My Travel Dilemma and Newfound Appreciation for Kaweco Sport
I was never drawn to the Kaweco design or their pens, preferring Pilot (and my beloved 823) above all others.
However, this summer, I’m traveling to Scotland, and I have been agonizing over which pens to bring with my TC Notebooks, one regular size and the other passport.
I have decided not to bring the 823, even though it is perfect for flights, just because I couldn’t bear to lose or break it. I decided on sturdy, metal pens and cartridges rather than carrying ink bottles, glass or plastic. With my lack of coordination, that’s just a disaster waiting to happen.
I initially had decided to use the Diplomat green Viper, but after carrying it around for a while, the magnetic cap does not inspire confidence in a pen loop, so that one is going in my satchel. I do love that pen, though. I even bought the matching rollerball—my first non-fountain pen purchase in over a decade.
I find the TC brass fountain pen too thin for my hands, but it is perfect for the short jottings in the passport notebook.
My Vanishing Point is perfect for travel with cartridges, but because of the clip placement, I do not find it great for extended writing sessions, and my plan is to write nightly reflections during the trip.
And this brings me to my most recent purchase, the Kaweco AL Sport Anthracite <M>. I bought it a couple of weeks ago just to give it a try. I wasn’t expecting much, just a sturdy little pen. But, wow, was I wrong! I absolutely love this little guy!
The pen is comfortable in my hand for longer writing sessions, the cap is secure, and the nib…the nib! I am delighted with and surprised by the smoothness. I actually find myself reaching for this pen more frequently than I ever expected. And I have actually come to love the design. My only criticism is that the clip does not stay on the pen body and slides around, so I have opted to go without it. And compared to my Pilot medium nibs, this German medium is thick. I’ll have to get used to that.
I believe I have finally landed upon the final form of my travel stationery (third photo).
I also had to post here because for some reason my wife and others in my life do not spend weeks and months (and not inconsiderable money) deliberating on what pens and notebooks to bring for a two week trip. But I know you folks will understand! Lol.
Happy writing, all!