lamy safari fountain pen fine or medium nib

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Lamy nib guide.

The perfect nib for every style of writing

Fine, medium, broad? Oblique or straight? When it comes to nibs there are a number of choices and with good reason: every person's handwriting is different! Lamy offers the perfect nib for every style of writing and every preference. Discover how to find the right one for you in our Lamy Guide.

In principle you can combine your favourite Lamy Fountain pen with any Lamy nib to create your perfect writing instrument. The LAMY 2000 is an exception to this rule as it has its own special nib. Please ask your trusted Lamy retailer to swap your nib for you, particularly in the case of sensitive gold or specialist nibs.

Entry-level nibs

The beginner's nib from Lamy is the perfect choice for early writers: it's particularly robust and is equipped with a spherical writing tip. This enables it to glide effortlessly over the paper and promotes a relaxed grip. Discover all fountain pens

All-round nib

M nib (Z 50)

This nib suits almost everyone: the M nib from Lamy is an all-rounder suitable for most scripts and writing styles. This is why we equip our fountain pens with an M nib as standard. The secret is its rounded tip: no sticking, no scratching and a line that is neither too thick nor too thin. Discover all fountain pens

Left-handed nib

LH nib (Z 50)

Especially for left-handed writers: the LH nib has the same properties as the M nib – with a small yet significant difference: it is slightly oblique making it ideal for left-handed writers who frequently tilt their hand when writing. Discover all fountain pens

Individual nibs

Fine and broad nibs: EF, F, B, BB

Writers with a straight grip will feel particularly at ease with these nibs: straight nibs are available from Lamy in sizes "extra fine" (EF), "fine" (F), "broad" (B) and "extra broad" (BB).  Tip: when choosing the correct nib width the important thing is the size of your own handwriting: the smaller your script, the finer the nib should be. A larger script on the other hand will generally look better with a broad nib. (Z 50, Z 52, Z 53, Z 55, Z 56, Z 57, 2000-nib) Discover all fountain pens

Oblique nibs: OM, OB, OBB

Anyone who tends towards a slanted grip when writing should try out one of these nibs: "left oblique medium" (OM), "left oblique broad" (OB) and "left oblique extra broad" (OBB). These nibs are ideal for anyone seeking to "balance out" a slanted grip, or writers who value the variations in stroke arising from the particular cut of these nibs. The width of the selected nib should be matched to the size of the script here, too. (Z 55, Z 56, Z 57, 2000-nib)  Discover all fountain pens

Calligraphy nibs (Z50): 1.1 mm / 1.5 mm / 1.9 mm

Calligraphy nibs are also known as cursive or italic nibs. Rather than having an iridium ball, they have a straight, flat tip. This permits the writer to create a script with different stroke weights – perfect for beautiful penmanship. Discover all fountain pens

Premium nib

Whether for writing comfort or good looks: a gold nib always makes the difference. In high-quality writing implements it contributes to creating a refined and harmonious overall look. The 14 carat bicolour gold nibs from Lamy are part platinised and ensure a particularly harmonious and rounded script.  (Z 55, Z 56, Z 57, 2000-Feder) Discover all fountain pens

Special nibs

Gold nib – LAMY imporium (Z 57)

The 14 carat gold nib from the LAMY imporium series has a sophisticated black and gold bicolour finish. It has a striking design with no breather hole and has a PVD finish. This means that the pen provides an extraordinarily soft feel when writing.  Discover the LAMY imporium

Gold nib – LAMY 2000

Striking shape, 14 carat gold and a silver coloured platinum finish: the nib of the LAMY 2000 is as unique as the pen itself. Its tip is straight and creates a soft, harmonious script. This specialist nib is only suitable for the LAMY 2000 series. Discover the LAMY 2000

Stainless steel nib – LAMY Lx (Z 52)

The black stainless steel nib for the LAMY Lx series is a stylish upgrade to your writing implement. To achieve its sophisticated look it is polished, PVD coated and laser etched. It is available in sizes "medium" (M), "broad" (B), "extra-fine" (EF) and "fine" (F). Discover the LAMY Lx

Stainless steel nib – LAMY aion (Z 53)

A uniquely curved contour is the characteristic feature of the nib from the Lamy aion series. Its unconventional shape provides an expressive accent for your Lamy writing instrument. The nib is polished and gives a soft feel when writing. Discover the LAMY aion

LAMY studio

The special elegance of the LAMY studio demonstrates just how close design and art can be. The propeller-shaped clip accents the pen’s innovative form.

LAMY safari

Many attractive colours, timeless design, perfect ergonomics. These are just some of the reasons that the LAMY safari is one of the most popular writing instruments worldwide. Distinctive recessed grip guarantees writing comfort.

The smooth deep-drawn aluminium body components are the first of their kind and give the series a unique, harmonious appearance.

The LAMY 2000 has been writing design history since 1966. As a timeless classic it is still one of the most modern writing instruments today.

The scala series by LAMY is a family of writing instruments that entices through formal simplicity yet radiates emotional details.

Quality from A to Z

Quality for us begins right from production of the materials and individual parts used.

German Brand Award

Every year, the German Design Council awards the German Brand Award to pioneering brands. Lamy has won over the independent panel several times.

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Lamy Safari Fountain Pen Review: All-Around Favorite for Any Writer 

If you’re a budding pen enthusiast, you’ve probably heard of the Lamy Safari fountain pen. It was one of the first fountain pens I ever bought — and helped grow my love of pens.

This iconic writing instrument has been a popular choice for both beginners and seasoned pen lovers for decades, known for its sleek design with cool color options and high-quality nibs.

In this review, I’ll delve into the history of the Lamy Safari , its design and aesthetics, nib options and writing experience, as well as its filling mechanisms and ink capacity, and share some of my thoughts as to why it’s such a great pen.

History of the Lamy Safari Fountain Pen

The Lamy Safari has been available since the early 1980s when it was first introduced in Germany. It was designed by Wolfgang Fabian, with a focus on creating an affordable and reliable pen that was suitable for use by both children and adults.

Origins and Design Philosophy

Fabian’s design philosophy is reflected in the pen’s name, Safari, which suggests durability and reliability in harsh environments. The pen’s aesthetic is also inspired by Fabian’s desire to create a writing instrument that was simple, practical, and modern, with a focus on functionality over style.

The Safari fountain pen was designed to be a workhorse pen that could be used in a variety of settings, from the classroom to the boardroom. Its lightweight design and comfortable grip make it easy to use for extended periods of time, while its sturdy construction ensures that it can withstand the wear and tear of everyday use. If you’re looking for a daily writer, this is a great option.

One of the key features of the Lamy Safari fountain pen is its interchangeable nibs. The pen comes with a steel nib as standard, but users can easily swap it out for a different size or material depending on their writing needs — even offering left-handed nibs for writers . This versatility has made the Lamy Safari a favorite, who appreciate the ability to customize their writing experience without having to buy a new pen every time.

I recently ordered a new set of nibs for my Safari. I had a medium and wanted to try a fine, so as much as I’d love a collection of Safari’s, it was a lot cheaper to get a new nib.

Evolution of the Lamy Safari Series

Over the years, the Lamy Safari fountain pen has evolved in various ways. New materials and color options have been introduced, as well as different nib sizes and types . Today, the Lamy Safari is still going strong, with a loyal fan base that appreciates its quality and affordability.

In recent years, Lamy has expanded the Safari series to include other types of pens, such as rollerballs and ballpoints. These pens retain the same design aesthetic and functional features as the fountain pen, making them a popular choice for those who prefer a different writing style.

The Safari is one of the best beginner fountain pens for those who are just starting out with fountain pens or who want a reliable workhorse pen for everyday use. Its combination of quality, versatility, and affordability has made it a classic in the world of fountain pens.

Here is a comparison of the Safari and some of its most popular competitors:

Please note that prices may vary based on the retailer and location. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it’s best to check with specific retailers or manufacturers.

Design and Aesthetics

The Lamy Safari fountain pen is unmistakable in its design, with its sleek lines. It is available in a variety of materials and colors, ranging from bright and bold to more subdued shades.

But the Lamy Safari is not just a pretty pen. It is also designed for functionality and ease of use. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or a beginner, this pen is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable writing tool.

Material and Color Options

The pen’s body is typically made of lightweight, durable resin, but there are also models available in aluminum and stainless steel. The resin models are particularly popular due to their affordability and wide range of color options. From classic blacks and whites to vibrant purples and blues, there is a color for every taste.

I love the bright yellow, so when I saw it, I had to grab it.

The aluminum and stainless steel models, on the other hand, offer a more premium feel and are perfect for those who want a pen that feels substantial in their hand.

Clip and Cap Design

The pen’s clip and cap are also notable design features. The clip is not just for show — it is sturdy and reliable, allowing you to easily clip the pen to your pocket or notebook without fear of it falling off. The cap is designed to prevent ink from drying out and allows for easy opening and closing, so you can quickly jot down your thoughts without any fuss.

But the cap also serves another purpose. It is designed to be posted on the back of the pen while you write, giving the pen a longer and more balanced feel in your hand. This is particularly useful for those who prefer a heavier pen or like to write for extended periods of time.

Ergonomics and Grip

The Lamy Safari fountain pen is designed with ergonomics in mind, providing a comfortable grip for extended writing sessions. The triangular grip ensures that your fingers are properly spaced and allows for a more natural and relaxed grip. This is especially important for those who suffer from hand fatigue or cramping when writing for long periods of time.

I’ve spent a lot of time journaling with my Lamy Safari and haven’t gotten some of the hand cramps I have with other pens.

The grip is also made of a non-slip material, which ensures that the pen won’t slip out of your hand, even if your palms get sweaty. This feature is particularly useful for those who live in hot or humid climates or for those who tend to get nervous when writing in important situations.

Overall, the Lamy Safari fountain pen is a great choice for anyone who values both form and function. Its sleek design, range of colors and materials, and comfortable grip make it a joy to use, whether you’re writing a novel or just jotting down a quick note.

Nib Options and Writing Experience

The Lamy Safari fountain pen is a popular choice among fountain pen enthusiasts for its variety of nib options and smooth writing experience. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, the Lamy Safari has a nib option that will suit your needs.

One of the standout features of the Lamy Safari fountain pen is its variety of nib options. There are several different sizes and types of nibs available, ranging from fine to broad and even flexible. The nibs are made of high-quality stainless steel and are available in a range of sizes. Whether you need a fine nib for detailed work or a broad nib for bolder strokes, there is a nib option for you.

Nib Materials and Sizes

The Lamy Safari fountain pen’s nibs are made of high-quality stainless steel, which ensures durability and longevity. The nibs are available in a range of sizes, from extra fine to broad, allowing you to choose the perfect size for your writing needs. The nibs are also designed to be easily replaceable, so you can switch them out if you prefer a different size or type.

If you’re a leftie, you’re in luck. Lamy offers a left-handed Safari nib model, so you can enjoy writing too.

Lamy sells Safari pens that come with the leftie nib. So right out of the box, you're good to go.

Ink Flow and Smoothness

The Safari is known for its smooth writing experience, with consistent ink flow and minimal skipping. It’s also compatible with a variety of popular ink brands . The pen’s nibs are designed to provide a consistent flow of ink , ensuring that your writing is always smooth and effortless. The ink flow is also adjustable, so you can customize it to your liking. The pen’s ergonomic design ensures a comfortable grip, even during long writing sessions.

Writing Samples and Comparisons

If you’re considering purchasing a Lamy Safari, it’s important to try it out for yourself. However, there are numerous online reviews and writing samples available, allowing you to get a sense of its capabilities before making a purchase. You can compare the Safari to other fountain pens in its price range to see how it stacks up in terms of writing experience, design, and value.

Here are a few tests from some of the notebooks I own with varying paper weights . If you want to see the best notebooks for fountain pens, check out this post .

Samples on a Rhodia 90 GSM notebook.

Samples on a Clairefontaine 90 GSM notebook.

Samples on a Leuchttrum1917 80GSM notebook.

With these, there is some ghosting and a touch of bleedthrough, depending on the paper. I’m also using a dark blue ink which is big heavier.

Ghosting doesn’t bother me. But if it’s something that annoys you, then you may want to go for a notebook with a heavier GSM.

This doesn’t work well on standard paper like Field Notes.

There’s a lot of feathering and heavy ghosting on the other side.

Filling Mechanisms and Ink Capacity

The Lamy Safari fountain pen is a versatile writing instrument that offers a range of filling mechanisms to suit your needs. Whether you prefer the convenience of disposable ink cartridges or the elegance of a traditional piston filler, the Lamy Safari has got you covered.

I’ve used both converters and cartridges for my Lamy pens.

Cartridge/Converter System

The standard filling system for the Lamy Safari fountain pen is the cartridge/converter system. This is a popular option among fountain pen enthusiasts. It’s easy to clean and refill your pen with ink. With this system, you can choose between using disposable ink cartridges or using a converter to fill the pen from a bottle of ink.

One of the advantages of the cartridge/converter system is that it is very easy to use. Insert a new ink cartridge into the pen or attach the converter and dip the nib into a bottle of ink. It’s a great option for if you’re new to fountain pens or prefer a low-maintenance writing experience.

Piston Filler Option

For those who prefer a more traditional filling mechanism, the Lamy Safari fountain pen has a piston filler option. It allows you to fill your pen directly from an ink bottle. That lets you write a lot longer longer before needing to refill.

The piston filler system is a classic filling mechanism that has been used in fountain pens for decades. It works by using a piston to draw ink up from a bottle and into the pen’s reservoir. This provides a high ink capacity, which is ideal for those who write frequently or for long periods of time.

Ink Capacity Comparison

Depending on the filling mechanism you choose, the ink capacity of the Lamy Safari fountain pen will vary. The cartridge/converter system provides a moderate amount of ink. Each cartridge or converter fills the pen with about 1.5 to 2 milliliters of ink.

On the other hand, the piston filler option allows for a much greater capacity. With this system, you can fill the pen with up to 1.35 milliliters of ink. That’s more than double the amount provided by a single cartridge or converter.

Ultimately, the choice between the cartridge/converter system and the piston filler option comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a low-maintenance writing experience and don’t mind refilling your pen more frequently, the cartridge/converter system may be the best option for you. However, if you value a high ink capacity and enjoy the traditional elegance of a piston filler, the Lamy Safari fountain pen with a piston filler option may be the perfect choice.

Lamy Safari: Recommended

Beginners really can't go wrong with a Lamy Safari. I've spent a lot of time using mine as my daily writer. It's a great, solid pen.

The Lamy Safari fountain pen is a classic writing instrument that has stood the test of time. Its sleek design, high-quality nibs, and variety of filling mechanisms make it a favorite among fountain pen enthusiasts.

Whether you’re a seasoned fountain pen user or just starting out, the Lamy Safari is a reliable and affordable option. You’ll get a smooth and enjoyable writing experience with it.

--> Hand Over That Pen

pens & perspective for all hands, great and small

Review: Lamy Safari (Dark Lilac, Medium Nib)

Hand Over That Pen, please!

Katherine : The Lamy Safari is a commonly recommended “beginner” pen. I didn’t try one until I had been using fountain pens pretty regularly for over a year — the design was never a “gotta have” for me, and I had always heard the nibs ran broad, which wasn’t what I thought I preferred. When I finally acquired a Safari (won it in a raffle at a local art supply store), I was pleasantly surprised by how well made it seemed, but quickly grew frustrated with the triangular grip. Of the common “beginner” pens, it’s the one I like least — I much prefer the TWSBI Eco and Pilot Metro, but that’s personal preference.

Pam :  The Lamy Safari’s unique design makes it a definite standout among all the fountain pens, let alone an introductory pen.  I have picked up the Lamy Safari and the Lamy Joy in the past, and they have since found happier homes.  However, picking up Katherine’s Lamy Safari brought back some great memories and reasons why I was drawn to that pen in the first place.

The oddly shaped grip didn’t initially bother me, it’s only an issue when I grip too tight and the softer corners of the grip can dig into my fingers and the soft spot between my thumb and pointer finger.  The color of the dark lilac with the black trim is quite awesome.  In general, I do prefer the shiny chrome trim. The texture of the dark lilac is also quite different given that it has a more matte finish to the “shiny” and slick Safaris.  The extra “grippier” texture does add to a good hand feel.  I haven’t had the chance to try the AL (aluminum) version of the Safari and I would be curious to see if the feel in hand would be different.

Franz : When I started using fountain pens, I noticed that there is a disparity between pen people about the Lamy Safari through my online research. This was mainly due to the triangular grip that kind of forces one how to grip the pen. But because I liked how the charcoal version of the Safari looks, (and it was on sale on Amazon) I eventually got one when I was six months into the hobby. The grip actually did not bother me and I found that my fingers just rested almost parallel to the pen. This can be seen below in the unposted In the Hand photo.

I’m loving the Dark Lilac color with the black trim and the matte finish lets me hold the pen without my fingers slipping off.

The Business End

Katherine : The Safari nib is smooth and pretty straightforward. I’ve tried a couple now and found that they have been pretty consistent. However, in general, I don’t prefer super-smooth nibs, so I find the Lamy Safari nib a little “too smooth” and would prefer something with a touch more feedback.

Pam :  I am reminded and also surprised how much I enjoyed the medium nib on Tomoe River paper/Hobonichi and Midori paper.  Maybe it’s Franz’s influence, but the broader line didn’t bother me as much as I thought it would.  Instead, I found the nib to be smooth and really easy to use.  I enjoy stiffer nibs and I do feel that the Safari’s nibs are quite stiff.  The line is always consistent and clean.  I have had some experience that the nib can be on the drier side.

Franz : I love the black nib on this Safari however, it may develop scratches and eventually the coating will peel from use as you can already see some in the photo below.

This was my first medium Safari nib and it was quite smooth with a good flow. My first Safari had a fine nib and the ink flow was a bit dry. For those who don’t know, you can actually buy separate nibs in different sizes for cheap and switch it out ofthe feed. So you can have multiple nib widths with just one pen.

Please note that the Safari is cartridge/converter filled and they include one cartridge when you buy the pen, but they do not include the Z24 converter so that would be an added expense.

Write It Up

Katherine : The Safari is, overall, a comfortable size. The triangle grip was initially a huge turn-off for me, but after forcing myself to use it for a longer writing session I found that it wasn’t nearly as annoying as I thought. I still wouldn’t actively seek out a pen with a grip like this, but it isn’t as unusable as I thought it would be. Instead I found that I wrote very consistently since my angle never changed. Overall I found it usable and comfortable — but, like Franz, I wish it was a little bit heavier.

Pam :  I found the Safari to be slightly top heavy when posted, but too light when unposted.  Like the Eco, the length was just a tad too long, especially when posted.  If the Safari was closer to the size of the Prera, or even the Pelikan M200s/M400s, it probably would have stayed in my collection.  The plastic does make the pen really light, which can lead to comfort when writing for an extended period of time.  It can also lend to feeling too insubstantial, like the Kaweco Sport. I very much enjoyed my time with the Safari and being reacquainted with the nib on paper.  I was also reminded that I didn’t enjoy the body of the pen as much as I do the nib.

Franz : The length of the Safari is adequate for my hand in either posted, or unposted modes. The width of the grip section felt nice especially since I hold it higher. I really just wish the pen was a little heavier though. For 20 minutes, I wrote with the cap posted to give a little bit more weight. It was an enjoyable journaling moment.

Katherine : The Lamy shines on this front — the snap cap makes it easy to grab and go, and the triangular grip helps you get yourself into the right position for writing quickly. If I needed to keep a fountain pen at my desk for quick notes or for people to borrow, the Lamy Safari would be a strong contender.

Pam :  Snap cap and durability of the plastic makes the Safari a great work pen.  The design is also really interesting and sure to spark a few conversations among your pen-curious co-workers.  The medium nib is dry enough to work relatively well on copy paper with minimal bleeding or feathering.

Franz : The Lamy Safari is actually a great pen to use on a daily basis for its plastic ruggedness makes it easy to just bring along even without a case. The slip cap definitely made it a quick deploy pen and the medium nib was good for the copy paper at work as well. The Dark Lilac color also was admired by a customer of mine and had me talk a little about fountain pens. Yeah!

Final Grip-ping Impressions

Katherine : The Lamy Safari just isn’t my cup of tea. The triangular grip and lightness add up to a pen that I don’t actively  dislike , but am not excited to use. Overall, I think of it as a very bland pen — it works, but doesn’t bring me joy.

Pam :  I would recommend the Lamy Safari to those who enjoy the TWSBI Eco for the size and want to enjoy the versatility of swapping out nibs.  The design is unique, the pen is relatively affordable, and a great introduction to Lamy as a brand and to fountain pens as a whole.  My only quibble, which is a personal preference was in the size and weight.  Those nibs though… definitely worth a try in any Lamy pen that will accommodate them.

Franz : Pam has listed some great reasons as to why the Lamy Safari has been recommended to fountain pen beginners, and doing these pen reviews made me appreciate this pen for what it is. The Safari is a pen that is a gateway for new users and is also great for experienced pen folk.

I like this pen a lot but it just seems a little light for me. It’s really the only negative thing for me. Granted, since I own three Safari versions at the present time, it’s not a very big negative for me. Haha!

Thank you for reading and your time.

Pen Comparisons

Pen Photos (click to enlarge)

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Pen & ink pairing: jan ’18, review: lamy nexx (lime, fine nib), review: franklin-christoph pocket 20 (brooks epw, 14k fine cursive italic), leave a reply cancel reply.

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Fountain Pens

From the best-selling safari Fountain Pen to the era-defining elegance of the...  

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Extra Fine nibs are sharp and precise, with the narrowest line in the LAMY range. EF nibs excel at detailed handwriting and updating your busy schedule in your diary, and also leave the least ink on the page, helping it to dry faster. Perfect for those with tight, neat handwriting.

Fine nibs are a touch broader than EF nibs, allowing the ink to flow more generously, which creates a richer line on the page, and also lets the pen glide more gracefully across the page. 

Medium nibs are broader again, delivering a thick, vivid line as it moves across the page. That extra ink also helps the pen to flow as you write, and makes your handwriting look even more lively and vibrant. If you’re starting out with fountain pens, a Medium nib is a great introduction.

Broad nibs make for handwriting that’s full of flourishes and line variations, which lends a vibrancy to letters, notes and journal entries. It’s a lively experience, and can be quite stunning, but the amount of ink on the page means it can be hard to manage for fountain pen newcomers, with greater chances of blurring or smudging.

Italic Nibs

Oblique nibs and Italic or Calligraphy Nibs . These nibs require a little more care and attention than standard nibs, so they can be off-putting for newcomers. Oblique nibs are carved at a different angle than standard nibs, which can create some playful curves. 

Italic nibs are also often called Calligraphy nibs since they’re commonly used in classical handwriting. Italic nibs have a straight, flat tip where standard nibs have a ball-shaped tip, which allows them to create the looping, varied lines that makes calligraphy so appealing. Italic nibs are usually named by their line width e.g. 1.1mm, 1.5mm and 1.9mm.

You’ll also see some variation in the materials each nib is made of. Most LAMY nibs are made of stainless steel, which is a material that keeps things light while still providing the strength a nib needs to hold its shape. Stainless steel nibs are found on lots of LAMY fountain pens, including safari, AL-star, Lx, joy, scala and studio models.

In LAMY’s premium range, you’ll find some nibs that are made of 14kt. Gold. The natural softness of gold offers a gentle cushioning, smoothing out some of the small bumps and drags of the writing experience. These nibs are partially coated in platinum for additional strength, as well as creating a striking visual effect. These nibs are found on dialog and some studio models.

The imporium fountain pen also features a 14kt. gold nib, but with a distinctive twist. The Black and Black/Gold imporium fountain pens feature a 14kt. gold nib with a high-contrast black PVD coating that matches the style of the pen, and adds to the premium feel of this striking pen.

As is so often the case, the LAMY 2000 Fountain Pen is in a class all its own. Made from 14kt. gold and finished in platinum, the 2000 nibs have a distinctive shape that follows the striking style of the pen itself, creating a harmonious design that adds to the pen’s elegant feel.

Manufacturing

Around 95% of production happens at LAMY’s Heidelberg location, including every single nib. Each nib is manufactured, ground and polished by hand before going through strict quality control processes under the watchful eye of LAMY’s experienced team. 

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Lamy Safari: Medium or Fine nib

By writebyhand August 29, 2009 in Lamy

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SanthoshRam

  QUOTE (writebyhand @ Aug 29 2009, 12:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Which is better for everyday writing? It depends on your writing style and really the luck of the draw when it comes to Safari nibs. Personally, a <M> nib is too wide for my everyday writing, but it is really smooth. On the other hand, I had a <F> nib, and although it did write thin enough, it just wasn't all that smooth. Also, there seems to be a variability in quality control when it comes to Safari nibs: for example, sometimes you'll get a <F> that writes more like a <M> and vice-versa.  

I have a lamy safari <M> which writes like a fine. I just found out its a QC defect when i attended a pen meet-up and got to use other lamy safaris with <M> nib.

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inkstainedruth

I have a Safari with an F nib and an LX with an M nib (it was one of the closeout deals on Lamy.usa.com and I paid less for it than I did for the Dark Lilac Safari!).

Both nibs are very smooth, albeit nails. I haven't actually done a side by size comparison with the two pens (the LX still has the cartridge that came with the pen in it, because I didn't get another converter until the Baltimore Pen Show a couple of weeks ago). But yeah, what most people said -- European nibs do tend to run wider than their Japanese equivalents, if that's what the OP is asking.

I did try an EF nib at one of the tables in the hallway at the Ohio Pen Show last fall, but thought it was very scratchy.

I think that if you put the pens side by side, I'd have a slight preference for the Safari, and a very slight preference for the F nib. I don't have an al-Star to compare, but in my experience of handling them, the flanges on the section are way sharper on the al-Star (I had considered getting one of the new Vibrant Pink models, but didn't care for the color when I actually saw the pens in person). But that's a personal decision (I didn't like the Petrol Safaris either).

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

"It's very nice, but frankly, when I signed that list for a P-51, what I had in mind was a fountain pen."

Dip n Scratch

I bought a Safari in EF, when they normally come with the M nib. Guess what, I have a M nib on it now.

The source of my Safari was also offering new pens in any available Lamy nib, even the 'A' - Anfanger beginners nib.

The pen seems to write slightly dry, but may be down to the inks. I have tried a fair selection.

The stock Lamy blue cartridge is a nice safe blue. I kept the empty cartridge to refill if I wished to.

Personally I think the Lamy blue is really too light and "watery" or I guess unsaturated. It looks even more dull when dried on the paper

That being said, I will happily replace it with a converter and bottled ink when the cartridge is used up. And I've really liked Pacific Blue and Dark Lilac, and am looking forward to opening the bottle of Vibrant Pink when I get a chance....

I tried the different nibs available. Then I put EF on all of my Safaris. If I want something else, changing nibs is easy.

"Don't hurry, don't worry. It's better to be late at the Golden Gate than to arrive in Hell on time." --Sign in a bar and grill, Ormond Beach, Florida, 1960.

I have all the nibs and tried them. I would suggest a Fine for writing small and small spaces, M for careless, fast doodling for big estates of paper. My Lamys are all fitted with 1.1mm nibs.

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Lamy Safari Fountain Pen Medium Nib - Aquamarine - Candy Special Edition 2020 - Model 021

About this item.

• Fountain pen in sturdy matte plastic
• Spring-loaded metal clip in matching candy colour
• Characteristic front section with ergonomic grip
• Comes with one LAMY T10 blue ink cartridge and can be used with the LAMY Z 28 converter
• Designed by Wolfgang Fabian

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Technical details, additional information, warranty & support, product description.

Many attractive colours, timeless design, perfect ergonomics. These are just some of the reasons that the LAMY safari is one of the most popular writing instruments for young people. Distinctive recessed grip guarantees writing comfort. The LAMY safari is available as a fountain pen, ballpoint pen, mechanical pencil and rollerball pen.

Customer reviews

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the smoothness of writing, color, quality and ease of holding of the writing instrument. They mention that it writes beautifully, has an elegant design shape and color, and is easy to hold. They also appreciate the ink flow, saying that it flows well from the pen.

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Customers say the writing instrument is easy to use and writes beautifully. They also appreciate the consistent ink flow and the shimmer ink.

"...or Jinhao dragon pen I feel like it is a nice medium between weight, writing and quality...." Read more

"...Right size. Fit well in the hand. Reasonably smooth writer . Be sure to select the right ink and paper...." Read more

"... Writes beautifully . Consistent ink flow even with shimmer ink." Read more

" Writes smoothly . Love it." Read more

Customers like the color of the writing instrument. They mention it has an elegant design shape and color.

"...a good choice for steel nib fountain pens and the candy series are great vibrant colors ." Read more

" Looks great , I like the look a little more than a regular Safari and the color is great. Like the medium nib." Read more

"... Love the color and it was easy to write with." Read more

"Elegant design shape and color. Best blue tone yet !..." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the quality of the pen. They mention it's a solid pen with smooth movement across paper. Some say it'd make a great collectible fountain pen.

"...You can use Lamy cartridges or converters for different ink. Its a nice solid pen , has smooth movement across paper and is easily one of my more..." Read more

"-Update-The quality of this pen is still great , I have had no issues in that department, but in the meantime I have found that you can get..." Read more

"This was my introductory fountain pen, and it's absolutely wonderful ...." Read more

" Really nice pen ! Highly recommend!" Read more

Customers find the writing instrument easy to hold and comfortable in their hand. They also mention that the ink flows well from it.

"...It feels comfortable in my hand and the ink flows well from it. I highly recommend this pen to a beginner...." Read more

"Great for someone with arthritic finger joints Very pleasing to hold . Writes beautifully. Consistent ink flow even with shimmer ink." Read more

"Pretty, easy to hold , and has a ton of ink options!..." Read more

Customers find the ink flow of the pen to be good. They mention that it flows well from their hand and that it works best with slicker inks.

"...Be sure to select the right ink and paper. These pens are best with a "slicker" ink , such as Waterman, Aurora, or Lamy's more recent Crystal ink..." Read more

"...It feels comfortable in my hand and the ink flows well from it . I highly recommend this pen to a beginner...." Read more

"...Writes beautifully. Consistent ink flow even with shimmer ink." Read more

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LAMY Safari Fountain Pen - Blue - Medium Nib

• Ergonomically shaped grip section.
• Ink window in the barrel.
• Easy ink installation—simply put the cartridge inside the barrel or grip section, then screw the barrel and grip section together to automatically puncture the cartridge.
• Sturdy ABS plastic construction.
• Large, flexible metal pocket clip.
• One blue ink cartridge .
• To prevent the ink cartridge from being punctured in transit, this pen comes with a cardboard spacer ring between the barrel and grip section. The ring must be removed before using the pen.
• This pen may come with ink residue in the nib from being dip tested by LAMY at the factory. As with all new fountain pens, we recommend giving your pen a good cleaning before you use it.

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