What do you want included in a pen review?

[Dave258]

Title says it all. Vlad asked for a review of my Visconti's, what do you guys think should be included in a pen review? I like how Dr. Stephen Brown does his reviews on YouTube, would his format work in a non-video review?
Line width, nib wetness, nib performance, line variation, anything noticeably wrong with the pen.
Anything else that anyone can think of to include in a review?

 

[nemo]

Weight and length, price and value, can it be posted, ease of cleaning, grip characteristics -- a few for now, I'll surely think of more later.

 

[syngent]

For me, I like to know how it feels in the hand, how the nib behaves as far as width and variation, as well as smoothness. the only pen i post is my pelikan but its nice to know for others so i agree with Doug, and love to see writing samples. And finally fit and finish with regards to the price, i nit pick at so many things if im going to spend some serious money on something, how edges of different materials feel, if any trim on the pen has any play with it, any of the fonts on the pen how they look stamped in all the tiny little details that make the final presentation of the pen look superb or kill it in the end game

 

[Rockminer]

I too like Mr. Browns reviews, I also like how he shows the pen, what kind of filler it is and what he likes and doesn't like. Maybe you could do that as well.

Anything you do will be appreciated, just make it fun for yourself.

 

[hariharan]

Most of the reviews i come across gives lot of information, so does every other review; But being a newbie, am unable to judge which one is better on certain aspects.. so i will be grateful if could include the following
1) compare with a standard or equivalent pen in terms of weight, balance, nib, flow, hand pressure required, etc
2) PRICE i know we love all the pens, but is it really worth the price, again comparison with equivalent pen will be great.

 

[the_edski]

+1 to this. Have fun with it, Dave. We aren't going to grade/judge/throw rotten veggies at you! (I can't speak for James, though. Watch out for him)

Anything you do will be appreciated, just make it fun for yourself.

 

[Dave258]

Sounds good guys. If anyone has anything else, feel free to add it. I will try to do my first review within a couple days, and maybe see where it gets me... I am by no means a fountain pen expert, I will admit that first and foremost. But yes, I think it can be fun. Maybe we could build a good data base of our own reviews.

 

[syngent]

When in doubt make it pointless and uninformative won't help anyone but everyone will have some fun lol

 

[andrew98]

Maybe use a scale of some sort for nib characteristics.

Nib feedback 1 to 10 (1=scratchy to 10=buttered marshmallow clouds)
Also maybe how wet the nib is (1=Sahara to 10=fire hose)

I usually just write about whatever strikes me about a particular pen. I don't really follow a standard format but probably should.

-Andy

 

[cstephens]

Could you also mention which ink(s) you used in the pen for the review? This will help experienced users get a better idea of nib/feed performance since I suspect most of us have reference inks. For the newbies, it will help teach about how ink brand/color can affect pen performance.

Thanks!

 

[whavens]

I was thinking about a tracking number so I can follow it to my house.

 

[celestino]

i would just be happy to have you do the review, Dave! Great for you and looking forward to it.

 

[syngent]

Maybe we should, and by we I mean Dave, Doug, Brian, Andrew, Ian and those who know better come up with the official B&B nib section review format for people to follow... its one of those things I'd do... but its probably for the best I don't

 

[hariharan]

James,
If you are making a template, make it as boring as possible sothat we dont crave and immediately order the pen after reading the review.. Buying burns the wallet and not buying burns the heart with frustration..
lol

 

[OldGreyGuy]

Weight and length, price

How about a few more dimensions:
- bare length
- length with cap on
- length with cap posted
- diameter

 

[Dave258]

I was thinking about a tracking number so I can follow it to my house.

Maybe we should, and by we I mean Dave, Doug, Brian, Andrew, Ian and those who know better come up with the official B&B nib section review format for people to follow... its one of those things I'd do... but its probably for the best I don't

That is a good idea, James. But I don't know if I fit in the same experience level as those guys but I will do my best.

I will start working on this. I have been dealing with a sick kid all week, and have not had time to do anything.

 

[syngent]

James,
If you are making a template, make it as boring as possible sothat we dont crave and immediately order the pen after reading the review.. Buying burns the wallet and not buying burns the heart with frustration..
lol

I'm really not your guy for boring and not tempting lol

 

[Doc4]

Balance in the hand, both posted and unposted.

Quality of materials and fit & finish of construction. (If you hold a $10 pen and a $200 pen, you will notice a difference ... where does the pen fit in the quality continuum?)

 

[Doc4]

How I did one ...

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showth...Sport-duel-of-the-quot-first-pen-quot-options

 

[Dave258]

I am going to try to get the first reveiw up tonight. My Visconti Homo Sapiens ran dry just when I was finishing the writing sample.
What pen should I ink up next and do another review of? You can see my pens in the Show me your collection thread.

Here is the link:http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/325610-Show-me-your-pen-collection?p=4738933#post4738933