 Kaweco. I think it is an overlooked, absolute gem of a fountain pen. You would appreciate the quality of the materials and execution/fit and finish,threads,retro-look,and especially the way it writes! Thank you for the great reviews!
Aloha! Another excellent review - you nailed all the issues with that Kaweco Sport. Yes the cartridges don't securely hold, so I wrap a piece of tape around the base to fill in the gap between the section and the cartridge that seems to make a big difference. The metal Sport pens do have nib units that screw in and out, while the plastic ones you need to pull the nib and feed. I too have mixed results with the nibs, but never that bad like the (F) you received. Supposedly the current nibs are made by JoWo and the older models by Bock, which was more inconsistent? Yes, I wish Kaweco had larger pens, at least a larger #6 nib, which is only available in the Supra model. I believe all other model use the same small nib, which makes a lot of sense from a manufacturing standpoint? Love that color - I own a half dozen or so plastic models and the brass, but that color is luring me in! No, I don't love the Sport that much, so I think my credit card is safe for the moment! Mahalo from Kauai, Hawaii. Thomas
@@Doodlebud Aloha! If it makes you feel any better, we are getting a little more rain than normal for the fall season! Currently 77 degrees. the sun is out and very breezy. Mahalo for the personal reply. Stay safe! Thomas
6' 2" guy here, love my kaweco sport, although I do bear down a little on the writing to get a feedback instead of letting the weight of the pen to swing and make the stroke, a carryover from writing Japanese letters with Japanese gold nib pens that are usually feedbacky. the ink that comes with it is rather problematic, hard starts all the time, threw the ink away and refilled it with iroshizuku and it writes well, glad I didn't buy a pack, it sits securely on mine though! I do some CAD and 3dprints stuff like figurine joints, and fine tuning the difference between loose and tight friction fit is in the 0.01-0.09mm range so... I think international standard cartridge is rather unforgiving on the tolerance, the smaller the mouth, the less surface area to have some extra tolerance for softer/tougher plastics for that kind of fit
I have the exact same setup. (bordeaux, fine, vintage clip) At first the nib had babys bottom, which is a known issue with Kaweco. My second nib was quite good but dry. I got it to a point where my fine nib is wetter than your broad but I also use it with Graf von Faber Castell Carbon Black which flows really well. It is definitely too wet for just signing stuff on your casual printer paper which is kinda what this pen is made for. For me the pen is not to small but even tho I have small hands, I also think it is a bit slim at the section.
Like you, I was always intrigued by this pen, but it was always a "meh" for me. Then, the "Black Crystal" LE came out last year, and I pulled the trigger. So, now I have an overpriced "meh" pen. I also had/have the same experience with the cartridges. And, I agree, the converter, despite it's size, is sweet and works great! If you want more capacity, you can always "eyedropper" the pen!
I pretty much use mine (fine) as a pen I can throw in with my keys and sign receipts, work forms and stuff. The good thing is it doesn't leak (even in the cap) or dry out so perfect for occasional use and banging around. Never write long sessions with it. ODe youtube channel has hundreds of those pens.
@@ichirofakename and counting. I bought my my first Kaweco after watching some of ODE's videos. Navy colour, medium gold plated nib to use at work. ( I work in a factory and want a couple of pens in my pocket that don't leak.) My nib was great right away and I bought a second one (same colour and nib combination) for weekend shopping. It also has been trouble free. I am using Kaweco cartridges in it. Royal Blue is a beautiful medium blue. I found that when I occasionally drop it the cartridge will slip so I put a spring inside the barrel to fill the space. 😃😃
Just about every Kaweco in Fine I have to separate and tune the nib but I just love the Sport! The bad ink capacity can be fixed by eye dropper since the barrel is just injection molding plastic.
I have small but not tiny hands, and the Kaweco Brass Sport is really nice size and weight-wise. Watching you hold this pen gave me a really clear idea of how large your hands are!
Used it at home depot today with my pocket notebook. It's so pretty I have to keep it in one of my pockets by itself LOL. The washed blue anodized AL version is a smart coating idea. It's going to get scratched up as a pocket pen anyways so give it the look out of the box.
I have a Sport pen/pencil set from the 50s. Green leather etui with the chain and coin. Sweet, soft oblique medium nib. Cork piston, you have to keep it wet! Writes like a dream and more substantial than the contemporary Sports. I also have a Lilliput (copper - gorgeous patina) and a Brass Sport. The Lilliput is tiny, but my hands aren't huge, so it's OK. Both the Lilliput and the Brass Sport feel indestructible. And I have 3 other Sports. Sorry to hear about the nib problem! I've had no problems with Kaweco nibs. Ink flow was an issue, but since I started using Kaweco ink, the flow is just fine.
Just over 13cm when posted is super useful for a pocket pen, but like you I find it thin. My usual daily carry is a PenBBS 471. I have 5 of them, one is dedicated to Baystate blue.
I CAN'T STOP BUYING PENS!!! Picked up my first Kaweco Sport Classic . I agree on the cartridge, it does "shimmy" a bit, even when I switched it with a Pelikan cartridge. For a person who has small hands, it fits nicely when posted, but unposted, it's even too small for my hands. It writes very smoothly on Rhodia or Clairefontaine and with the fine nib, it's decent on standard pad paper. All-in-all. not a bad FP!
Hi Doodlebud! Do you think it is safe to travel with this pen (cartiridges or converter) on a plane? if the answer is yes then I have my travel, pocket pen. I do not really enjoy the majohna1 once suggested by you for that reason, but if you check with the kaweco and tell me it is a no go for the plane I would trust you. The other two contender would be the gravitas (do you know anything about the titanium flex fine nib?) or the scho dsgn ultem, but the schon dsgn would ne custom clearance and that is a no go for me
You can take any pen on a plane if you just follow a few steps. I've done a few videos on the topic. Short version and long version below: th-cam.com/video/O0WGKrqvudk/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/RfXZoa8buCI/w-d-xo.html
Enjoy your reviews, started watching the last couple of months. Try the Kaweco Supra. I have the flame treated one that’s predominately blue. Has an extender and they have a few different colors/finishes.
My pen also has that issue with cartridges that do not fit very tight. Never had any issues with it, though. Need and feed required a little bit of tweaking but nothing critical.
It would be nice to see you do the nib on the Kaweko broad nib. Thank you. I have small hands. Perfect for me either posted or not. It is the only pen I use posted. 🌟🖋🦋
I've had a look at those and like the larger size, but prefer the sport styling. But that's more of a me problem not a Kaweco problem. Sport is a hugely popular pen so its enjoyed by many.
I own two Kaweco FPs , a Classic Sport and an AL Sport and 4 different nibs (F, M, B and 1.1mm stub itallic). 1. All 4 nibs were good performers out of the box. The M and B nibs are very smooth. The 1.1mm stub is wider than Lamy's 1.1mm one, and smoother. 2. As for the FP, they are for short notes and just like they're marketed, pocket FP. The aluminum one feels more well built and seems like will last a very long time. 3. Things I like about these Kawecos: you can change nibs easily and if you want a vintage looking FP but not buy a vintage FP, then these are perfect since their design hasn't changed much since 1930s. Plus, they're made in Germany. 4. I have also the converter but don't use it since is more practical to use the cartridges.
They are not just for short notes. The Sport is one of the top pens for lengthy writing sessions. It simply is. I prefer the Brass Sport, and I frequently use it for five hours at a stretch with zero problems. Kaweco tells me this is common, and always has been. Why would it be only for notes? It is NOT a small pen. It's the same length as a TWSBI ECO, which many think is too large. It's longer than a Pilot Metropolitan, and several o0ther Pilot pens. The only way anyone could think the Sport is a small pen is if they post all their pens and simply like have four inches of pen sticking out the back, which is a terrible way to use a fountain pen. I do not have small hands by any stretch, but an inch and a half of the pen sticks out about my hand when I'm actually writing with it.
Great review as usual...The nibs on these pens tend to be hit or miss. When I buy a pen, let's face it, I'm really buying the nib. So, when buying Kaweco's, I always look for a well constructed nib, or the pen and a better replacement nib. All my Kaweco's have nibs I hand selected. I love them...
The nib units can be screwed out or in. Or, as you did, one can pull the nibs. As a carry pen, always in my shirt pocket with a home made (thanks to my wonderful and creative daughter). It is fantastic for quick note. They have a big one, the Perkeo
Good to know they can screw out. The force required to unscrew it seemed way to high for my comfort level with these types of materials. Didn't want to push it any further, so just sliding it out for now.
1. I've had a similar loose cartridge experience. 2. But I've had good luck with the nibs. 3. Your the first reviewer I've seen with something positive to say about that micro-converter. Now I need one. 4. Though I have large hands, small pens have never impeded me. Perhaps because I drew with pastels for a while, which are about 2.5 inches long and pencil diameter. Anything much broader than a pencil feels orthopedic to me. 5. Isn't the Perkeo in effect a large Sport?
Ahh yes, using smaller art supplies regularly will for sure make it more natural to use smaller pens. I've seen the perkeo but the styling/color schemes to me give it a "kids" pen feel. But that's more of me problem
I popped a Sheaffer feather touch nib in one so it’s a killer writer- but it’s just so freakin small man. Also, I eye dropper a cartridge and I’ve noticed the same issue. I haven’t had the cartridge fall out though, so I wouldn’t worry too much bout it.
Plastic Kaweco Sport is a beloved and popular model, I have three of them. When capped they are OK, uncapped it is very small, you are righrt about that. The steel version has more heft and it feels much better. Regarding nibs, Kaweco nibs are pretty inconsistent about their sizes and yes many times their tines are not aligned. I also have the same feelings with you about the cartridges (even Kaweco ones!), they don't fit securely, they need a lot of pressure to fit,etc. The mini converter is really more convenient and with a fine nib you won't have to refill it so soon (with the broad one of course... ). The most annoying thing about Kaweco is their inconsistency with nib sizes, it drives me crazy 🤪.....
Oh wow I thought they must have good nibs since these pens sell like crazy! Guess all the more reason to know some basic nib adjustments. Once that was done it wrote pretty well.
There are a bunch of pens on AliExpress, but its all over the map as far as quality. You can get some decent brands like Penbbs, Jinhao, and others. But also some random pens, where its who knows who makes them. If the description says things like: "luxury, high quality, well made, fashion...." It's total garbage! Look for ones where its the pen brand and model name/number and should be ok. Good luck!
Great reviews! I love these pens, but I can't stand the scratches that are generated around the barrel when you screw on and off the cap so I put them away in my collection. I currently have 4 of them and the last one, I ended buying the burgundy one thinking I will designate this one as the one I can beat the hell out of it and not care. Unfortunately my OCD kicks in and won't let me do it. So now I have the 4th pen sitting in my collection... As for the nibs, I have 2 Fine and 2 Mediums. In one medium, the flow was almost non existent. On a fine, it wrote wider than a mediums. I think I'll stop at 4...
@Carlos Wilson. I bought the 'entry level' Pelikan M200 which writes beautifully, but it also marks very easily-in black it is even more noticeable. It's somewhat annoying but I have a fountain pen maintenance and restoration kit which includes a fine liquid polishing compound for when it gets really obtrusive. I just ordered the Sport gift set along with a converter. I never used a Sport (I have a wonderful Dia 2), so I'm intrigued to see what I'll make of it.
I have a gorgeous AL Sport but I find it impossible to use in the winter, the coldness of the metal makes it so uncomfortable. I have a couple of plastic ones but they are so light and skinny, they do not make writing enjoyable. Maybe just for very quick notes, but even for that I have a much better pen now (Pilot E95s)
I've heard great things about the E95s, almost bought one! Probably just a matter of time that I do LOL. The kaweco is made very well, but just dimensionally doesn't suit me but I know it is loved by many.
Yeah, the first weird thing I noticed about this pen was the cartridge fit. Seems like they should have made the cartridge fit a bit better. The cartridge just does not seem to go in enough. The same problem I also noticed in the Pelikan Twist. And yes, out of the box, my Kaweco Sport nib was also writing very very bad (black ink came out light grey... that dry, and with skips). Had to tweak the nib and feed a little to get it to work. Now writes much better.
There are several things that bug me about Kaweco: you have to buy the clips and converters separately, the material isn't very durable (as you said) - and I'm not happy what they did with the Moonman brand name. I'd rather look into a Delike Alpha which comes with a clip and a converter.
Havent tried a Perkeo so can't say. I just mean a bit thicker in the section and more mass. I know they have a sport in AL, Brass, and Stainless, but its still a bit narrow in the section for me. I do find my ensso pocket piuma and gravitas pocket pens more comfortable. as they are thicker in the section and similar size (a bit longer) when posted. Thats just my opinion and preference of course. The sport is a nice pen, and want to enjoy it more than I do but its just that extra bit too small for a small pen for my tastes
I just picked up a piston version in extra fine. Horrible extra fine nib. Wrote more like a wet medium. A bit of work and now it's a real extra fine. I swear, none of these pen companies pay enough attention to each pen.
On one of my Kaweco the cartridge just push out the nib section so I have to be very careful inserting patrons. I never feel that it is safely attached. But this international cartridge is the worst construction in my opinion.
7:35 - Hi Doodlebud, please would you help me? I am having the same issue with the nib of my Kaweco Sport. What exactly did you do to fix it? Is there any video on the internet as a manual?
I have a playlist on my channel with tuning and adjusting nibs, that might help. But keep in mind it doesn't take much to mess one up either. Did you just purchase the pen? If thats the case I would contact the retailer you purchased from and you can most likely get a replacement nib
@@Doodlebud Thank you! I will watch your playlist but perhaps I will contact the ratailer because I am scared to mess up even more. Thank you once again.
The only Kaweco Sports I desire to own are ‘Art’ Sports with Marble/Granite finishes.. I hope your ‘too small to hold’ verdict isn’t influenced by the fact that you used one of those Rangas the previous day 😉
The Kaweco mini converter does not fit very well in the Sport. My Al Sport always unscrews itself everytime it is in my denim pocket. Writes well as every kaweco does.
I've bought a Sport a few years ago and maybe I was lucky but the fine nib was perfect. I really enjoy the way it writes but it is just too small for anything but making quick notes. I really like your idea for a Sport XL. I'd pick that up for sure.
I have no idea why people keep say the Sport is too small? Too small how? Posted, it almost exactly the same size as a TWSBI ECO, which many think is too large. It's both longer and wider than the Pilot Metropolitan, at least when the Metro is unposted, which it should always be. Simply put, it is NOT a small pen. I suspect a lot of people are used to posting their pens and having four inches sticking out the back, which is a very, very bad idea. Only Americans, and to a lesser extent, Canadians, think posing a non-pocket pen is a good idea.
@@Doodlebud I get that…and I kinda agree. The have an all clear one that doesn’t really look too childish, and I think the all green one isn’t bad…but the two tone original ones, definitely look pretty kiddy.
Kaweco has a bit of a reputation for bad nibs unfortunately. I got a sport a while ago and I've never been able to use it, aside from the nib issues it's a very lightweight pen and just not pleasant in the hand.
Bought a Kaweco Sport AL rollerball, wonder if the nib part from the fountain pen would screw in so i could fill the whole body of the pen with ink and use it that way, anyone done this before?
For my hands the Kaweco Sport is perfect, even unposted. I guess it sucks, if you can't even write comfortably with it posted, though. How big are your hands, though?? I mean, posted it's 13 cm long! xD
The sport is a good little pen. Quick notes its ok, but its also the very small diameter that makes it more difficult to me. I just heard people talking about how its their daily writer, but for me it will be just for little things/notes/doodles which is ok. I take XL/XXL gloves. Not crazy giant hands, but a decent size.
@@Doodlebud, yeah, I've been writing and drawing with them on a daily basis as well. These differences in usability are very interesting to me, so thanks again for your review!
I sooooo hate knockoff pens like that. Moreso the people who make them. I'm not a fan of the plastic Sport, but the Brass Sport quickly became one of my favorite pens, and I have no idea why. I did put a gold nib on it, but I liked it a lot with the steel nib. There's nothing about it I should like, except that it's made from brass. Something about the weight, I don't know, but the thing is addictive, and I usually like large pens. The larger, the better. But I can write with the Brass Sport for hours on end, and have no problems. It is now one of my three daily carry anywhere pens. The other two are a Visconti Homo Sapiens Bronze Age and a Scribo Feel. The Brass Sport seems completely out of place with these other two pens, but I just plain enjoy writing with it.
You do realize that it is designed to be posted when used so you don't have the problem with the length that you first indicated when showing the pen. It is not meant for anything more than notes or short passages. Don't worry about scratches and sharp lines. After you keep it in your pocket with loose change, keys, etc. it will look like it has been sandblasted, anyway. Considering there have been sales in the tens or hundreds of thousands over the decades this model has much utility for many people. You are comparing plums and cantaloupes. Rather than compare it against others your reviews should be on the merits of the pen and not a comparison against other pen designs. If you feel it should be larger then it's not a pocket pen. Kaweco makes quite a few fuller size pens as well as smaller ones. You can try those. The nib tines could have been damaged after the pen was shipped from the factory. Also, there are many higher-priced pens with and without gold nibs that don't write out of the box so a one-off is not an indication of poor quality control. Kaweco has a fine reputation for its products and specifically this model. You make it sound like it's a piece of junk and should be avoided. Absolutely not.
ODE has a video on "Premium" Kaweco nibs. I wonder if they take more time to make sure they work out of the box? th-cam.com/video/mXYCuaeAkJs/w-d-xo.html
I love your take on fountain pens. I wouldn’t worry about pens having lots of reviews already as you bring a different and valuable opinion I haven’t found elsewhere.
I got one about a year ago, (coincidentally around the time this video came out) as a gift. In the last few days I've started watching TH-cam channels about fountain pens because I wanted to actually try the thing out, I've never owned or used a fountain pen before.
I love the pen so far, and this channel. Thank you.
I have three of these; Bordeaux , Sage and Navy Blue . I was astounded as to how nicely these write. Boch nibs. You need to push the cartridge in really firmly until you hear and sense that all-important ‘click’. Downsides are: no clip or converter. Both have to be bought separately which I think is far from acceptable when the likes of Jinhao etc. include both. They are for note taking not novel writing. I have banana fingers but don’t have an issue with this model.
What cartridges do you use with yours. I ordered the Kaweco brand & they are too long. I can’t screw the pen back together.
@@jessilaine7999 I use the Kaweco cartridges … any international standard short will work. Make sure there isn’t a supplied one jammed inside the cap! The cartridges do need to be pushed in VERY firmly until you hear and feel a distinctive click. 👍
@@jessilaine7999you still have a free cartridge in the pen ? Try tapping (gently) to dislodge it.
The Kaweco Perkeo is what you may be looking for then. They are a larger pen with a #6 size nib and fit a full size converter. And look like a larger sport.
I wondered about that. Thanks! ❤️👍
I personally love this pen, I use it for journaling and writing on the go. I’m a uni student and hate biro pens but wanted something small I could keep in my pocket when travelling to lectures and coffee shops. My advice is not to use the pen without the cap pushed over the top of the pen as it’s too small, and I find putting the cap over makes it almost a normal size.
I just bought the converter but haven’t tried it yet. Should easily last my lectures though and as a trainee psychologist it’ll be perfect for writing notes on the go when working. I got the green one with the gold clip. Was a little apprehensive of the colour but I actually really like it. Much nicer than black
Thanks. Your vid helped me make a decision between the skyline. A frosted and this classic color. Also I had no idea (as a newbie) that there’s bronze clips too. Which that solved not only matching better with my traveler’s notebook setup and a current Amazon shortage in gold clips. I have small hands and my first pen was a bit slippery and heavy feeling to me so I had too much of a death grip on that one so far. I realized that quickly because I’m a knitter and needle tip choices make a big difference with certain yarns and types of stitches. So thanks again.
I had the Kaweko sport in fine, then after your review of the AliExpress octagon, heirloom, vintage… pen, I had to get some of those, one in each plating(3 platings). I have all 4 on my desk inked. Usually on my desk that is until one of the cats visits my desk at night or when I’m out of my office. The cats don’t like the metal ones, but the Kaweko sport, is light enough for them to bat off my desk and play soccer with. It writes well, but I have to rescue it periodically. I have an abundance of empty cartridges I syringe fill. The Kaweko converter holds about half as much ink as a cartridge.
To be honest, I wish Kaweco would increase the size a tiny bit so that it would fit a standard converter (much like the Chinese “knock off”) but they’ve got a stubborn refusal to change the historical size and I think it’s a little crazy. Seeing you hold it reminds me how tiny it is. Though maybe I’m old (or was around before fountain pens took off in America?!) but in the 1980s when I was using fountain pens at school, they were smaller then. It’s not until recently and videos like this that I’ve started to think No 6 nibs are a MINIMUM! Thank you for another excellent video, sir.
Pens were smaller & seemded to have grown in size over time
Apparently they used to have piston fillers! That would be awesome!
Well, if a number six nib is a minimum, it would be nearly the only nib out there since it's the standard. I'm a good deal older than you are, but our experience doesn't match. I started using fountain pens in 1960, and they were fairly popular even then. I don't know that pens were really smaller then, it's just that pens were made for men, and were made for women, and there was a size difference. But a couple of the largest pens I have were made in the thirties.
Anyway, I like a number six nib, but I also like a number five and a number four. All three write well, and many people have small hands and think a six is too big.
I do like number six nib, but they all work well for me. I could like with a Sport long enough to take a standard converter, but I wouldn't want a larger nib. Nor would I want to do away with the standard size Sport. It's a pocket pen, and should be short. I don't like the plastic Sport, but the Brass Sport is now one of my favorite pens just as it is.
Post it, and its normal full size lol
The nib problems out of the box are not a fluke for Kaweco, from my experience. I have 5 or 6 Kaweco Sports, all purchased new from different vendors, all with nibs needing attention out of the box. A couple were really awful. In fact, my very first fountain pen was a Kaweco Sport that I bought in the late 1990's. The nib was so terrible that it effectively turned me off fountain pens for about 25 years until I received one of those free promotional [your logo here] pens that happened to be a Jinhao X750 with a fantastic nib! I would really be interested in seeing you grind that broad nib, if you choose to do so. Thank you for your wonderful videos!
I just ordered one a few days ago, and I’m very excited to give it a shot. The Lamu Safari is the only other fountain pen I own so this one will be the second to my collection.
Almost all of the stubby pocket pens are designed to be used posted. Though I do have one that is tiny even posted (uncapped, it's about the same size as a standard international short ink cartridge. Oh, the 1920s attempts to make as small a working pen as possible.😁 Some out there are even smaller...)
I have yet to get a Kaweco Sport, but they are on my radar. By most accounts, they are more for just having a pen that you can drop in your pocket to have something to write with at all times, than longer writing sessions. Basically what I use the other pocket pens I have for.
Really like the colour and clip combination! Thanks for sharing this!
They're made to write with for as long as you want to write with them. I know many Kaweco Sports users who write for hours with them. I'm one of them. The Sport is NOT a small pen. It simply isn't. Only people used to posting their pens and having four inches of cap sticking out the back would think the Sport is small, and that's a terrible way to use a fountain pen.
I write a minimum of eight hours per day, five days per week. I like to switch pens, but I frequently use my Brass Sport for the first five hours, and have no problem at all. It;s the same length as many of my very expensive pens. It's the same length as an ECO, and longer than a Metropolitan.
If people would stop posting their pens and learn to use them properly, they would stop thinking a Sport is a small pen.
One of my Kawecos has that problem with cartridges, but not with the converter. Also, your video had me go back to my Kaweco broad nib, which I thought had horrible baby’s bottom (my loupe isn’t very strong). But I tried separating the tines a bit with a copper shim. Voila! Works beautifully now. Thanks for the inspiration.
Glad you're enjoying your pen again
Nice close shots! One some of my caweco sports the cartridges leak but with the converter they work fine
DB,your hands made that tiny pen look micro-tiny. I've never tried a Sport.
The Kaweco pen that I really fell for last year is the Dia2. It's more of a regular-size pen compared to the Sport. The finish on the deep-shine,black acrylic against the dual chrome ring cap-band are so classy. You really have to see it and feel it to appreciate it. The Dia2 reminds me of the vintage Kaweco pens. It has the Kaweco badge on either end;and it posts deeply and securely. The broad nib on my pen wrote very smoothly and wet right out of the box.
Was hoping you might be able to do a review on the Dia2 Kaweco. I think it is an overlooked, absolute gem of a fountain pen. You would appreciate the quality of the materials and execution/fit and finish,threads,retro-look,and especially the way it writes!
Thank you for the great reviews!
Aloha! Another excellent review - you nailed all the issues with that Kaweco Sport. Yes the cartridges don't securely hold, so I wrap a piece of tape around the base to fill in the gap between the section and the cartridge that seems to make a big difference. The metal Sport pens do have nib units that screw in and out, while the plastic ones you need to pull the nib and feed. I too have mixed results with the nibs, but never that bad like the (F) you received. Supposedly the current nibs are made by JoWo and the older models by Bock, which was more inconsistent? Yes, I wish Kaweco had larger pens, at least a larger #6 nib, which is only available in the Supra model. I believe all other model use the same small nib, which makes a lot of sense from a manufacturing standpoint? Love that color - I own a half dozen or so plastic models and the brass, but that color is luring me in! No, I don't love the Sport that much, so I think my credit card is safe for the moment! Mahalo from Kauai, Hawaii. Thomas
Would love to be in Hawaii right now! Need some tropical weather so bad! 🌞
@@Doodlebud Aloha! If it makes you feel any better, we are getting a little more rain than normal for the fall season! Currently 77 degrees. the sun is out and very breezy. Mahalo for the personal reply. Stay safe! Thomas
6' 2" guy here, love my kaweco sport, although I do bear down a little on the writing to get a feedback instead of letting the weight of the pen to swing and make the stroke, a carryover from writing Japanese letters with Japanese gold nib pens that are usually feedbacky. the ink that comes with it is rather problematic, hard starts all the time, threw the ink away and refilled it with iroshizuku and it writes well, glad I didn't buy a pack, it sits securely on mine though! I do some CAD and 3dprints stuff like figurine joints, and fine tuning the difference between loose and tight friction fit is in the 0.01-0.09mm range so... I think international standard cartridge is rather unforgiving on the tolerance, the smaller the mouth, the less surface area to have some extra tolerance for softer/tougher plastics for that kind of fit
I have the exact same setup. (bordeaux, fine, vintage clip) At first the nib had babys bottom, which is a known issue with Kaweco. My second nib was quite good but dry. I got it to a point where my fine nib is wetter than your broad but I also use it with Graf von Faber Castell Carbon Black which flows really well. It is definitely too wet for just signing stuff on your casual printer paper which is kinda what this pen is made for. For me the pen is not to small but even tho I have small hands, I also think it is a bit slim at the section.
Like you, I was always intrigued by this pen, but it was always a "meh" for me. Then, the "Black Crystal" LE came out last year, and I pulled the trigger. So, now I have an overpriced "meh" pen. I also had/have the same experience with the cartridges. And, I agree, the converter, despite it's size, is sweet and works great! If you want more capacity, you can always "eyedropper" the pen!
It wont leak?
What is the converted for ?
Its used when drawing up ink from a bottle VS a cartridge
I pretty much use mine (fine) as a pen I can throw in with my keys and sign receipts, work forms and stuff. The good thing is it doesn't leak (even in the cap) or dry out so perfect for occasional use and banging around. Never write long sessions with it. ODe youtube channel has hundreds of those pens.
ODE has certainly figured out exactly what he likes, hasn't he? 158 Sports.
I have a Brass Sport. I use it the same way. Yeah, no good at all for long sessions, but great for EDC in the pocket.
I find its too light for more than a page of journaling.
@@ichirofakename and counting. I bought my my first Kaweco after watching some of ODE's videos. Navy colour, medium gold plated nib to use at work. ( I work in a factory and want a couple of pens in my pocket that don't leak.) My nib was great right away and I bought a second one (same colour and nib combination) for weekend shopping. It also has been trouble free. I am using Kaweco cartridges in it. Royal Blue is a beautiful medium blue. I found that when I occasionally drop it the cartridge will slip so I put a spring inside the barrel to fill the space. 😃😃
@@nancymilawski1048 well done
Agree with you DB, an XL version will be awesome. Yes, show us the nib grinding when you get to it, interesting process.
Just about every Kaweco in Fine I have to separate and tune the nib but I just love the Sport! The bad ink capacity can be fixed by eye dropper since the barrel is just injection molding plastic.
I have small but not tiny hands, and the Kaweco Brass Sport is really nice size and weight-wise. Watching you hold this pen gave me a really clear idea of how large your hands are!
LOL, yeah have a big mitt 🖐️
I have a Skyline Sport Grey . Although not even close to my favorite pen, it gets the most use because it's pocket friendly and always on me. 😉
Used it at home depot today with my pocket notebook. It's so pretty I have to keep it in one of my pockets by itself LOL. The washed blue anodized AL version is a smart coating idea. It's going to get scratched up as a pocket pen anyways so give it the look out of the box.
I think an XL sounds great! I've been holding off on this because it is so small. Would love to see before/after. Thanks for sharing!
I have a Sport pen/pencil set from the 50s. Green leather etui with the chain and coin. Sweet, soft oblique medium nib. Cork piston, you have to keep it wet! Writes like a dream and more substantial than the contemporary Sports. I also have a Lilliput (copper - gorgeous patina) and a Brass Sport. The Lilliput is tiny, but my hands aren't huge, so it's OK. Both the Lilliput and the Brass Sport feel indestructible. And I have 3 other Sports. Sorry to hear about the nib problem! I've had no problems with Kaweco nibs. Ink flow was an issue, but since I started using Kaweco ink, the flow is just fine.
I got the nib working just fine after a few minutes so no biggy. The flow & feel are decent for a pocket pen.
Just over 13cm when posted is super useful for a pocket pen, but like you I find it thin. My usual daily carry is a PenBBS 471. I have 5 of them, one is dedicated to Baystate blue.
BSB for the win!
Seen pictures of that one, looks super tiny!
I CAN'T STOP BUYING PENS!!! Picked up my first Kaweco Sport Classic . I agree on the cartridge, it does "shimmy" a bit, even when I switched it with a Pelikan cartridge. For a person who has small hands, it fits nicely when posted, but unposted, it's even too small for my hands. It writes very smoothly on Rhodia or Clairefontaine and with the fine nib, it's decent on standard pad paper. All-in-all. not a bad FP!
Hi Doodlebud! Do you think it is safe to travel with this pen (cartiridges or converter) on a plane? if the answer is yes then I have my travel, pocket pen.
I do not really enjoy the majohna1 once suggested by you for that reason, but if you check with the kaweco and tell me it is a no go for the plane I would trust you.
The other two contender would be the gravitas (do you know anything about the titanium flex fine nib?) or the scho dsgn ultem, but the schon dsgn would ne custom clearance and that is a no go for me
You can take any pen on a plane if you just follow a few steps. I've done a few videos on the topic. Short version and long version below:
th-cam.com/video/O0WGKrqvudk/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/RfXZoa8buCI/w-d-xo.html
Hey DB, what's that green pen in the end?
That is my Kiwi Pens Jumbo ACR: Here's the vid
th-cam.com/video/A4ydRAO7cBU/w-d-xo.html
@@Doodlebud thank you
Enjoy your reviews, started watching the last couple of months. Try the Kaweco Supra. I have the flame treated one that’s predominately blue. Has an extender and they have a few different colors/finishes.
Yeah I've seen that one. Looks interesting
Post the cap an the pen I find this helps!
I do post it, and the pen is deigned to be used like that. It's just a bit too small with my larger hand size.
My pen also has that issue with cartridges that do not fit very tight. Never had any issues with it, though. Need and feed required a little bit of tweaking but nothing critical.
It would be nice to see you do the nib on the Kaweko broad nib. Thank you. I have small hands. Perfect for me either posted or not. It is the only pen I use posted. 🌟🖋🦋
12:32 there is a pen by kaweco thats basically a long boi sport but it has a triangular grip etc, its called the perkeo (idk if they are compareable)
I've had a look at those and like the larger size, but prefer the sport styling. But that's more of a me problem not a Kaweco problem. Sport is a hugely popular pen so its enjoyed by many.
I own two Kaweco FPs , a Classic Sport and an AL Sport and 4 different nibs (F, M, B and 1.1mm stub itallic).
1. All 4 nibs were good performers out of the box. The M and B nibs are very smooth. The 1.1mm stub is wider than Lamy's 1.1mm one, and smoother.
2. As for the FP, they are for short notes and just like they're marketed, pocket FP. The aluminum one feels more well built and seems like will last a very long time.
3. Things I like about these Kawecos: you can change nibs easily and if you want a vintage looking FP but not buy a vintage FP, then these are perfect since their design hasn't changed much since 1930s. Plus, they're made in Germany.
4. I have also the converter but don't use it since is more practical to use the cartridges.
They are not just for short notes. The Sport is one of the top pens for lengthy writing sessions. It simply is. I prefer the Brass Sport, and I frequently use it for five hours at a stretch with zero problems. Kaweco tells me this is common, and always has been.
Why would it be only for notes? It is NOT a small pen. It's the same length as a TWSBI ECO, which many think is too large. It's longer than a Pilot Metropolitan, and several o0ther Pilot pens. The only way anyone could think the Sport is a small pen is if they post all their pens and simply like have four inches of pen sticking out the back, which is a terrible way to use a fountain pen.
I do not have small hands by any stretch, but an inch and a half of the pen sticks out about my hand when I'm actually writing with it.
Great review as usual...The nibs on these pens tend to be hit or miss. When I buy a pen, let's face it, I'm really buying the nib. So, when buying Kaweco's, I always look for a well constructed nib, or the pen and a better replacement nib. All my Kaweco's have nibs I hand selected. I love them...
The vintage version probably isn't for you. It''s a few mm shorter when capped although a couple longer when posted. Section's a bit thinner.
The nib units can be screwed out or in. Or, as you did, one can pull the nibs.
As a carry pen, always in my shirt pocket with a home made (thanks to my wonderful and creative daughter). It is fantastic for quick note.
They have a big one, the Perkeo
Good to know they can screw out. The force required to unscrew it seemed way to high for my comfort level with these types of materials. Didn't want to push it any further, so just sliding it out for now.
@@Doodlebud My apologies, I was wr0ng, the Plastic Sport cannot be unscrewed. Your process was 100% correct. I will try to do better in the future.
1. I've had a similar loose cartridge experience.
2. But I've had good luck with the nibs.
3. Your the first reviewer I've seen with something positive to say about that micro-converter. Now I need one.
4. Though I have large hands, small pens have never impeded me. Perhaps because I drew with pastels for a while, which are about 2.5 inches long and pencil diameter. Anything much broader than a pencil feels orthopedic to me.
5. Isn't the Perkeo in effect a large Sport?
Ahh yes, using smaller art supplies regularly will for sure make it more natural to use smaller pens. I've seen the perkeo but the styling/color schemes to me give it a "kids" pen feel. But that's more of me problem
Imagine the marketing, kaweco sport Ronnie Coleman edition. But maybe look into the supra ?
"Light weight babaaayyyyy!"
I had a similar experience with a medium nib. I have two of them, though cute I never use them
I popped a Sheaffer feather touch nib in one so it’s a killer writer- but it’s just so freakin small man. Also, I eye dropper a cartridge and I’ve noticed the same issue. I haven’t had the cartridge fall out though, so I wouldn’t worry too much bout it.
Plastic Kaweco Sport is a beloved and popular model, I have three of them. When capped they are OK, uncapped it is very small, you are righrt about that. The steel version has more heft and it feels much better.
Regarding nibs, Kaweco nibs are pretty inconsistent about their sizes and yes many times their tines are not aligned.
I also have the same feelings with you about the cartridges (even Kaweco ones!), they don't fit securely, they need a lot of pressure to fit,etc. The mini converter is really more convenient and with a fine nib you won't have to refill it so soon (with the broad one of course... ).
The most annoying thing about Kaweco is their inconsistency with nib sizes, it drives me crazy 🤪.....
Oh wow I thought they must have good nibs since these pens sell like crazy! Guess all the more reason to know some basic nib adjustments. Once that was done it wrote pretty well.
Are there any decent fountain pens on aliexpress? I like it when you show the grinding process. I haven't seen a double grind before.
There are a bunch of pens on AliExpress, but its all over the map as far as quality. You can get some decent brands like Penbbs, Jinhao, and others. But also some random pens, where its who knows who makes them. If the description says things like: "luxury, high quality, well made, fashion...." It's total garbage! Look for ones where its the pen brand and model name/number and should be ok. Good luck!
I got the iridescent one in Medium and I am having the same issue with the nib. I have contacted them and hope they help.
Great reviews! I love these pens, but I can't stand the scratches that are generated around the barrel when you screw on and off the cap so I put them away in my collection. I currently have 4 of them and the last one, I ended buying the burgundy one thinking I will designate this one as the one I can beat the hell out of it and not care. Unfortunately my OCD kicks in and won't let me do it. So now I have the 4th pen sitting in my collection... As for the nibs, I have 2 Fine and 2 Mediums. In one medium, the flow was almost non existent. On a fine, it wrote wider than a mediums. I think I'll stop at 4...
I had problems with ink flow, too. Tried using Kaweco ink. Problem solved. Good enough for a knockaround pen.
@Carlos Wilson. I bought the 'entry level' Pelikan M200 which writes beautifully, but it also marks very easily-in black it is even more noticeable. It's somewhat annoying but I have a fountain pen maintenance and restoration kit which includes a fine liquid polishing compound for when it gets really obtrusive. I just ordered the Sport gift set along with a converter. I never used a Sport (I have a wonderful Dia 2), so I'm intrigued to see what I'll make of it.
I have a gorgeous AL Sport but I find it impossible to use in the winter, the coldness of the metal makes it so uncomfortable. I have a couple of plastic ones but they are so light and skinny, they do not make writing enjoyable. Maybe just for very quick notes, but even for that I have a much better pen now (Pilot E95s)
I've heard great things about the E95s, almost bought one! Probably just a matter of time that I do LOL. The kaweco is made very well, but just dimensionally doesn't suit me but I know it is loved by many.
Very nice >>>>>> Thank you .
Yeah, the first weird thing I noticed about this pen was the cartridge fit. Seems like they should have made the cartridge fit a bit better. The cartridge just does not seem to go in enough. The same problem I also noticed in the Pelikan Twist.
And yes, out of the box, my Kaweco Sport nib was also writing very very bad (black ink came out light grey... that dry, and with skips). Had to tweak the nib and feed a little to get it to work. Now writes much better.
I bought one yesterday and am really enjoying it. disclaimer: it's my first fountain ink pen.
There are several things that bug me about Kaweco: you have to buy the clips and converters separately, the material isn't very durable (as you said) - and I'm not happy what they did with the Moonman brand name. I'd rather look into a Delike Alpha which comes with a clip and a converter.
When you say you’d enjoy a chunky version of it; do you mean like the Kaweco Perkeo?
Havent tried a Perkeo so can't say. I just mean a bit thicker in the section and more mass. I know they have a sport in AL, Brass, and Stainless, but its still a bit narrow in the section for me. I do find my ensso pocket piuma and gravitas pocket pens more comfortable. as they are thicker in the section and similar size (a bit longer) when posted. Thats just my opinion and preference of course. The sport is a nice pen, and want to enjoy it more than I do but its just that extra bit too small for a small pen for my tastes
I just picked up a piston version in extra fine. Horrible extra fine nib. Wrote more like a wet medium. A bit of work and now it's a real extra fine. I swear, none of these pen companies pay enough attention to each pen.
Have you tried a Kaweco Perkeo? It's like a bigger version of the Sport.
I've seen them but haven't tried one yet
On one of my Kaweco the cartridge just push out the nib section so I have to be very careful inserting patrons. I never feel that it is safely attached. But this international cartridge is the worst construction in my opinion.
7:35 - Hi Doodlebud, please would you help me? I am having the same issue with the nib of my Kaweco Sport. What exactly did you do to fix it? Is there any video on the internet as a manual?
I have a playlist on my channel with tuning and adjusting nibs, that might help. But keep in mind it doesn't take much to mess one up either. Did you just purchase the pen? If thats the case I would contact the retailer you purchased from and you can most likely get a replacement nib
@@Doodlebud Thank you! I will watch your playlist but perhaps I will contact the ratailer because I am scared to mess up even more. Thank you once again.
The only Kaweco Sports I desire to own are ‘Art’ Sports with Marble/Granite finishes..
I hope your ‘too small to hold’ verdict isn’t influenced by the fact that you used one of those Rangas the previous day 😉
You can use the kaweco Perkewo, the bigger one
Yeah I've seen that one but the design and colour scheme didnt appeal to me as much as the sport
The Metal ones do use the collars.
ahh good to know
Not too small at all, I can easily use it unposted but posted it’s more then Perfect!
The Kaweco mini converter does not fit very well in the Sport. My Al Sport always unscrews itself everytime it is in my denim pocket. Writes well as every kaweco does.
I've bought a Sport a few years ago and maybe I was lucky but the fine nib was perfect. I really enjoy the way it writes but it is just too small for anything but making quick notes. I really like your idea for a Sport XL. I'd pick that up for sure.
I have no idea why people keep say the Sport is too small? Too small how? Posted, it almost exactly the same size as a TWSBI ECO, which many think is too large. It's both longer and wider than the Pilot Metropolitan, at least when the Metro is unposted, which it should always be. Simply put, it is NOT a small pen.
I suspect a lot of people are used to posting their pens and having four inches sticking out the back, which is a very, very bad idea. Only Americans, and to a lesser extent, Canadians, think posing a non-pocket pen is a good idea.
The perkeo is kinda like a big sport. 🤷🏼♂️
I just don't like the color scheme on those, looks too much like a kids pen I find
@@Doodlebud I get that…and I kinda agree. The have an all clear one that doesn’t really look too childish, and I think the all green one isn’t bad…but the two tone original ones, definitely look pretty kiddy.
Kaweco has a bit of a reputation for bad nibs unfortunately. I got a sport a while ago and I've never been able to use it, aside from the nib issues it's a very lightweight pen and just not pleasant in the hand.
It's literally smaller than your middle finger lol
I haven't watched the video but yes, it's too small for me AND I don't like the design of the oversized cap either... A no go pen at all for me.
I love my kaweco
It is too small indeed. Good for those who like pocket pens. You should have got the premium nib they lauched recently.
Bought a Kaweco Sport AL rollerball, wonder if the nib part from the fountain pen would screw in so i could fill the whole body of the pen with ink and use it that way, anyone done this before?
For my hands the Kaweco Sport is perfect, even unposted. I guess it sucks, if you can't even write comfortably with it posted, though. How big are your hands, though?? I mean, posted it's 13 cm long! xD
The sport is a good little pen. Quick notes its ok, but its also the very small diameter that makes it more difficult to me. I just heard people talking about how its their daily writer, but for me it will be just for little things/notes/doodles which is ok. I take XL/XXL gloves. Not crazy giant hands, but a decent size.
@@Doodlebud, yeah, I've been writing and drawing with them on a daily basis as well. These differences in usability are very interesting to me, so thanks again for your review!
it is too small! i gave it to a friend
That is TINY. It's probably better for someone with small hands.
I sooooo hate knockoff pens like that. Moreso the people who make them.
I'm not a fan of the plastic Sport, but the Brass Sport quickly became one of my favorite pens, and I have no idea why. I did put a gold nib on it, but I liked it a lot with the steel nib. There's nothing about it I should like, except that it's made from brass. Something about the weight, I don't know, but the thing is addictive, and I usually like large pens. The larger, the better. But I can write with the Brass Sport for hours on end, and have no problems. It is now one of my three daily carry anywhere pens. The other two are a Visconti Homo Sapiens Bronze Age and a Scribo Feel. The Brass Sport seems completely out of place with these other two pens, but I just plain enjoy writing with it.
You do realize that it is designed to be posted when used so you don't have the problem with the length that you first indicated when showing the pen. It is not meant for anything more than notes or short passages. Don't worry about scratches and sharp lines. After you keep it in your pocket with loose change, keys, etc. it will look like it has been sandblasted, anyway. Considering there have been sales in the tens or hundreds of thousands over the decades this model has much utility for many people. You are comparing plums and cantaloupes. Rather than compare it against others your reviews should be on the merits of the pen and not a comparison against other pen designs. If you feel it should be larger then it's not a pocket pen. Kaweco makes quite a few fuller size pens as well as smaller ones. You can try those.
The nib tines could have been damaged after the pen was shipped from the factory. Also, there are many higher-priced pens with and without gold nibs that don't write out of the box so a one-off is not an indication of poor quality control. Kaweco has a fine reputation for its products and specifically this model. You make it sound like it's a piece of junk and should be avoided. Absolutely not.
The AL Sport is bigger.
ODE has a video on "Premium" Kaweco nibs. I wonder if they take more time to make sure they work out of the box? th-cam.com/video/mXYCuaeAkJs/w-d-xo.html
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