Opus Mechan "Classic Fountain Pen"
Opus Mechan has been making pens for the pen enthusiast since 2009. About 3 years ago they branded to Opus Mechan to honor fathers and grandfathers. They proudly assist pen enthusiasts with extremely high quality pens and customer service. Recently, Opus Mechan launched a Kickstarter for a new offering, the “Classic Fountain Pen.” Dale Penkala, the owner of Opus Mechan showed me this model at the Baltimore Washington Pen show and I have been waiting for this Kickstarter to begin. Dale graciously sent me two of the pens to review. I received the black in medium point and the grey with red swirls in extra-fine. Thank you Dale for sending these over. You can find out more about the Kickstarter and sign up here.
Packaging: Each pen will arrive in a tan velvet drawstring pouch instead of a typical box. This is a bonus to me as most of the packages from my pens are either thrown away or put in a drawer. I appreciate the added bonus that the pouch acts as a pen sleeve and protects the pen in a bag. Each pen also comes with a warranty card as well as a nib test card.First Thoughts: The material is stunning! The chrome contrast of the cap and bottom finial really pop against the color of the body.
Packaging: Each pen will arrive in a tan velvet drawstring pouch instead of a typical box. This is a bonus to me as most of the packages from my pens are either thrown away or put in a drawer. I appreciate the added bonus that the pouch acts as a pen sleeve and protects the pen in a bag. Each pen also comes with a warranty card as well as a nib test card.First Thoughts: The material is stunning! The chrome contrast of the cap and bottom finial really pop against the color of the body.
Design: The pen combines two of my favorite pen design, flat top caps like vintage Parker pens and rounded finials like Pilot pens. The cap is chrome and has a wreath design engraved on the top finial. The clip has a teardrop design on the clip and a curved profile. The clip is springy but holds tightly on clothes and on my various pen cases. The bottom finial like the cap is chrome but is rounded instead of flat. The body is cylindrical and meets the grip section which is chrome as well. There is a stepdown to the grip section with the threads against the body. The threads are wide and smooth and the pen uncaps with 1 ½ turns. The grip section is long and tapered to a nice flared finger stop. I initially was not a fan of the grip as I normally like wide grip sections. After using it for a few writing sessions, I quickly grew to like and really enjoy this design.
Performance: I received an extra-fine nib and a medium nib for the review. Dale tunes and tests every nib before they go out the door. Both nibs performed beautifully and this was one of the only extra-fine nibs that I have used that was perfectly tuned and buttery smooth right out of the box. Both nibs had the perfect amount of flow and laid down a nice medium wet line. Each nib is engraved with the Opus Mechan “OM” logo as well as the nib size and decorative scrollwork. The nib options for this model include: Extra-fine, fine, medium, broad, 1.1 stub, and 1.5 stub.
Filling System: The pens come equipped with a standard international converter.Value: The Kickstarter has eight different rewards options available. For $20, you receive a handwritten thank you card from Dale. For $99, (1st run or 2nd run) you receive the pen with your nib option plus your choice of 10 standard international ink cartridges from Private Reserve ink in either Velvet Black, American Blue, or Dakota Red. For $200, (1st run or 2nd run) you receive two pens in your color and nib choice and a four bottle sampler from Private Reserve in Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer color theme. For $300, (1st run or 2nd run) you receive three pens in your color and nib choice, the sample pack of ink, and a 10 pack of cartridges. Lastly, for $400, you receive all four color and nib options, the sample pack of ink, a 10 pack of cartridges, and conversion parts to make two of the pens into rollerballs.
Overall: I was completely blown away by these pens especially at this price point. Dale did a wonderful job on the design, the materials, and the nibs. I have used, owned, and reviewed pens well over $100 that did not perform anywhere near as well as these. The fact that each nib is tested and tuned to make sure it is perfect shows the pride that Opus Mechan takes in each one of these pens. I think they are bringing a wonderful offering to the fountain pen market and I find myself reaching for this pen time and time again. If you would like to support this Kickstarter, you can find all the additional details at the Opus Mechan Kickstarter page.Specs:Name: Opus Mechan Classic Fountain PenDesign: Resin and metal bodyLength: 130.8 mm (5.15 in)Posted: N/ADiameter: Body 13 mm (.51 in) Grip 9 mm (.35 in)Weight: 32 g (1.12 oz)Filling System: Standard international cartridge/converterPros: Awesome merge of two designs, amazing nib, beautiful materialCons: Thin grip section but comfortable.In the same price range:Opus 88 PicnicMonteverde Regatta FlagshipVisconti Breeze
Performance: I received an extra-fine nib and a medium nib for the review. Dale tunes and tests every nib before they go out the door. Both nibs performed beautifully and this was one of the only extra-fine nibs that I have used that was perfectly tuned and buttery smooth right out of the box. Both nibs had the perfect amount of flow and laid down a nice medium wet line. Each nib is engraved with the Opus Mechan “OM” logo as well as the nib size and decorative scrollwork. The nib options for this model include: Extra-fine, fine, medium, broad, 1.1 stub, and 1.5 stub.Filling System: The pens come equipped with a standard international converter.Value: The Kickstarter has eight different rewards options available. For $20, you receive a handwritten thank you card from Dale. For $99, (1st run or 2nd run) you receive the pen with your nib option plus your choice of 10 standard international ink cartridges from Private Reserve ink in either Velvet Black, American Blue, or Dakota Red. For $200, (1st run or 2nd run) you receive two pens in your color and nib choice and a four bottle sampler from Private Reserve in Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer color theme. For $300, (1st run or 2nd run) you receive three pens in your color and nib choice, the sample pack of ink, and a 10 pack of cartridges. Lastly, for $400, you receive all four color and nib options, the sample pack of ink, a 10 pack of cartridges, and conversion parts to make two of the pens into rollerballs.Overall: I was completely blown away by these pens especially at this price point. Dale did a wonderful job on the design, the materials, and the nibs. I have used, owned, and reviewed pens well over $100 that did not perform anywhere near as well as these. The fact that each nib is tested and tuned to make sure it is perfect shows the pride that Opus Mechan takes in each one of these pens. I think they are bringing a wonderful offering to the fountain pen market and I find myself reaching for this pen time and time again. If you would like to support this Kickstarter, you can find all the additional details at the Opus Mechan Kickstarter page.Specs:Name: Opus Mechan Classic Fountain PenDesign: Resin and metal bodyLength: 130.8 mm (5.15 in)Posted: N/ADiameter: Body 13 mm (.51 in) Grip 9 mm (.35 in)Weight: 32 g (1.12 oz)Filling System: Standard international cartridge/converterPros: Awesome merge of two designs, amazing nib, beautiful materialCons: Thin grip section but comfortable.In the same price range:Opus 88 PicnicMonteverde Regatta FlagshipVisconti Breeze
