Review: Franklin-Christoph Model 31 Omnis Purpurae Fountain Pen 18kt Gold Nib @1901FC

Thanks to Franklin-Christoph for sending this beautiful purple pen for a review! It's also equipped with a delicious nib!

ABOUT

Body material: Acrylic resin
Trim: Metal
Nib material: #6 14kt gold (Steel also available)
Filling System: Standard international cartridge/converter, eyedropper-capable
Cap: Threaded
Posts: Yes, friction
Length (capped): 140.9 mm/5.5"
Length (uncapped): 129.7 mm/5.1"
Length (posted): 172.0 mm/6.75"
Length (section): 25.4 mm/1.0"
Diameter (barrel): 13.2 - 14.0 mm/0.52" - 0.56"
Diameter (section): 11.0 - 11.2 mm/0.43" - 0.44"
Weight (all): 26 g
Weight (cap): 10 g
Weight (body): 16 g
Price: ~$255.00USD with gold nib upgrade and no customization
Where to buy: Franklin-Christoph

PACKAGING

Thumbs up. I really like Franklin-Christoph's packaging. I hate having a bunch of pen boxes, even the gorgeous, really interesting ones. I just don't have space or interest in keeping them. This Model 66 Stabilis came in a black leather, zippered pouch with a soft suede-like interior. The pouch and pen were delivered in a simple, light, recyclable white cardboard sleeve. Not only is it less wasteful than a larger clamshell box, it also weighs less (for shipping). The zippered pouch is something that can be used as a pen (or pencil) pouch, or it can be used to lend a friend a pen... it has more than one use!

APPEARANCE

The Model 31 is a round pen with a beveled top and bottom. The finial is engraved with the Franklin-Christoph logo. This Model 31 has a clip attached to a small metal tab through the cap. The seam between the top of the cap and the cap body is visible, but it is smooth.The cap end tapers towards the barrel and connects smoothly. I like the smooth, curvy appearance of the pen. The cap is engraved with Franklin-Christoph 31. I like this because I will always know what the model is! Sometimes you can forget or get things mixed up.

Uncapped, the pen is pretty cute. The section is smooth, round, and slightly pinched. The cap threads are at the back of the section instead of the front, like what you find on the Model 66. There are three grooved rings on the barrel. This pen is the Purpurae - a gorgeous purple that I love. It's a stunning pearlescent color with veins of darker purple swirled through it. It isn't a bright, in-your-face purple. It's a little dark and mysterious. Gorgeous, great design.

NIB & PERFORMANCE

The nib is a 14kt gold double-broad. The #6 nib is slightly recessed in the section so it's partially covered. The nib unit can be unscrewed. The nib is a smooth, wet, pleasant writer. It is on the sift side, yielding as you write to offer a little line variation. The nib and feed perform well during long and fast writing sessions, so long as no pressure is applied. I love Franklin-Christoph nibs. They're always well-tuned and adjusted for my preferences. The steel nib is always great but the gold nibs have a softer touch that I love. This nib is set up for modification, which they offer in-house. I'm thinking a crisp cursive-italic! Yummy.

The standard international cartridge/converter set up works great. Easy to fill, empty, clean, and maintain. It can be turned into an eyedropper with just a bit of silicone grease on the threads.

IN HAND

The clip is nice and springy - easy to operate one-handed. It slides on and off pockets, pouches, and pages easily. The section is super comfortable - smooth, warm, not slippery. The cap threads are not sharp. I love the section design. It's really nice in hand and works well for me.

Unposted, the pen is a comfortable length and it is well-balanced. The cap can be posted snugly and securely by friction. Although the cap posts, I find the pen too long for comfortable use. It is not top heavy though, so if you must post and the length works for you, then it's great. I like it unposted.

One thing I dislike is there is a gap between the inner edge of the section and the nib. If you dip this into a bottle of ink to fill, it's messy if you forget to clean that gap. It can be avoided if you fill the converter directly or eyedropper the pen. It's not a deal breaker, but it's good to be aware of it to avoid an inky mess.

Top to bottom: Franklin-Christoph Model 31, Franklin-Christoph Model 20, Franklin-Christoph Model 66 Stabilis, Lamy Safari. 

PROS & CONS

OVERALL

I am a big fan of Franklin-Christoph pens, even though I am trying to present you an unbiased review. I have met the fine folks who run the company and they are delightful, and that helps in building brand loyalty. I also love their pens - they are very comfortable, attractive, and the selection of nibs and nib modifications really works for me. I love the SIG and Masuyama grinds - they are all fun and I think fairly priced. They're not inexpensive pens and nib combinations, but you'll get a lifetime of enjoyment out of them. They also back their products with a lifetime warranty.

The Model 31 is quite comfortable. I think I would get it without a clip because I like the seamless look. You get a leather sleeve, minimal, low-waste packaging, and that lifetime warranty, not to mention a selection of nibs. The most fun thing is to get yourself to a pen show that Franklin-Christoph attends because they bring a slew of prototypes that are irresistible. So much fun, highly recommended!




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.