Review: @SignumPenItaly Intreccio Fountain Pen - Medium @NotemakerTweets

This Italian pen was sent by Notemaker for review. Thank you, Kimberly! I've never used a Signum before so this was most interesting to try out.

ABOUT

Body Material: Resin
Trim: Rhodium-plated metal
Length (capped): 5.6"
Length (uncapped nib-end): 5.1"
Length (posted): 7.0"
Barrel Diameter: 0.52" - 0.59"
Section Diameter: 0.42" - 0.44"
Nib material: Steel/18K gold
Weight: 34 g
Fill type: Cartridge/converter
Price: $150.00AUD
Where to buy: Notemaker

PACKAGING

Notemaker sent this pen as a sample so there was no packaging, so I cannot personally comment. Their website has a picture of the packaging and it looks quite nice, although not spectacular.

APPEARANCE

The pen is fairly large, with a wider cap and a thinner barrel. Its widest point is on the cap, which is interesting. It thins out in the barrel and flares again towards the end. The ends and center band are rhodium-plated metal and contrast nicely with the black body with its grey cross-hatched pattern. The finial is the unique Signum logo; a casting wheel that takes the form of those used on the Roman chariot.

The section is black and is quite short. The threads are a little sharp and there is a step from the section to the barrel. The clip looks great: it's a good length and the perfect width and shape. I really like it.

NIB & PERFORMANCE

The nib is pretty with an interesting design: the Roman chariot design that is found on the finial, as well as Signum Iridium Italy written on it, along with M to indicate the nib size. The size of the nib suits the size of the pen well.

I find the nib to be on the smaller side of a medium, tending to be more of a fine-medium than a medium medium (if that makes any sense). Ink flow is steady and consistent, although it leans ever so slightly on the dry side for my preferences, but just because it's finer than what I expect to be a true "European medium", that doesn't mean the ink flow is hampered. It is also a fairly hard steel nib manufactured by Schmidt, with little line variation possible.

There is a small amount of feedback while writing, although I found it to be minimal. It isn't an annoying amount, nor does it make me think the nib needs smoothing. It's just at a level where I can "feel" that I'm writing (similar to the feedback of a Sailor nib). If you like buttery smooth nibs though, you may not like this.

IN HAND

This pen is very comfortable to write with, even though it is quite large. I prefer to use it unposted, where its weight and balance are ideal for me. Posted, although it posts really nicely (threaded), it becomes too long and top-heavy. Speaking of posting, when the cap is posted, the clip aligns with the nib and it looks great. It's a nice touch.

The cross-hatched pattern protrudes ever so slightly off the body which offers additional grip. It's an interesting feeling, but it's also useful given the size of the pen.

PROS

• When posted, the clip and nib are aligned. Aesthetically enjoyable. 
• Nib is also available in 18K gold in fine, medium, and broad. 
• Nice, snug clip.
• Threaded cap for capping and posting: nice and snug. Won't wiggle off. 
• Classy, professional-looking pen. 
• Solid finishing; nothing is loose. It appears well made. 

CONS

• When unposted, if you put the pen down, the pen can roll away. It will roll. Constantly. 

OVERALL

At $150.00AUD, this pen is in the price range of other pens like the Lamy Studio (gold nib), Lamy 2000, Sailor 1911s, Pelikan M200s, but also many others. What makes it stand out from those? The design is unique and it's quite appealing, it has small touches that I really like (the clip, the cap threading on to post and aligning with the nib when posted, lightweight and good balance unposted, consistent nib). This is the first Signum fountain pen I have ever used and I'm quite pleased with my first experience! I imagine the gold nib must be really nice.

I received this pen free of charge for the purposes of this review. I was not compensated monetarily for my review. Everything you've read here is my own opinion. There are no affiliate links in this review.