This was a fair review and I, personally, like the pen, cost notwithstanding. The prices of all Conid pens are reasonable when compared to other exotic, engineered pens. That is to say they are exPENsive and their value is a personal decision. My original Bulkfiller has been a pen I can not fault. It has a Titanium nib which I reground to an architect point and I would put it up against any pen in performance. The pen is robust and will last and that can't be said for many pen case queens. I too found the staff friendly and responsive and hope you just caught them at a busy time trying to make a gift for Aziza as well. It is true that collectors drive up the price of pens but without them we would hardly have any exotic pens. I can live with collectors even though I can't see owning pens and not using them (a lot). When I'm long gone and a relative is looking at my pens I hope they looked well-used and not pretentious and useless. Like a well-lived life. Thank you Stephen.
Very good review as always. Thank you. I have hesitated commenting on this pen. Value is very subjective, and if one values a pen at whatever price it is, then it is considered value for money for that person, and no one can argue against that person’s view. That said, after two years of collecting and using pens from £30 to £280, I have come to the conclusion that the fountain pen industry as a whole, in terms of pricing what is essentially (mostly) plastic parts, has really ‘lost the run of itself’. Companies like Edison can produce the most beautifully hand finished larger plastic pens for half that price (with an inventive filling mechanism) or for a quarter that price (with a simple converter). Of course a lot of people might call me out on comparing apples with oranges, but there is a reasonable argument here that this is significantly overpriced. Of course I am possibly blinkered by my own view that companies like Conid, Sailor and Mont Blanc all price their bigger plastic pens way above their value. And they will keep doing that until we stop buying them.
Hah! Totally agree, Mark. But, "lost the run of itself"? There's some Ireland right there. I actually used that expression in an email not an hour ago but probably hadn't thought of it in years. Next thing I see is it in sbre's channel. What are the odds?
Value is such a difficult determination. What has value for you may not for others. And while you may feel something doesn’t have value others may totally disagree. I have two MB 149’s that I’ve had for about 20 years. They were outrageously expensive when I bought them but they still hold their value for me today. They are great writers and still look new. I love how they feel in my hand and enjoy using them daily. They are certainly expensive but have tremendous value in my opinion. The good news we all get to decide what has value to us. The beauty of fountain pens.
Yes, I definitely see your point (and thanks for formulating it eloquently and in a non-accusatory fashion; I wish everyone would do that :-)). The only argument I can present is that the filling system on these pens is very nice and offers a great ink capacity - but of course, that raises the question of whether that system is worth this price.
You are paying that much for half a pen without the nib. Just charge us more and say the Nib is incluided so you don't feel like they are nickel and diming you.
Nah, there are nibs that fit bulkfillers, so if one has a nice nib without a body, why buy another one if that can be skipped. I love the idea of "buy what you need".
A gorgeous pen, but a ridiculous proposition. Are we paying for the engineering of a pen that leaks if you’re not very careful, a stiff clip, and no nib at all? What is a pen company about when most of the writing experience has been externalized? I’d be far more impressed if they engineered a flex nib comparable to vintage, or a way to make a good pen at a reasonable price.
Another great review. I love my two Kingsize Flattops (as well as my Minimalistica) and I agree with your evaluation of this pen model. There are a couple of things you didn’t mention, though. One is how easily this pen can be taken apart for a thorough cleaning (using the accessory tools you mentioned). Another is the little known fact that you can order just about any spare part from Conid (including barrels, caps, cap clips, piston rods, cap finials, piston turning knobs, O-rings and, of course, nibs) by emailing them directly. The cap finials and turning knobs are available in streamline or flattop configuration and in titanium, as well as ebonite materials. I think that it’s a great way to keep your pen in top shape for a lifetime of use. Thanks again for a great, if a bit “messy,” review.
I have one of these. Expensive but it reflects the quality. I selected an italic grind which in retrospect doesn't really suit my style. I've immediately ordered a stub to replace it and am awaiting it's arrival. A lovely piece of engineering. I found the filling mechanism intuitive and had no issues after my first trial. I had similar issues with communication re delivery and as you say they were great but I had to follow them up for an update. They sent a pen stand by way of apology for the delay. Agree about inclusion of the tools.
I kind of like that their pens are purchased in an a la carte process. I do wish they mentioned something about it in the process more explicitly though. Excellent review! Glad you finally put this together. Super helpful!
I agree with you SBREBrown! I think it's a great pen but I do believe the tools should be included. TWSB pens include tools and those are cheap pens. At the price of a Conid (any model too), include the tools guys! Nickel and diming is more of a turn off than anything. It's an awesome pen but the business practices are not.
Just loved the look of this pen but in no way could I justify this high, high price so I've just bought an Asvine p36 looks very similar and writes great all for £40. Very happy new year. Still would have loved to buy the real thing of course.
"Joy to the world..." At first I thought you were going to break out singing Three Dog Night and some how you composed the tune into a pen review. Great job on the CONID.
Steven, Thank you for the review. Goodness you did get into a bit of a mess! A little silicon gel on that mechanism takes all the jerkiness out of the operation and it works really smoothly and is less likely to eject ink everywhere. My italic fine titanium nib arrived for my minimalistica pen this very morning. My experience is that the quality is as good right across the range of both the pens and the nibs. Is this the ultimate Bauhaus pen?
Excellent review, thank you so much Stephen. You bought one so it is safe to say the pen is worth the price to you (which I was going to suggest adding this to your review process because it would be interesting to know if you'd buy the pen you're reviewing). For pushing four figures USD without being able to hold the pen in my hand and look at it, it's doubtful I'd spring for it even though it looks like the value is there even without the nib...it's an interesting situation. I love the pen, I'd thoroughly enjoy writing with it and treasure always...but very uncertain if I would buy it for myself. Thank you so much for your time and expertise, and thank you to Conid for investing their time and talent into a beautiful pen.
I would echo the poor communication issue. Ordered a king size with standard 14K medium nib on 1 March. Estimated shipping was 10 May and it is now 16 May and I have heard nothing. I used the website contact form to request an updated shipping date on three separate occasions, but have not received a response. It’s not possible to call them as there is no listed telephone number. I am so excited to start writing with the pen, but irritation is starting to creep in due to the lack of response. I live in the Netherlands, which is not known for its service culture, so I could imagine that customers in other countries having more of a service culture will find this unacceptable. I can only assume that Conid is swamped with orders and have prioritised production and quality control. That said, when selling directly via a web shop, communication is key to customer satisfaction. Hope to be able to make a positive post in the near future based upon the writing experience :-)
They should improve customer service for sure. I thought that finally I found fountain pen for me, but even I live in Belgium and contacted them I do not know how I can check/try the pen. For almost 1k euro fountain pen I expect better customer service.
My pen arrived on 19 June, after ordering on 1 March. To be fair, they did respond to my emails in the end and were genuinely sorry for the delay. It looks like they are swamped with orders. As many have said, a premium product deserves a high level of service. Could I suggest hiring some students to help in the communications. Update customers with realistic timelines will help to structure expectations......just don’t leave them in the dark. Btw - pen writes beautifully and feels very nice in the hand. Still have not worked out how to control the ink flow without the need to frequently unscrew the piston/ plunger to allow more ink to flow from main chamber and into the smaller chamber, which does not involve leave the piston/ plunger partially unscrewed. Any advice is welcome.
Awesome, Stephen! Always a pleasure to watch a video like yours! If you don’t mind, I’d like to ask you a question regarding your pen... Does the Kingsize could be compared to the MB 149 in terms of size?
Thank you for such an honest review, it is still my holy grail and I have started saving funds (might have to sell child and possibly hound to speed up!). The 8 week wait will be the hardest, bad enough 4 weeks from Japan for my lovely Custom 823. Tools should definitely be included, the nib well its a choice thing ish. My preference would be a flat top model, after all it is a highly engineered pen.
LOL...You are cracking me up. If I did the review I probably would have been shooting the ink all over the place. Thanks for another great review. I've had one of those in my cart many times, but every time I fail to pull the trigger.
Love the pen and your review Stephen is a classic! Your are a true pen nut to not flinch due to a bit of ink on your person! I've become quite selective about adding any fountain pens simply because I now have the ones I love.. but I realize that I will come upon some that may move the needle for me. This could be one, except for the price which brings us into other pen categories.. still.. possibly for next May.. my next Birthday, and if I set my order and expectations they may hot the mark. As always Stephen, thank you! You do not know all of us but many of us have been with you from the beginning for a variety of reason--to me you are a part of my family--nothing crazy mind you! My wife and kids won't show up in Red Deer on Boxing Day! Just a nice, comfortable part of my daily/weekly routine. Very best.. Frank in Boulder, Colorado
I think if you are having that much difficulty figuring out how to fill a pen then this is a clear indication of said pen being overengineered without good reason.
You are so excited, and your review is enjoyable and funny on so many levels! But not for me, any "pen" that comes without a nib. Like a television without a screen or a car without a motor. Glad you like the pen. I like the IDEA of the pen, but not at that price...
Stephen. Thanks for the informative but very also very entertaining video. Everywhere you turned there was ink. And just when you thought it was safe, again it appears, this time on a fresh piece of paper. I have an idea. Try a writing demonstration where you then rub your hand through the ink. Oh wait....you did that. A truly hysterical and enjoyable review! With all of the incredibly beautiful pen finishes out there, the demonstrator look doesn't do it for me, especially at that price. Not sure about the nib. On the one hand it seems odd to charge for the nib on a pen that's already expensive. On the other, we don't often hear you so positive about a nib. If the other nib sizes are similarly smooth, then maybe it's worth it...especially if you're a person writing for very long periods of time. Thanks again....keep up the great work Stephen!!!
I recall your first review of the Conid but when I checked the video date I saw it was new. It's still a neat and intriguing pen, but like other commenters below, too pricey for me. I started down the Minimalistica line but found myself necessarily compromising on one element or another (in the Conid line) to make the cost...well, at least closer to tolerable but then realized that the compromises took me too far from my heart's desire. Independently of "markdbenson" below, I explored Edison pens instead and have ordered a pen I can't wait to get my hands on for half the cost of my "Conid compromise."
Good thorough review! I think I can live without this one...there would need to be more aesthetic beauty in the material for me to pay that kind of money.
Stephen thanks for another wonderful review. Agreed an expensive pen, and from what you described almost "custom" in that you can choose this or that finish / nib etc. I guess you are also paying for the engineering that went into it.
How is the gold nib, compared to their titanium ones? Will it have more flex and less sensitivity to bending the tangs (and sticking in an open position)?
Geez, I thought it was bad enough that they milk you for the tools, but then also no nib included? I think I will just be content with my TWSBI and Opus 88 demonstrators, which by the way do not spluge all over me, lol. 🙄
Too expensive for me... apparently they don't follow the car model...by that I mean you don't buy a car with the body only -its complete with engine and spare parts. With this pen, you have to pay extra for the nib and tools (also for the o-rings?). The target market of this pen might be pen collectors given its high price.
For 250€ it would be a great pen. 500€ is just too much. While I appreciate the craftsmanship, I really do, it's quite a stretch to ask 500€ for a pen with a steel nib, an acrylic (essentially plastic) body and no tools or other included goodies. I might be old fashioned about that, but once we cross the 300€ mark, a gold nib should almost be expected.
I believe if you personally held the pen and wrote with it, that you would reconsider your position. A real stunner in every way. I feel this is a pen that attains real heirloom status. A pen to enjoy for a lifetime, one that is worthy to pass on to your children. And there are very few pens made today that reaches that caliber, IMO.
I think that if you want to demonstrate an ingenieus filling mechanism, you should know how to use it and not look like someone who tries it for the very first time and make it look like if one can't fill it without spilling ink all over the place. I think Conid won't be happy with this "publicity"
Thank you for another excellent review Doctor Brown, your ACE.. When you first reviewed the Conid I wanted one back then, the engineering is fantastic, so I started the order process. The deal breaker was Dick Turpin and his VAT men, the shipping and the post office handling charge just to give me the property over the counter. Notwithstanding such thievery, I still very much want a Conid and will get one eventually. The purchasing of the nib is a new one and I'm sure most Pen People will agree on that... but it looks like you buy the body then build your pen specification, it's still odd though having no nib offered. I feel a bit disappointed with the whole arrangement. Anyone in Belgium want to send me one as a 'Gift' 😉 ? ? ? Best wishes as always to all Pen people. LeZc @@
Its sad that a Fountain Pen Enthusiast with his company completely fails the large mass of collectors/user by overpricing their pens . I know that a company just can exist if the selling price of the products cover the costs for manufacturing and employyes. But come on .... a pen that costs 500€ with out a BASIC Steel Nib and Shipping ? I wonder what pens he was buying before starting his company !? Lets face it 90% of the Fountain Pen Enthusiast are buying pens with a max Price of 200$ , maybe 300$ for a Grail. Look at Franklin Christoph , goergous Handmade Pens , awesome pen bodies , and even a Nib from one of the best nibmeister in the world for 290$ incl. Shipping ? Thats value !! Sry but this company has completely failed the main comunity of Fountain pen users/collectors.
Exactly you're spot on.. after knowing the price it just boiled down my blood..I mean they're just ripping off fountain pen aficionados like us in the name of exotic engineering...
Elephant in the room... Only watched first half of video and it seems like a fountain pen created by engineers and made for engineers only! Hard to use and ink accident prone, unless you have a Master’s degree! The Fountain pen looks nice but the filling mechanism is way too complicated. Best way to it, why make it simple when you can make it complicated! Respectfully of course 😊
Complicated? Seriously? A child could do it... 1)free the rod, lock it to the piston and free the piston, 2)then proceed like every simple converter, 3)once filled, proceed step 1) in reverse. I didn't even needed a manual to understand how it works.
You have not done Conid a favor with this video. The filling process is not difficult. Heck, I was even able to fill mine without spraying ink all over the room. You should take this down, practice, and make a new one.
Blobs of ink on the hand (twice), blobs of ink on the page... a pen should not have such a messy learning curve to make it work properly. Call me when they've idiot-proofed this pen. It's a pass for me.
This was a fair review and I, personally, like the pen, cost notwithstanding. The prices of all Conid pens are reasonable when compared to other exotic, engineered pens. That is to say they are exPENsive and their value is a personal decision. My original Bulkfiller has been a pen I can not fault. It has a Titanium nib which I reground to an architect point and I would put it up against any pen in performance. The pen is robust and will last and that can't be said for many pen case queens. I too found the staff friendly and responsive and hope you just caught them at a busy time trying to make a gift for Aziza as well. It is true that collectors drive up the price of pens but without them we would hardly have any exotic pens. I can live with collectors even though I can't see owning pens and not using them (a lot). When I'm long gone and a relative is looking at my pens I hope they looked well-used and not pretentious and useless. Like a well-lived life. Thank you Stephen.
Very good review as always. Thank you. I have hesitated commenting on this pen. Value is very subjective, and if one values a pen at whatever price it is, then it is considered value for money for that person, and no one can argue against that person’s view. That said, after two years of collecting and using pens from £30 to £280, I have come to the conclusion that the fountain pen industry as a whole, in terms of pricing what is essentially (mostly) plastic parts, has really ‘lost the run of itself’. Companies like Edison can produce the most beautifully hand finished larger plastic pens for half that price (with an inventive filling mechanism) or for a quarter that price (with a simple converter). Of course a lot of people might call me out on comparing apples with oranges, but there is a reasonable argument here that this is significantly overpriced. Of course I am possibly blinkered by my own view that companies like Conid, Sailor and Mont Blanc all price their bigger plastic pens way above their value. And they will keep doing that until we stop buying them.
Hah! Totally agree, Mark. But, "lost the run of itself"? There's some Ireland right there. I actually used that expression in an email not an hour ago but probably hadn't thought of it in years. Next thing I see is it in sbre's channel. What are the odds?
Tom Gray Hi Tom! Yes, I’m from County Down in Northern Ireland! Born and bred in Belfast though. We use that expression quite a bit 🙂
Value is such a difficult determination. What has value for you may not for others. And while you may feel something doesn’t have value others may totally disagree. I have two MB 149’s that I’ve had for about 20 years. They were outrageously expensive when I bought them but they still hold their value for me today. They are great writers and still look new. I love how they feel in my hand and enjoy using them daily. They are certainly expensive but have tremendous value in my opinion. The good news we all get to decide what has value to us. The beauty of fountain pens.
@@markdbenson75 Jordanstown!
Yes, I definitely see your point (and thanks for formulating it eloquently and in a non-accusatory fashion; I wish everyone would do that :-)). The only argument I can present is that the filling system on these pens is very nice and offers a great ink capacity - but of course, that raises the question of whether that system is worth this price.
You are paying that much for half a pen without the nib. Just charge us more and say the Nib is incluided so you don't feel like they are nickel and diming you.
Nah, there are nibs that fit bulkfillers, so if one has a nice nib without a body, why buy another one if that can be skipped. I love the idea of "buy what you need".
The Conid Bulkfiller over-sized is my grail pen, Stephen, & I am just thrilled with your review! Thank you.
A gorgeous pen, but a ridiculous proposition. Are we paying for the engineering of a pen that leaks if you’re not very careful, a stiff clip, and no nib at all? What is a pen company about when most of the writing experience has been externalized? I’d be far more impressed if they engineered a flex nib comparable to vintage, or a way to make a good pen at a reasonable price.
Another great review. I love my two Kingsize Flattops (as well as my Minimalistica) and I agree with your evaluation of this pen model. There are a couple of things you didn’t mention, though. One is how easily this pen can be taken apart for a thorough cleaning (using the accessory tools you mentioned). Another is the little known fact that you can order just about any spare part from Conid (including barrels, caps, cap clips, piston rods, cap finials, piston turning knobs, O-rings and, of course, nibs) by emailing them directly. The cap finials and turning knobs are available in streamline or flattop configuration and in titanium, as well as ebonite materials. I think that it’s a great way to keep your pen in top shape for a lifetime of use. Thanks again for a great, if a bit “messy,” review.
One of my favourite videos from you. I’m not the only guy who gets ink on my hands...as a lefty I often get ink on my hands.
I have one of these. Expensive but it reflects the quality. I selected an italic grind which in retrospect doesn't really suit my style. I've immediately ordered a stub to replace it and am awaiting it's arrival. A lovely piece of engineering. I found the filling mechanism intuitive and had no issues after my first trial. I had similar issues with communication re delivery and as you say they were great but I had to follow them up for an update. They sent a pen stand by way of apology for the delay. Agree about inclusion of the tools.
I kind of like that their pens are purchased in an a la carte process. I do wish they mentioned something about it in the process more explicitly though. Excellent review! Glad you finally put this together. Super helpful!
I agree with you SBREBrown! I think it's a great pen but I do believe the tools should be included. TWSB pens include tools and those are cheap pens. At the price of a Conid (any model too), include the tools guys! Nickel and diming is more of a turn off than anything. It's an awesome pen but the business practices are not.
Just loved the look of this pen but in no way could I justify this high, high price so I've just bought an Asvine p36 looks very similar and writes great all for £40. Very happy new year. Still would have loved to buy the real thing of course.
"Joy to the world..."
At first I thought you were going to break out singing Three Dog Night and some how you composed the tune into a pen review.
Great job on the CONID.
My favorite sbrebrown video. INKY FINGERS ftw. And I have never understood the bulk filler until this great demo and explanation. Thanks!
Steven, Thank you for the review. Goodness you did get into a bit of a mess! A little silicon gel on that mechanism takes all the jerkiness out of the operation and it works really smoothly and is less likely to eject ink everywhere. My italic fine titanium nib arrived for my minimalistica pen this very morning. My experience is that the quality is as good right across the range of both the pens and the nibs. Is this the ultimate Bauhaus pen?
Excellent piece of fine engineering. It's worth every penny. Best fountainpen I have
Excellent review, thank you so much Stephen. You bought one so it is safe to say the pen is worth the price to you (which I was going to suggest adding this to your review process because it would be interesting to know if you'd buy the pen you're reviewing). For pushing four figures USD without being able to hold the pen in my hand and look at it, it's doubtful I'd spring for it even though it looks like the value is there even without the nib...it's an interesting situation. I love the pen, I'd thoroughly enjoy writing with it and treasure always...but very uncertain if I would buy it for myself. Thank you so much for your time and expertise, and thank you to Conid for investing their time and talent into a beautiful pen.
I would echo the poor communication issue. Ordered a king size with standard 14K medium nib on 1 March. Estimated shipping was 10 May and it is now 16 May and I have heard nothing. I used the website contact form to request an updated shipping date on three separate occasions, but have not received a response. It’s not possible to call them as there is no listed telephone number. I am so excited to start writing with the pen, but irritation is starting to creep in due to the lack of response.
I live in the Netherlands, which is not known for its service culture, so I could imagine that customers in other countries having more of a service culture will find this unacceptable. I can only assume that Conid is swamped with orders and have prioritised production and quality control. That said, when selling directly via a web shop, communication is key to customer satisfaction.
Hope to be able to make a positive post in the near future based upon the writing experience :-)
They should improve customer service for sure. I thought that finally I found fountain pen for me, but even I live in Belgium and contacted them I do not know how I can check/try the pen. For almost 1k euro fountain pen I expect better customer service.
My pen arrived on 19 June, after ordering on 1 March. To be fair, they did respond to my emails in the end and were genuinely sorry for the delay. It looks like they are swamped with orders. As many have said, a premium product deserves a high level of service. Could I suggest hiring some students to help in the communications. Update customers with realistic timelines will help to structure expectations......just don’t leave them in the dark.
Btw - pen writes beautifully and feels very nice in the hand. Still have not worked out how to control the ink flow without the need to frequently unscrew the piston/ plunger to allow more ink to flow from main chamber and into the smaller chamber, which does not involve leave the piston/ plunger partially unscrewed. Any advice is welcome.
By far this is my "go to" pen for the next year... at least as soon as they restart the production...
Awesome, Stephen! Always a pleasure to watch a video like yours! If you don’t mind, I’d like to ask you a question regarding your pen... Does the Kingsize could be compared to the MB 149 in terms of size?
It is now two years later, any thoughts on this pen?
Greatest review ever! watching at work.. my co worker looks at me while im laughing my a** off .
Thank you for such an honest review, it is still my holy grail and I have started saving funds (might have to sell child and possibly hound to speed up!). The 8 week wait will be the hardest, bad enough 4 weeks from Japan for my lovely Custom 823. Tools should definitely be included, the nib well its a choice thing ish. My preference would be a flat top model, after all it is a highly engineered pen.
LOL...You are cracking me up. If I did the review I probably would have been shooting the ink all over the place. Thanks for another great review.
I've had one of those in my cart many times, but every time I fail to pull the trigger.
Love the pen and your review Stephen is a classic! Your are a true pen nut to not flinch due to a bit of ink on your person! I've become quite selective about adding any fountain pens simply because I now have the ones I love.. but I realize that I will come upon some that may move the needle for me. This could be one, except for the price which brings us into other pen categories.. still.. possibly for next May.. my next Birthday, and if I set my order and expectations they may hot the mark. As always Stephen, thank you! You do not know all of us but many of us have been with you from the beginning for a variety of reason--to me you are a part of my family--nothing crazy mind you! My wife and kids won't show up in Red Deer on Boxing Day! Just a nice, comfortable part of my daily/weekly routine. Very best.. Frank in Boulder, Colorado
I think if you are having that much difficulty figuring out how to fill a pen then this is a clear indication of said pen being overengineered without good reason.
You are so excited, and your review is enjoyable and funny on so many levels! But not for me, any "pen" that comes without a nib. Like a television without a screen or a car without a motor. Glad you like the pen. I like the IDEA of the pen, but not at that price...
Stephen. Thanks for the informative but very also very entertaining video. Everywhere you turned there was ink. And just when you thought it was safe, again it appears, this time on a fresh piece of paper. I have an idea. Try a writing demonstration where you then rub your hand through the ink. Oh wait....you did that. A truly hysterical and enjoyable review! With all of the incredibly beautiful pen finishes out there, the demonstrator look doesn't do it for me, especially at that price. Not sure about the nib. On the one hand it seems odd to charge for the nib on a pen that's already expensive. On the other, we don't often hear you so positive about a nib. If the other nib sizes are similarly smooth, then maybe it's worth it...especially if you're a person writing for very long periods of time. Thanks again....keep up the great work Stephen!!!
I recall your first review of the Conid but when I checked the video date I saw it was new. It's still a neat and intriguing pen, but like other commenters below, too pricey for me. I started down the Minimalistica line but found myself necessarily compromising on one element or another (in the Conid line) to make the cost...well, at least closer to tolerable but then realized that the compromises took me too far from my heart's desire. Independently of "markdbenson" below, I explored Edison pens instead and have ordered a pen I can't wait to get my hands on for half the cost of my "Conid compromise."
I would love to have one of these pens unfortunately they are way way out of my price range
Thank you, Stephen. Congratulations. Some day, one day...
Good thorough review! I think I can live without this one...there would need to be more aesthetic beauty in the material for me to pay that kind of money.
Stephen thanks for another wonderful review.
Agreed an expensive pen, and from what you described almost "custom" in that you can choose this or that finish / nib etc. I guess you are also paying for the engineering that went into it.
How is the gold nib, compared to their titanium ones? Will it have more flex and less sensitivity to bending the tangs (and sticking in an open position)?
Good looking pen Indeed, Enjoy
Geez, I thought it was bad enough that they milk you for the tools, but then also no nib included? I think I will just be content with my TWSBI and Opus 88 demonstrators, which by the way do not spluge all over me, lol. 🙄
Great job
I love the pen and tbh, given how much I write, I would pay those extras x
Too expensive for me... apparently they don't follow the car model...by that I mean you don't buy a car with the body only -its complete with engine and spare parts. With this pen, you have to pay extra for the nib and tools (also for the o-rings?). The target market of this pen might be pen collectors given its high price.
Hey! What would be a good place to sell some vintage Pelikans in the NL?
You have a bright future in the diplomatic service
I love my CONIDs!
best of the best of the best
Very useful review. I am out. I admire the pen, but the filling mechanism seems too finicky. A lot of screwing and unscrewing.
Entertaining as always. Great review yes but paying for shipping is a deal breaker for me. call me crazy
I love my Conid Kingsize ...however I fill mine the day BEFORE I need to take it out...because I need a shower to scrub the ink off my hands.
For 250€ it would be a great pen. 500€ is just too much. While I appreciate the craftsmanship, I really do, it's quite a stretch to ask 500€ for a pen with a steel nib, an acrylic (essentially plastic) body and no tools or other included goodies.
I might be old fashioned about that, but once we cross the 300€ mark, a gold nib should almost be expected.
I believe if you personally held the pen and wrote with it, that you would reconsider your position. A real stunner in every way. I feel this is a pen that attains real heirloom status. A pen to enjoy for a lifetime, one that is worthy to pass on to your children. And there are very few pens made today that reaches that caliber, IMO.
A like it.... worth every cent
Is your ink still available? Thanks
No, but it will be available again in just a couple of days...
sbrebrown On that note, will there ever be SBRE Green/Blue/Purple, etc? I've often wondered if you might extend the offering?
I think that if you want to demonstrate an ingenieus filling mechanism, you should know how to use it and not look like someone who tries it for the very first time and make it look like if one can't fill it without spilling ink all over the place. I think Conid won't be happy with this "publicity"
Seems less efficient and more complicated than a vac filler.
That is an useless innovation.
Thank you for another excellent review Doctor Brown, your ACE..
When you first reviewed the Conid I wanted one back then, the engineering is fantastic, so I started the order process. The deal breaker was Dick Turpin and his VAT men, the shipping and the post office handling charge just to give me the property over the counter. Notwithstanding such thievery, I still very much want a Conid and will get one eventually. The purchasing of the nib is a new one and I'm sure most Pen People will agree on that... but it looks like you buy the body then build your pen specification, it's still odd though having no nib offered.
I feel a bit disappointed with the whole arrangement.
Anyone in Belgium want to send me one as a 'Gift' 😉 ? ? ?
Best wishes as always to all Pen people.
LeZc
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"Pen for writers"? At that price it is a pen for collectors.
Wish the grip were not metal.....
Its sad that a Fountain Pen Enthusiast with his company completely fails the large mass of collectors/user by overpricing their pens . I know that a company just can exist if the selling price of the products cover the costs for manufacturing and employyes.
But come on .... a pen that costs 500€ with out a BASIC Steel Nib and Shipping ? I wonder what pens he was buying before starting his company !?
Lets face it 90% of the Fountain Pen Enthusiast are buying pens with a max Price of 200$ , maybe 300$ for a Grail. Look at Franklin Christoph , goergous Handmade Pens , awesome pen bodies , and even a Nib from one of the best nibmeister in the world for 290$ incl. Shipping ? Thats value !!
Sry but this company has completely failed the main comunity of Fountain pen users/collectors.
Exactly you're spot on.. after knowing the price it just boiled down my blood..I mean they're just ripping off fountain pen aficionados like us in the name of exotic engineering...
Elephant in the room... Only watched first half of video and it seems like a fountain pen created by engineers and made for engineers only! Hard to use and ink accident prone, unless you have a Master’s degree!
The Fountain pen looks nice but the filling mechanism is way too complicated. Best way to it, why make it simple when you can make it complicated!
Respectfully of course 😊
Complicated? Seriously? A child could do it...
1)free the rod, lock it to the piston and free the piston,
2)then proceed like every simple converter,
3)once filled, proceed step 1) in reverse.
I didn't even needed a manual to understand how it works.
You have not done Conid a favor with this video. The filling process is not difficult. Heck, I was even able to fill mine without spraying ink all over the room. You should take this down, practice, and make a new one.
Great pen, hope to get one soon. But you are struggling so much in this review lol
Conid is a total ripoff. Great pens but simply not worth the price.
great pen,way way overpriced.
Blobs of ink on the hand (twice), blobs of ink on the page... a pen should not have such a messy learning curve to make it work properly. Call me when they've idiot-proofed this pen. It's a pass for me.
Great job