I have been looking for a pen that is easy to operate, easy to clean, and didn't cost a bomb. It also needed to write well. My purpose was to have a pen that I could use to test inks. I went to the Pen Gallery today and I tried a TWSBI Go, TWSBI Swipe, Pilot Tank, and Lamy AL-Star. The Tank was too small, though it was interesting because it is filled by an eye dropper. By small, I mean too slender for my big hands. I liked the Lamy, but it was more money than I wanted to spend. So, then it was down to the Go and the Swipe.
Both have a unique for the price range plunger converter to load the ink. All one need do is press the button, so to speak, and the pen is loaded. The one on the Go has the spring behind the plunger and the one on the Swipe has the spring in with the plunger. Both are super easy, and I mean very easy, to use. The swipe does come with a piston style converter and can use cartridges, as well. The Go can use cartridges, also.
I tried writing side by side. They both use the same nib as the more expensive TWSBI Eco, so I was expecting good things. I liked both pens. The Swipe is a lot better looking and to me, I prefer it over the Eco. The Go isn't as pretty, looking fat and stubby. The Swipe can be taken completely apart down to small pieces for cleaning and I almost bought it because of that. However, I ended up buying the Go for three reasons, though I like them both. First, the price. The Go is cheaper. Second, the Go comes in more nib choices. I ended up getting the broad. Third, when I wrote with them, though both wrote well, the Go fit my hand better and was more comfortable due to its slightly larger girth.
Along with the Go I bought a bottle of Diamine Bougainvillea ink. It is a beautiful, rich pinkish reddish ink with a hint of purple. I screwed off the back cap of my Go and inserted the nib and pressed the plunger, slowing releasing it. Viola! The pen was full! It was that easy.
I took out my pad and started writing and it is a really smooth writer with that broad nib. I enjoyed it and the nib is enough to really show off the color of that gloriously beautiful ink. The pen I bought is completely clear and looks great. I wasn't happy with the clear blue or smoke. The all clear is just right. I can see all of the inner workings of the pen and see that beautiful ink. In my terrible pictures you can get a glimpse of the color of the ink near the feed before the nib. The pen is nearly, but not completely full of ink.
It isn't as smooth as my Pilot E95s, but I don't think anything is. It is, however, very smooth and lays down a lot of ink. There were no skips, railroading, nothing. I can easily control the pen and make fine, medium, and broader lines without having to press the nib. Nice. If TWSBI would make and upgraded version of this pen I'd buy it in a heart beat.
I ordered a leather diary and I am going to start writing some of my poems in it with this pen and the Pilot. Can't wait.
Both have a unique for the price range plunger converter to load the ink. All one need do is press the button, so to speak, and the pen is loaded. The one on the Go has the spring behind the plunger and the one on the Swipe has the spring in with the plunger. Both are super easy, and I mean very easy, to use. The swipe does come with a piston style converter and can use cartridges, as well. The Go can use cartridges, also.
I tried writing side by side. They both use the same nib as the more expensive TWSBI Eco, so I was expecting good things. I liked both pens. The Swipe is a lot better looking and to me, I prefer it over the Eco. The Go isn't as pretty, looking fat and stubby. The Swipe can be taken completely apart down to small pieces for cleaning and I almost bought it because of that. However, I ended up buying the Go for three reasons, though I like them both. First, the price. The Go is cheaper. Second, the Go comes in more nib choices. I ended up getting the broad. Third, when I wrote with them, though both wrote well, the Go fit my hand better and was more comfortable due to its slightly larger girth.
Along with the Go I bought a bottle of Diamine Bougainvillea ink. It is a beautiful, rich pinkish reddish ink with a hint of purple. I screwed off the back cap of my Go and inserted the nib and pressed the plunger, slowing releasing it. Viola! The pen was full! It was that easy.
I took out my pad and started writing and it is a really smooth writer with that broad nib. I enjoyed it and the nib is enough to really show off the color of that gloriously beautiful ink. The pen I bought is completely clear and looks great. I wasn't happy with the clear blue or smoke. The all clear is just right. I can see all of the inner workings of the pen and see that beautiful ink. In my terrible pictures you can get a glimpse of the color of the ink near the feed before the nib. The pen is nearly, but not completely full of ink.
It isn't as smooth as my Pilot E95s, but I don't think anything is. It is, however, very smooth and lays down a lot of ink. There were no skips, railroading, nothing. I can easily control the pen and make fine, medium, and broader lines without having to press the nib. Nice. If TWSBI would make and upgraded version of this pen I'd buy it in a heart beat.
I ordered a leather diary and I am going to start writing some of my poems in it with this pen and the Pilot. Can't wait.
