On opening the package I found the pen tin inside a cardboard sleeve. The packaging is great, and the tin can be used to store pen paraphernalia such as cartridges, nibs, shims etc, etc. my initial impression was of quality and care by the manufacturer.
Appearance & Design 10/10
A design classic that closely follows the original 1935 design. The pen, to me, is iconic. You know it's a Kaweco and it can't be mistaken for something else. The dark brown colour appears black under low light conditions. The words 'Kaweco Sport' are embossed in gold script on one facet of the octagonal cap, which is topped with a gold coloured, metal button that carries the Kaweco logo. The pen is small and compact, very light and very well made.
Construction & Quality 10/10
The pen is made of tough ABS/Microlon plastic and is well constructed. The plastic has a deep lustre, and as already stated, the dark brown looks black depending on the lighting conditions. The pen is small and extremely light in weight ( I haven't weighed it but it's no more than a few ounces ). The dimensions are 104mm capped, 132mm posted & 99mm uncapped. It's designed to be a pocket pen, but is also suitable to be carried in a ladies coin purse. I don't think it will scratch easily, but if it's rattling against coins or keys in a pocket I'm sure it will scuff and mark. I feel that any marks would add to its character and story. My wife thinks it's an ugly pen, but I like it. Each to their own. Judging by this pen, I would imagine that Kaweco have excellent quality control as it is beautifully put together. The pen is not supplied with a clip, but these can be purchased as an optional extra if required.
Nib & Performance 10/10
The pen is supplied with a Stainless Steel 24k gold plated nib, manufactured by Bock of Heidelberg. Available nib sizes are medium, fine, extra fine, broad & extra broad. I opted for an extra fine nib and I am not disappointed. The nib writes beautifully, neither too wet nor too dry. The feed managed to keep up with my scrawl across the page. I used cheap copier paper and there was no bleed through or ghosting ( see pics ). The nib doesn't flex, but I didn't expect it to.
Filling System & Maintenance 8/10
The Sport uses short International Standard Cartridges. There is a converter available but I'd imagine it holds less ink than a cartridge. A single blue cartridge is supplied with the pen. Kaweco own brand cartridges are available, and are relatively inexpensive. However, I will probably just clean the cartridge when it's empty and refill it with a syringe and my choice of ink. The Kaweco cartridge supplied performs well and the ink dries quickly. I've had no reason to disassemble the pen or clean it, so am unable to give any advice on the cleaning and maintenance side of things. I believe the nib unit is friction fit and therefore should easily come apart for cleaning. Not quite 10/10 as short cartridges = low ink capacity. I've been told that it is possible to convert this pen to an eye dropper, which would give more ink capacity, but as it stands out of the box this is the only down side.
Cost & Value 10/10
The pen cost £19.99 from Cult Pens online, and I think it's excellent value for money. Even more so because this model is a limited edition and comes with a presentation tin. The tin itself sells for £4.99 on the same site. A pocket clip is an additional cost, but relatively cheap if required. I think this would make an excellent pen to introduce someone to fountain pens, as it's relatively inexpensive but high quality. Kaweco is a solid brand and I am extremely happy with this pen. Very affordable, not over priced and great value. It performs equally as well as pens costing ten times as much.
Conclusion 48/50
Almost full marks, only let down by the small ink capacity. Although this is my first Kaweco, I don't think it will be my last! Highly recommended as an everyday pen for notes and scribbles. Grab one before they sell out.
© Chris Edwards 2014. I am not affiliated in any way with Kaweco or Cult Pens. This is an impartial review and I have not received any reward or inducement from the companies mentioned.
