I draw and sketch with my fountain pens. Below is an appraisal of whether my needs were met: Nib, Steel #6 Ef + Ebonite Feed:
The nib although designated as an Ef produces a thick, fine to medium line out of the box. The tipping on the nib is substantial so when I get time, I'll grind it down to my requirements. For now I've reduced the flow by counter crossing the tines. This gives me an improved line, however it's not a perfect solution. Having to work on a nib fresh out of the box is frustrating, however for people unused to tinkering it might be a deal breaker.
I cannot fault the ebonite feed.
Score 2/5
Size: I hold pens midway up the barrel, kind of like holding a paint brush. So I do prefer large pens that can be posted. This pen is perfect.
Score: 5/5
Shape: On the rare occasions that I adjust to holding the pen from the section, I have no problems. For those who cut or bruise easily over sharp or noticeable threads, grow a pair or use a Bic! However, for you flowers that are concerned with such issues... Well, I don't care! Buy the pen and find out for yourself! This is a tool and should be used as such, I've not yet come across a guitarist, labourer, painter, sculptor, bricklayer etc. across the gender spectrum who doesn't have calluses!
Score:5/5
Weight: Not an issue! I don't draw in small sketchbooks with 5Kg weights or a mallet (an interesting notion though, that I might try out in the future). If a few grams here or there matters to you, well, grow a pair... For a few of you I realise, that'll mean you'll be attempting to grow two pairs! Good luck with that!
Score 5/5
Maintenance: Although the large capacity converter cannot be removed, the nib and feed can be removed easily by pulling them straight out of the section. This allows easy flushing of the converter. This is ideal for all you gentle souls who like to change ink colours depending on the feng shui resonance of your inner child auras. For the adults among you who only use black ink, this isn't an issue.
Also the ease with the nib and feed can be removed means you can swap out nibs from other brands.
Score 5/5
Looks: Ok... This is the only category where I'm going to concede that I'm a delicate, soft, precious, petal! I have this pen in the sand resin, my version looks like greenheart wood or green/yellow pine sap wood. A nice looking resin on a par with any other piece of nice looking plastic.
Score 5/5
Value: Not great value, but just about reasonable with Frank's occasional discounts. I had to work on the nib to get it to function close to the Ef it's supposed to be. That's time and effort put in where it shouldn't have been necessary. As an example, Pelikan Ef M1000 nibs are commonly as wide as generic fine nibs, the Ef I have in my version of this Leonardo is even wider, closer to a medium. For me this is a detraction.
I got this model with a discount from Fontoplumo. Ask Frank if there are discount codes available from the orange ""Hello, how can I help"" popup at the bottom right of the Fontoplumo website.
Score: 3/5
Overall:
A really good pen on many levels, however, my version is let down by an incorrect nib width classification.
Score: 4/5
Finally: A shout out to Frank @ Fontoplumo. Frank's service is superb and keep an eye out for his astonishing discount offers especially on high end pens. Definitely a site to frequent.
