Nahvalur Nautilus Fireworks Review

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Nahvalur fountain pens continues to introduce new models of pens while finding ways to improve on their previous models. I met with the fine folks from Nahvalur at the D.C. Fountain Pen supershow this past August, and they generously sent me home with a newly released model of the Nautilus in fireworks finish. This model was inspired “…by the brilliance of fireworks across the night sky and the atmosphere of midsummer evenings filled with light.”  They also sent two new colorways of their Original line that have been improved on as well. Interestingly, I initially met the Nahvalur team at the D.C. pen show when they first released the Original line back in August of 2019. I have been a fan of their pens since and have really enjoyed seeing them grow while providing awesome experiences for their customers. Thanks go out to them, I have included the link above to the Nautilus line and a future review of the updated Original will be coming soon.

‍Packaging: The packaging for the Firework model is similar to the previous versions with a slight update. The pen comes in a blue flip top box, with a square cut out in the middle of the lid allowing a raised square with the Nahvalur logo to come through from the inside lid flap. On previous versions, the cut out square was open and showed the Nahvalur logo which was printed on the inside lid flap. There is a details sticker on one end of the box, giving the model, color, and nib size. Opening the lid, the pen rests inside held in place with a cloth band. There is also a warranty and instruction guide, with QR codes for the company. I appreciate Nahvalur’s packaging designs and feel that they let the pen do the talking while sticking with simpler packaging.

‍First Thoughts: The color pattern chosen looks like burst fireworks falling on a blue background. The finish of the pen is complemented well by the silver trim.

Design: The pen retains the cigar shape of the other Nautilus models. The cap finial is a rounded dome with an inset silver colored springy clip. The cap retains the same diameter for the entire length and sits flush against a silver barrel band on the body when closed. The bottom finial is a similar round dome, which again keeps the same diameter before reaching a silver barrel band where the filler knob meets the body. The body is the same diameter as the cap and filler knob and has three circular ink windows cut out just behind the grip section. There is a medium-size step down in front of the barrel band with smooth lower profile cap threads which sit at the back of the step down and out of the way when writing. The grip section has a slight taper down to a flared finger stop. This model has an overall satin blue finish, with speckles of yellows and oranges scattered over the entire body and grip section. I love that the pattern continued onto the grip section as well. I have seen several other pens where the patterns are not continued on the grip section, and it makes the design feel disjointed.

The nib looks gold in this photo but it is just a reflection of the light, it is silver colored.

‍Nib Performance: The pen comes equipped with a #6 in house made nib that is silver to match the trim on the pen. There is decorative scrollwork around the edges of the nib and the Nahvalur logo in the middle near the breathing hole, and a small “F” on the side of the nib for the size. The fine nib laid down a nice balanced, not to wet or dry line, and kept up with fast writing with a slight amount of feedback.

‍Filling System: Piston filler. Nahvalur builds very nice piston fillers that are smooth and solid to operate. I have had no issues with filling this and getting a full fill of around 1.5-1.6ml giving plenty of ink to write.

‍Price: $180 USD

Overall: I fell in love with the Nautilus model when I first got the Titanium version a little over a year ago. I grew up on Jules Verne and the 20,000 leagues under the sea references in movies, comics, shows, etc, so the Nautilus and submarines in general have always held a special place in my heart. The choice to make this from a lighter aluminum makes this pen even more ideal for longer writing sessions and pocket carry. The firework pattern is unique to each pen so no two are exact, which means your pen, is your pen. This has a permanent spot in my daily pen roll.

‍Specs:

‍Name: Nahvalur Nautilus in Fireworks        

‍Material: Aluminium

‍Length: 151mm (5.94in)

‍Posted: N/A

‍Diameter: 14.5mm (0.57in)

‍Weight: 54g (1.9oz)

‍Nib: #6 Stainless Steel

‍Filling System: Piston

‍Pros: Beautiful colorway, lighter design for longer writing, larger ink reservoir

‍Cons: Can’t be posted, only an issue if you prefer to post

‍In the same price range:

Laban Flora in Silver

Visconti Michelangelo

Leonardo Momento Zero