I am a writer at heart. While my current career has minimal writing involved, I am, and always will be, a writer.
However, I have been a bit defeated when it comes to writing these days. I think a major factor is that I am no longer required to write daily. E-mails and memos? Yes. But stories, hard news and human interest pieces? Nope. Not a one.
Enter the Lamy Safari. As much as I write digitally, this blog included, there is just something so fascinating and savory about a pen scratching on paper. After hours of research, I decided to purchase the Lamy as a way to get myself back into writing. And I am so glad I did.
Lamy Safari in red.
Needless to say, I get more than a few odd looks when I pull out my fountain pen at meetings. Especially since every time I pull it out I also take out my Filofax. It never ceases to crack me up when I enter a meeting with people two to three times my age, all using smartphones, and I as the (almost) 24-year-old whip out my fountain pen and paper planner. I just can’t get away from the secure feeling of a pen on paper.
Anyway, I digress. I’ve had the Lamy for over a month now, and I couldn’t imagine life without it. Here are a few of the pros & cons I have found so far:
* For the record, I have the Lamy Safari in red, with a medium, black steel nib. I am in no way affiliated with Lamy, this is merely my own take after using the pen for over a month.
Pros:
Durable. The plastic is very strong and can be abused quite a bit.
Stylish- at least to me. I love its modern, unusual look. The red plastic with contrasting clip and nib make me happy, as does the fact that the clip is perfect to keep the Lamy in the rings of my Filofax!
Close up of the Lamy Safari clip- Amazing!
Where my Lamy stays whenever I am not writing with it! Borrowed from another Filofax user- genius!
Functional. Absolutely amazing! Both inks I have tried (Private Reserve Black Cherry & Lamy Violet) have worked wonderfully. The nib is just a bit wide for my taste; I have both fine and italic nibs on the way. I have used a wide variety of paper as well and have experienced non-existant to minimal feathering, even on cheap paper. It works problem free on my Filofax week on two pages insert- yay!
The Safari shows no bleed through or feathering on my Wo2P Filofax insert- yay!
Ink window. The ink window is another great feature– it’s nice to know when ink is running low. Although I have found from my experience that even when the window appears empty, I have several days worth of ink left in the pen (and I write a lot).
The Lamy’s ink window has appeared this empty for days- and I am still writing!
Handwriting. Call me crazy, but I feel like my handwriting has actually improved with this pen. Maybe not necessarily improved, but it has become much more consistent. I think it is a combination between the pen grip teaching me to write properly and the fact that I just love writing with this pen so much!
Cons:
I want to say that there aren’t any, but I feel that all good reviews have to point out some flaws, even if they are of personal preference. So here goes:
Inky fingers. Not a fan! I occasionally notice a bit of ink on my middle finger from the pen– although I think this is more from incorrect positioning than from the pen itself. I have noticed that this problem has been less frequent the more I use the pen. Of course, I also get inky fingers when I am refilling the pen, but since I am to lazy to be careful and too cheap to buy gloves I feel that this is to be expected.
Addictive! At around $30, this pen is a really great way to get into the world of fountain pens. Although it is also the only one I have written with for any length of time, I can definitely say I am in no hurry to try anything else. And think of all the colors! Though I have only tried two, I have a lengthy running list of inks I want to try. Between cartridges and the infinite number of bottled inks that can be used with the foolproof converter, the possibilities are endless.
The bottom line? I love this pen! I seriously doubt I will ever get bored with the number of inks and nibs that I have yet to try. And because this pen is so darned sturdy, I am sure it will be around for the long run.
That lamy looks very familiar to me, lots of people had it at school over here – factory not far away! I then had a Pelikan that I liked. Now I have a Parker fountain pen that I absolutely love. Have the neatest handwriting with it. At least that’s what I think. Black ink I like best, but just thought the other day I might try some fancy coloured ones. I got it as present from my Sweetheart what feels ages ago when we were still at University and I wrote a lot with it then. Then it got so neglected. Poor thing. When I wanted to try again after years to keep a calendar as a diary I had to search for it. Found it. It was all dried up but I got it back working with running water from the tap through it. And am fallen again in love with it – or in writing with it. Might do a blog post with it, too, as it is worth it!
Pens are always worth a blog post! I am notorious for researching everything before I buy, whether it's $1 or $100- I loved being able to read other people's reviews of the Lamy before I bought it.
My next plan is to start reviewing inks, although I have only used two… hopefully I will be adding more to the collection soon!
I love my Lamys (6) with 5 fine and 1 medium. I use herbin inks.
Such great pens and so reasonably priced!
Six Lamys! I am jealous!!! I only have the medium nib- I have a fine and italic lost somewhere in the mail.
I am glad to hear you like the Herbin inks- I have been wanting to try them. There is a company here that sells any four inks you want in a sample 1cc container for $5- I have a few Herbin's on my "to try" list!
I love my Lamys too. I have three – a bright pink, a lime green and a voilet. All now have oblique nibs which I love. It's great that you can change the nibs in these. My preference is for the black nibs, somehow they seen to be a little smoother. I have other fountain pens as well – my Lamys are my going out pens, but at home I have two Mont Blancs with different nibs. My favorite inks are Mont Blanc too – I use the Lavender most of the time (a lovely voilet colour) but I also like the new green which is a sort of pine green colour. They also have a very lovely grey and a rich brown. They are not cheap but I also love the bottles they come in!
Durable, yes they are. I still have my Lamy that I used in school (ahem 30 years ago)and I like to use this fountain pen on and off. But now you have me going here and I am already browsing the web for a new one.
@ Alison: Those colors sound lovely! I went with the red as I only plan on having one (for now) so I figure I wanted something that works personally and professionally. The Mont Blanc lavender sounds wonderful- I was using Lamy Violet for a bit and loved it- such a vivid color!
@ Susanne: Oops, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to make you run out and shop! Although at least you can guarantee you won't be disappointed!