First, I have to acknowledge that I stole the review format from Dave258. Also, I included a handwriting sample, but my writing is terrible. The pen is better than I am. Also, my experience with fountain pens is not extensive, so I am starting with a somewhat limited perspective. Anyway, on with the review:
Pen Review: Nussbaum John Ross
The Nussbaum John Ross was my father's day gift from my family this year. I picked it out after hearing some good things about it, and I really liked the look, and the price point of the pen. Black Cherry was sold out, so I received the Tanzanite version. For brevity, I'll refer to it as the JR for the rest of the review.
Appearance and Design
The JR comes in 2 colors, tanzanite and black cherry. Fit and finish is very nice, and has the feel of a pen with a much higher price tag, IMO. Mine is in tanzanite. It doesn't come in a box, but has a nice leather case instead. It is a nice touch.
Construction and Quality
The barrel and cap of the JR are constructed of flaked resin which gives the pen a nice look. It is a twist close cap that releases with approximately 1 1/2 turns. There are 2 trim bands on the cap, and 2 on the barrel. The clip is firm, but slightly springy, and will hold the pen secure in your pocket or pen case. Fit and finish is notable, and the pen just feels like quality to me.
Nib Performance
The JR only comes with a medium nib with an iridium point. It writes a similar line width to my Metropolitan. It doesn't seem to be any flex to the nib at all. I have it loaded with Private Reserve Supershow Blue, and it seems to write fairly wet, and very smooth.
Weight and Dimensions
The JR is a medium weight pen. It weighs slightly more than the metropolitan (26g vs 28g), and less than the X750 (36g). For reference, the Pelikan M200 weighs 15g, and the Pilot 78G is 13g. All weights are with pens inked.
The cap is postable but I prefer it unposted since it just feels better to me without the cap on. I was able to use this pen for a good writing session without tiring, but it is hard to tell because my handwriting is horrible.
Total weight: 28g .99 oz.
Weight uncapped: 17g .70 oz.
Length capped: 135mm 5.30 inches
Length posted: 152mm 6.00 inches
Diameter of body: 11.9mm .47 inches
Filling System and Maintenance
The JR comes with a Schmidt style converter included in the box but also will work with Mont Blanc style cartridges.
Cost and Value
The JR sells for $45. It is a nice writer, and is one of my top performers. I would consider getting another, and am giving thought to the Phoenix series because I like it so well.
Conclusion
This is one of those pens I would say you need to buy. It's a terrific writer, and feels like a more expensive pen in all ways.
Writing Sample
Pen Review: Nussbaum John Ross
The Nussbaum John Ross was my father's day gift from my family this year. I picked it out after hearing some good things about it, and I really liked the look, and the price point of the pen. Black Cherry was sold out, so I received the Tanzanite version. For brevity, I'll refer to it as the JR for the rest of the review.
The JR comes in 2 colors, tanzanite and black cherry. Fit and finish is very nice, and has the feel of a pen with a much higher price tag, IMO. Mine is in tanzanite. It doesn't come in a box, but has a nice leather case instead. It is a nice touch.
Construction and Quality
The barrel and cap of the JR are constructed of flaked resin which gives the pen a nice look. It is a twist close cap that releases with approximately 1 1/2 turns. There are 2 trim bands on the cap, and 2 on the barrel. The clip is firm, but slightly springy, and will hold the pen secure in your pocket or pen case. Fit and finish is notable, and the pen just feels like quality to me.
Nib Performance
The JR only comes with a medium nib with an iridium point. It writes a similar line width to my Metropolitan. It doesn't seem to be any flex to the nib at all. I have it loaded with Private Reserve Supershow Blue, and it seems to write fairly wet, and very smooth.
Weight and Dimensions
The JR is a medium weight pen. It weighs slightly more than the metropolitan (26g vs 28g), and less than the X750 (36g). For reference, the Pelikan M200 weighs 15g, and the Pilot 78G is 13g. All weights are with pens inked.
The cap is postable but I prefer it unposted since it just feels better to me without the cap on. I was able to use this pen for a good writing session without tiring, but it is hard to tell because my handwriting is horrible.
Total weight: 28g .99 oz.
Weight uncapped: 17g .70 oz.
Length capped: 135mm 5.30 inches
Length posted: 152mm 6.00 inches
Diameter of body: 11.9mm .47 inches
Filling System and Maintenance
The JR comes with a Schmidt style converter included in the box but also will work with Mont Blanc style cartridges.
Cost and Value
The JR sells for $45. It is a nice writer, and is one of my top performers. I would consider getting another, and am giving thought to the Phoenix series because I like it so well.
Conclusion
This is one of those pens I would say you need to buy. It's a terrific writer, and feels like a more expensive pen in all ways.
Writing Sample
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