Leuchtturm 1917 Drehgriffel Nr. 1 and Nr. 2
Leuchtturm 1917 is well known in the writing world for their amazing notebooks and planners, but at the recent D.C. pen show I was introduced to their line of writing instruments as well. The company was founded in 1917 and is currently run by the fourth generation, Axel and Max Stürken. The company’s core philosophy is “a commitment to creating meticulously designed products that not only fulfill but exceed the high expectations of quality our customers have come to rely on” as well as “a deep-seated belief in the power of writing by hand: thoughts grow into words, sentences and pictures, memories become stories, ideas are transformed into projects and notes inspire insight. We write and understand, learn, see and think – with the hand. It is this conviction that guides every step we take, every product we design, ensuring that what we offer is not just a tool for writing but a companion for life's journey, capturing the essence of thoughts and turning them into legacies.” At the show, Leuchtturm had a build your own Drehgriffel (which means “Twist Style” or “Rotating Pen” in reference to the twist mechanism) pen (Nr. 1) station that allowed you to customize the tip, barrel, and finial to make a pen that was as unique as you. I am not normally a rollerball or ballpoint fan, but I loved this idea so I had to treat myself. In addition, they had a stand with various colors of their mechanical pencil (Nr. 2) which I of course needed to complete the set. Overall, it was a wonderful experience, and their staff was phenomenal and helpful.
Packaging: Both the pen and the pencil come in the same long triangular box with either a picture of the pencil or an illustration of the pen. The box has the motto “Writing by hand: thoughts grow into words, sentences and pictures, memories become stories, ideas are transformed into projects and notes inspire insight. We write and understand, learn, see and think – with the hand.” printed on the side. The box ends slide apart and inside is the pen or pencil as well as an insert with the use and care guide.
First Thoughts: I love the variety of colors offered on the Nr. 1 and Nr. 2. The packaging is simple and effective and can easily be used to protect the products if desired.
Design: The Nr. 1 is made from milled aluminum and brass and the Nr. 2 is made from milled aluminum and steel. Starting at the tip, there is a brass or steel point depending on the model with a gradual widening towards the barrel. The grip section matches the twist button (unless you chose a different color option on the build your own model). The barrels have “Leuchtturm 1917,” in script “Drehgriffel” and “Nr. 1” or “Nr. 2” depending on the model. The twist button is knurled on the edge with a rounded top, which makes it easy to grip and use one handed. The knob on the pen turns and locks to extend or retract the pen tip, while the pencil turns and moves back similar to a ratcheting movement which extends the lead. To retract the lead, you turn and hold the knob and simply press the lead back into the tip.
Nib Performance: I purchased my Nr. 1 with a rollerball refill, which is a jotter style 0.5 refill. It writes very smooth and dries almost instantly. The Nr. 2 comes with 0.7 lead which lays a smooth dark grey line.
Filling System: The Nr. 1 is available in ballpoint or rollerball. To swap the ink simply turn the twist button the opposite direction for extending the tip and it will unscrew. Then tilt the pen and the cartridge will slide out. The Nr. 2 is a bit different, you twist the mechanism as you would when extending the lead and hold it while inserting a new lead into the pencil and pushing it back into the body. In addition, if you unscrew the grip section to expose the pencil mechanism, at the back of the mechanism is a small rod which you can pull out and it reveals an internal lead holder which allow you to carry extra pieces of lead with you.
Value: The Nr. 1 ranges from $28-34.50 USD and the Nr2 ranges from $33.95-37.50 USd
Overall: I am really impressed with these models and for the price point. They are solidly built, easy to use, and have a great variety of colors available to suit your preferences. There is the added bonus of being able to swap the Nr. 1 to whatever jotter style rollerball or ballpoint insert you would like. I appreciate being able to carry additional leads inside the pencil so you don’t have a need to carry an extra container of lead.
Specs:
Name: Leuchtturm 1917 Drehgriffel Nr. 1 and Nr. 2
Material: Nr. 1: milled aluminum and brass Nr. 2: milled aluminum and steel
Length: 5.1in (130mm)
Posted: N/A
Diameter: 0.4in (10mm)
Weight: 0.35oz (10g)
Filling System: Nr. 1 Ballpoint or Rollerball, Nr. 2 0.7mm Lead
Pros: Ease of one handed use, slim and can fit in a pocket or pencil/pen case, availability of refills
Cons: none, wonderful products
In the same price range:
Pilot Metro rollerball
Caran d'Ache Fixpencil Mechanical Pencil
Parker Jotter
