Namiki Falcon: Modern Flex

[andrew98]

I've been interested in this pen for quite a while, and I know the Falcon lends itself well to increased flex at the hands of a nibmeister who knows what they're doing. I've just been put off by the price, as I've read that it's basically a nice nib in a cheap-ish body. One would probably be better off finding a good vintage flex pen, really.

All that said, I've been pleased with the Pilot pens I own. I hadn't really thought about the Falcon lately, but stumbling across this video tonight sort of rekindled my interest. I doubt I'll pull the trigger on this pen anytime soon, but I really enjoyed that video.

-Andy

 

[Drybonz]

Very nice video... makes me want to try a flex pen as well.

 

[Dave258]

Cool video! I don't know how how much the extra work costs, but is it necessary? I saw 2 nice vintage Waterman 52's for sale yesterday, but I actually had enough will power to pass them up.

 

[strop]

Cool video! I don't know how how much the extra work costs, but is it necessary? I saw 2 nice vintage Waterman 52's for sale yesterday, but I actually had enough will power to pass them up.

You're a better man than I.

 

[Dave258]

You're a better man than I.

Trust me Mark, I still do not know how I did it!

 

[Snargle]

Cool video! I don't know how how much the extra work costs, but is it necessary? I saw 2 nice vintage Waterman 52's for sale yesterday, but I actually had enough will power to pass them up.

Will power...what is that strange concept of which you speak???

Seriously, I've been lusting after some of the old hard rubber/Ebonite Watermans lately. They just look very cool to me and the nibs are frequently super-flexy. Stephen Brown has a good youtube video where he details a restoration and test drive of a vintage Waterman.

 

[andrew98]

Cool video! I don't know how how much the extra work costs, but is it necessary? I saw 2 nice vintage Waterman 52's for sale yesterday, but I actually had enough will power to pass them up.

I've read they're not all that flexible as standard. More semi-flex. The added flex isn't necessary, per se, but it makes it more similar to a vintage flex nib, so I've read. Waterman makes a nice pen...

-Andy

 

[Dave258]

If I see it correctly on John Mottishaw's site, it looks like it costs $110 to get the Falcon moded for Spencerian script. But you can have just added flex done for $65.

Added note, I ended up picking up the Waterman 52 1/2, just like the one in Stephen Brown's review. I am glad I waited, I got it for a third of the price of the first one I saw. Yes, I may need to install a new ink sac, but I don't see that as a big deal.