Pelikan 20-pen-case review

A recent release from Pelikan, a 20 pen case seems to be a great addition to the range of leather products from this pen maker. Made from high quality leather, the pen case holds 10 pens on each side with a velvet divider, good for almost any size of pens. I've tested it in the shop with a MB149 and M1000 and they seems to be able to fit in snugly enough to avoid them from hitting each other during transport. Some may prefer to clip over the holders but I prefer to just fit in the barrel this way. After all it is tight enough to hold even a medium size pen (say M400).

The leather surface is beautifully crafted and seems very well made. 

Pelikan also does writing instruments and accessories for Porsche Design, there was an exact same cutting with that premium brand name with a premium price and metal zip components. Personally, I feel that the Pelikan logo here is a bit more classy and hold true to the manufacturer.

Pelikan Demonstrator M1005 - Review

Shortly after obtaining my M1000 (black), I can’t seem to get enough of the excellent writing quality and experienced offered by this flagship model. The semi flexible nib, the built quality and the smoothness of the piston filler makes is up there along with many other great models such as MB149, and some would say even better. 

I knew that eventually I will be finding and excuse to obtain another of the same model. Perhaps with a different barrel design, nib size etc. Before I know it, I found myself back in the same shop, PenGallery and greeted by the same smiley salesperson who was ready to take out any pen for testing. I then noticed that the M1005 was available and was informed that the only available nib at the moment was F nib. I was already very much in loved with the F nib on my M1000 and surely would not mind another one (I’ve tried other sizes , EF, M and B and doesn’t quite agree with them, it’s a personal choice, really).

I’ve seen all the pictures available on the internet, and I can say it looks much better in flesh. I must say it is pleasantly delightful to experience the flagship pen as demonstrator, it feels like a totally different pen and yet has all the great characteristic of this fine writing instrument. In fact, in some view, it is an even better instrument. The nibs of the same size seems smoother, with silver trims (which I love) and the details are sharper, not to mention the wonder of seeing all the innards and observing how it works. Maybe it’s my imagination, but I was convinced to have this as my second 1000 series. 


(Note that this review is built on some of the similar points of my previous review of the M1000, just some adjustment to address to the demonstrator’s quality)




First Impression

The Pelikan M1005 comes in what would be regarded as a the new style of packaging Pelikan pens, but with a cut out clear window, in spirit of the demonstrator. It’s a simple and modest packaging and serves it purpose to give adequate protection to the writing instrument. Inside, the pen is strapped with a transparent plastic strip that secures it to the soft base. Sponges are added in to provide extra protection from lateral impact. Seems like a lot of effort to keep it in one piece. Let’s see if the instrument is equally well put together. 


Appearance and Design 8.5/10


First of all, let me start by saying I am not a fan of demonstrators. The impressive looks and feel of the M1005 is enough to change that. Well, there you go. 

Take an elegant, understated but relatively boring(IMO) and plain looking pen such as the M1000 and turn it into a demonstrator, instantly you have a rather impressive looking writing instrument. Believe me when I say it is several notches above the current M1000 model; by a lot!. It looks like an entirely different pen but very familiar and similar in feel. 

Pelikan nibs though are some of the better writing ones in the market but they are certainly not one of the better looking ones, at least in my opinion. However, a monotone nib of the M1005 looks so much better. After all, I am a fan of silver trims, rhodium or palladium plating. The clear acrylic and silver appearance-plating gives emphasis on its basic form, and provide the opportunity to appreciate the functionality as an aesthetic of its own.




Construction and Quality 9.0/10

One of the better built pens around. I can’t help but comparing it to the Montblanc 149 and I can agree to most opinion that the M1000 feels a bit more solid compared to the 149. The cap screws in tight in about 1 turn, quick and ready for action. The joints and details are simple and built to last. The whole pen feels tight and well constructed.




Weight and Dimension 8.0/10

I generally have no issues with light or heavy pens as I’m rather flexible in adjusting to different pen size and weight. With the brass parts and its sheer size, though heavier than most pens, I find it rather comfortable to write with. Weight distribution is a little bit towards the piston knob due to the brass components, and for a pen this size, generally it will be more comfortable without the cap being posted on. It is a rather large pen and may not sit well on a shirt pocket due to the weight and size. I would normally keep my pens in cases so, that’s not really an issue for me.




Nib Performance 9.0/10 (Fine)

Unlike the standard M1000, where I’ve experienced a lot of problems while testing, the nibs of the M1005 seems perfect OOTB, at least the ones that I have tested. Perhaps the production line for this special edition has extra attention in quality control. This is where it brings the score higher than the standard M1000 production nibs with its higher reliability. As far as performance goes it is one of the best I’ve used so far


I have not much experience with flexible nibs and I’ve learnt that this may not be a true flex after all, but to have a nib that can yield to some pressure does gives a whole new writing experience. Without much pressure, it writes just like any other modern stiff nibs but a little pressure applied on it gives it nice variation and add interest to my writing. It does have a little feedback which is what I’m looking for and does not glide too effortlessly, like my other F nib on the 149. 




Filing System and Mechanism 8.0/10

The piston filling mechanism is smooth but not as smooth as the standard Pelikan. There’s some minor squeaking noise when turning the piston knob, as if scrubbing on clean clear glass. Nonetheless, the mechanism still functions well and it’s great to see reservoir of the pen being filled up. Cleaning is easy and particularly for a demonstrator, it is crucial to have the writing block removable to clean out all the parts thoroughly.

Cost and Value 7.5/10

There is a premium over the standard M1000 as this is a special edition after all. The M1005 is still at a very good value with a 3 years of warrantee and 4 weeks of nib exchange program. Pelikan service seems to have a good reputation, so there’s some reassurance there of after sales service. 


I was really contemplating over the price tag as it almost double the price of a regular M1000, for aesthetics. Then again, when compared to other brands and range, the M1000 is one of the best value flagship pens around to begin with. Adding a little more to something that gives value and delight seems to worth the extra cost in my opinion. 


Conclusion 8.33/10

In summary when compared to the standard M1000, it is better in almost every aspects in terms of looks and appearance as well as nib quality but somehow it does not have a piston smoothness as the regular M1000. Not to mention the higher price tag on something that has the same functionality as the regular ones may be a deterrent. It may be contributed by the additional manufacturing process that translates into the production cost (but then again Sailor managed to keep their demonstrator and regular pens the same price, hmm). Nonetheless, this is a one time release from Pelikan that should not be overlooked and certainly noteworthy to be in any serious pen collection.


Thank you again for reading, oh and Happy New Year 2012!

Pelikan M1000 Souveran - Review

Ever since I purchased my first Pelikan, which was a M800, I knew I was opening doors to another chapter in my pen collection and discovering more wonderful writing instruments. The M1000 has been on my list and further reading and research on this particular instrument reaffirms me that this is the right direction to go. 

As with my previous purchases, I have opted to look for shops and to test any Pelikan before buying. I have learnt from previous experience that most Pelikan does not write well OOTB and I wanted to be very sure of the pen that I buy will be as trouble-free as possible. 

This time around, I was around Kuala Lumpur and happen to have the opportunity to swing by Pengallery itself. It was like a visit to a candy store. I had the opportunity to test some of the newest arrivals of other brands as well.

Testing the Pelikan was an interesting experience. From my previous purchase of the M800, I have learnt that a lot of the factory-fresh nibs has problems that may compromise writing experience. In PenGallery, I had an M, F and EF nib before me to test. The EF has a good flow but a tad bit scratchy for my taste while the M nib was a little to wet and bold for my handwriting style, though it was the smoothest of the three. The F nib strikes the right cord with the right amount of flow, feedback and quality of line that is neither too wet or dry for my liking. I knew that at the moment this can be one of my favourite writer! 

First Impression

Wrapped in the new packaging, it's refreshing to see it coming with its own pen sleeves compared to the previous packaging. 

Appearance and Design 7.0/10

Though the design is classic, elegant and understated, personally, I don't think it will take home the award for best looking pen around. However, I do appreciate the simple and classic design of the flat top and simple form and shape of the entire piece. The new logo is a all gold plated emblem which I personally prefer to the older ones. 

Construction and Quality 9.0/10

One of the better built pens around. I can’t help but comparing it to the Montblanc 149 and I agree to most opinions that the M1000 feels a bit more solid compared to the 149. The cap screws in tight in about 1 turn, quick and ready for action. The joints and details are simple and built to last. The whole pen feels tight and well constructed.

Weight and Dimension 8.0/10

I generally have no issues with light or heavy pens as I’m rather flexible in adjusting to different pen size and weight. With the brass parts and its sheer size, though heavier than most pens, I find it rather comfortable to write with. Weight distribution is a little bit towards the piston knob due to the brass components, and for a pen this size, generally it will be more comfortable without the cap being posted on. It is a rather large pen and may not sit well on a shirt pocket due to the weight and size. I normally keep my pens in cases so, that’s not really an issue for me.

Nib Performance 8.5/10 (Fine)

The nib is one of the best I’ve used so far. I have not much experience with flexible nibs and I’ve learnt that this may not be a true flex after all, but to have a nib that can yield to some pressure does gives a whole new writing experience. Without much pressure, it writes just like any other modern stiff nibs but a little pressure applied on it gives it nice variation and add interest to my writing. It does have a little feedback which is what I’m looking for and does not glide too effortlessly, like my other F nib on the 149. 

As mentioned earlier, in my quest to look for the perfect factory nib, I have been going around testing every M1000 I can get my hands on, and this was closest to the ‘perfect’ nib. There is of course no such thing, unless we send it to a nibmeister. After all the objective here is to look for the best factory sample as a benchmark. 

I find that the tines were never always align. Before writing, the left seemed to be slightly lower and when come in contact with paper surface, the tines rubbed against each other producing soft clicking sounds. This would repeat a few times while writing a sentence and gave the impression of loose parts moving in the writing block, thus compromising the ‘quality feel’ of the pen. This was just a minor annoyance and the clicking sound was only audible in a very quiet environment (in fact I did not even hear it in the shop and realized it only when I was using it at home).

I took a chance to fix this myself by apply some light pressure on the top of the split of the nib and slightly to one side to ‘bend’ the right tines slightly down. Now the default position seems to be well align and the sound of the tines hitting each other is a very rare occurrence, if not entirely gone. Constant use for the past few days may also contributed to the correction of the tines. 

Note that all the above does not seem to compromise the writing experience and quality in any way. There are no flow issues, always consistent, neither too wet or dry, and will write instantly even when left out in the open for a while. Pure writing pleasure. 

Filing System and Mechanism 9.0/10


One of the smoothest piston mechanism I’ve ever used, smoother than the MB pens I have. The green window is a little dark and one needs bright background light to really check the level of the ink, but I’m not complaining as I would not want the simple aesthetic to be compromised with a brighter window.


Cost and Value 8.5/10

At less than half the price of its competitor, the 149, the new production M1000 is at a very good value with a 3 years warrantee and 4 weeks nib exchange program. Pelikan service seems to have a good reputation, so there’s some reassurance there of after sales service. What can I say, I’m a happy bird.

Conclusion 8.33/10

The M1000 is a class of its own even when compared to the lesser Souveran series. My 149 F is my most frequent pen in my rotation of FPs and I have a feeling this will help to reduce the mileage of that 149. Highly recommended if you’re into larger series pens.

Thank you again for reading!

Size comparison Between M1000 and MB149

 nib comparison of the flagship pens, almost similar in size 

but with totally different personalities

 Cap design comparison between the 2 giants

While taking these pictures, Mr Grasshopper 

express his curiosity on the new writing instrument 

Pelikan Blue O Blue M800 - Medium nib - Review

This is my first Pelikan and my entry to the wonderful flock. I was torn between a M1000 and M800 but after trying out both of them, I’ve decided to go for this one as I feel the size is more suitable for me. As this is my first Pelikan, you can imagine the feeling of opening a new door to another great FP manufacturer and discovering the great writing feel and quality. I’m certain my Pelikan collection will not stop here.

Appearance and Design 9/10

The Blue O Blue Special edition is the reason why I picked this up in the first place. After comparing it with the standard M800 and even M1000, I’ve decided to add a small premium for the added aesthetic. The gold trim goes very well with the blue acrylic pattern and one can’t help but rotate and appreciate how the pattern goes around the pen. I was a bit concern about the new solid gold cap tip over the traditional ones, but have now started to grow into it and I think it goes with the overall design very well. It’s not as loud as I would have thought and I must say very well made. My only wish is that the piston knob could have used the similar material, which may have taken it to another level. Overall a very beautiful pen, and has much more depth than the standard black or green strip pattern.

Construction and Quality 8/10

The quality is superb and very well made. No loose joints and solidly built. Brass component does adds a bit of weight to pen but that’s fine by me. I’ve no issues with heavier pens and weight does always gives assurance of quality built. One can’t go wrong with this!

When observe carefully, the surface of the pen is not entirely smooth as there are very small dents and bumps on it due to the manufacturing process of the acrylic to get the effect that it possess. This not really an issue as those texture can’t be felt at all, only visible under a reading light.

Weight and Dimension 8.5/10

I don’t usually post the cap when writing with FP (few episodes of cap plunging to the ground made my heart sank). M800 or 805s are good enough to be used without having the cap posted. The balance is great + the weight makes consistent writing a lot easier and over a longer period of time. I think I’ll continue to focus on the 800 series for my next purchase. I’ve tested this against other series, and M800 sits comfortably in my hands.  

Nib Performance 9/10

I love this nib! It’s a regular M nib but has its own quality to it. I was lucky to be able to test all the nibs on the spot before purchasing. I was rather disturbed at how many of the nibs has inconsistent writing quality, some were sketchy, some had flow problems, but when Pelikan got it right, it just feels great. I guess I was lucky enough to come across a vendor that is patient enough to entertain my fussiness but it does saves me the trouble of sending it off to a nibmiester and waiting for its return. The M nib I got has a slight oblique quality to it which I like, and the flow is generous and wet. Currently the more frequent ink goes into it is Sailor Jentle black, which is a great combination. The paper which I frequently use is Clairefontaine smooth paper, and I’ve encountered almost zero skipping, which happens more frequent with MB nibs that suffers a lot of ‘baby-bottom’ syndrome on these papers.

I do notice that there are several reviews and complaints about how some Pelikan does not write well out of the box, and after the experience I had when purchasing this, I have learnt what that means when trying them out. I’ll make a point to purchase the next one only if I am able to test them. I suppose buying from a nibmiester for example and have your nib done up before receiving it, is a sure way to get a trouble free nib.

nib comparison with 146

Filling System and Maintenance 8.5/10

Interchangeable nibs, easy cleaning, and smoother piston operations than most pens, makes Pelikan a winner and this BoB is no exception. Though there are no ink window here but when having a light behind it, one can actually see the ink level through the translucent surface of the acrylic.  

Cost and Value 8/10

Priced slightly higher than the 1000, it’s a small premium for a great pen with a special twist. As far as functionality goes, it’s almost flawless. The added aesthetic of the Blue O Blue just made the special piece even more outstanding.

Final Score 8.5/10

I’m glad I’ve chosen this piece to join the flock and I know it’s going to be a hard piece to beat or match. I love the writing experience of this pen and will certainly be aiming for different nib size in the future.

The Blue O Blue instantly goes into my regular rotation and has been for the past 3 months of usage and I’d imagine that it will stay that way for a long time.

 comparison with MB149 (top), MB146(middle) and the BoB (bottom)

Comparison with 146P 

Fully recommended and thanks for reading!