Very nice review, and I have the same Sterling version, and the Homo Spiens ring is placed properly, but on a friends Bronze age it is off center. I love mine now, but I had found the nib tines misaligned at first use. I decided rather than sending it off, I could just adjust it myself. Unlike most gold nibs, the palladium nib took lots and lots of effort to realign the tines to where it wasn't cutting into the paper, as the "memory" of the metal would put it right back into misalignment. It took days of minuscule movements each time before it was adjusted properly. Now I adore the pen and it has just a hint of feedback but no scratching. If only their quality assurance was in line with the price point I would be a Visconti convert for life, but their final and most important step before it reaches the customer is just apparently glossed over.... and no initial client interaction with a product should ever end in disappointment, especially with a "grail pen" such as this is to many. But at least I know it will take a lot of effort to move it out of alignment now that the nib is adjusted properly. I chalk it up to "growing pains" in a young company, but I will be more cautious next time I purchase a Visconti product.
I know I'm extremely late to this party. I've had my Bronze Age Homo Sapiens for probably about a year now. I enjoy the tactile experience of writing with this pen in every way. But now, thanks to you, David, I just realized the "Homo Sapiens" printed on my ring is aligned perfectly with the feed rather than the nib! Aye, yi, yi.
Ages ago I got one of these and love it. Initially however it seemed to leak ink on my fingers. then I realized the nib unit was loose so I unscrewed it, put some silicone grease on the threads, and screwed it back. solved. this could reorientate the nib but I had not thought of that. Enjoying your reviews thanks.
+David Arbon I pulled out the nib unit to see if there was a second set of threads which would orient the nib differently, but alas, there wasn't. And the nib/feed fit into the nib unit in a specific way, so you can't change that either. I'll get it fixed...eventually.
If you're unfortunate enough to drop the pen, and it lands on the lid, it will come off leaving the nib exposed to the rest of the bouncing around. I love my pen but i also have a slight leaking problem with it.
I received my Visconti fine a few days ago and I got lucky with one that works perfectly but I'm on the fence on sending it in for a nib replacement because of its "toothyness". I noticed my homo sapiens ring doesn't line up the way you mentioned it either but the V is actually directly under the nib and home sapiens just about starts at 3 o'clock and ends at 9 which is real nice. I almost don't want to send it incase they misalign that lol
Thank you for your time and energy to make this review! 🙂 It’s Italian, so wonderful design, ingenious ideas, and problems in the reality. That’s why I never buy an Italian product.
I'm sure this is fixed now since this is older video, but all you gotta do is twist the nib! I remove all of them in all 12 of my visconti pens to clean
I noticed that yours has 2 extra rings around the barrel compared to mine. I agree, it's a great pen. I've been enjoying mine regularly, and I'll be posting my review in a few weeks.
You are a patient man. Sent back twice & considering a third. I have written with some of these pens. I understand their appeal but not a pen for me. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I have a few Visconti's that are OK. Nice to see your analysis of the pen many consider "Grail" worthy.
+Figboot on Pens I have to take a contrary view, I have no Grail pen. I try to love every pen, understand why it was made. Does it do what it was made for, not what you want it to be. Recently my focus is smaller Italians manufacturers. They produce beautiful hand made pens that are excellent writers, which to me is what pens are for. I feel there is too much focus on the high end models that few can afford & they are not the best writers, especially based on their costs. Just my view.
+randy25rhoads I like that it's a little different from most other versions out there. After the repairs/exchanges, I've been real pleased with the nib.
I bought Homo Sapiens and I am so unhappy. It is so wet that the after writing, the back site of the paper becomes terrible. It lays down incredible amount of ink. Homo Sapiens is exactly a firehouse. My nib is F however, it is as an M nib.
Хобби
Great review. I have the silver and bronze versions, both in EF, and neither have given me any issues.
Have been waiting a long time for this video! Great as always David!
thanks!
Very informative video - as usual -, thanks.
Very nice review, and I have the same Sterling version, and the Homo Spiens ring is placed properly, but on a friends Bronze age it is off center. I love mine now, but I had found the nib tines misaligned at first use. I decided rather than sending it off, I could just adjust it myself. Unlike most gold nibs, the palladium nib took lots and lots of effort to realign the tines to where it wasn't cutting into the paper, as the "memory" of the metal would put it right back into misalignment. It took days of minuscule movements each time before it was adjusted properly. Now I adore the pen and it has just a hint of feedback but no scratching. If only their quality assurance was in line with the price point I would be a Visconti convert for life, but their final and most important step before it reaches the customer is just apparently glossed over.... and no initial client interaction with a product should ever end in disappointment, especially with a "grail pen" such as this is to many. But at least I know it will take a lot of effort to move it out of alignment now that the nib is adjusted properly. I chalk it up to "growing pains" in a young company, but I will be more cautious next time I purchase a Visconti product.
Wow, I'm surprised that you found out about Toucan. Their factory is about 30 minutes away from me and are an old brand here in Australia.
Definitely a grail pen for me. Keep up the good work. Excellent review as always!
It is definately worth it in my opinion. A very special pen.
I know I'm extremely late to this party. I've had my Bronze Age Homo Sapiens for probably about a year now. I enjoy the tactile experience of writing with this pen in every way. But now, thanks to you, David, I just realized the "Homo Sapiens" printed on my ring is aligned perfectly with the feed rather than the nib! Aye, yi, yi.
Ages ago I got one of these and love it. Initially however it seemed to leak ink on my fingers. then I realized the nib unit was loose so I unscrewed it, put some silicone grease on the threads, and screwed it back. solved.
this could reorientate the nib but I had not thought of that. Enjoying your reviews thanks.
+David Arbon I pulled out the nib unit to see if there was a second set of threads which would orient the nib differently, but alas, there wasn't. And the nib/feed fit into the nib unit in a specific way, so you can't change that either. I'll get it fixed...eventually.
If you're unfortunate enough to drop the pen, and it lands on the lid, it will come off leaving the nib exposed to the rest of the bouncing around. I love my pen but i also have a slight leaking problem with it.
I received my Visconti fine a few days ago and I got lucky with one that works perfectly but I'm on the fence on sending it in for a nib replacement because of its "toothyness". I noticed my homo sapiens ring doesn't line up the way you mentioned it either but the V is actually directly under the nib and home sapiens just about starts at 3 o'clock and ends at 9 which is real nice. I almost don't want to send it incase they misalign that lol
Could you do a video of your ink collection like all your ink bottles
Thank you for your time and energy to make this review! 🙂
It’s Italian, so wonderful design, ingenious ideas, and problems in the reality. That’s why I never buy an Italian product.
I'm sure this is fixed now since this is older video, but all you gotta do is twist the nib! I remove all of them in all 12 of my visconti pens to clean
I noticed that yours has 2 extra rings around the barrel compared to mine. I agree, it's a great pen. I've been enjoying mine regularly, and I'll be posting my review in a few weeks.
+WaskiSquirrel I look forward to seeing your review!
You are a patient man. Sent back twice & considering a third. I have written with some of these pens. I understand their appeal but not a pen for me. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I have a few Visconti's that are OK. Nice to see your analysis of the pen many consider "Grail" worthy.
+chrisrap52 I can understand how this pen isn't for everyone. What's at the top of your wish list?
+Figboot on Pens I have to take a contrary view, I have no Grail pen. I try to love every pen, understand why it was made. Does it do what it was made for, not what you want it to be. Recently my focus is smaller Italians manufacturers. They produce beautiful hand made pens that are excellent writers, which to me is what pens are for. I feel there is too much focus on the high end models that few can afford & they are not the best writers, especially based on their costs. Just my view.
chrisrap52 What small italian manufacturers do you have in mind? I am curious to know which of them you think make excellent writers.
Also glad you got the silver version instead of the steel version. It ages much better.
+randy25rhoads I like that it's a little different from most other versions out there. After the repairs/exchanges, I've been real pleased with the nib.
y it so well designed??? def dwarven made.
Thanks Dave for the review, but from where can I buy this pen for a good discount without paying for its MRP.
keep an eye out on ebay
Were did you get this pen I'm planning on getting one myself
I picked it up from Chatterley Luxuries...
Nice review brother
+strausiv Thanks!
Thanks for the review, I change my mind to buy a sailor King of Pen instead of this after watching your review
To be honest, this pen, with the two extra bands on the pen, looks much better then the current version.
It’s weird it’s your dream pen and you didn’t want to wait for it to be fixed again.
I bought Homo Sapiens and I am so unhappy. It is so wet that the after writing, the back site of the paper becomes terrible. It lays down incredible amount of ink. Homo Sapiens is exactly a firehouse. My nib is F however, it is as an M nib.
Hello sir