Review: @Lamy LX Gold Fountain Pen @couronneducomte

Thank you so much to La Couronne du Comte for donating this pen for review! Isn't it a gem?

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ABOUT

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Body Material: Anodized aluminum
Trim: Metal
Nib material: Steel
Cap: Snap on
Posts: Yes, friction
Length (capped): 138.9 mm/5.46"
Length (uncapped nib-end): 130.1 mm/5.12"
Length (posted): 167.6 mm/0.42" - 0.50"
Barrel Diameter: 10.6 - 12.7 mm/0.42" - 0.50"
Section Diameter: 10.3 - 12.2 mm/0.40" - 0.48"
Weight (all): 26 g
Weight (cap): 12 g
Weight (body): 14 g
Fill type: Lamy cartridge/converter
Price: € 55,00 (with VAT)
Where to buy: La Couronne du Comte

DISCOUNT CODE for 10%: GOURMET10

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PACKAGING

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I actually like the Safari/AL-Star packaging because it's quite minimal and can be recycled. However, the Lamy LX is presented in a color matched anodized aluminum case. It is a tubular case with a rubberized base and a foamy top, so it won't accidentally open and the pen is safe inside from dings and scratches.

I don't like to keep cases that are not absolutely necessary, so I wouldn't want to keep this one. I'd prefer a few dollars less and no case, but this case certainly makes for a nice package!

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APPEARANCE

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The Lamy LX shares the same design as the Safari, Vista, and AL-Star. It is a full size, flat top pen. The finial is a glittery gold colored cross and the end plug is glittery and gold to match, engraved with 'Germany'. The clip is attached through two small holes in the cap. It is shiny, gold, long, sleek, and curved upward at the end. The section is a translucent grey plastic with the grip shape you may love or hate, and you can see the black feed through it. There are no exposed threads - something that is likely overlooked by a lot of people, but is a great thing for those who are bothered by sharp threads.

There is an ink window through the pen, near the section, that allows you to see the ink cartridge or converter inside. This is quite useful, and is a simple feature that is missing on many pens. It doesn't work on all pens, but it works here! As a result of this open space, you can see your ink level, but you cannot turn this pen into an eyedropper.

Where this pen really glitters is the color! All the gold bits add up to make this a beauty. The cap and body are anodized gold, and the shiny gold clip, and glittery finial and end plug are also very pretty. I like it. I prefer the rose gold but this is still pretty. Very nice to look at!

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NIB & PERFORMANCE

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The nib is shaped like Lamy's regular AL-Star/Safari steel nib. It is small, with a black PVD coating, a single slit, and a round breather hole. It is engraved with LAMY and M. It's a neat looking nib, especially in contrast with the bright gold of the pen.

The nib is a dry writer for my preferences but it doesn't actually run dry, and it does work. It looks like a snug slit, so an easy fix. Drying times are quite fast, so this is actually a decent setup for every day writing. The medium line is not super wet or wide, and the steel nib is firm. With moderate pressure, you can squeeze out some line variation. The pen passes the free weight test, although it is a little dry. Reverse writing is not possible with this particular nib.

The nib serves well as a daily writer - not too wet, not too broad, and on the firm side for fast writing. This matches my usual experience with Lamy's steel nibs - they work.

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IN HAND

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The shape of the clip with the curve at the end of the cap allows it to slide easily on to papers or on to shirts. It's not very snug, but it's not a heavy pen either, so it doesn't really need much tension to stay in place.

As I mentioned, the section shape is one of those triangular types that may bother you. The seams are a little sharp if you get one that was roughly done, but it works for me. I don't have issues gripping the section, but I know some people hate it.

Unposted, the pen is comfortable, well-balanced, and a good size. I think many users would find this comfortable unposted. If you like to post, the cap does post by friction. It sits securely on the back of the pen, and it doesn't wiggle or around or fall off. It doesn't feel top heavy when posted and it's still comfortable to write with, but I prefer to use it unposted.

The body is smooth to the touch and warms nicely when held, though the material can scratch. The clip is not too tight, but if you pull too hard, there is some give where it attaches into the cap so be careful with it.

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PROS & CONS

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OVERALL

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I definitely do not need another Lamy. I really don't. If you are trying to convince yourself you don't need this because you already have five AL-Stars, you probably don't need it. It doesn't offer anything different aside from a different look, but functionally, it's the same pen. The fun is that it comes in four great colors and the attention to detail (clip, finial) is hard to ignore. It's pretty, and it's neat. It's a solid writer, it's reliable, it doesn't skip or hard start. I find it a bit dry but that can be adjusted to user taste. It will last you a long, long time. The first Lamy I ever bought has been used in over 300 ink reviews and it's still going strong. That's pretty incredible, isn't it? The nibs are interchangeable, the pen is comfortable and robust. It has a lot going for it - so much that it's easy to add to your pen collection, even if you don't need one.

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I received this item 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. Some links are referral links, but there is no obligation to purchase through any of these links. I do not receive a commission. Your purchases through my links help support this blog and allows me to fulfill review requests. Either way, I appreciate your readership and your support so much, so thank you!