SheafferSheaffer Taranis Fine Nib Fountain Pen, Stormy Night, Chrome Trim (E0944043-PB2)

Excellent pen. Looks very cool with black finish, chrome accents and hooded nib, which is more like a fine-medium than a true fine, as all Sheaffer fountain pens tend to be slightly wider-nibbed than stated. The metal above the nib is perfect for orienting the pen by touch when you write, as you can always tell exactly how the nib is aligned to the paper, without it being uncomfortable or offsetting the curve of the pen, as with some designs. Writes perfectly, very smooth with great ink flow (using Noodler's Warden's forensic ink, which is designed for signatures with distinctive ink identifiers to protect against forgery). Snap-caps and posts very securely. The barrel is metal so this won't crack, break, etc. The clip is nice and secure but with enough flex due to its length to be usable without fuss. Comes in a gift box with an ink converter and two disposable cartridges. I got mine from seller DealYard for about 1/3 the price of the next lowest seller, so this was a true bargain. All around I'm quite happy with this purchase.

Schaeffer is a century old manufacturer of fountain pens with a distinguished history of innovation both in function and design. Schaeffer was the first company to develop the lever filling system and later devised the snorkel a fine tube that could reach into the inkwell or bottle and fill the pen cleanly, without the need to wipe even the nib. Perhaps their best known design is the inlaid nib, which is still used on their top of the line legacy series. A second design aspect is the round pen which changes to a squared end -- and this is seen at both ends of the taranis. Essentially, this is a pen that stands out for its design -- if you're among other fountain pen users they'll know a taranis on sight -- probably capped but unquestionably when uncapped. Perhaps the most unique feature is the semi-hooded nib which runs into a chrome band with the word Schaffer in the chrome. Although many fountain pen manufacturers offer recognizable design elements, this is a unique bit of branding. It is comfortable to hold and well balanced when capped. Capped, the pen is a bit longer than most fountain pens, but if you prefer to write without posting it's about the same as other pens.The filling mechanism is very conventional -- converter or cartridge. The cartridges are a proprietary design -- the epn will not accept the international standard, although Schaeffer does offer some variety of colors in its cartridges.although of course bottled ink provides far more choice. I've read complaints that the converters supplied with the pens are of low quality, but I haven't noticed any problem.The Taranis is a surprisingly smooth writer, even on low quality paper. Mine is a fine nib,although the line seems similar to the medium on other brands.. The nib is stainless steel, The pen is not available with a gold nib. When posted, the cap fits securely,.Ultimately, the Taranis is a quality pen, with an elegant design. It's a good everyday writer and can find a place in most rotations.

Smooth writing fountain pen. Sleek and stylish.

Great own.

The nib is smaller then expected, but works fine.