Nahvalur Horizon Nebula
Nahvalur Fountain pens recently introduced a few new versions of their Horizon model of fountain pen. The collection “…draws inspiration from the view of the Horizon at different times of the day or under different natural phenomenon.” The curved metal cap ring represents “… the waves of the ocean, and Nahvalur’s signature ink window, representing the sky behind the waves, the collection strives for the perfect balance between modern creativity and cherished classic.” Nahvalur recently sent me the Nebula version of the Horizon to review. Thanks go out to them for sending this to me, and you can find your own at the link above or at your favorite retailer.
Packaging: The packaging for the Nebula perfectly captures the theme and the inspiration behind the line. The outer box sleeve looks like the night sky or outer space, with swirls of deep blue almost black, light blue, and white stars and circles. The front of the sleeve has “Nahvalur” printed in white, the sides and back have “Horizon Nebula,” the Nahvalur logo, and a nib size and model label. The inner box has “Horizon” printed in white with a background of waves, sunrises, and sunsets. The flip top lid opens to reveal an instruction/warranty card resting on top of the pen secured in a white foam bed.
First Thoughts: The pen captures its name and subject perfectly; it looks like a nebula sitting in the box.
Design: The pen has a traditional cigar shape. Starting at the dome shape rose gold cap finial, the cap widens slightly before reaching the traditional Nahvalur clip in matching rose gold. The cap continues to widen until reaching the wave shaped rose gold cap band. The cap band has small waves engraved as well as the Nahvalur logo inline with the tip of the clip. Working back up from the bottom finial/filler knob, which is made from the same material as the body and cap, the filler knob rests against a rose gold band. The barrel again widens slightly in front of this band until reaching a second band at the clear ink window. The ink window is large and easy to view when uncapped and when capped the rolling wave shaped cap band allows you to view the ink level as well. Continuing from the ink window, the grip section has a slight stepdown and remains straight until reaching the cap threads at the end of the grip section behind the nib. I love the placement of the cap threads as they are out of the way and give a clean transition into the grip section. The material is a mix of black, dark blues, light blues, and white with small glitter spots throughout which looks like a scattering of stars against deep space.
Nib Performance: This model comes with a #6 size rose gold plated steel nib (mine came with a medium), that is a perfect medium wetness writer. There was no feedback or hard starts even with prolonged periods of not using the pen.
Filling System: Piston
Value: $180 USD
Overall: I have always been impressed by the variety of designs Nahvalur offers and this is my first experience with the Horizon model. The pen is perfectly balanced when unposted and is slightly back weighted when posted. The material is perfect and the little pops of shimmering stars is just the right amount against the darker material. The piston moves easily and locks tightly into place when filled and the nib is a beautiful writer laying down a balanced line. I can’t wait to see what the future of this model line looks like, they came out with a great starting line up.
Specs:
Name: Nahvalur Horizon Nebula
Design: Pearlescent acrylic Italian resin
Length: 153mm (6.02in)
Posted: 168mm (6.6in)
Diameter: 13mm (0.51in)
Weight: 36.85g (1.3oz)
Nib:#6 Rose gold plated steel
Filling System: Piston
Pros: Balanced pen, outstanding materials, smooth piston and nib
Cons: Slightly back weighted when posted (I don’t post but others do)
In the same price range:
Kaweco Piston Sport AL model
Leonardo Memento Zero
Diplomat Aero
