Lamy is probably best known for their no-frills, inexpensive Safari line of pens. But when Safari owners want to step up to the next level, the Studio is usually their top choice.
The Lamy studio shows with great elegance just how close design and art can become. Take its clip, for instance: a completely new interpretation of the theme, an exceptionally appealing clip reminiscent of modern sculpture. The finishes vary from brushed stainless steel to matte palladium plating. The packaging is a basic Lamy plastic and cardboard box, nothing really to crow about. Each pen is sold with one blue ink cartridge and an ink converter, as shown below.
Not only does the minimalist design accentuate the futuristic, ultra-modern appeal to the Studio, the texture of the barrel and cap material complement the experience. Brushed stainless steel has been done before: Sheaffer, Parker and Waterman all have a "stainless steel" finish pen in their collections and it is my opinion that Lamy does it the best. The texture is not only very tactile, it provides a degree of luminosity that intriguing and beautiful.
The Lamy Studio nib is stainless steel. In the Palladium (and other limited edition finishes) a 14ct gold nib is used. The stainless steel nib is more than sufficient. As many Lamy Safari owners know, the inexpensive steel is a smooth writer. The Studio nib is similar in nib flow, line quality (thickness) and point durability, which is a definite positive. The nib sizes range from broad to extra-fine with a general tendency to be a bit thicker than the size indicates.
Writing with a Lamy Studio is definitely an easy, painless experience. The cap snaps on and off the business end while securely posting to the back of the pen with a satisfying click. The weight of the pen (even with cap posted) is heavy enough to let you know that you are writing with a solid pen without tiring your hand out over long writing sessions. The black front grip section has a bit of a matte feel. It offers enough "tack"-iness to aid with your grip and prevent sweat from making your fingers slide from their position.
Summary:
Writing Quality : Stainless steel nib performs just as well, if not better, than a Safari nib, which gives you a tremendous value for your dollar. (grade A)
Aesthetic Quality : Ultra-modern and artistic, the Studio is hip and uniquely designed (grade A-)
Utility : The snap-click cap that also clicks on the back of the pen makes it easier for people who like to post their caps as they write. The black front section offers comfort over long writing sessions. (grade A)
Price : Available in extra-fine, fine, medium or broad nib sizes for $75 (on sale at Goldspot for $59.95), the studio is all about high value with little glitz or glamor involved. (grade A-)
Final Grade : A
If you want a pen that will be your daily workhorse and diligent note-taker, the Studio is the way to go. This is a great gift idea for students in college or if you're looking for a pen that is a step up from the Lamy Safari that you love and cherish.
Glad to help with informing your purchasing decision. You really can't go wrong with the Studio in that price range. Do you already own any fountain pens?
For a first time fountain pen buyer (used some cheap parker ones 20 years ago) what kind of nib would you suggest? I searched for a local store near me so I could try them out in real life, but I couldn't find anything. I guess my question is, what is the "standard" size? I will start with that and then move from there if needed.
Is there a "kit" of things for a first time pen buyer? I think that the studio comes with a converter so I can fill from an inkwell and not use cartridges, but wanted to confirm that. I would like to get the Studio, and whatever else I need to keep writing, and am just looking for a checklist.
Usually, I see most people prefer the Fine point Lamy Studio. If you have handwriting on the smaller side, extra-fine would be perfect. The converter is provided with the sale of the pen. A blue disposable ink cartridge is also provided in the box to get you started. However, one cartridge would probably last only 1-2 weeks if you write everyday with it, so I would suggest either getting a bottle of ink and using the converter to fill your pen (which is the most cost-effective method) or buying extra packs of Lamy ink cartridges. That's all you need!
Thanks Tom. Just ordered a extra fine (I write kind of small) and a bottle of ink. I also grabbed a pack of cart. for emergency on the road refills. Thank for your help, I just wish you guys had Saturday delivery.
I am a huge fan of writing instruments, specially fountain pens. I have the Lamy studio special edition in purple and gold nib, I have to say it's terrific! It really is a great everyday writing instrument, but it also has a beautiful combination of great design and contemporary art, which make this a solid and elegant pen. I recommend it. caballesterosg@gmail.com
@Ethan - A bit late in saying thanks for placing the order. Hope you like it!
@caballesterosg - Agree with you 100%. Lamy's reliable writing quality matched with their appealing Bauhaus aesthetic makes for one heck of a great pen.
I have three Studios,all three are stainless,and I have put Lamy calligraphy nibs on them. I have a 1.1mm (about like a medium width), a 1.5mm, and the whopper 1.9 mm. It is my favorite . Also consider the smaller CP1 pen. -Kirk in Alabama
Lamy is probably best known for their no-frills, inexpensive Safari line of pens. But when Safari owners want to step up to the next level, the Studio is usually their top choice.
The Lamy studio shows with great elegance just how close design and art can become. Take its clip, for instance: a completely new interpretation of the theme, an exceptionally appealing clip reminiscent of modern sculpture. The finishes vary from brushed stainless steel to matte palladium plating. The packaging is a basic Lamy plastic and cardboard box, nothing really to crow about. Each pen is sold with one blue ink cartridge and an ink converter, as shown below.
Not only does the minimalist design accentuate the futuristic, ultra-modern appeal to the Studio, the texture of the barrel and cap material complement the experience. Brushed stainless steel has been done before: Sheaffer, Parker and Waterman all have a "stainless steel" finish pen in their collections and it is my opinion that Lamy does it the best. The texture is not only very tactile, it provides a degree of luminosity that intriguing and beautiful.
The Lamy Studio nib is stainless steel. In the Palladium (and other limited edition finishes) a 14ct gold nib is used. The stainless steel nib is more than sufficient. As many Lamy Safari owners know, the inexpensive steel is a smooth writer. The Studio nib is similar in nib flow, line quality (thickness) and point durability, which is a definite positive. The nib sizes range from broad to extra-fine with a general tendency to be a bit thicker than the size indicates.
Writing with a Lamy Studio is definitely an easy, painless experience. The cap snaps on and off the business end while securely posting to the back of the pen with a satisfying click. The weight of the pen (even with cap posted) is heavy enough to let you know that you are writing with a solid pen without tiring your hand out over long writing sessions. The black front grip section has a bit of a matte feel. It offers enough "tack"-iness to aid with your grip and prevent sweat from making your fingers slide from their position.
Summary:
Thank you Tom for this review,
ReplyDeleteIt is really helping me narrow down my first $50+ fountain pen purchase. The actual example page is fantastic also to see the pen in action.
This pen seems like awesome value for money.
Tony
Hi Tony,
ReplyDeleteGlad to help with informing your purchasing decision. You really can't go wrong with the Studio in that price range. Do you already own any fountain pens?
For a first time fountain pen buyer (used some cheap parker ones 20 years ago) what kind of nib would you suggest? I searched for a local store near me so I could try them out in real life, but I couldn't find anything. I guess my question is, what is the "standard" size? I will start with that and then move from there if needed.
ReplyDeleteIs there a "kit" of things for a first time pen buyer? I think that the studio comes with a converter so I can fill from an inkwell and not use cartridges, but wanted to confirm that. I would like to get the Studio, and whatever else I need to keep writing, and am just looking for a checklist.
Thanks.
Hi Ethan,
ReplyDeleteUsually, I see most people prefer the Fine point Lamy Studio. If you have handwriting on the smaller side, extra-fine would be perfect. The converter is provided with the sale of the pen. A blue disposable ink cartridge is also provided in the box to get you started. However, one cartridge would probably last only 1-2 weeks if you write everyday with it, so I would suggest either getting a bottle of ink and using the converter to fill your pen (which is the most cost-effective method) or buying extra packs of Lamy ink cartridges. That's all you need!
Thanks Tom. Just ordered a extra fine (I write kind of small) and a bottle of ink. I also grabbed a pack of cart. for emergency on the road refills. Thank for your help, I just wish you guys had Saturday delivery.
ReplyDeleteI am a huge fan of writing instruments, specially fountain pens. I have the Lamy studio special edition in purple and gold nib, I have to say it's terrific! It really is a great everyday writing instrument, but it also has a beautiful combination of great design and contemporary art, which make this a solid and elegant pen. I recommend it. caballesterosg@gmail.com
ReplyDelete@Ethan - A bit late in saying thanks for placing the order. Hope you like it!
ReplyDelete@caballesterosg - Agree with you 100%. Lamy's reliable writing quality matched with their appealing Bauhaus aesthetic makes for one heck of a great pen.
Thank you Tom for this review,
ReplyDeleteIt is really helping me narrow down my first $50+ fountain pen purchase. The actual example page is fantastic also to see the pen in action.
This pen seems like awesome value for money.
Tony
for 65 bucks, you can get a 14K nib that slides on this pen, or the lamy safari.
ReplyDeleteWhit in blue ink did you use for the test? Looks great!
ReplyDeletePelikan 4001 Turquoise ink. One of my favorites to write with.
ReplyDeleteI have three Studios,all three are stainless,and I have put Lamy calligraphy nibs on them. I have a 1.1mm (about like a medium width), a 1.5mm, and the whopper 1.9 mm. It is my favorite . Also consider the smaller CP1 pen. -Kirk in Alabama
ReplyDelete