Pen Review #5: TWSBI Eco-T Saffron <EF> - My New Favourite TWSBI
I've been reluctant about getting a new TWSBI. I already have a 580 ALR with a medium nib that writes very well and holds tons of ink. But all the horror stories about TWSBIs cracking have been putting me off. I would much rather not be scared of the pen breaking and spilling ink everywhere mid lecture. But when I saw this pen on sale in this beautiful Saffron colour, I bought it on an impulse.
You can definitely see that TWSBI is cutting corners on this pen. Other than the metal clip and the nib the pen is fully plastic. But it does not feel cheap at all. It feels similar to how Lamy Safari feels like. For those who don't know, the T stands for Triangular. The grip is triangular, or at least that's what the grip should be like. I have however found it to be so subtle that it makes no ergonomic difference to me whatsoever. I am also a far gripper, and I barely happen to touch the triangular grip. If I ever happen to buy another TWSBI Eco I will not look at whether it's triangular or regular, because of the plastic, the grip does get a little bit slippery when you use it for a prolonged amount of time.
I bought this TWSBI with an EF nib, like I always do. TWSBI uses Jowo nibs, and this is also my first experience with them. This is your typical boring nib, you won't get line variation or any other cool flourishes that fountain pens can offer you. It'll write, and it'll do so consistently. And for many people this is the thing they want. One thing that I will note is that this EF is less smooth and more scratchy compared to other EFs I have. Both Kaweco and Lamy EF's (real EFs, not the bold ones) are way smoother and nicer to write with, although I might have just gotten unlucky.
The biggest advantage this pen has over the 580 is that it posts well and securely. It has an O-ring on the back that nicely fits the cap. You will not have to worry if it will pop off or turn the piston. This is the only thing that makes TWSBI 580 a no-go as an EDC for me.
Overall, I'd be happy to use this pen as an EDC, reliable notetaking. It's not a pen to toss in a bag with your keys, but if you take good care of it it will serve you well.
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