This is a pen I had saved for and longed for... for a very long time! I don't know why I waited so long to pull the trigger on it once I had the funds saved up! ACK. Love it.
ABOUT
Body Material: Resin
Trim: Gold
Length (capped): 4.93"
Length (uncapped nib-end): 4.75"
Length (posted): 5.82"
Barrel Diameter: 0.47"
Section Diameter: 0.36" - 0.39"
Nib material: 14K gold
Weight: 17 g/0.6 oz
Fill type: Piston-filler
Price: $349.00USD + nib grind
Where to buy:
Nibs.com /
Amazon
/
Amazon
PACKAGING
Like the Souverän M600, this Souverän M400 doesn't have the most amazing packaging, but I really don't care because I'm in love with the pen. But if you're into pack
aging, here is what it is - a solid cardboard box with the faux leather-like case inside that houses the pen itself. There's a strap and plastic emblem around it to secure it. Inside is information about the pen, as always. Not thrilling, but I do keep the little pouch for the pen. It's slim and safe and can be used for other pens as well.
APPEARANCE
The Souverän White Tortoise is one of my favourite pens. To me, the colour scheme and design are so elegant.
It is the classic Pelikan design - a gold on gold Pelikan logo on the finial, a white cap, section, and end, highlighted by the gold clip, center band, and end rings.
The most striking part is the barrel, of course: an utterly stunning striated amber pearl tortoise that is translucent and captures and reflects light in the most beautiful way. I love it. It takes my breath away.
Compared to the Pelikan 400NN Vintage Brown Tortoiseshell
NIB & PERFORMANCE
I'm crazy about this nib. Not only is it attractive - a beautiful, perfectly sized two-toned nib to match the body, but it's a perfectly ground Mottishaw double broad stub. The nib has the Pelikan logo, the nib size and gold details stamped on it, as well as the classic Pelikan swirls on it. I asked Mr. Mottishaw to tune this to be wet - not a gusher but juicy. He delivered perfectly.
The nib is smooth, a perfect stub (at least to what I know about stubs), with precise lines that are clean, but also wet and juicy. I absolutely
adore this nib. Combined with this gorgeous body, I am in love with this pen. It doesn't skip, it doesn't give hard starts, and I love putting inks that shade in here because it's so wet that the ink pools and the shading is simply stunning. Furthermore, the nib has some spring to it, so not only is there line variation from the double broad stub, you can squeeze out a little more variation with some pressure on the nib.
IN HAND
For my hands, the M400 is a perfect size. I can write with it either unposted or posted. The weight and balance are wonderful for me. The nib is so smooth and juicy that it requires almost no pressure to write, which results in a lovely writing experience. I adore it.
It is, of course, smaller than the
Pelikan Souverän M600 Red Stripe fountain pen, being the model down from it.
In the line up of Pelikans, the M400 fits in closer to the smaller end.
PROS & CONS
OVERALL
I am madly in love with this pen. If you made me pick one of my favourite pens, this would be one of them. I absolutely love it. I think it's simply beautiful, with the white and amber pearl tortoise, the striking colour combination is just wonderful. That and the juicy nib just makes my heart sing! LOVELY. If you can get your hands on one, and this strikes your fancy, well, I couldn't recommend picking one up from Mr. Mottishaw more! (I have my fingers crossed that Pelikan will release this in the M800 series).
Too small for you? Check out the
Pelikan Souverän M600 in red! Or go bigger and check out the
M1000 series.
Fancy Something?
Pelikan Souverän M600 Black/Green - Fine
Pelikan Souverän M600 Black - Medium
Do a gal a solid and if you fancy any of these and want any item of your own, use my affiliate links :)
Hello Azizah, really nice review and pen :). The White Tortoise looks great, also would love to see this with a M800, the M600 Special Edition is great had the opportunity to use one ;).
ReplyDeleteThis is truly a beautiful pen. If I had a grail pen, this would be it for certain. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteI should probably tell you that I just bought one of these beautiful (so freaking beautiful) pens because of how often you guys rave about them. And because I love shiny, shiny pens. ooooh shiny.
ReplyDelete