Esterbrook Estie- Cobalt and Chrome
The Esterbrook Pen Company was founded in 1858 by Richard Esterbrook in Camden, New Jersey. The original iteration of the company was in operation until 1971. In 2014, the name and rights were purchased by Harpen Brand Holdings where they had limited success in reviving the brand. In 2018, Kenro Inc purchased and “re-birthed” the brand. The new line up is currently comprised of two models, the Esterbrook Estie and the newly released Esterbrook Phaeton. There was a lot of thought put into the relaunch of the brand and how it would pay tribute to the colorful history of the brand while still setting itself apart. Cary from Kenro graciously sent me one of the new Esties for review, as well as their MV adapter, which lets you use a vintage Esterbrook nib on your new pen. Thanks go out to the great people at Kenro, and you can find out more about the rebirth of Esterbrook at http://www.esterbrookpens.com/.
Nib Performance: The nib is a simple steel nib, simple in design not in performance. It has “Esterbrook 1858” engraved, as well as an “F” for fine and a bit of decorative scrollwork. The nib wrote beautifully out of the box and laid down a nice wet line. One of the coolest features of the new Esterbrook is the modern/vintage ("MV") adapter they offer for an additional $40 USD. The MV adapter allows you to use your vintage Esterbrook nibs in your new pen. At the initial release, a vintage nib was included when you purchased an adapter, but they are no longer included. Mine came with a fine stub nib, but I did not include a test of that nib since it wasn’t made by the current company.
Filling System: The pen is filled via a standard international cartridge/converter.Value: The retail price of the pen is $196 USD and is typically found around $156.
Overall: I am glad to see what Kenro has done with the Esterbrook name. The first fountain pen that I ever restored was an Esterbrook J series, with some help (explanation of how to do it) and parts from Brian and Lisa Anderson. When I heard that the brand was going to be “reborn”, I was initially worried about how the final product would look. I think Kenro did a wonderful job designing this product and respecting the legacy of the Esterbrook brand. It has a vintage look and feel, and it looks like what Esterbrook may have produced today if the original company had never closed. I feel that Richard Esterbrook would be very proud that his company is being taken care of and that his legacy lives on.Specs:Name: Esterbrook Estie Cobalt Blue with Chrome TrimDesign: Screw cap, cigar shapeLength: 149 mm (5.9 in)Posted: 170.3 mm (6.7 in)Diameter: 13.3 mm (.5 in)Weight: 15 g (.5 oz)Nib: Stainless SteelFilling System: Standard international cartridge converterPros: ¾ turn to unscrew the cap, ability to use vintage nibs with the adapter, beautiful material, inner cap keeps the pen from drying outCons: I honestly could not find anyIn the same price range:Lamy 2000Pilot Custom 74Platinum Century #3776
Filling System: The pen is filled via a standard international cartridge/converter.Value: The retail price of the pen is $196 USD and is typically found around $156.Overall: I am glad to see what Kenro has done with the Esterbrook name. The first fountain pen that I ever restored was an Esterbrook J series, with some help (explanation of how to do it) and parts from Brian and Lisa Anderson. When I heard that the brand was going to be “reborn”, I was initially worried about how the final product would look. I think Kenro did a wonderful job designing this product and respecting the legacy of the Esterbrook brand. It has a vintage look and feel, and it looks like what Esterbrook may have produced today if the original company had never closed. I feel that Richard Esterbrook would be very proud that his company is being taken care of and that his legacy lives on.Specs:Name: Esterbrook Estie Cobalt Blue with Chrome TrimDesign: Screw cap, cigar shapeLength: 149 mm (5.9 in)Posted: 170.3 mm (6.7 in)Diameter: 13.3 mm (.5 in)Weight: 15 g (.5 oz)Nib: Stainless SteelFilling System: Standard international cartridge converterPros: ¾ turn to unscrew the cap, ability to use vintage nibs with the adapter, beautiful material, inner cap keeps the pen from drying outCons: I honestly could not find anyIn the same price range:Lamy 2000Pilot Custom 74Platinum Century #3776
