La Plume Etoile

This review features a Lamy Safari in Shiny Black with a Fine nib and a Lamy AL-Star in Rasberry, also with a Fine nib.  I decided to review the Lamy Safari and Lamy AL-Star pens together because they are almost the same pen.

Appearance: The black Safari’s plastic is shiny, whereas the AL-Star has a brushed metal look.   Both pens are not completely round, but have chiseled edges to give them a rounded-square look.  They feature a transparent section that is molded with grooves for finger placement.  There is also a rubber seal between the section and body.  The clip is a chrome-colored brass wire metal clip, which looks like part of a paper clip.

Nib: I believe the nib is stainless steel and is engraved with the name “Lamy.”  They write great (see below), but have more nib creep than any of my other pens.  This doesn’t affect the pens’ performance, but can be annoying.

Opening and Closing: These pens have a pull-off cap that removes easily. When capping the pens, the caps seal with a satisfying click and stay on securely.

Size/Weight: The main difference between the pens is the Safari is made out of plastic and the AL-Star is made of lightweight aluminum.   The AL-Star is also slightly lighter than the Safari, but the difference is so slight that I don’t notice it while using either pen.

I like to write with the Lamys unposted because I feel they are unbalanced and too top heavy when posted.

Writing: Writing with these pens is almost a dream.  The exceptional flow highlights the vibrancy of the ink and makes for an extremely smooth writing experience.  The pen also does not skip.  My personal problem with these pens is the molded grip.  The placement of grooves does not match my finger placement when holding a pen.  Trying to conform my finger placement in the grips is uncomfortable and thus decreases my satisfaction when writing with the Lamys.  I think the grooves are a great tool for someone that needs to learn how to properly hold a pen.   However, even though I do hold my pen in the proper manner, the grooves are still slightly off from my grip.

Ink: This is a cartridge/converter pen and I have been using it with a converter. As stated above, the flow is also quite wet and enhances the features of the ink.  I used J. Herbin’s Vert Empire in the black Safari and J. Herbin’s Rose Cyclamen in the Rasberry AL-Star.  I especially loved how the wet flow enabled Rose Cyclamen’s brightness to come through on the paper.

The Box: The boxes were nothing special, just vented cardboard.  I didn’t think photos would be necessary for them.

Price: The Safari retails for $30 and the AL-Star is at $40.

Overall: The Lamy Safari and Lamy AL-Star are great for someone who is just getting started with fountain pens, someone who doesn’t have a lot of money to spend on a pen, and someone who wants a daily workhorse that will really perform.  Aside from the molded grip not matching my personal writing grip, these are great pens for fountain pen lovers at all levels.

The Lamy Safari in Shiny Black with a Fine Nib.

Followed by:

The Lamy AL-Star in Rasberry with a Fine Nib.

(The color is more pink in reality.  The photos make it have an orange tint.)

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Once again, it has been too long since the last review and I still have many items patiently waiting for their place in the spotlight.  I’m working on it!
This review is for a fountain pen by the Think company.  Think pens are very cool and unique.  Many of their designs are unlike any other pens on the market.  I predict it might be very difficult for you to pick just one design!

Furthermore, the website for Think pens is creative with inspirational sayings.  This is definitely a company made of pen people, as its motto, “Think in Ink,” demonstrates.  You can find more Think pens at www.thinkpens.com.

I have been privileged to have the Alla Moda fountain pen in the color “Slicker,” from Think’s newest collection of pens.

Appearance: This is a colorful pen!  The body is a turquoise color with a contrasting and eye-catching orange section.  The top of the cap is also the same orange.  The rest of the resin cap is a beautiful deep metallic blue with lines through it to give it a marbled look.  I think it almost looks like electricity, which reflects the energy of the pen.  The pen is then trimmed in engraved chrome with a chrome jewel on top featuring a “T.”

Nib: The nib is still in a Medium point.  All Think pens are only available in Medium.   I was a bit concerned about the Medium nib before using the pen, as I am normally a person who prefers Fine nibs.  However, I worried for nothing.  The Medium nib laid down an average sized line that was neither too thin nor too wide, as you will see in the photos below.  The nib is sturdy, but the tines will open if pressure is applied.

Opening and Closing: This pen is a twist cap and posts securely.

Size/Weight: This is a thick, fat pen…or maybe I should say phat.  Anyway, there is definitely more pen to grip.   I was also concerned about this aspect before using the pen, but it is actually very easy to write with and a great change from always writing with thin pens.  The thickness of this pen would be especially great for someone with large hands.

The pen also feels sturdy in the hand, without being heavy.  I prefer to use this pen unposted, as posting the cap makes it a bit top-heavy.  However, someone with larger hands than I have would probably disagree.

Writing: No problems here!  It lays down a smooth line and is really a fun addition to the collection.  The pen will dry up if not used for a while, but this is typical of most fountain pens.  The usual trick of running the nib under water will cure this temporary condition.

Ink: The ink in the photos below is Diamine Chocolate Brown.

Other Considerations: Think pens are available in cartridges or converters, so there is something for everyone.  I prefer converters and that is how I used the pen for this review.

The Box: If the pen wasn’t exciting enough, box aficionados are going to be thrilled.  The box is bright green plastic, lined in black felt, with a sliding top bearing the name “THINK” in black and magenta.  It’s quite cool and just as eye-catching as the pen!

Overall: A very cool pen.  I would like to try more of the Think line.  Preview all the designs at www.thinkpens.com.

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