TWSBI FP Review
#1
Posted 19 October 2010 - 04:03 AM
I purchased the very popular Twsbi FP at the NYC Pen show over the weekend. I was looking for several pens at the show, not really having this in mind at all. I was told by a known/friendly pen repair person to take a look at this pen! Boy, was I in for a pleasant surprise!
Design- This is a jewel-like quality demo pen made with crystal type etching in the acrylic body. This pen looks like a piece of fine crystal at first glance. It is well made, and has a very solid feel. I was carrying a Pelikan M205 Demo with me to the show, and the quality of this Twsbi really became obvious. It is a medium to large size pen (length of a Pilot VP) that feels as solid as a Sailor 1911 Demo (pic for comparison). This pen can be completely disassembled for cleaning, as a “wrench” and silicone grease are included (along with instructions). The pen case itself is also something to be admired for its’ design and practicality.
Filling System- This is a piston-fill FP that filled the first time I put it in the bottle. It did not require any priming, and filled full that first time. The materials are plastic, with a metal collar around the barrel where the knob shaft threads. The piston filling process is very smooth, and did not “stiffen”, nor hesitate to push through the barrel.
Nib- A stainless steel, iridium tip nib that has that familiar “Schmidt” type look/feel to it. The nib is a medium, and I would call it an Asian medium. It lays a nice line, and it is very smooth. The nib is marked “TWSBI” along with their logo, and an “M” on the side of the left tine that reminds you of other Asian made pens.
Price- The price paid for this pen was $40. I cannot state enough the value for the price paid on this pen! Imagine a quality piston-fill pen for less than $50! This pen feels like a pen costing twice and/or three times as much! The performance for the money also is something to be amazed at!
Conclusion- This pen is made by a company based in Taiwan. It has the quality of a Japanese pen costing two/three times as much. There is no need to leave a score, since I can find very little (nothing) to complain about with this pen. I was also told at the point of sale that any problems would be addressed as the pen is guaranteed against any defects. Early problems with prior models have been fixed as these new models have better seals. Bravo for a well-made, low price-point pen!
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#2
Posted 19 October 2010 - 04:52 AM
Regards
Hugh
#3
Posted 06 November 2010 - 04:32 AM
Mike Kirk
(~==]=====]]
Penfindum Restorum
Member
#4
Posted 07 November 2010 - 06:19 PM
Funny you should post this, Frank. I am at the Ohio Pen Show sitting a couple of tables away from Tom Mullane (Old Griz). Tom has been writing with this pen and can't rave enough about it considering the value just as you mentioned above. Nice review. Thanks.
Thanks Mike!
Yes, it has been three weeks now, and the pen still performs great!
It writes on contact with paper (no drying issues), and there are no staining/leaking issues!
Frank
"When, in the course of writing events, it becomes self-evident that not all pens are created equal" (Federalist Frank)
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#5
Posted 08 November 2010 - 03:50 AM
Nice meeting you at the show this weekend Captain Kirk! If I had read this earlier, I would have let you check mine out -- it was in my bag when we were talking... Thanks for all your Estie input! -glennFunny you should post this, Frank. I am at the Ohio Pen Show sitting a couple of tables away from Tom Mullane (Old Griz). Tom has been writing with this pen and can't rave enough about it considering the value just as you mentioned above. Nice review. Thanks.
#7
Posted 08 November 2010 - 04:08 PM
#12
Posted 07 July 2012 - 07:18 PM
All in all, I would say to anyone wanting one and waiting – DON’T WAIT ANY LONGER! I have what appears to be the second generation 540 and so far, can not see ANY problems with this pen. I have 3 Montblanc 149’s and still go for the TWSBI! It’s just fun to use!
Bryant
#14
Posted 23 September 2012 - 03:50 AM
For those of you interested, the TWSBI Mini is coming out next month and i'm pretty certain they're all using Bock nibs now. the Vac700 is a vacuum fill pen which is unbelievable for the price. AND more than that, they're putting out a metal series tentatively titled Diamond 850, another piston fill and most likely sub 100 again.
Great company.
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#15
Posted 08 December 2012 - 02:58 PM
#16
Posted 08 December 2012 - 02:58 PM
#17
Posted 09 December 2012 - 05:33 PM
#19
Posted 11 January 2014 - 11:16 PM
I have a 530 clear that I bought NOS for $20 on ebay. It's a very nice pen and writes a nice, fine line.
Wow! Great buy pajaro!!
I am still using my pen. I did have Pen Brown (pb2) smooth the nib at the Baltimore Pen Show a year or so ago!
No complaints otherwise!
"When, in the course of writing events, it becomes self-evident that not all pens are created equal" (Federalist Frank)
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