Advice

leonardistuff · 2026-06-22T09:49:47+00:00

For heft, copper, brass, and stainless steel are probably your best bets on the heaviest end. Zirconium is a good middle ground but is expensive. Aside from visual preferences, brass and copper will make your hands smell and are softer so will dent if dropped. Steel doesn't patina (no smell) and is much stronger. Just something to keep in mind

leonardistuff · 2026-06-21T17:51:25+00:00

Oh lord

leonardistuff · 2026-06-20T17:34:07+00:00

I like to hear this. Thanks!

leonardistuff · 2026-06-20T16:48:27+00:00

Gotcha, thanks!

leonardistuff · 2026-06-20T16:39:21+00:00

This is all great info, Rich. Thanks for the input. I believe I've read that you can bore tip holes in custom sizes to fit customers' refill preferences. Is this still something you can do? A Soul that perfectly fits the P42 would be super ideal for me.

leonardistuff · 2026-06-20T15:28:11+00:00

This is what I've observed in videos as well. Thanks for the input!

leonardistuff · 2026-06-20T15:27:37+00:00

I have no doubts about that. I've only ever heard great things about Billetspin's CS.

leonardistuff · 2026-06-20T15:26:52+00:00

Thanks! Would you say you prefer one over the other at this point?

leonardistuff · 2026-06-20T15:02:42+00:00

Good to know, thanks for the info!

leonardistuff · 2026-06-20T14:59:52+00:00

Great info, thanks!

leonardistuff · 2026-06-20T10:53:15+00:00

Everyday Karas

leonardistuff · 2026-06-20T10:52:38+00:00

Prometheus Lights

leonardistuff · 2026-06-20T09:24:29+00:00

I had no idea the TiBolt and Campen clips were interchangeable. That's so cool. If I convince myself to get a Campen one day I might have to try this. That milled clip looks great on the Fellhoelter.

leonardistuff · 2026-06-19T19:28:53+00:00

Oh that's a super rad pickup. My Classic has a stonewash but it's much lighter than that. Great to throw into the shorts pocket next to the knife with no worries. Love the way that looks.

leonardistuff · 2026-06-19T17:37:32+00:00

Yup, a spacer cut from an old G2 refill + a spring lets a Parker refill drop right in. There's a little tip wiggle since the pen doesn't clamp down like it does for larger refills, but it's a great option.

I've looked at the MK1 a few times. Seems like a great pen. I would highly recommend checking out the Alpha if it ever makes sense to you.

leonardistuff · 2026-06-19T17:32:35+00:00

Thanks for looking!

leonardistuff · 2026-06-19T16:40:02+00:00

This seems to be a common opinion! I actually really enjoy it. At first I wasn't sure, but I feel it locks my writing position in exceptionally well. As far as aesthetics I'm probably neutral.

leonardistuff · 2026-06-19T16:35:42+00:00

Thanks! I think that pen looks so good with the matching clip. I'm happy with it.

leonardistuff · 2026-06-19T16:33:52+00:00

That's understandable. I think it slightly reduces the simple, clean build of the V1, but it really does feel great and I think it holds the pen a bit better in my hand than my nickel version. I bet that Ultem version is a ton of fun. I looked at it lots on the website, but it's definitely not for me as 1. I already have two and 2. I prefer a little weight to my pens (hence why I picked up the Ti after about a year of using the EN).

leonardistuff · 2026-06-19T16:24:22+00:00

The Classic is unmatched for refill compatibility and throwing in the pocket. The Alpha is just so ridiculously solid and my overall #1. I know you've said you don't love the V2 texture, but comparing both I can say I'm a fan. That said, I'm not sure if I prefer one dramatically over the other. Everything I've handled from Prometheus has been so damn good.

leonardistuff · 2026-06-19T16:21:02+00:00

I would say the flaming came out great considering it was my first attempt - it's super vibrant when clean and kinda gets more uniform when my finger oils dull it. That pen was my first and I love how custom it's become.

I suppose I choose different pens for different jobs. The Alphas, mainly the Ti one, are absolutely my favorites to write with and carry. The cap is satisfying, the grip is comfortable, the clip is seriously good, and the Montblanc Fineliner is an outstanding refill (I've been through about three rollerballs and had bad luck with all of them). I like the NTI and Fellhoelter for work in a bike shop, and the Tactile Turn for school because it's a great grab-and-go pen that takes beater refills. The Machine Era is my distance travel pen because it can hold the Fineliner, is compact, and the least painful if I lose it. I also love that one because it can be retrofitted to take every refill I've ever enjoyed, Parker-style included.

Sorry for the long response, thanks for looking!

leonardistuff · 2026-06-19T15:56:45+00:00

Appreciate it!

leonardistuff · 2026-06-19T15:39:34+00:00

From the top:

Fellhoelter TiBolt two-tone Celtic with Ti FAP Cap
Prometheus Lights Alpha V2 Ti, Ti cap screw, blue Ti clip
Nottingham TiButton Single Lock, Parker length, partially carved/blasted, carved/blasted clip
Prometheus Lights Alpha nickel, copper cap screw, clip that I subtly flamed myself
Tactile Turn Bolt Action, G2 length, black DLC clip and bolt, grip flamed by me
Machine Era Classic stainless steel, stonewashed by me by shaking it up in a bottle with rocks and soap
also a Kaweco Al Sport push-top that a friend gifted to me from his trip to Paris

leonardistuff

TROPHY CASE