I like fountain pens made in India. Yes there are flaws but you're getting a handmade pen, made to order in many cases. In fact I find it fascinating looking at some of the small workshops and craftsmen that make these pens. That they can produce any decent writing instruments is quite remarkable in itself.
Thank you for the review, Chris. I have purchased several Ranga pens, never the ebonite, though. What I love best about your review is the thoughtful inspection of the pen and your honest opinion. It doesn't seem like you have been hired to promote the pen. What I love best about the Ranga pens is the skill of the artisan that created it: the generosity of spirit that always includes free pens, nibs, and hand cut feeds and the care and effort they put into packaging. To me every step shows hard work and indicates how much they value quality and customer satisfaction. As for the smell which I admit was a bit strong, to me it is the smell of a mechanical workshop, like an automotive garage. I think it goes hand in hand with the individual manufacture. Personally, I am immensely impressed with both Ranga pens' work and yours.
Exactly. Couldn't agree more. My experiences can be tainted with prior experiences. I have many pens from China, mass-produced, that don't have the character of a Ranga pen. Thanks for sharing your views.
I like the video. Description given is very useful. You do it in depth. Whether it's a pen or ink . Planning to buy model 3 ranga in different material & colour. Would certainly love to carry it to my workplace for daily writing!!
I recently got a 3c in a lovely acrylic with Schmidt nib. The service was great. I was asked what material I wanted, round or flat ends, and clip or no clip. Loved the packaging. The pen does smell ... hey ho. But it looks great and writes really well, and. Feels great I. The hand. Highly recommend.
Had to come back to this video after the last few ebonite pen reviews to compare. A clipless matte finish, flat top green ripple ebonite pen could be my perfect pen. This pen is close to that for me, but the kiwi pens ebonite seemed to be better constructed.
Chris, if you hold your pen at the nib end of the section near the lip, I would think the Ranga 8B or the 8 which have a much less pronounced lip, would be a better proposition. I ordered a 3C as well as two 8Bs; and though normally I hold my pen well back, because of the balance , I tend to hold the 8Bs further forward on the section; while the 3C I tend to hold back towards the thread (which fortunately is very smooth). Nevertheless, I would say the 8B is slightly more comfortable than the 3C, which is not to say I don’t enjoy the 3C. Indeed, my 3C is an Eyedropper with a flex nib, and I find this combination agreeably wet and satisfying with Kwz Monarch ink; while one of my 8Bs is a CC and has a 1.5 Bock nib; this I find drier with Krishna Bronze Leaf ink. The latter combination nevertheless controls my slightly wild writing, so I am enjoying both, in different ways.
Chris your trials here of Chinese pens have been an inspiration, and reading Bobje’s comments on Indian pens on FPN has been similarly useful to me. Indeed, I have just noticed a discussion on FPN between Bobje and Sanseri, about which Ranga pen to buy, in which Sanseri says how much he likes the 3/3C, but as he prefers even more the hourglass section of the 8B, « that is why I asked Mr. Kandan to modify my last 3C (...) and fit an 8B section on it ». That is perhaps the advantage of Ranga pens, it is possible to ask for custom changes. It may also be that Ranga Pens call for more involvement from the user compared to Penbbs and various Chinese piston pens which often seem ready to go from the start with minimal effort. Thanks for your useful videos!
Another interesting review. I was curious about the finish of the pen, particularly the section. I don't have any ebonite pens so I don't know how susceptible that material is to staining. It just looks like it would stain after repeated dipping of the pen into the ink bottle for filling. Is that concern unfounded?
I've never had an ebonite pen stain, but then again, I don't use inks that typically stain (Noodlers, etc.) Ebonite is hands down THE best-feeling material for pens though, in my humble opinion. The only issues are that polished ones dull after awhile, they fade over years with light exposure (so keep them in a case), and it smells like rubber. Some people might find that offputting. The unpolished ebonite, as shown here, as a unique, smooth, raw rubber feel. I like polished more, though.
I'm not a fan of that lip either. I sold my Custom Model 3 off because of it. It just doesn't contour the fingers well. The angle is too sharp and becomes irritating after a while. I did find the Davenport to be very comfortable. I didn't keep it though because it took 3 turns to uncap/cap and that's too many for me preferentially.
Hi Chris, can you review the free pen that was included in the shipment ? I got one with a buy from FPR and it writes very well, it is a great value for a free pen. Thank you fo your good pen reviews.
Warning!!! Ranga does not take returns or attempt to correct clear errors - While I received a beautiful pen it was clearly not even close to the colour I had chosen. The main response was that it was the colour I had chosen and no recourse was available - very saddened that I will not get to use a Ranga pen and I am now too afraid to make other colour choices
it was ebonite. I expect a degree of variation but this was very drastic - I had chosen yellow and black and received brown and black - not at all what I was expecting. I expected to stay in the same part of the color wheel - I think I will return the pen even though they don't offer refunds or take returns - so very disappointed - buyer beware I guess...I know I will not be ordering from them again with this experience
I bought directly from Ranga via an email offer. You could try this link - docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd1erDiPeXEhrJmabP8aOvQEvn2nSq9zxR_X6USfCsb9TJDyQ/viewform
I like fountain pens made in India. Yes there are flaws but you're getting a handmade pen, made to order in many cases. In fact I find it fascinating looking at some of the small workshops and craftsmen that make these pens. That they can produce any decent writing instruments is quite remarkable in itself.
Thank you for the review, Chris. I have purchased several Ranga pens, never the ebonite, though. What I love best about your review is the thoughtful inspection of the pen and your honest opinion. It doesn't seem like you have been hired to promote the pen. What I love best about the Ranga pens is the skill of the artisan that created it: the generosity of spirit that always includes free pens, nibs, and hand cut feeds and the care and effort they put into packaging. To me every step shows hard work and indicates how much they value quality and customer satisfaction. As for the smell which I admit was a bit strong, to me it is the smell of a mechanical workshop, like an automotive garage. I think it goes hand in hand with the individual manufacture. Personally, I am immensely impressed with both Ranga pens' work and yours.
Exactly. Couldn't agree more. My experiences can be tainted with prior experiences. I have many pens from China, mass-produced, that don't have the character of a Ranga pen. Thanks for sharing your views.
I like the video. Description given is very useful. You do it in depth. Whether it's a pen or ink . Planning to buy model 3 ranga in different material & colour. Would certainly love to carry it to my workplace for daily writing!!
I recently got a 3c in a lovely acrylic with Schmidt nib. The service was great. I was asked what material I wanted, round or flat ends, and clip or no clip. Loved the packaging. The pen does smell ... hey ho. But it looks great and writes really well, and. Feels great I. The hand. Highly recommend.
I bought 2 pens from then, really like their work and love the packaging!
Including a free pen seems like a really fun idea to me :p
I love that the section matches the pen. Cool review.
I love my Ranga 3, you made a great choice of color/finish.
Chris thanks for this video. I was wondering if pull the trigger on this or better get a FPR pen.
Had to come back to this video after the last few ebonite pen reviews to compare. A clipless matte finish, flat top green ripple ebonite pen could be my perfect pen. This pen is close to that for me, but the kiwi pens ebonite seemed to be better constructed.
Reach out to Kiwipens with your ideal pen, I'm sure Saji will be able to provide a perfect pen at a reasonable price.
I've been curious about Ranga pens. Very informative. Thank you.
Thank you chris . Interesting pen and a very attractive material.
Chris, if you hold your pen at the nib end of the section near the lip, I would think the Ranga 8B or the 8 which have a much less pronounced lip, would be a better proposition. I ordered a 3C as well as two 8Bs; and though normally I hold my pen well back, because of the balance , I tend to hold the 8Bs further forward on the section; while the 3C I tend to hold back towards the thread (which fortunately is very smooth). Nevertheless, I would say the 8B is slightly more comfortable than the 3C, which is not to say I don’t enjoy the 3C. Indeed, my 3C is an Eyedropper with a flex nib, and I find this combination agreeably wet and satisfying with Kwz Monarch ink; while one of my 8Bs is a CC and has a 1.5 Bock nib; this I find drier with Krishna Bronze Leaf ink. The latter combination nevertheless controls my slightly wild writing, so I am enjoying both, in different ways.
Thanks. I should have dome more research before ordering the 3. Your experiences are very helpful.
Chris your trials here of Chinese pens have been an inspiration, and reading Bobje’s comments on Indian pens on FPN has been similarly useful to me. Indeed, I have just noticed a discussion on FPN between Bobje and Sanseri, about which Ranga pen to buy, in which Sanseri says how much he likes the 3/3C, but as he prefers even more the hourglass section of the 8B, « that is why I asked Mr. Kandan to modify my last 3C (...) and fit an 8B section on it ». That is perhaps the advantage of Ranga pens, it is possible to ask for custom changes. It may also be that Ranga Pens call for more involvement from the user compared to Penbbs and various Chinese piston pens which often seem ready to go from the start with minimal effort. Thanks for your useful videos!
We should appreciate these pens for what they are or can be. Thanks for delineating these two type of pens.
Another interesting review. I was curious about the finish of the pen, particularly the section. I don't have any ebonite pens so I don't know how susceptible that material is to staining. It just looks like it would stain after repeated dipping of the pen into the ink bottle for filling. Is that concern unfounded?
No, hard rubber is stable & resistant, independent of finish. Something might stain it but no more than other materials.
I've never had an ebonite pen stain, but then again, I don't use inks that typically stain (Noodlers, etc.) Ebonite is hands down THE best-feeling material for pens though, in my humble opinion. The only issues are that polished ones dull after awhile, they fade over years with light exposure (so keep them in a case), and it smells like rubber. Some people might find that offputting. The unpolished ebonite, as shown here, as a unique, smooth, raw rubber feel. I like polished more, though.
@@chrisrap52 Thanks. Good to know. Despite the flaws, it's a good looking pen.
I'm not a fan of that lip either. I sold my Custom Model 3 off because of it. It just doesn't contour the fingers well. The angle is too sharp and becomes irritating after a while.
I did find the Davenport to be very comfortable. I didn't keep it though because it took 3 turns to uncap/cap and that's too many for me preferentially.
This pen looks wonderful
That Penbbs green ink looks nice
They make some very nice inks. just hard to get.
Thank you, Chris.
Nice and detailed review. Thanks for putting in the effort; it shows :).
Thanks for your kind & encouraging words.
Hi Chris, can you review the free pen that was included in the shipment ? I got one with a buy from FPR and it writes very well, it is a great value for a free pen. Thank you fo your good pen reviews.
I have a few of these. So far they are not worth reviewing. If I find it worthy, I will do a review.
Very good review, thinking about getting a Ranga pen.
Many to choose from. Easy to find the one for you.
Chris, thanks that was interesting.
...for the titanium nib.
Where did you get the ebonite feed for the
Most pens from India have ebonite feeds.
Sorry, I did like the video a lot and am a fan of Ranga.
Warning!!! Ranga does not take returns or attempt to correct clear errors - While I received a beautiful pen it was clearly not even close to the colour I had chosen. The main response was that it was the colour I had chosen and no recourse was available - very saddened that I will not get to use a Ranga pen and I am now too afraid to make other colour choices
Pictures can be deceiving. Was it resin or ebonite pen? Both can vary quite a bit from pen to pen.
it was ebonite. I expect a degree of variation but this was very drastic - I had chosen yellow and black and received brown and black - not at all what I was expecting. I expected to stay in the same part of the color wheel - I think I will return the pen even though they don't offer refunds or take returns - so very disappointed - buyer beware I guess...I know I will not be ordering from them again with this experience
What site did you go to, to order the pen?
I bought directly from Ranga via an email offer. You could try this link - docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd1erDiPeXEhrJmabP8aOvQEvn2nSq9zxR_X6USfCsb9TJDyQ/viewform
No doubt it writes better than what I write...:-(