The modern overlay fountain pen experience | Laban 300 Skeleton in Gunmetal
At first glance, this might look like some $2,000 US italian museum show piece writing instruments, but it's not. We are looking at one uncommon motif in modern fountain pen design, the skeletonized pen, and how this instrument in my hands, can cost a mere $200.
I would like to thank Goldspot for providing the pen for the review. They have an excellent selection of writing instruments and even some exclusive collaborations with Sailor and other brands. You could check them out at goldspot.com
The skeletonized fountain pens of the modern day bear striking resemblance to the vintage overlay writing instruments from pre-WWI. Back in the day, the ebonite pen was made first, then silversmiths created patterns and textures on silver or gold sheets that would later on cover over the small cap and barrel of the pen. Due to time and the reaction between the ebonite parts, the over lay might be come loosen over time.
However, the modern day skeleton pens are made so that both metal and resin parts fit together snuggly without any play, which creates a decorated demonstrator style of pen that is usually limited to highend, well, limited collections from luxurious brands which we all could guess.
This Laban 300 Skeleton is trying to do the opposite with some compromises. It surprised me at first with the weight and balance, since it didn't try to be heavy to make itself feel expensive. The pen has a good feel in the hand with the center of balance around the section, which is really nice. The machining and finishing on the brass skeleton left a bit to be desired but it is too be expected at this price. It is really similar to a Montblanc 146 in terms of size so a longer writing session wouldn't tie your hand out easily.
The pen comes with a no.6 Jowo nib that writes well out of the box with an international converter that makes everything all too familiar to modern fountain pen users. Some might say this is a missed opportunity since the demonstrator design fits best with a piston filler and gold nibs but for a modest price of $200 you can't expect to have everything in the world. Well, just may be, we might get a special release from Laban themselves *hint hint*
There are still minor things that can be improved to make this skeleton pen a bit better: the metal edges could be more refined to lessen the feel of it trying to dig at your skin, but overall, this Laban 300 Skeleton gets the futuristic look right while also has the heft and build quality to make the price tag seem like a steal.
writing sample with Montblanc Midnight Blue
I want to hear from you guys as well: do you own any skeletonized fountain pen? Does this style of pen appeal to you? Would you pick this Laban pen over their other models?
Thanks to Goldspot for providing me with this pen for the review. To see the whole Laban Skeleton Collection or other writing instruments, visit goldspot.com. If you are looking for a different Laban pen, how about checking out another one of their pens - the Laban 325 in Black and Ivory ?
