The Find I Wasn't Looking For.
There's a particular kind of magic to a penshow when you arrive with no agenda, no wish list, no target purchases just the hum of the crowd, the glint of pens and inks under display lighting, and the quiet pleasure of seeing old friends and discovering what's new.
That was exactly my mindset heading into this year's London Spring Pen Show. Early bird ticket in hand I joined what turned out to be a surprisingly long queue well before the 9am doors opening. The show has been growing steadily over the past few years, and the energy outside told the same story: more people, more anticipation, more buzz.
Once inside, I followed my usual circuit. WriteHere, VitStyle, Sarj Minas, Turners Workshop, St. John Pens, Pen Sharing and several more - familiar faces, warm conversations, the comfortable ritual of a show regulars doing their rounds. But the table I always love visiting is Kirit's. He always sources exceptional Aurora pens, and there's usually something extraordinary tucked away among the display.
This visit, I was surprised to find something new entirely: a selection of his own one-off creations. The ebonite pieces were striking, deep, lustrous finishes that demanded attention. But it was several of Ultem pens that stood out for me.
Now, I already own several Ultem pens. I'm drawn to the material and its warm amber translucency, the way it feels in the hand. But these were different. The surface had been chased with a pattern, something textured and deliberate, a world away from the usual smooth matte or polished finish. It gave the material an entirely new character.
One pen in particular caught my eye and refused to let go: an Ultem Deluxe with blue accents and a clip unlike anything I'd seen before. Elongated and shaped like a stylised nib
| The Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Length (Capped) | 14.2cm |
| Length (Uncapped) | 13.2cm |
| Length (Posted) | N/A (Cannot be posted) |
| Barrel Diameter (at widest point) | 1.4cm |
| Section (Max) | 1.0cm |
| Section (Min) | 0.8cm |
| Weight (Capped) | 35.1g |
| Weight (Uncapped) | 24.8g |
| Nib | 14k Aurora Goccia |
The Details
The pen is fitted with a captured converter, but don't let that put you off this is nothing like the rattling converters I've encountered in some of my Leonardo MZ pens. The fitting for the converter has been machined from brass with real precision, and the extension bar is brass too. The result is a converter with absolutely no rattle, adding a touch of welcome weight while keeping the pen beautifully balanced.
In the hand, the pen is large, but comfortable. The section features vertical grooves which help prevent nib rotation while you write, and unlike some textured grips I've tried, these don't become tiresome during a long writing session. They're smooth, well-finished, and genuinely functional as well as a nice decorative feature.
I installed an Aurora Goccia nib for mine, though the pen is also available with a JoWo fitting, so there's flexibility depending on your preference and budget.
A Month In
I've been using this pen regularly over the past month, and it's been a genuine joy. The combination of brass fittings and Ultem body gives it a solidity that feels considered rather than heavy-handed, and the blue accents add just the right splash of colour without tipping into the garish. The blue blind cap, when removed, reveals the brass converter extension bar for filling and because the body retains a slight translucency, keeping an eye on ink levels is straightforward without having to unscrew anything ... although I prefer to just used the converter by removing the barrel (personal preference).
What Kirit Says
1. What was your inspiration for the pen and material choice?
"I want to offer the writer a uniqueness in materials and at the same time offer the well established Aurora gold nibs. This particular Ultem model is quite special as it is not available with a unique diamond drilled pattern in the marketplace. Such uniqueness can only be offered by artisans specialising in hand made writing instruments."
2. What is the name of the company and person you have partnered with?
"I have collaborated with Giuseppe Ambrosioni of LinoArt - Spain. http://www.lino-art.com. He is probably the only artisan making quality writing instruments with a variety of materials and in limited production."
3. What is the next evolution - piston filler, other designs, material?
"Yes, piston filling mechanism, Ultem in mini versions, exotic woods and Urushi lacquer."
4. How can someone get in touch to buy one of your new line of pens?
"During any of the UK Pen Shows, or contacting me directly or Giuseppe."
Kirit Dal's contact details are in the Nib & Ink Directory.
Rating
Overall: 4.2 / 5
Design & Aesthetics: 5/5 - The chased Ultem, nib-shaped clip, and ink drop detail are genuinely distinctive
Build Quality: 4.5/5 - Brass converter machined to high standard, no rattle, well-finished grooves
Comfort & Ergonomics: 4/5 - Large pen, comfortable for me but won't suit all hand sizes; can't be posted
Writing Experience: 4/5 - Aurora Goccia nib is excellent, though it's a premium add-on choice
Value for Money: 3.5/5 - £395 is serious money for a one-off from a newer maker, justified by uniqueness and craft, but not an easy impulse buy
If budget allows and you want to try a different artisan made pen with attention to detail I highly recommend adding one of these to your collection.
