PLATINUM Fountain Pen, Black Body (DPQ-700A#1)

I am only writing this review because I want people to keep buying this product, in order that Platinum continues to make it. I am an artist, and I do a lot of pen and ink work. I own a number of hideously expensive fountain pens, among the other various materials inhabiting what serves as my studio. That said, this pen, after only a few hours, has become one of my very favorite fountain pens. The pen I received is apparently an ef, and it is just that. As a matter of fact, it makes lines that look very much like the .2 Rotring Isograph. I want Platinum to keep making this pen because it is an incredible tool, independent of the cost. The cost is so low it borders on the absurd. I almost didn't buy this pen because of the reviews. Don't let the mediocre/negative reviews sway you. There are people who like fountain pens because they are fountain pens. They obsess over nonsensical issues, such as whether the nib is visible when capped. They are bothered by things such as whether the clip lines up with the nib if the body is transparent. In short, they obsess over things that do not matter to people who value these items as tools, rather than oddities to be collected as a hobby. These also tend to be the people who complain about this pen. I question the value in comparing the pen to the previous version, particularly when there are quite a few who suggest the actual performance of the two pens is pretty much the same. I also question the logic of buying a $9 pen, with a JAPANESE, EXTRA FINE nib, and expecting it to write like a double broad, Mont Blanc 149. Although their rationale makes little (read NO) sense to me, their number is legion and they are typically the ones driven to remark ("review" lends validity to their remarks; I won't do that) negatively on an instrument such as this. For those of you who like to draw, and KNOW HOW TO DRAW WELL, you will likely find this pen an incredible value, and a formidable tool to be added to your arsenal, particularly if you value the inking process as performed with a traditional dip pen. This pen makes lines finer than both of my Pilot 14k posting nibs. It is moderately stiff nib (it is steel), but not a "nail". It travels across quality paper with a satisfying level of "feedback", very much like the experience of using a G pen or other dip pen. I like mine so much, I ordered a second one the next day. I am thinking maybe I should have ordered a dozen. Working with this pen is so unusually enjoyable, that I often FORGET that I am NOT using a dip pen. It is that good. I keep thinking I need to stock up so I don't run out. Weird. Platinum makes superb nibs. Seriously. NOBODY makes better nibs at a better price. I own a few Pilot and Sailor steel nibs as well as many gold nibs, and this gives up nothing to any of them. The only steel nib I find comparable is the nib on the Sailor Pro color. Buy two. Now. Before it's too late.

I am extremely pleased with this fountain pen. It is light weight which is wonderful for extended writing sessions (or for anyone with hand pain.) It delivers a fine, yet easily visible/readable line. Despite generally preferring medium pens, I LOVE this particular fine nib. It does not feel dry or scratchy. The cap gives a nice click when fully closed. You should note that the cap does not post to the end of the pen, which I do not mind in the least. I have been writing with it extensively with the included cartridge for several weeks now and it has not yet run out of ink and the pen has shown no signs of being inferior in any way. The included carbon ink has been water resistant/proof on all the papers I tested and does not feather, bleed to the other side or smear. This included testing and using on good quality papers, standard copy paper and even thin dollar store notebook paper. I use this pen mostly for writing and also tried it for artwork. It has become my main pen for writing at my desk. I am highly satisfied and recommend this pen.

Platinum is the only company that can make a $5 pen that has the quality of most $50 pens out there. It's a bit big in size, which is great because it makes my sketches looser. The cartridge that came with it wasn't waterproof, but I use Platinum Carbon ink, which is, so I bought a converter and used the ink I already have (which is recommend for economical and environmental reasons). It's a light weight, quality sketching pen that I won't be heartbroken to lose if I'm on location, and I use the non-waterproof ink in a different pen so I can use it as an on-the-go wash. ETA months later, it's even better. I'd recommend getting a converter or buying a 2 pack of Platinum Carbon cartridges, they're $7 and you'll need them later, anyway. I came back to the page to buy another pen so I can use it with the non-waterproof ink (I'll put tape around the barrel so I don't grab the wrong one and inevitably make a mess when I add watercolour), and figured I'd mention pulling ink from the nib with your water brush for a super light Plein air kit.

Classic desk pen design at a price low enough to give it a try. It definitely feels "cheap" in hand, more from how light the plastic is - however, it is comfortable to hold and write with. I did opt to purchase the compatible converter for it, which is nicer than the pen itself and cost nearly as much, but allowed me to use my own ink. As for nib quality, it writes smooth for being so fine, however I do want to say this nib is definitely an "Extra Fine", I was hoping for a little more line thickness for writing. The Lamy brand Fine nib is currently my favorite Fine grade nib I've tried. Using this extra fine nib, in addition to altering how I hold the pen based on its weight and shape, greatly affects my handwriting, and not necessarily in a good way. I find that each pen I own has their own feel that alters the look of my penmanship, and I struggle most with extra fine nibs, so with this pen, I have to slow down and take my time drawing letters, similar to how I would write with a flex nib, only this pen doesn't have the advantage of any flex, so the words look rather plain, like I just used a disposable ballpoint pen. I'll give it more time and use, it wasn't a waste of money so long as I use it, but it's not going to be the first or even second or third pen I'll grab when journaling. This comes down to line preference, so if you love extra fine, you'll love this pen. With the converter (sold separately) ink flow is great, just enough feedback but not scratchy, it's remarkably smooth for how fine the nib is.