KawecoSport Fountain Pen Brass Nib: EF

This is a fantastic fountain pen. I purchased it with a fine nib, and it is an incredibly smooth writer. The nib glides smoothly across the page, whatever ink I throw at it (Diamine, J. Herbin and Kaweco in many colors so far). I write mostly in a Midori MD notebook, but it works great with Rhodia, Stalogy and Tsubame notebooks I have, and even on copier paper. It is my go-to, every-day-carry pen. I had great experience with Kaweco Sport Classics (plastic) and wanted to see what a bit more heft would bring to the writing experience. I find this pen to be very nicely balanced despite the extra weight (writing with the cap posted, of course). The brass takes on a great patina that continues to evolve through use. I added a bronze clip, which I think is a nice contrast, especially as the brass has aged. I feel that Kaweco doesn't get as much love as it deserves. I own several more expensive pens (Parker, Mont Blanc, Graf von Faber Castel, etc.), and I enjoy my Kawecos the most. Great company, and they really excelled with this Brass Sport!

Design: The form factor is pretty brilliant. It closes up small enough to fit anywhere and the cap screws securely into place. It was actually smaller than I expected, even when posted, but not so small that it was in any way uncomfortable. I had no problems writing with it even with my larger hands. I find the octagonal design to be incredibly attractive. It's very distinctive and combined with the brass gives it a very 19th century feel.Construction: I can't compliment the brass enough. The raw finish means that the thing will age and patina beautifully. It may scratch a little easily, but that only adds character. The brass also adds a very satisfying heft, giving even this relatively small pen a premium feel. Still, it wasn't as heavy as I worried it might be. While it feels solid in the hand, it isn't so weighty that you'd notice it in your pocket.Writing: The F steel nib feeds beautifully. Mine is a slightly wet feed and goes through ink a little faster than I might have expected, but that's not something I'm worried about. It will easily write under its own weight and writes smooth as glass across the page.Packaging: I adore the little tin the pen comes in. Its about the weight/consistency of an altoids tin, or maybe a bit thicker. The graphics on the lid are all nicely raised into the material, and inside is a kind of felt-like plastic that reminds me of the packaging you get on some cheaper jewelry. The whole thing is a really nice touch on an excellent pen. Curiously, the inside would hold two Kaweco Sport pens and a pair of extra international short cartridges, subtly suggesting that you should buy another pen. Crafty scoundrels.Summary: A great pen, especially if you're just getting started in fountain pens and want to invest in your first "premium" pen. THAT SAID, I got mine for $60. The normal retail is closer to $100. At the $60 price point, this is a really, really good value. At the $100 price point, it's still a rock solid pen, but you may have better options.

I love it! Nice weight and this medium nib writes very smooth and wet, but not a gusher, just enough. Using Kaweco palm green ink and it shows shading nicely. The line width is closer to a medium-fine. Line width is thick enough to show ink characteristics and show up well on paper, but narrow enough to be able to still write small. I am amazed how smooth this nib is without any tuning. The cap comes off with just under one turn and posts securely. This is now my EDC pen!

At the time of purchase, the Kaweco Brass Sport fountain pen cost half as much on Amazon than other respected stationary stores. That isn't why I purchased it through Amazon. It is why I almost didn't. When it comes to fountain pens, I would rather pay full price for quality control. This, and some of the Amazon reviews made me a bit nervous. In the end, I decided to risk it because I am horribly impatient, and Amazon promised to deliver it super fast. I was completely prepared to return it if it did not write properly. However, my pen wrote beautifully right out of the box. The extra fine nib writes incredibly smooth. It's not the least bit scratchy. Compared to my other Kaweco fountain pens, this one is a bit weighty, but I enjoy the additional weight. It feels balanced when capped. Unlike some of the other reviewers, my pen caps without issue. And my pen did come with Kaweco gift tin. I also purchased the Kaweco Mini Fountain Pen Converter from the same seller. I currently have it inked with Private Reserve Ebany Brown, which I mainly use on Tomoe River paper of my Hobonichi planner. It writes well on Rhodia paper as well. This is a lovely little writer. Definitely worth the price, imo. I am very happy with this purchase.