Sunday, May 14, 2017

KAWECO AC SPORT FOUNTAIN PEN REVIEW & GIVEAWAY [CLOSED]

Kaweco AC Sport fountain pen review
So.... There's a pretty legitimate reason why I write with pens instead of writing computer code: I suck with computers. The proof: well I kinda deleted one of my very first blog posts while trying to update it with some new pictures... yeah that's how good I am with computers! I originally intended to do a re-review of the Kaweco Ac Sport anyway, but I guess this will now count as a replacement for the original review (but with added new insights), have a good read!

I think it's not unreasonable to say the classic version of the Kaweco Sport (the plastic one) is by far the most popular and widespread. And with good reason, because they are pretty great pens, at a price point where you don't mind throwing them into your pants pocket or bag. As far as the Kaweco Sport pens go, the classic is probably the best bet for an EDC pen.
Kaweco AC Sport fountain pen review
But when you want something a little more... refined, the logical next step up would be the more 'premium' Al sport. As the name suggests, it's made of aluminium, which is lightweight, durable, and a bit more flashy. Reach a little deeper into your wallet, and you could also go for the AC Sport. But is the AC Sport worth the premium? That's what we'll try to find out in this review...
Kaweco AC Sport fountain pen review
One of the first Kaweco pens I ever owned was a black AC Sport, so it's fair to say that I have had plenty of time to use it, and form an opinion about it. In essence, the only difference with the AL sport is the addition of carbon fiber inlays to the anodized aluminum finish. The contrast between the shiny carbon fiber and matte black aluminum absolutely looks sharp and modern. It gives the pen a sort-of racecar appearance, fast and slick, but apart from aesthetics, it adds nothing (it's not lighter than an Al Sport for example).
Kaweco AC Sport fountain pen review
I really like how they integrated the pieces of carbon fiber in the typical design of the Kaweco Sport, with strips of carbon fiber on four facets of the cap, and one large section around the barrel. The pieces fit neatly into the recesses in the aluminium, and all parts fit together with the same precision as we've come to expect from Kaweco. 
Kaweco AC Sport fountain pen review
Talking about aesthetics on a pocket pen inevitably makes me think about the more practical aspect of things. After all, the Kaweco Sport is made to be a pocket pen, made for intensive everyday use. So does it really need to be a visually striking pen? I think the answer would be no, especially if you want to use it as an EDC pen without having to feel bad about wear and tear. So in this regard, the better option is probably to go with the more affordable Al Sport.
Kaweco AC Sport fountain pen review
L to R: TWSBI Diamond Mini, Kaweco Brass Sport, Kaweco sketchup, Kaweco AC Sport, Lamy 2000, Lamy Safari
The Kaweco AC Sport has the same measurements as all Sport pens, so I'll go over them quickly here. The pen itself measures 10.8 cm capped (4.3"), and 12.5 cm (4.9") with the cap posted. The grip section measures around 9mm in diameter and has a comfortable concave shape that is pleasant to hold. The entire pen fits in the hand quite nicely, and with a total weight of just 22g, it doesn't feel too heavy.
Kaweco's steel nibs are smooth nibs, made to be used, no fuzz. The ink flow is balanced, definitely not too wet, but it keeps up nicely. If there's one downside to Kaweco nibs, it would be that they can occasionally be a bit prone to skipping or hard starts. It's often stated that this is mostly an issue with wider nibs, but I've encountered it with all nib sizes. The thing I've learned from experimenting with different inks is that Kaweco nibs depends A LOT on the ink you use, changing to a slightly more lubricated ink will usually solve the problem right away (Sailor, Iroshizuku, KWZ,... tend to work quite well).
Kaweco has started selling some versions of the AC Sport with their black coated nibs right from the factory, whereas those nibs were previously only available as separate replacement nib units. Visually, they offer a sleek addition to the AC Sport pens. Worth noting is that they don't feel as smooth in the beginning, similar to the feedback of a pencil on paper. This is due to the black coating that covers the tipping material, but it gets better after some time of use when the coating wears off.
The quality of this pen is top-notch, and carbon fiber is a slightly more 'exotic' material to come across in a pen. On the other hand, it's still a pocket pen, and you can get similar versions of the Kaweco Sport for much less. It's a bit of a balancing game.

It's worth the 130 USD (slightly more for versions with a black nib) if you look at it from a design/collectors perspective (it really is quite good looking pen, no doubt about it). But it's still a pocket pen, so if you intend to use it as an EDC pen, the more affordable Al Sport or classic Sport will probably be a safer bet.

READ ON BELOW HOW YOU CAN WIN AN ORANGE KAWECO AC SPORT FOUNTAIN PEN, PROVIDED BY APPELBOOM!

GIVEAWAY CLOSED! winner will be announced shortly!
HOW TO ENTER: Easy! Just post a COMMENT BELOW! Let me know which pen or related product you'd like me to review! Carefully read the rules below to make sure that your entry is valid!

RULES:
  • Contest is open WORLDWIDE!
  • Prize is one (1) Kaweco AC Sport orange fountain pen with black coated nib (M).
  • The competition starts 05-14-2017 and ends 05-21-2017 12:00AM (GMT+1)
  • USE A VALID GOOGLE ACCOUNT TO POST YOUR COMMENT (in the dropdown menu behind 'comment as', choose Google account), the same Google account has to be used to claim your prize if you win, to validate that you are indeed the winner. Invalid entries will be denied in the draw.
  • The winner will be announced here on pencilcaseblog.com after the contest closes. THE WINNER HAS TO CONTACT ME VIA EMAIL TO CLAIM THE PRIZE. If the winner fails to respond within two weeks, another winner will be chosen.
  • The winner is chosen at random, all valid entries will be arranged in one list, and random.org will choose the winning entry. 
  • Make sure your entry is valid, invalid entries are denied. (Play fair please!) A maximum of one comment is allowed.
  • Standard international shipping (without tracking code) is included, The Pencilcase Blog or Appelboom can not be held liable for loss or damage during shipping. 

Note: This product was sent to me by Appelboom Pennen, who is a sponsor of this blog, free of charge, so I could write this review and do a giveaway. I was in no way influenced in the making of this review, the opinions shared in this review are completely my own! This post contains affiliate links.

140 comments:

  1. Noodlers Flex Pens. Is there any real difference between the writing experience of the various models?

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  2. Either the Caran d'Ache 849 fountain pen or the Kaweco Perkeo.

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  3. The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog

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  4. Great review. I'd like to read about that pen that eludes you, the one you wished you had, that pen you desire but have yet to own or review on. Thanks. M

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  5. All awesome, would love the orange sport pen

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  6. Such a good looking pen - I hadn't seen the black nib before so the review was a helpful read. Would be a nice additon to my ice-blue sport and matt black AL sport :)

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  7. Thanks for the giveaway.
    How about reviewing the Caran d'Ache 849 fountain pen.

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  8. Nice review! I would love to see you review the newest Monteverde inks.

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  9. Is there a successor to Watermans' serenite?

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  10. I own many high end pens, but I've never owned a Kaweco. How does the sport compare to others in that price range?

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  11. Noodler´s Ahab or good pen under 50

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  12. That orange is beautiful! If you could review some flex nibs that would be great.

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  13. I've never owned a Kaweco. I think I might get one soon.

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  14. I would like you to review some Robert Oster inks.

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  15. Great review. I'd like to see you review the Caran de Ache 849.

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  16. I'd love to see a review of eBay pen finds, like some of the amazing Jinhao's out at the moment or vintage pens that you have found at a great price. Thanks for the giveaway! Laura x

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  17. Would love to see a review of all the Kaweco inks starting with the Summer Purple

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  18. I'd like a review comparing the Jinhao 159, x450, and x750. And what's your favorite pen-nib-ink combo?

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  19. How about fountain pens washes or cleaning solutions. Are the commercial products any better than simple solutions you can mix up at home from household materials?

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  20. I love the way you write your blogposts and the pictures you take are also quite amazing. So one pen that was shot into my Grail pens list recently is the one I'd propose... The Namiki Yukari Royale :D! (also excited about the Orange one #goteamorange)

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  21. At what price point does a fountain pen become a piece of art that you might never ink?

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  22. Ohhhh! I really want one! It's beautiful! Review and compare TWSBI pens, please.

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  23. These are awesome looking pens, and very practical. Love Kaweco pens

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  24. A pocket pen comparison. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  25. The new Caran d'Ache 849 would be awesome to see, really curious how the nibs are on those.

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  26. I'd love to learn more about Delta pens. Thanks so much!

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  27. I am looking for a really good green ink for everyday use and would love to see a comparison of the green inks that are widely available.

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  28. Review your favorite notebook (system) :)

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  29. A review about a Parker Urban would be nice. I think it is a pleasure to write with the AC SPORT

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  30. I love kawecos especially fancy ones like this

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  31. First of all, thanks for the great giveaway; I've wanted one of those beautiful Kaweco carbon fiber pens for a while now, and orange is one of my favorite colors. Now, on to the contest. I would like you to review the new Chronicle fountain pens made my MarteModena from Italy. I have a couple of their Citizen line, but haven't seen a write-up on the Chronicle. Thank you.

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  32. I'd like to see you review the new Noodler's 308 refillable ink cartridges for the Ahab.

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  33. Love the red version! What I'd love to read from you would be reviews of best pocket notebook/fountain pen combinations.

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  34. I'd like to know your opinion on my favourite pen: Mont Blanc Boheme.
    Thank you and congratulations for your blog.

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  35. A pen that colour will be unusually difficult to lose!

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  36. A review of the Waterman Carène or Nock co. Sinclair! Nice review:)

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  37. Great review. I would like to read reviews about Indian pens, like ASA.

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  38. Loving this pen. Could you review the Kaweco liliput fireblue?
    Thanks for the giveaway.

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  39. I'd love to read more about some of the lesser-known Chinese pens.

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  40. I think you should review the new twsbi vac 700r, I'm on the fence about buying one because I'm unsure how different it is from the original vac 700.

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  41. I'd like to see a review on the Monteverde Mountains of the World series.

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  42. I would like to see a review about the De Atramentis Shimmering Inks.

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  43. The Caran d'Ache 849 fountain pen, please.

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  44. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  45. I would love to hear you talk about the history of writing utensils!

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  46. I wonder about the FC 25 Eclipse.
    About the Kaweko AC sports? For the life of me I have no idea what the use for this pen is. The modern pens are not designed to be used on every type of paper so I have no idea why I would like to have a Fountain pen in my jeans pocket.

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  47. I would like to see a review of the Ranga 4C or a Namisu Nova.
    Btw, I love the looks of the Kaweco AC-Sport in orange, but have not yet been able to justify the purchase. Thanks for the review and giveaway!

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  48. GvFC Inks!!! I'm curious about some of its colors!
    Thanks for the giveaway!!

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  49. Can you review the Lamy safari?

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  50. I'd like to see a review of the Ink Fountain Pen from Karas Kustoms.

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  51. I would like to read a review of Pilot Kakuno.

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  52. Hello here ! Thank you for the contest :D May you please make some reviews of indian (FPR and others) pens please ? I have some but there are just too many different... :D

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  53. Buy Pencil & Pen Holders & Paper Clips online from USA to India at iBhejo. Now buy bic pens online.

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  54. Great review! What do you think about reviewing the jetpens pencil sampler?

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  55. Great review and thanks so much for this great giveaway. What an awesome fountain pen! How about a review of a Jean Pierre Lépine Indigo fountain pen next time?

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  56. Thanks for the giveaway! I'd love to see a comparison review of Faber Castell and Graf von Faber Castell pens.

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  57. TWSBI Vac700R comparison with the 700

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  58. Would love to see a review or "buyers guide" to inks... I love my Kaweco AL Sport but note the comment above about ink performance being important. Would also love a review of mid-level Pilot pens.

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  59. I like for you to review the Parker Duofold fountain pen next.

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  60. Great review!
    Do you find much of a difference in the writing experience compared to a kaweco sport made of plastic?

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  61. Thank you for such a great review. I have wanted to get a kaweco for a number of years but haven't gotten to try one yet. Thanks for the giveaway and goodluck everyone!

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  62. I'd like some tips and products you recommend for pen storage. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  63. I want to see a Kaweco Ruby Red ink review! A comparison would be A Lot better. Thanks for this amazing site

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  64. It would be nice to see a more "high end" pen like Visconti Van Gogh. I like its look but I don't know how the nib is

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  65. Nice. I want to make a gift to my father (a pen lover) and don't know how chinese Lorelei pens are.
    Have you tried them?
    Thank you

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  66. Some pens with soft nibs and how they compared to flex nibs

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  67. Kaweco is from Germany like I am :) Greetings!

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  68. Please review the Franklin Christoph model 31.

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  69. I have always liked the looks of the Kaweco Sports. They seem like they'd be a nice everyday pen.

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  70. I'm ready to purchase my first luxury fountain pen (>500USD) but can't decide which brand to go with. I will only own one or two of this caliber of pen in my life so I need to get it right. Suggestions on narrowing focus would be great.

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  71. A review of the steel nibbed VP/Capless available in Japan would be cool.

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  72. Don't have any products in mind that I'd like a review of currently. Maybe a new ink you've just bought?

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  73. I would like to see a review of different Diamine inks, or of the TWSBI 700 vac

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  74. Review of nice gold italic nibs - Salior or Platinum maybe - my TWSBIs are too wet.

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  75. Thank you for the giveaway. A review of the Ranga ebonite pens coming out of India would be nice.

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  76. Wing Sun 698, both steel and gold nib

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  77. I'd like to see a review of some refillable rollerballs (J. Herbin or Noodlers)

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  78. Once it is out, the Kaweco Perkeo.

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  79. Review Waterman carene compared with lamy 2000 please

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  80. Nice review! This pen reminds me of a Formula 1 race car. Would be an excellent gift for a racing fan.

    If you can I would like to see a review of a Pilot Namiki. Those pens are beautiful!

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  81. Orange and carbon fiber! That is so great.

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  82. Thanks for the giveaway.
    I would like to see Visconti Pens reviews.

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  83. It's undeniably a handsome pen. Thanks for the opportunity to win it. I enjoyed reading your review.

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  84. Love both my al sport and brass sport, would love to add this to the collection. Would enjoy reading about the best quality for cost reviews.

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  85. Baoer Pens. I feel that they're quite underrated. Amazing pens, don't burn a hole in the pockets ;)

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  86. Kaweco Liliput! I would love to see it in a large and a small handed person's palm :)))

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  87. Please review a cheaper pen, just to show one with a premium ink - like platinum pens!

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  88. Show us the boldest nib on Earth! :)

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  89. Aurora 88 LE Flex pen would be a good review

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  90. Cool contest!

    I'd like to see a review of "old fashioned-looking" inks — inks that make you think of 19th century handwriting.

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  91. What about waterman fountain pen inks?

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  92. How about a Kanilea Pen Company pen? They look amazing.

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  93. Please review the Pilot Custom Heritage 823.

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  94. I'd like to see some reviews of the rotring art pen. :)

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  95. Hi! Let's see a diamine shimmer ink in a transparent pen! Bye, Andrea

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  96. Another Orange pen, but Sailor Pro Gear Slim Transparent Orange

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  97. What a great pen. I wonder if the coating on the black nib differs from the silver ones on their skylines for writing.

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  98. Many thanks for the review. I have really enjoyed reading it. It would be nice to review the ML1856 from Manuscript, though I am not sure if it is available.

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  99. Pleaseeee find me a Moleskine notebook which is compatible with any fountain pen or just find me the Moleskine-proof fountain pen ink ;) thank you soo much!

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  100. I'd like to see a review-the Kaweco Perkeo.

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  101. Please review a modern flex nib pen.

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  102. I'd like to see a review of the Parker jotter fountain pen.

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  103. comparison of twsbi models, thanks for the giveaway

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  104. I have to admit that I'm completely new to kaweco fountain pens, in my humble collection I have acquired some interesting pens but I've wanted to try a kaweco for some time now and have just ordered the blue ice

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  105. I would like to se reviews of any of the Diplomat pens.

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  106. Pilot Falcon. I've been thinking about getting one, so I've been looking at lots of reviews of it.

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  107. Ystudio copper pen. They look beautiful!

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