Body material: Acrylic
Trim: None
Nib material: 14kt gold
Filling System: Standard international cartridge/converter, eyedropper-capable
Cap: Screw on
Posts: Yes, friction
Length (capped): 135.91 mm/5/35"
Length (uncapped): 126.63 mm/4.98"
Length (posted): 178.29 mm/7.01"
Length (section): 26.94 mm/1.06"
Diameter (barrel): 12.21 - 13.87 mm/0.48" - 0.54"
Diameter (section): 9.73 - 12.14 mm/0.38" - 0.47"
Weight (all): 20 g
Weight (cap): 6 g
Weight (body): 14 g
Price: $265.00 USD
Where to buy: Franklin-Christoph
PACKAGING
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 pen 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! Also included: a warranty card.
APPEARANCE
I am completely in love with the Antique Glass finish. I love clear pens and this slightly green material reminds me of sea glass and beaches. Where I should be, instead of here. The Model 03 has a round shape, widest at the top of the cap and tapering slightly towards the end of the pen. Both ends are slightly rounded off. The finial of the pen is a small chunk of solid clear, polished material and the Franklin-Christoph logo engraved in it. There is no clip on this pen and I think it looks great clipless. The model name of the pen is engraved in the cap: Franklin-Christoph 03. The section is smooth and round, with an hourglass shape and block threads at the front.
The pen's design is not very fancy or complicated but I think that highlights the beauty of the shape and material. It's just gorgeous in Antique Glass. It is not polished smooth on the inside of the barrel but it's smooth enough to easily see through it and enjoy your ink. I love this model so much. It rocks.
The Antique Glass is exquisite when brand new but if you eyedropper the pen, the material can pick up stains. Not unusual for a clear pen but something to be aware of if you like your pens to be in pristine condition forever.
NIB & PERFORMANCE
The nib has a single slit, a round breather hole, it is laser engraved with the Franklin-Christoph logo, and it's engraved with 14K-585 EF. There are two flat oval cut-outs in the shoulders of the nib. The "flex" nib designation suggests the nib will have tines that spread with pressure and while that does happen, it's more that the nib offers line variation more easily than non-flex nibs. If those other nibs are steel or firm gold nibs, then absolutely - you can achieve line variation. I would say the flex here is more about bounce than true tine spread.
Without pressure, the nib is quite smooth, especially for an extra-fine, and it writes on the wet side. Drying times are pretty fast (10 - 15 seconds). Mild to moderate pressure produces a medium line, quite wet and juicy, and this results in longer drying times. I would not push the nib beyond this. A lighter hand is better for this EF as you do not want to a) lift the nib off the feed with too much pressure or b) spread the tines too much such that they cannot snap back to EF. You could end up with a fine or medium!
I can feel the nib yield slightly when I write normally and I can feel it bounce if I apply a little pressure. It is fun, bouncy, and I enjoy the line variation - it is not extreme but it's fun for regular use. Be gentle with it and keep your angle low to the page to optimize ink flow and reduce lifting from the feed.
The cartridge/converter system (both included) is perfectly fine but for me, half the fun of these pens is setting them up as eyedroppers! A dab of silicone grease on the threads and you're good to go. Easy to use, clean, maintain, and maximum ink viewing pleasure. Watch out for those super-saturated inks, though.
IN HAND
Although there is no clip and the pen is round, this one does not roll and roll. I like it clipless.
The section has the cap threads at the front so they are likely to be comfortable for most users. I find them smooth and clean. The section is smooth and round and there's only a small ridge up to the barrel. It's a slightly sharp ridge but not terribly annoying. The section works for me on this model.
Top to bottom: Franklin-Christoph Model 66 Stabilis, Franklin-Christoph Model 03, Franklin-Christoph Pocket 66, Franklin-Christoph Model 31, Franklin-Christoph Model 20, Lamy Safari.
Unposted, the pen is very comfortable. It isn't very heavy but it feels well-balanced. I prefer to use it unposted. The cap can be posted by friction - it does not sit very deeply so I find the pen too long and unbalanced when posted.
PROS & CONS
OVERALL
YES. I love this model so much, especially clipless. I love how the 03 shape looks in Antique Glass and I love how it feels in hand. The EF flex nib is a lot of fun and, of course, it is interchangeable with other #6 JoWo nibs. It's not inexpensive but you get a lot of useful items and a gorgeous pen for it. Only you can decide if it's worth it but I think it's an excellent purchase, even without the flex nib. Lifetime warranty, too. Treat yo' self.
I received this nib free of charge so I could review it here for you. I was not compensated monetarily for my review. Everything you've read here is my own opinion. No affiliate links.
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