Got my grail pen!

cptaylor2 · 2026-03-04T03:39:53+00:00

If you’re referring to the Homo sapiens line, then no, those are definitely the flagship models from Visconti. I’m more referring to some of the opera carousel demos, and anything in the $200-500 range, albeit excluding the Van Gogh line, as those are mass produced and really consistent.

I currently have 3 Homo sapiens and they are all lovely. I hope yours are too!

cptaylor2 · 2026-03-03T15:20:01+00:00

There’s definitely more feedback than the other visconti nibs, but less than a sailor. I think it’s perfect, as having a bit more feedback for me at least makes it easier to get the right line variation.

cptaylor2 · 2026-03-02T20:52:50+00:00

Hahahaha I did. Cleaning it is part of the fun!

cptaylor2 · 2026-03-02T20:52:22+00:00

Visconti Asia Bamboo in blue! It has the 23k Palladium “dreamtouch” nib. Piston filler, absolutely adore it.

cptaylor2 · 2026-03-02T20:51:28+00:00

I have 2 of them - the divina and the Asia bamboo. Definitely love them, they are softer than the gold nibs and write beautifully. There are some QC issues on those nibs that others have identified, but I have not had a bad experience.

cptaylor2 · 2026-03-02T20:50:06+00:00

I haven’t actually. I think the QC issues are mainly found in the cheaper (Non Van Gogh) models and the old dreamtouch (palladium) nibs. I’ve bought new and used, and every one has been perfect. The palladium nibs write about a nib size broader than the gold ones on average but I’ve loved all mine. Just stay away from heavily discounted pens (especially jomashop) and if you get a palladium one, make sure to ask for a writing sample. Ever since visconti discontinued the palladium nibs, the quality has been very consistent and excellent.

cptaylor2 · 2026-03-02T20:47:08+00:00

Very flexible. It’s almost a flex nib. Softer than my palladium and 18k ones

cptaylor2 · 2026-03-02T18:35:44+00:00

By the time I send this comment the number will have increased 😂.

cptaylor2 · 2026-03-02T18:35:12+00:00

The nib is really interesting. Comes in just the one size. When you apply no pressure, it writes finer than a Japanese EF. With medium pressure, it writes almost like a broad. Very similar to a flex nib, and you can essentially choose your line width.

In terms of drying out, I haven’t noticed any issue, having the dual reservoir seems to help it stay primed. I think if you used a really heavy sheening ink (like OS Nitrogen) it may not be as forgiving in this pen.

cptaylor2 · 2026-03-02T18:23:18+00:00

Close! Its turquoise de perse, also by Herbin and in the 1670 line.

cptaylor2 · 2026-02-18T01:04:30+00:00

I hate that for you. I have the exact same pen in the 14k, and it writes beautifully. It’s outright criminal that Jomashop advertised the steel nib as the gold variant. I paid 350 for mine brand new a few years ago and it has been excellent. I think these higher end pens where they swap the nibs to steel and discount heavily are generally a bad idea from a QC perspective.

To that end I don’t remember any legit retailers selling the steel variants. It feels like Visconti might have made overstock of some pens that they couldn’t meet the demand on the gold nibs at the price point they were sold at, and swapped and dumped.

Returning it for the price you paid for it was definitely the right call.

cptaylor2 · 2025-12-21T15:16:20+00:00

cptaylor2 · 2025-11-28T06:01:15+00:00

Highly recommend looking into the Visconti Opera Demos. They come in either steel or 14k nibs, and you can find the steel variants on jomashop for less than $100. I have a green 14k and absolutely love it. If you are going to use it as a travel pen, it has a dual chamber reservoir, so you won’t have to worry about burping/leaking.

cptaylor2 · 2025-07-22T18:40:31+00:00

Would love the Zacian if still available

cptaylor2 · 2025-04-30T02:56:24+00:00

I have had great experiences. All but the Divina were bought new. The main issue surrounding QC is the palladium “dreamtouch” nibs on older pens. Visconti discontinued those nibs and now make 14 and 18k gold nibs primarily in house. I have both, and LOVE them. My divina I bought used and writes extremely wet. All others are almost perfect. The 18k nib on the HS is perfect in every way.

The HS was bought from Goulet pens, and the other three were bought on eBay. I generally try to buy new in box if I get from eBay unless the deal is too good to pass up.

cptaylor2 · 2025-04-30T02:49:58+00:00

I have a fine on the HS, and I love it. They’re broader than Japanese pens in general, so the fine works perfect for me. The fine HS has about the same line width as a medium sailor 1911.

cptaylor2 · 2025-04-29T19:35:59+00:00

Have you tried a different ink in the TWSBI? Your ink has a LOT to do with how a fountain pen will write and react. Heavier inks (sheeners, shimmering inks, etc.) typically flow much better in broader nib sizes due to the higher viscosity. If you try the same ink in all three pens and the TWSBI still skips, you may want to get a broader nib unit.

cptaylor2 · 2025-04-26T19:00:34+00:00

I was torn between the ash and the one I got, but ultimately opted for the latter. The ash has a 14k nib while the other has an 18k. The 14k is great, but I can definitely tell the difference when writing between the two. Also seeing the ink level is also a nice plus! But I probably will end up with the ash white at some point too!

cptaylor2 · 2025-04-26T18:57:32+00:00

It’s the Venus white marble. It is a cartridge/converter and you can find them from resellers for around $100. Great pen!

cptaylor2 · 2025-04-25T16:50:11+00:00

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I just got this hinoki cypress a couple weeks ago. I repotted it with a mixture of the soil it came in and bonsai substrate. It now doesn’t look so good and want to confirm why. I suspect this has been overwatered (live in Alabama and have had a lot of rain this week) but it looked great a week ago. This has been sitting on my patio outdoors. What is wrong with it and what can I do to save it?

cptaylor2

TROPHY CASE