“Economical” doesn’t mean Boring

The TWSBI Eco is the first pen I’ve spent more than $20 on. When I first got into fountain pens, I was immediately drawn to the demonstrator style because it is so vastly different than standard pens and pencils. Being able to see the ink in the pen as you write creates an effect in my eyes like the ink is caged and waiting to escape in a whirlwind of story telling. Even more so with the addition of the clear version to the Eco lineup.

Starting at the top, the Eco has a screw-on cap wit six flat sides and a chromed clip. The cap can be posted if you’re into that sort of thing, but the pen is long enough and balanced enough to write comfortable without the cap stuck on the end. The grip section is mostly smooth with slight risen portions at the front edge. presumably to assist with comfort and a ‘proper’ writing grip. FullSizeRender

The one-piece body is smooth and clear, allowing an unobstructed view of the nib, feed, ink, and piston filling mechanism. It bears repeating that the barrel is completely smooth, and will roll if placed on a slanted surface. Although the nib feels incredibly firm, I am not eager to test it’s durability with a drop off the table.

TWSBI has included everything but the ink with this pen. Inside the box you’ll find a small bottle of silicone oil to lubricate the piston mechanism as well as a wrench to open it up. Depending on the tools and inks you have available, there are two ways to fill this pen; the standard pistol method, or with a syringe. Although it isn’t specifically intended to be filled this way, you can pull the nib and feed completely out and use a syringe to fill the pen from a smaller ink sample bottle, for example.

When purchasing this pen, I decided to go all in and break from my usual fine-line obsession. I went with the very expressive 1.1 stub nib, which offers enough line variation to add character to anything you write. Ultimately, it isn’t great for every day use or note taking, but it is great for getting out of a writing slump.

All in all, I’m glad I have the TWSBI in my growing collection. Although the stub nib doesn’t agree with my daily writing style, I still enjoy using it whenever I have a chance. Someday, in a future moment of weakness, or when I get bored and decide to drop $30 on another pen I already own, I’ll probably for for a fine or medium nib, but this will do for now.