Monday, August 21, 2017

QUICK LOOK: NAMISU NOVA TITANIUM STONEWASHED FOUNTAIN PEN REVIEW

Quick look: Namisu Nova Titanium stonewashed fountain pen review
I couldn't help myself, I bought another Namisu Nova. In fact, I bought another titanium Nova. And the only difference with my other titanium Nova is the new stonewashed finish. Do you think I'm insane yet? I guess I can't blame you if you do. 
Quick look: Namisu Nova Titanium stonewashed fountain pen review
I already did a full review of the Namisu Nova Brass, in which I also discussed the brushed titanium Nova extensively (read here). So this review will be a bit less extensive, with a couple pictures to show the difference between the stonewashed and brushed titanium finishes.

The stonewashed finish basically does two things: it smooths out all edges, and it gives a sort of 'worn in' look. Interestingly, the microscratches from stonewashing make the titanium appear noticeably darker than with the brushed finish. The natural brown-ish grey color of the metal is much better represented.
Quick look: Namisu Nova Titanium stonewashed fountain pen review
The slightly smoother edges do give a slight improvement in comfort. Especially the step is less noticeable compared to the brushed titanium version, because it's more rounded off. But in reality the difference isn't that huge.

The other change the stonewashed finish brings -and also the reason why I wanted it- is the worn in look it creates. I really enjoy the brushed finish, but it's flawless and shiny out of the box, and it doesn't stay that way with use. It's an absolute scuff magnet, which I find makes it less enjoyable to use because I know I'm messing up the beautiful, clean finish.

However on the stonewashed finish, the pens come pre-messed up. It's basically full of random scuffs, which does a fantastic job at hiding all sorts of blemishes caused by normal everyday use. Ok, I admit I can be a bit OCD on keeping my pens pristine, but in this case I really like how the stonewashed finish gets rid of that problem for me.
Quick look: Namisu Nova Titanium stonewashed fountain pen review
L to R: Kaweco Sport Brass, Namisu Nova Ti brushed, Namisu Nova Ti stonewashed, Lamy Al-Star, Lamy 2000
The Nova is a decent size pen, but it looks a lot bigger because of the wide diameter. It measures a decent 13.9cm (5.47") closed, and 12.8cm (5") without the cap. Uncapped, it's just the right length to fit the hand comfortably, which is good, because the cap isn't made to post (you can try but it'll most likely do more harm than good).

The diameter at the widest point is a bulky 1.55cm (0.6"), and the section is quite a bit narrower: 1.2cm (0.47"). The difference in diameter is obviously accounted for by a noticeable step behind the block threads. But as I mentioned before, the stonewashed finish smooths out the step and makes it more comfortable. The titanium has some heft but I wouldn't exactly call it a heavy pen, weighing in at 40g (30g uncapped). 
Quick look: Namisu Nova Titanium stonewashed fountain pen review
I went with another steel EF nib this time around. It's not my usual pick, but the last steel Bock EF I tried was exceptionally good. The EF actually does lay down a pretty fine line. I'm not an expert on finer nibs, but it seems to be relatively true to size. For such a fine nib, it's surprisingly smooth and wet. It's also a bit springy, which I have read could be due to a slight batch variation in this year's production of the nibs. 
Quick look: Namisu Nova Titanium stonewashed fountain pen review
The Namisu Nova stonewashed titanium is a neat addition to their product lineup. If you ask me, it trumps the regular titanium version, and is well worth the 5 GBP premium. The stonewashed finish might not sound like much of an upgrade over the existing model, but it changes a lot in terms of the look and feel of the pen! 

With the added premium, the stonewashed titanium comes in at 84 GBP (110 USD). Namisu actually breaks an impressive price point with these pens (considerably lower than the competition). But at the same time, their production quality is second to none. That's a win in my book.

Note: This product was bought with my own funds. I was in no way influenced in the making of this review, the opinions shared in this review are completely my own! This post does not contain affiliate links.
Quick look: Namisu Nova Titanium stonewashed fountain pen review

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