TWSBI ECO Fountain Pen Black M nib

After using Lamy Safaris as my daily-use pen for decades, I switched to TWSBI last year, with the TWSBI Eco my first purchase.I've made the switch because TWSBI provides a superior pen for the price. Before turning to this particular pen, several general observations about TWSBI pens.First, TWSBI's nibs are smooth and the ink action is reliable. I'm amazed how much superior not only to Lamy, but to a variety of other substantial-yet-inexpensive pens the TWSBI is (Pilot Metropolitan, Montverde demonstrators, etc.). Ink runs, and doesn't clog. The nib is precise, but has greater flex than Lamy.Second, TWSBI has a great piston-action reservoir. Its large size is wonderful for traveling with. You can hold nearly a month supply of ink in the reservoir if you fill it completely--and that's writing liberally, three months with my average use.Third TWSBIs look sharp, but not garish. The Eco is fairly light, but solid, and has withstood substantial abuse. Unlike the Safari, I've put a sealed TWSBI through the wash by accident without damage to the pen or any ink escaping onto clothing. (I know, unbelievable, right?) Feels good in the hand. Writes beautifully. Posts well. A superb pen, the equal of many costing much more.Fourth, TWSBIs can sometimes seep a bit behind the O-rings sealing the piston. At worst, in my experience, this is a cosmetic blemish. I've not had the seepage go beyond one O-ring--it was minuscule at that--and there are two O-rings.Now a few warnings...First, each time I buy a new TWSBI I find it almost impossible to figure out how to set up, lubricate the seals, and put TWSBI pens back together before using. The problem is that the twist mechanism for the piston has to be in the right place for the piston to retract fully and the piston screw to close fully. There are Youtube videos on how to do this, but be careful not to force anything in this process, including the wrench to open and close the end of the pen and the screw mechanism for the piston. Remember that you're dealing with reverse screw threading when you use the little wrench TWSBI provides with the penIf you're having to force it, you're doing it wrong and in danger of damaging the pen. Go to Youtube and find a video to follow. But basically, what you have to do is simply rotate the crenelated interior piece all the way around the circle, trying it again at each stop, until by a process of trial and error you find the right location with allows the end to screw fully shut with the piston fully retracted.Second, this pen isn't for ink mixers or those who like changing colors frequently. The reservoir is too large and the process of ejecting ink too complicated to use for this purpose.Again, a beautiful pen with some quirks.

This pen seems to improve my handwriting more than any other pen. That does not mean this pen is for you.First of all, this pen writes smooth but has more feedback than my smoothest Hongdian pen. However, because of this, when I write my strokes are longer, more complete, and less lazy. In other words this pen is a great experience for the more active pen writer. It is what stick shift driving is to cars. You even get a wrench with this pen to disassemble. Another reason my handwriting looks better with this pen is the shape of the grip. All my other pens have round grips. Because of the contour grip, I don't roll the pen and every stroke slants in the same direction gracefully- beautiful. I love the demonstrator; other pens leave me guessing if I have a pen problem or if I am running out of ink? I love the light but sturdy plastic feel. The contour grip is considerately discrete. The overall look is surprisingly modern, minimalistic, and maybe even a little sexy. It reminds me of a perfume bottle- you can see the liquid in a clear prism container. The barrel is round and clear but the cap and end are hexagon and have a prism effect. As mentioned, it holds lots of ink. When I first started writing with fountain pens, I liked changing ink but not so much now. That is one reason I purchased yet another fountain pen but this may be the pen that ends my search. However, I admit already looking at the ECO T with a triangle grip.When comparing the ECO to the ECO T, the ECO T has a subtle but noticeable triangular grip. The Lamy has an even more pronounced grip. However, the ECO doesn't have a contour grip as much as a little wedge at the tip of the grip that guides your index finger; it is difficult to see.

I've been trying several fountain pens lately, trying to find the right functionality for the price, and this pen is a dream.First of all, the barrel is high capacity and super easy to fill. I like the fact that I can always see my ink level, and it writes like a dream. I've never had such smooth writing-feel when working with a fountain pen (I have a couple Waterman pens, and a couple Pilot Metropolitans). Also, the nib is a true Medium (a European size medium, not a Japanese medium). I've been looking for one that is actually a European medium for a while, and this one seems perfect for me!Second, though the body of the pen is plastic, it actually feels great in my hand. It looks slightly thicker than most of my more sleek pens, but that makes it even more comfortable to hold. While it doesn't look expensive, it feels so good, I'll gladly forgo the looks for the feeling.Finally, the top feels so secure, with its slight screw-unscrew threading. I know I won't lose my cap and have an accident in my bag. It also secures comfortably on the bottom end of the pen when you take the top off to write, so I doubt I'll misplace this!Overall, it may look less sleek, but it's probably the most functional and comfortable fountain pen I've ever owned. And at this price, it's hands-down worth it!