I received a review sample of JetPens‘ Platinum Carbon Desk Fountain Pen several months ago. I didn’t review it immediately because I wanted to let the pen sit for a while with ink inside to see if it would clog over time. Since I tend to rotate my pens and ignore many for long periods of times, my biggest pen problem is clogged, dried out nibs. I was pleasantly surprised that the pen laid down a smooth, consistent line without any clogs or stopping, even after being unused for eight weeks.
The Platinum Carbon Pen In Use
The Carbon Pen feels weightless. It weighs just 0.3 ounces without the cap, 0.4 ounces with the cap. I am used to heavier pens, so it took a while for me to adjust to the feel, but after a while I found it to be quite comfortable. I did a quick sketch of my cat and found it capable of producing the type of line I like to use for fur, whiskers and hair. I was able to create varied line thicknesses that taper nicely when lifting the pen and the fine nib was capable of minute detail. Since this pen uses an ink cartridge, it was more convenient to use on a long sketch than my refillable, old-school croquill pen. The waterproof ink worked well with my alcohol-based Copic markers and I was able to color on top of the lines without the ink smearing or smudging.
The ink seems to be compatible with a variety of papers and I was able to write on the thin pages of a Moleskine squared journal without any bleedthrough and minimal feathering. I was able to write quickly without skipping.
The Details
- Gold-plated, stainless steel nib
- Elongated resin body
- Lightweight, weighs just 0.4 ounces including cap
- Measures 7 inches or 18 cm long
- Uses waterproof Platinum Carbon Ink Cartridge
- Watercolor or alcohol markers compatible without smudging
- Cap has flat sides to prevent rolling
The Verdict
I would highly recommend this pen for line art and sketching. If you work in pen and ink, you will be surprised by how capable this pen is of fine detail and consistent line work. It is reasonably priced, $13.50 at Jetpens.com.
I decided that 2012 would be the year when I stopped buying fountain pens, concentrating instead on reviewing the many ink samples that I have accumulated. Jetpens decided to spoil my resolution by sending me a fountain pen for review. I’m not one to refuse such an occasion so here I am, reviewing my first fountain pen this year: the Platinum Carbon Desk . I don’t have a lot of experience with Platinum pens, the only other that I have tried being the cheap (and almost-disposable) Platinum Preppy . The Platinum Carbon costs a lot more than the Preppy ($13.50) but it also seems to serve a different and more specialized function. From what I gather, the “Desk” designation suggests that it is a good companion for a… um… desk. In fact, Jetpens also sells a stand for the Carbon pen which replaces the cap if you choose to use it instead. The stand is also more expensive than the pen itself but that shouldn’t be an objection if you want to make your desk look classy. At $13.50 don’t expect fancy packaging and the Carbon doesn’t break the norm. It comes in a simple plastic sleeve, together with a black ink cartridge. There are instructions written in Japanese all over the packaging but I threw it away nonetheless.
I think the desk stand might be a useful thing since it keeps the pen inverted. Another reason I like the idea is because the included pen cap does not fit snug on the end of the pen, so I am at a loss for what to do with the cap when using the pen.
Cynthia
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