Who doesn't watch till the end? Thought you might find this funny "The wife has noticed your reviews in the YT rotation". Her most common comment is about your 'love' for blue pens. You never cease to deliver. *smiling face*
I just got the Laban 325 in Snow and I inked the converter using a syringe (which I normally do with my fountain pens). Now I'm watching your review and thank goodness I didn't inked dip it. Thanks for the warning. Lovely pen indeed. I love this Snow so much that I ordered another one in Cambridge from Appelboom.
I have two Laban 325s, a red one and a green one. I agree with your review of the model. I don't post my pens unless they are pocket pens that require posting. Both of my pens have developed some tiny cracks where the nib assembly goes into the section. It isn't alarming, but they are noticeable because ink stains them when you fill the pen (unless you resort to filling the converter or cartridge using a syringe to avoid bottle-filling).
I found this review because I was pondering getting one and it's gorgeous... but you saved me some money. Too heavy and large for me these days. Alas. I appreciate your thoroughness.
The “3952” on the nib is the height of the highest mountain/peak in Taiwan. There’s a Taiwanese pen company 3952 Pen and it’s named after the mountain.
Another great review Doug. If the catalog they sent you had a new date on it you are one of the first ones to get the new issue. On Goldspot live feed the other day they mentioned that they had just finished working on the new issue if the catalog.
Doug, I know posting does appeal to a lot of people. I prefer an alternative that includes these artistic elements, largely because I do not post any pen except an undersized fountain pen like a Pelikan M200 or some Sailor pens. Great review though (as always)! Best always, KW
Have you done an "All Leonardo" video? I don't know how many you have. I have one Leonardo now, but I am thinking of hinting about another to my wife for Christmas. They are beautiful. I do not have any Laban pens, so I may have a choice to make. This one looks good, too.
Great review! The size was a surprise to me as well when you put the Metro for scale; it’s so hard to tell sometimes from marketing photos but this one definitely doesn’t look that big online. It’s girth actually makes it more compelling as a comfortable long-term writer.
I have the flame one and is gorgeous too. Great pens, solid, beautiful and very good writers. The number on the nib refers to the height of the tallest mountain in Taiwan. Great video as always.
Just a link to the Wikipedia entry: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yu_Shan I've had Laban on my list for a while now, especially the Skeleton, but I just saw their urushi pens on their website. It's hard to believe that the 325 model has only been around since 2016.
I have two 325s in M. One is red, the other green. Laban has changed the way the colors look, and added colors; when I bought my pens, there were only 4 choices. They write well, but the sections may have micro-cracks, because ink has seeped into the section, which can stain somewhat. I have other Labans as well. One has a beautiful "Greek Key" cap ban. It didn't write well, and Laban sent me a replacement, which didn't write well. However, I was able to adjust and smooth the nib so that it writes acceptably.
I love Laban pens. However, I am not a poster. I only post my pens when writing with a very small or pocket pen. I really enjoyed today’s review! Looking forward to next Sunday’s Pen Resurrection. Thanks. 👍👍👍!!!
Greetings from Australia. Great Video. I must have one of these. Are the caps the same in all finishes I wonder? Posting isn't an issue with me if the pen is long enough. Great Video.
3952 is for the height in meter of the highest peak in taiwan Mount Yu Shan or Mount Jade in english. That beige section always stop me from buying that pen, i always suspected that it would stain and you just confirmed it for me . Thanks for the review
I am confused. The feed you show is the very recognisable flat feed from Jowo. Bock feeds are round. And Goldspot's own description reads as follows : "Nib: Gold-plated, stainless steel, no. 6 size Jowo nib"
I think you're right as was my initial reaction. I assumed it was Jowo and then read some specifications somewhere online about it being Bock. I assume they've gone through the Bock to Jowo transition recently like so many other companies and I just read some dated specs.
@@InkquiringMinds It is very possible that Laban has changed supplier not long ago. I remember TWSBI, with the Diamond 540, switching from Bock to Jowo, or the other way around, maybe even to Schmidt. What was confusing was that the housings remained the same so TWSBI didn't have to change all its tooling. There were then Jowo made nib units inserted into Bock sized housings, then Schmidt nibs on JoWo style feeds (Schmidt were acquired by JoWo) inserted into housings with Bock threads. Or something in that order. Any way, it was very confusing.
Thank you for your excellent review. I had bought a Laban about 20 years ago and was not impressed with the fit and finish and overall construction of the pen. It seems that a lot has changed since that time for the better. The only Bock nibs I have are titanium. Perhaps it is time to reintroduce myself to the pen.
your affiliate link in your description isn't your affiliate link. for some weird reason, the important part of the url isn't part of the clickable link
Thanks, George. I've been informed by Goldspot that the link DOES work through cookies on the side. The extension on the address doesn't look like it is part of the link, but the link works and, if you use it for a purchase, it does track back to me as the source.
Gee, Doug, I don't know. That looks like a Jowo feed since it has a flat bottom, and Bock feeds tend to have a scoop at the end. You could unscrew the nib unit and compare it to a Jowo #12 nib unit housing and a Bock Type 250 nib unit housing, as another indicator. Bock nibs tend to be straight nibs and Jowo #6/#12 nibs tend to curve downward towards the tip. Did Laban say that it was a Bock nib? I can't remember Laban using Bock nibs, only Jowo.
I was convinced it was a Jowo #12 nib unit and now I can't remember where I read it was a Bock. Someone on FPN must have convinced me it was Bock, but now I look at it again, it is identical to a Jowo.
Nice review, Doug. It looks to be a decent fountain pen for the price, but, and you may have alluded to this by showing other models, there are a number of pens at this price point that would attract a buyer. So details like look, handling, and design become very important. That the section is likely to stain from the ink is a negative. A color choice option for the cap would help, as that combination of off white with a beautiful acrylic doesnt work for me. Not being able to post is a negative too, but many people like their pens unposted, and I admittedly am inconsistent with my feelings on this, as brands like PenBBS and Opus 88 have unpostable pens that I enjoy writing. The cartridge converter looks better than ones normally found at that price, so it is a plus. Since I have 3 Opus 88s, 2 Leonardos and a Maiora, this is a pass. But for those who are looking for a mid price step up from the budget pens, it is an intriguing option.
Sir, would you please consider doing a video comparing the TWSBI vac700 vs the Penbbs 456 vacuum pen? I am getting one of those for sure. Thanks for your great videos to this newly subscribed fountain pen n00b.
@@InkquiringMinds thank you for your reply. I am going to allow myself 1 and only 1expensive pen. The Pilot is winning so far. The red and gold 1 is stunning.
there is an option of 14K gold semi flex nib with these pens , hope one day you could review it! also the classy look does exist it is ca;lled " cambridge" all is black with gold trims except middle portion which is ivory instead of blue of your model...
The section on mine, also in Ocean Blue, was not connected to the barrel correctly and the pen was crooked. It was noticeable with the cap both on and off. Once I saw it, I could not unsee it. Not good for this price point. I did not keep the pen because of this defect and haven’t bought another one since.
There is a Taiwanese fountain pen company named 3952. They say: "The 3952 brand has been created by BonArtek. Established in 1995, this Taiwanese company derives it name from the highest peak in Taiwan, Mount Jade, which stands 3952 meters high. This peak is the soul of the majority of Taiwan people and it inspired the creation of the soul, 3952, as Taiwan's top quality pen totem and trademark." i suspect 3952 on anything from Taiwan is an homage to Mount Jade.
While it’s attractive in appearance, it’s still a Chinese/Taiwanese pen. That makes the price point problematic for me. I’d never pay $100 for a Chinese pen… even for one with a 14kt nib (which IMO is not unlike lipstick on swine). Gr8 detailed review as usual! I find that to be the real draw of your channel. I know you have a few reviews of quality FPs, but would love to see more content of that type from you. 😊
Well, in a way, it is a well built acrylic pen with a German (Jowo in this case) nib. Arguably Leonardo is the same, and so are countless handmade acrylic pens coming from lathes in the UK, the US and the like. All of them are priced north of $100, sometimes way north of $100. What is wrong with Laban then? I am not questioning your choices -- to each one its own -- but what exactly makes it inferior?
@@InkquiringMinds Yes, yes, I do understand! 😊 I wonder if Goldspot might be persuaded to periodically send you FPs for review? Even as Loaners? I’ve heard of that being done. I’m sorry I don’t have the particulars to share tho. In any event your videos are still top notch! Thanks!
My pen is also fairly large and veiny, albeit a bit blue at the base, but I prefer how it looks in my wife’s hand. It is always a plus that she loves it when I whip it out. This Laban looks very nice; I’ll have to add it to my wish list. Nice review, Doug.
Who doesn't watch till the end? Thought you might find this funny "The wife has noticed your reviews in the YT rotation". Her most common comment is about your 'love' for blue pens. You never cease to deliver. *smiling face*
Thank you so much, Al Ohm!
I just got the Laban 325 in Snow and I inked the converter using a syringe (which I normally do with my fountain pens). Now I'm watching your review and thank goodness I didn't inked dip it. Thanks for the warning. Lovely pen indeed. I love this Snow so much that I ordered another one in Cambridge from Appelboom.
They are gorgeous pens! I'm sad I gave mine away!
I have two Laban 325s, a red one and a green one. I agree with your review of the model. I don't post my pens unless they are pocket pens that require posting. Both of my pens have developed some tiny cracks where the nib assembly goes into the section. It isn't alarming, but they are noticeable because ink stains them when you fill the pen (unless you resort to filling the converter or cartridge using a syringe to avoid bottle-filling).
I would speak to Laban about it!
Great review! I have several Laban fountain pens and they are great writers with gorgeous designs. I might have to look at this one.
I found this review because I was pondering getting one and it's gorgeous... but you saved me some money. Too heavy and large for me these days. Alas. I appreciate your thoroughness.
I love my Laban 325 Forest. It’s one of my favorite pens. Another great review, Doug, By the way, Goldspot pens is just down the road from me in NJ.
Cool, thanks
The “3952” on the nib is the height of the highest mountain/peak in Taiwan. There’s a Taiwanese pen company 3952 Pen and it’s named after the mountain.
Nice looking pen Doug
Thanks 👍
Another great review Doug. If the catalog they sent you had a new date on it you are one of the first ones to get the new issue. On Goldspot live feed the other day they mentioned that they had just finished working on the new issue if the catalog.
Doug, I know posting does appeal to a lot of people. I prefer an alternative that includes these artistic elements, largely because I do not post any pen except an undersized fountain pen like a Pelikan M200 or some Sailor pens. Great review though (as always)! Best always, KW
Have you done an "All Leonardo" video? I don't know how many you have. I have one Leonardo now, but I am thinking of hinting about another to my wife for Christmas. They are beautiful. I do not have any Laban pens, so I may have a choice to make. This one looks good, too.
I have a playlist of Leos. I currently have 6 but have purchased 8 and sold two.
Great review! The size was a surprise to me as well when you put the Metro for scale; it’s so hard to tell sometimes from marketing photos but this one definitely doesn’t look that big online. It’s girth actually makes it more compelling as a comfortable long-term writer.
It is surprisingly comfortable!
I have the flame one and is gorgeous too. Great pens, solid, beautiful and very good writers. The number on the nib refers to the height of the tallest mountain in Taiwan. Great video as always.
Thanks for the info!
Just a link to the Wikipedia entry: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yu_Shan
I've had Laban on my list for a while now, especially the Skeleton, but I just saw their urushi pens on their website. It's hard to believe that the 325 model has only been around since 2016.
I have two 325s in M. One is red, the other green. Laban has changed the way the colors look, and added colors; when I bought my pens, there were only 4 choices. They write well, but the sections may have micro-cracks, because ink has seeped into the section, which can stain somewhat. I have other Labans as well. One has a beautiful "Greek Key" cap ban. It didn't write well, and Laban sent me a replacement, which didn't write well. However, I was able to adjust and smooth the nib so that it writes acceptably.
I love Laban pens. However, I am not a poster. I only post my pens when writing with a very small or pocket pen. I really enjoyed today’s review! Looking forward to next Sunday’s Pen Resurrection. Thanks. 👍👍👍!!!
Thanks for sharing!
Greetings from Australia.
Great Video.
I must have one of these. Are the caps the same in all finishes I wonder?
Posting isn't an issue with me if the pen is long enough.
Great Video.
There is also be with a black cap and finials and an ivory barrel.
Laban make some really nice looking pens!! I've gazed at them from time to time before.
Yes they do
Great review, yes I will also like it to post. My favorite has to be the Laban 325 Sun.
Good choice!
I have this pen and really like it. The girthy grip is great. I haven't used it in a while. I need to pull it out.
3952 is for the height in meter of the highest peak in taiwan Mount Yu Shan or Mount Jade in english. That beige section always stop me from buying that pen, i always suspected that it would stain and you just confirmed it for me . Thanks for the review
Thanks for the info!
I am confused. The feed you show is the very recognisable flat feed from Jowo. Bock feeds are round. And Goldspot's own description reads as follows : "Nib: Gold-plated, stainless steel, no. 6 size Jowo nib"
I think you're right as was my initial reaction. I assumed it was Jowo and then read some specifications somewhere online about it being Bock. I assume they've gone through the Bock to Jowo transition recently like so many other companies and I just read some dated specs.
@@InkquiringMinds It is very possible that Laban has changed supplier not long ago.
I remember TWSBI, with the Diamond 540, switching from Bock to Jowo, or the other way around, maybe even to Schmidt. What was confusing was that the housings remained the same so TWSBI didn't have to change all its tooling. There were then Jowo made nib units inserted into Bock sized housings, then Schmidt nibs on JoWo style feeds (Schmidt were acquired by JoWo) inserted into housings with Bock threads. Or something in that order. Any way, it was very confusing.
Thank you for your excellent review. I had bought a Laban about 20 years ago and was not impressed with the fit and finish and overall construction of the pen. It seems that a lot has changed since that time for the better.
The only Bock nibs I have are titanium. Perhaps it is time to reintroduce myself to the pen.
I'm informed by a viewer that this is a Jowo nib which was my first guess. I think Laban did the Bock to Jowo switch a while back.
your affiliate link in your description isn't your affiliate link. for some weird reason, the important part of the url isn't part of the clickable link
Thanks, George. I've been informed by Goldspot that the link DOES work through cookies on the side. The extension on the address doesn't look like it is part of the link, but the link works and, if you use it for a purchase, it does track back to me as the source.
Gee, Doug, I don't know. That looks like a Jowo feed since it has a flat bottom, and Bock feeds tend to have a scoop at the end. You could unscrew the nib unit and compare it to a Jowo #12 nib unit housing and a Bock Type 250 nib unit housing, as another indicator. Bock nibs tend to be straight nibs and Jowo #6/#12 nibs tend to curve downward towards the tip. Did Laban say that it was a Bock nib? I can't remember Laban using Bock nibs, only Jowo.
I was convinced it was a Jowo #12 nib unit and now I can't remember where I read it was a Bock. Someone on FPN must have convinced me it was Bock, but now I look at it again, it is identical to a Jowo.
Lovely review. I don't know why so many pens are made that don't post.
I agree 100%, Wendy!
Hello. Your review was as usual informative and entertaining. Yet it left me with one question. What is your opinion on Paper Brands?
I've never heard of it before!
Oops! My bad. What I meant to ask was what paper brands do you prefer?
Clairefontaine!!
Nice review, Doug. It looks to be a decent fountain pen for the price, but, and you may have alluded to this by showing other models, there are a number of pens at this price point that would attract a buyer. So details like look, handling, and design become very important. That the section is likely to stain from the ink is a negative. A color choice option for the cap would help, as that combination of off white with a beautiful acrylic doesnt work for me.
Not being able to post is a negative too, but many people like their pens unposted, and I admittedly am inconsistent with my feelings on this, as brands like PenBBS and Opus 88 have unpostable pens that I enjoy writing. The cartridge converter looks better than ones normally found at that price, so it is a plus. Since I have 3 Opus 88s, 2 Leonardos and a Maiora, this is a pass. But for those who are looking for a mid price step up from the budget pens, it is an intriguing option.
Excellent! Well said, Stefan!
Sir, would you please consider doing a video comparing the TWSBI vac700 vs the Penbbs 456 vacuum pen? I am getting one of those for sure. Thanks for your great videos to this newly subscribed fountain pen n00b.
You think TWSBI would send me one? LOL
That leonardo momento zero grande a jinhao is spectacular. Can you tell us more? I searched for it but couldn't locate one.
ruclips.net/video/63LInxQEYAo/видео.html
Given a choice.., would you rather have the Laban or your Pilot e95s?
The Pilot hands down!
@@InkquiringMinds thank you for your reply. I am going to allow myself 1 and only 1expensive pen. The Pilot is winning so far. The red and gold 1 is stunning.
there is an option of 14K gold semi flex nib with these pens , hope one day you could review it! also the classy look does exist it is ca;lled " cambridge" all is black with gold trims except middle portion which is ivory instead of blue of your model...
I've seen the black cap and finials with the ivory barrel but never the 14k nib option!
in swastikpenn, you will see image and option of the gold nib for models flame and cambridge of the laban 325, it looks nice!
Hi Prof. Doug. A little off topic. Have you seen the RED Hongdian N8 ? Canada oh Canada!!
I have, but it is way too red for me.
Thank you for your replay Prof. Doug.
Figured it would be too red. However if were Galaxy blue, that would be another story!
It would!
Do you know if these are cut from a solid bar, or rolled from a sheet?
They are turned from a solid rod.
The section on mine, also in Ocean Blue, was not connected to the barrel correctly and the pen was crooked. It was noticeable with the cap both on and off. Once I saw it, I could not unsee it. Not good for this price point. I did not keep the pen because of this defect and haven’t bought another one since.
I would have returned it.
There is a Taiwanese fountain pen company named 3952. They say: "The 3952 brand has been created by BonArtek. Established in 1995, this Taiwanese company derives it name from the highest peak in Taiwan, Mount Jade, which stands 3952 meters high. This peak is the soul of the majority of Taiwan people and it inspired the creation of the soul, 3952, as Taiwan's top quality pen totem and trademark." i suspect 3952 on anything from Taiwan is an homage to Mount Jade.
Thanks, TheNightowl001, for the excellent information!
If looking for a demonstrator would you go for a pen bbs 456 rather than a twsbi model 580?
Every day and twice on Sunday.
Thank you 😊
Hermosa estilográfica.
Yo escogería una burgundi. Lástima que no permita colocar la tapa (postear)
¡Por cierto!
While it’s attractive in appearance, it’s still a Chinese/Taiwanese pen. That makes the price point problematic for me. I’d never pay $100 for a Chinese pen… even for one with a 14kt nib (which IMO is not unlike lipstick on swine). Gr8 detailed review as usual! I find that to be the real draw of your channel. I know you have a few reviews of quality FPs, but would love to see more content of that type from you. 😊
When you do 6 to 8 reviews a month, having a high percentage of Montblanc, Lamy, Pilot, Sailor, Leonardo tends to break this senior's bank account.
Well, in a way, it is a well built acrylic pen with a German (Jowo in this case) nib. Arguably Leonardo is the same, and so are countless handmade acrylic pens coming from lathes in the UK, the US and the like. All of them are priced north of $100, sometimes way north of $100. What is wrong with Laban then? I am not questioning your choices -- to each one its own -- but what exactly makes it inferior?
@@InkquiringMinds Yes, yes, I do understand! 😊 I wonder if Goldspot might be persuaded to periodically send you FPs for review? Even as Loaners? I’ve heard of that being done. I’m sorry I don’t have the particulars to share tho. In any event your videos are still top notch! Thanks!
I don't see how/why you would lump Taiwanese pens with Chinese pens.
Do you do the same thing with Sailor, Pilot and Platinum? How about Ranga or ASA?
Doug r you on holiday. Yes I know of Gold Spot.
No. I publish every Saturday and Sunday.
That feed shape can only come from JOWO... and the nib design is JOWO as well...
I really think you have a JOWO nib, not BOCK!
Yes. My first impression was correct - it is a Jowo. I read some dated specs. Like other companies, they've done the shift from Bock to Jowo.
@@InkquiringMinds Oh, that makes sense then 😄👍.
My pen is also fairly large and veiny, albeit a bit blue at the base, but I prefer how it looks in my wife’s hand. It is always a plus that she loves it when I whip it out. This Laban looks very nice; I’ll have to add it to my wish list. Nice review, Doug.
OMG Oscar!!! LOL
😇🩷🙏🙌
Funny mine posts just fine
The acrylic cap threads on top of the end finial ring?
@@InkquiringMinds yeah
Yup, mine posts fine too.
That's a pretty nice nib, but I think the pen is fat and ugly.
Yeah, I know, people in glass houses etc.... 🙄
LOL!