Pen Review #6: Lamy CP1 <EF> - The Perfect Minimalism
If you're on the hunt for the perfect slim fountain pen, the Lamy CP1 is a great choice. Slim fountain pens offer a unique writing experience that combines elegance with precision, and the CP1 really nails it. It's the ultimate slim pen. If you like slim pens, you'll love this one—not because it's flashy, but because it's so minimal. The CP1's design is super clean and unembellished, standing out from more decorated models with its sleek and refined look that appeals to anyone who values function over form. You really can't get more minimalistic than this. When you buy it, you get a black body, a spring clip, and a Lamy nib. That's it. No frills—just the essentials.
The body is surprisingly nice. Made from brushed stainless steel, it doesn't feel cheap at all; instead, it's sturdy and has a nice heft that makes it comfortable to hold. It's so nice, in fact, that I often pick it up just to feel it in my hand. The grip section is a bit larger than you'd expect from such a slim pen, making it easier to hold compared to other slim models like the Kaweco Special. This is especially helpful if you have larger hands or just like a more substantial grip. The grip itself is threaded, so it stays secure without slipping. The diameter of the grip is just a bit smaller than the rest of the pen, which gives it a balanced feel.
The nib is... well, it's a Lamy nib. Lamy nibs are known for being reliable and easy to replace, since they use the same design across most of their pens, which makes them versatile and easy to customize. It writes consistently, but there's some variability. Depending on your luck, you might end up with an extra-fine or a broad line, even if they're supposed to be the same. This is partly due to manufacturing tolerances and the way Lamy labels their nibs—they make the nibs first with random widths and then label them, rather than making them to exact sizes, which can lead to some noticeable differences. I got lucky with my extra-fine nib—it's nice and thin. But with Lamy nibs, there's always a bit of unpredictability. That said, the nib matches the pen's minimalism: simple and effective. It's also easy to swap out, since it uses the standard Lamy nib that fits most of their models (except the 2000). That's one of the things I like about Lamy. All their pens, except for the Lamy 2000, use the same nib, so you can buy one gold nib and use it across different models—pretty versatile if you ask me.
The pen takes Lamy cartridges, which hold a lot of ink (1.2ml), and Lamy has tons of color options. Even so, I prefer refilling cartridges or using a converter. In the long run, it saves you money and gives you more versatility. Just keep in mind that the converter holds a bit less ink (0.8ml). I'd still recommend refilling cartridges since they hold more ink than the converter. The cartridge housing is a bit less sturdy than other Lamy pens, like the Safari, but I haven't had any issues so far.
One quirk worth mentioning is the clip—it has a tiny bit of wiggle. For some people, this might be a minor annoyance, but it's unlikely to be a deal breaker unless you're really picky about parts not moving at all. It moves just enough to be noticeable, and while it doesn't affect how the pen works, it can be a little annoying. From what I've read, it seems to be a common thing with this pen. The cap posts securely, and it doesn't take much force to do so, which makes for a light but stable post.
The Lamy CP1 isn't for everyone, but if you're into minimalism and like slim pens, this might be exactly what you're looking for. Personally, I find it perfect for quick note-taking or when I need a pen that doesn't draw too much attention—its understated elegance and reliable performance make it a great everyday companion. Its simplicity is what sets it apart, and if you value understated design, it's hard to beat.
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