[Pen/Pencil Review] Conklin Duragraph from Pen Chalet
Last week I had one of those experiences that all pen blog writers dream of, a pen shop emailed me to ask me if they sent me a pen, would I review it honestly and provide a few links. Um, gee, let me think about that for a second…yes. Therefore, I’d like to formally thank Ron Manwaring from Pen Chalet for this week’s pen, which I would have had to wait a long, long time to review.
Pen Chalet was awesome to work with. They gave me a price range and let me pick my own pen – so they wouldn’t send something I’d already reviewed. It was a rather, in my opinion, generous price range. I have to admit I took a bit of advantage of it, because Pen Chalet has NICE pens. That’s why I chose the Conklin Duragraph fountain pen in Forest Green with a fine point nib. I’ve basically drooled over Conklin’s products by following them on Facebook. Didn’t think I’d be able to buy one for … quite a while. And they got it to me fast with a future purchase coupon. My budget and I need to talk…
The Duragraph is about 5.5″ inches long capped and just over 6.75″ with the cap posted, which makes it longer (with the cap posted) than any pen I’ve used in a while, but I’m getting used to it. It would be nice if the acrylic barrel was a bit heftier for a slightly better balance, but I keep coming back to this pen – and not just because I needed to go ahead and do this review.
This pen is one of the smoothest fountain pens I’ve used in a long, long time. Ink flows smoothly. I don’t have the issue of the nib not pulling ink so that the ink fades in intensity as you write. It is a bit darker when you first start writing with it, but the ink continues to flow. There’s no skipping or globbing of the ink. It doesn’t feel overly scratchy. It came with a converter and two short international cartridges. Conklin’s website says it also takes the Monteverde P1 and P4 refills, which I didn’t research before I popped in the Pelikan Edelstein long cartridge in Garnet.
The acrylic barrel is a gorgeous crackled, iridescent forest green with a black top and post. The cap has the Conklin logo and established date on the top in white. The clip and accents are highly polished chrome. The grip is black threading with the green into the barrel tapered for a nod to ergonomics. The nib has a gold oval with the Conklin name on it.
I’m not gentle with my pens. I’d probably make most collectors weep, and this one keeps up with me. I’ve seen no leaks. No drips. It’s a well-crafted pen from a high-end company (which is going to be the kicker). Conklin isn’t cheap by a long shot. The Duragraph is the more affordable model, and has been around for a while. It’s built to last. I love it. I’m looking forward to writing with it for a good, long time.
So, thank you, Pen Chalet. This has been an awesome experience. I hope we can work together again. They seem to be an awesome online retailer.
To the numbers:
1. How does it work? – 1 It’s one of the smoothest fountain pens I’ve ever used. I’ve not seen a single skip, glop, or leak. I wouldn’t shake the pen, because it’s a fountain pen, it’ll spray, but it works really well.
2. Grip and feel – 0.5 – It’s a bit long with the cap posted. The balance could be a little bit better, but the cap posts securely. The grip is acrylic but comfortable. There are little to no ridging to dig in.
3. Material – 1 It’s a very gorgeous deep green acrylic pattern with bright, solid chrome accents and one of the best nibs I’ve used in a long time.
4. Overall Design – 1 – This is a gorgeous, well-functioning pen with stunning accents and superb functionality. Now that I’m used to the length, it’s comfortable and gorgeous and I like it.
5. Price Point – 1 – This is from Conklin through YAFA. That means fine writing, luxury pens…which equates to EXPENSIVE. However, the Conklin Duragraph is one of the less expensive in the line. These pens run $50-$60 – and with a good ink, like the Pelikan Edlestein, it’s completely worth it. Especially if you’re looking for a gift for a Graduation or other major life event).
4.5 out of 5 Bronze Pencils