Review: @1901FC Franklin-Christoph Model 02 Intrinsic Smoke & Ice - Broad

It's about time I get my hands on this smokin' pen, isn't it? Here we have it: The Franklin-Christoph Model 02 Intrinsic in the smoke and ice motif... yep. I said it. Smokin'.


ABOUT

Body Material: Acrylic
Trim: Chrome
Length (capped): 5.86"
Length (uncapped nib-end): 5.16"
Length (posted): 5.72"
Barrel Diameter: 0.54"
Section Diameter: 0.44" - 0.50"
Nib material: Steel
Weight: 23g
Fill type: Converter/Eyedropper
Price: $165.00USD
Where to buy: Franklin-Christoph

PACKAGING

The Model 02 Intrinsic arrived in a simple box that was not oversized relative to the pen. It's a hard black case with a striped finish across it. It's not very fancy, which is fine with me. I don't like to keep packaging/pen boxes so I'm almost relieved when a pen's box is very basic. The inside is satin-lined, the pen held in place on a felt bed with a satin loop. It comes with the pen, a converter, cartridges so you can ink up right away, along with some Franklin-Christoph cards. Nice, simple packaging. No wasted space. I like that.

APPEARANCE

The gorgeous Model 02 Intrinsic is a decent-sized pen - it doesn't appear particularly small nor large. It's a translucent clear pen, hence the ice motif, where the barrel looks like it has iced over.

The end is completely clear, which is quite pretty. The cap has the same ice motif, so you can see the nib through it. The finial of the cap is a pearlescent grey top with the FC logo engraved in it. Detail wise, it isn't immaculate, but if were not using a loupe to observe it closely, you wouldn't notice anything. It looks like it could be used as a seal (do not try it!). This material matches that of the section and it's really attractive.

On the section, the threads can be found towards the front of it, near the nib, instead of towards the center. The trim is simple - a chrome clip with four Franklin-Christoph diamonds. There is no center band or any trimmings on the pen. It's really about the ice motif here.

The nib is stainless steel, matching the pen very well, with the FC logo etched on it, as well as the nib size indicated (broad), along with some simple swirls. Overall, the entire appearance floats my boat.

NIB & PERFORMANCE

The nib arrived ready to write - it did not need tuning. Nib and feed were aligned (surely I'm not the only one who has purchased a pen and had to realign the nib and feed upon its arrival...), the tines were appropriately spaced, and it wrote upon its first inking. It wasn't even flushed first. It writes smoothly, no start up issues, appropriately wet - not gushing or dripping ink - and it is a true broad. I'm very satisfied with the nib. I can only imagine how much better it could be if it had been Masuyama'd. (That's a verb, right?)

The clip is a little loose but to be quite honest, I fancy clips based on their appearance, not their functionality. I am ashamed to admit that. However, I know people actually use their clips, so I felt I should mention that.

The best part about this pen, apart from its absolute sexiness, is that it can be used as an eyedropper with just a little bit of silicone grease. Pop that converter out, put some grease on the threads, and load up the entire barrel with the ink of your choice. It looks even cooler than the converter or a cartridge.

IN HAND

Aesthetically, I love that the nib and clip line up when the pen is capped. That aside, I love the shape and design of this pen. The whole pen is smooth everywhere and it's just the right size for me. Unposted, it is very comfortable for me. However, the cap posts quite deep so it doesn't become a massive pen should you wish to post it. It's great. It's comfortable for me to use either way - unposted for short notes, posted for longer sessions.

I noted the threads are at the beginning of the section instead of towards the end. I hold my pens very close to the nib so at first, I was concerned this would be an issue but the threads are so smooth and well-turned that they don't affect my grip at all. They are not sharp and they are placed right where the section flares slightly, so it's very comfortable. Great design.

The pen is fairly light in hand, even inked, as it is an acrylic body with only the optional metal clip as trim. Even so, the balance is wonderful and very comfortable.

PROS & CONS

OVERALL

I am thoroughly pleased with this pen. Aesthetically, it's right up my alley, and I really have no major issues with it at all. The pen is comfortable, well-balanced, and the nib writes very well. Overall, I love it. Now I just need to get the pocket-sized model. Highly recommended. I think this would be a wonderful gift to yourself, to someone else... it's customizable to an extent to, in that you can select whether you want a clip or not, and you have a huge range of nibs to pick from! Great stuff, Franklin-Christoph.