Thanks, Doug! Ouch! Sorry for your writing woes, that's an expensive ornament for the holidays. Look forward to your best of 2020, I'm sure it will be fun.
@@InkquiringMinds Always wanted a nice Dolce Vita, but couldn't afford it when Delta was extant. Now I could, but they are unavailable, and if they pop up somewhere the prices are astronomic. Will eventually get a Leonardo I think, unless a vintage Delta pops up for a mere mortal price, but that is unlikely. Will wait for some sale to acquire some though. Those pistone grande models look tempting, especially in rose gold trim.
What a freaking gorgeous pen that is. I have to say though that it looks completely different in the photo on Appelbloom. Both are beautiful, but the one you received is lovelier. I love the girthiness of it. Yup, I like big pens just like the Maiora. Argh, that section. It's too short. What a shame. Oh,! You bought another pen on fountain pen day!!! Alright!!! What a great choice! That will be a fun review. I'm already looking forward to next Saturday's Top 20 of 2020 eppie! Sounds really fun. Until then, take good care and enjoy this beautiful season! Thank you! Stay healthy!
Thanks, Annie. I showed the Maiora at my virtual pen club today and the moderator of the group showed his and he loves it and the grip. He grips the pen down near the nib and it is perfect for his fingers. So, the pen works for some!
So much for Appelboom's "tuning" the nib for you before despatch. You made the point that other pens' broad nibs had the same problems but that sure isn't a characteristic of broad nibs in general. No customer spending $220 on any pen should have to get out the micromesh before they can use it! As the supplier, Appelboom should be embarrassed at their lack of QC.
Ouch! They can’t all be winners, Doug. Thanks for taking the bullet for us. The review and video... excellent as always. I’m looking forward to Christmas morning so I can open up the Lamy 2000, Pineider Avatar, and Diplomat Aero that “Santa” got me. (plus three Conklins)
Wonderful Saturday morning review fun: solid review with great sense of just-the-right moments of giggles! Oh and great music! I’m a sucker for tortoise so any riffs on the theme get my attention! Wish I had that sedate green tortoise Conklin qMark Twain but the new Leonardo’s and this galaxy brown tortoise are attention getters! Thanks 🙏!
I wish Conklin's quality was better. I was SO close to getting a Mark Twain with the classic "chased" black finish, but my Conklin Duragraph is such a dud, I am gunshy now.
@@InkquiringMinds I never pulled the trigger on any of the new Conklins, as the quality and reputation is not there, and you can get equivalent with better quality for quarter the price, although without the branding. Not worth four times the price to me.
I think what surprises me more than the acrylic + odd section, is that even when some nibs are advertised to have been "tuned" they still sometimes come out "okay" if not a little disappointing. My anecdote: For me the Aero is a prime example of this, when the two Aero's I had purchased on FPD I did my usual flushing and chose the usual ink (Waterman Serenity Blue) yet I ran into similar issues as you, one had a bit of baby's bottom which made the down and up strokes skip an if left for a day it would hard start. On the orher hand the second one was oddy feedbacky an in certain strokes even scratchy plus it wrote more like a fine than a Broad, while the nibs were disappointing and even some of the threads were a little rough, what let me down me the most was just how much praise the nibs got by many reviewers, some even said the nibs could hold their own against some gold nibs. Thankfully a bad nib isn't news to me and it didn't take much time to fix it plus I've already sold one and even made an extra few bucks since I did get it for sale, just a shame it wasn't everything I hoped for.
I'm interested to hear that experience IC. It reinforces my feeling that baby's bottom is sometimes insidious. Even if the pen is tested at the factory and then by the retailer, it still gets through without the baby's bottom being detected. This Impronte got past me as well in the first few minutes of writing. Then it started doing that frustrating thing on the downstrokes that I experienced with Sean's Homo Sapiens a couple of months ago. So my guess is that baby's bottom doesn't always show up if the nib is very wet - like when dipped. It isn't until the ink starts to flow properly through the feed that you get the skip. Just my theory.
I purchased one of these pens in black when they were first released. I was very disappointed in the pen, so much so that I returned it to Pen Chalet. The nib was scratchy, did not flow ink well and was really not comfortable to use. I prefer larger pens but like you this one was just not comfortable. The folks at Pen Chalet were great. No issue returning it to them. Another great review.
I'm sorry to hear of your experience Dick, but glad as the same time knowing it isn't just me! I've heard great things about Pen Chalet. I wish I could buy from US online retailers. The prices and the shipping costs are prohibitive to come to Canada. It is much cheaper from the UK or EU to Canada.
One year later I agree with many of your comments. I now own 3 Maiora and I love their Alpha models where the section is straight and long. On the other hand, my Aventus was a dud all around with unflushed bands, a slightly skewed finial and the cap cracked within 2 weeks so the nib dries every night. But my biggest issue with the company is that they are virtually unreachable because the website printed on the booklet does not exist!
I got two Maiora pens of different styles both are oversized. One is Aventus Unica which is similar to your Impronte Terra the only difference is the pen clip, I love the Aventus range the pen grip is ergonomically easy to hold and very comfortable. The other is Mitho Origine which is fatter than my Visconti Homosapiens, the pen grip has no girth, very very difficult to hold the pen the Mitho Origine is a huge disappointment. Thanks for this review!
It's always a shame when a pen doesn't feel great to write with. Also, I suspect, this is just reinforcing my concern that too many luxury pen brands (particularly, but not limited to the Italian ones) are just in the business of producing fancy showpieces and not writing utensils. I'm slowly beginning to eyeball the more expensive ones, but I've definitely been scared off of purchasing because of how many quality control horror stories I've heard at this point.
@@ichirofakename also, with a steel nib no less? Yes, steel nibs can be just as great as gold nibs...but that steel nib had better be immaculate. And I understand that there's a ton of cost when it comes to producing a beautiful pen, but at this price range? You could buy three Opus 88 pens and have the exact same steel nib.
Agreed on all points. Yep, I’ve come to conclusion that given all the on-line purchasing required - particularly these days but who’s ever got opportunities to in-person try most of these pens anyway?- really need folks like Doug who through his reviews is in synch with the kinda pens I like! I have trust you won’t lead me astray in my on-line purchases.
@Rebecca Bersagel I just report what I experience and so much of what we experience is subjective all you can get is one person's perspective. One pen doesn't speak for the whole batch and that's where input and comment from you guys adds to the knowledge. If others have the same experiences, then we can start making some objective judgements. Thanks so much for your support Rebecca. It is truly appreciated.
I don't think I can see myself paying over $100 for a pen with all the bother that can come from them. I haven't passed $20 yet and for the most part have been really happy with what I have.
Thank you for the awesome review, Doug. I really wanted by this exact pen, but there weren't many reviews about it. Also, I couldn't find one via US distributors. I ended up getting Leonardo Momento Zero Grande in Dark Hawaii. It is patiently waiting for me to ink it. 😁 BTW Jack Frost is one of my favorite inks. Video just don't do the justice. Love your reviews!
Glad it was helpful! I LOVE Jack Frost! The red edging on each letter is amazing. And, I'm waiting for my Leonardo Officina Italiana Momento Zero Dark Hawaii from a Black Friday sale on Fontoplumo! Can't wait!
@@InkquiringMinds Dark Hawaii is a gorgeous pen. I am very happy with my purchase. 💕 I just can’t decide which ink to put in it. I am curious to see your choice of ink for yours. Jack Frost is amazing. It even works beautifully in a Kakuno EF. ❤️
Excellent! I know I mentioned to you in an earlier video that the section of this pen was on the short side, but too bad it's not going to work out for you. FYI ... that "orange" and black version is the one that I have and in person, it is actually gold, amber and black. Also, all the trim pieces are actually solid brass (if I recall correctly, that is). I'll be revisiting mine soon i.e. plan to put in next months rotation. Cheers!
That skit was based on an episode of Tomorrow with Tom Snyder. He and Julia got snockered on some summer punch she concocted. She then wielded a knife, severely cut herself, Tom cut to an extended commerical break, and when they returned she was happily sporting a pressure bandage. O, how I miss the days of intelligent late-night live TV!
[Warning: Rant Mode] Beautiful pen. When I first saw it I thought "well, I must have one of these". I love the awesome color scheme, the overall look, the captured converter cap, and the design. I'm proud of you for being so gracious with both Maiora and Appelboom. When I spend $200+ on a pen I expect perfection. I demand it. I would be extremely bitter & disappointed if I had also paid an additional fee to have the nib tuned! That in itself is insulting, to pay extra for having the nib checked on such an expensive pen. There is no excuse! Both Maiora and Appelboom should be ashamed!!! So I am pissed off for you! Italian pens have sunk to a low in my mental scoring. They are beautiful & expensive but you'd better not expect them to perform the primary function of their purpose. Appelboom too has decreased in value to me as a vendor because yours is not the only personal example of a pen arriving with a faulty nib even though it had been tuned & tested by Appelboom. My tolerance for incompetence is at an all-time low due to an all-time high of encountering it throughout society! Thank you for the excellent video.
Thanks for the supportive RANT, Jeff! Just to clarify, the extra nib tuning from Appelboom is a free service. Plus, the baby's bottom didn't appear to me either until I had written with the pen for several minutes. So, I'm not surprised it got past Appelboom. Even with the odd skip, the nib is ultra glassy smooth and wet. It is the section and overall "clunkiness" of the design of the pen that underwhelms me. I'm not all that pissed off at Appelboom. Joost has excellent customer service and any concern a customer sends gets immediate attention from Joost himself and he will make things right. He offered to replace both the Leonardo nibs for me on my MZ but allowed me to work on them first. If I had screwed them up further he would STILL replace them. That's pretty good. His prices are excellent and his shipping fast and well packed. And he stands behind the products - at least in my personal experience. Thanks again for your input Jeff it is much appreciated!
@@InkquiringMinds I apologize to Appelboom. I did think that the nib check/tuning was an extra service fee. My point, well one of them, was that nibs should properly function (good ink flow with no structural flaws) prior to leaving the pen manufacturer. But you have effectively diffused my anger even though I still believe the fountain pen industry as a whole should be held more accountable.
@@jeffroberts532 I agree with that 1000% Jeff! Especially at these price points, the manufacturer should be extensively testing each pen they put in a box. These are already intensively hand-made items (I've seen the videos) and surely on more hand operation of writing with the pen for five minutes would be the final operation. My $0.20 rant anyway. :) Thank you, my friend.
@@InkquiringMinds let me know anytime you need a rant by proxy! Ha! I apologize to Appelboom and Joost. I know he is a quality vendor and goes above & beyond in customer service. I have purchased several pens from Appelboom and will continue to do so. Please forgive my lack of discernment.
1. What is the point of a numbered unlimited edition? Besides raising the cost of production. Obviously I'm not a collector, since the value added escapes me. 2. I also object to a forced grip position. When drawing, one's hand likes to scootch up and down the grip + barrel. Providing the ability to do this without distraction has become my fundamental requirement for new pen purchases. 3. Whaddya know, another $200+ Italian steel-nibbed pen with nib issues out of the box. Even with a German nib! I have three $50- German pens with B (and BB) German nibs that arrived nib-problem-free. What's up, Italy? That finish better be VERY pretty…
1. I have no idea. Added prestige? I can't see how knowing that my pen is #3008 makes it any better. 2. I like having a flexible grip. That's why I love my Carène so much. I like to scootch too. 3. I have no idea what is up with Italy. The nibs are either Jowo or Bock and both brands have issues.
@@anniebus105 I think Salvatore has taken positive steps to resolve his nib issues with the most to Jowo. So, hopefully, Leonardo has turned that corner.
A beautiful and very large pen. They all seem to be getting much bigger these days. I picked up a Waterman Cayene recently that is a much slimmer, more compact. It would be hidden in that pens shadow.
Oops yes Carene. A very smooth stylish pen that writes the way a Porsche Cayene drives. Trying to dig my way out of a very deep hole. I think modern pens on average are much bigger than pens like a Parker 51 that seem much more involving. A Monteverde 20th anniversary innova compared to an Invincia is another example.
@@MrAndrew1953 I think you are right Andrew. My guess is that because the fine motor skills of using a pen or pencil to do cursive writing at an early age were not developed in modern generations, fatter pens are required to maintain control of the writing experience. Hence, bigger pens. Some of these fountain pens from the 1970's (I have a few here to review) are so ultra slim as to be unusable for me! Sooo, NOT vogue today.
Beautiful acrylic, quite stunning. It's a shame about the design of the section, what you experienced does not surprise me being I also tend to use a higher grip on my pens. I wonder if someone might be able to reshape the nib end of the section allowing a more comfortable and relaxed grip? Thanks for an informative and interesting review as always 👍
I thought about checking out Appelboom just for the stroopwafel included in the packaging. Then I realized a trip to the grocery for the biscuits would cost less than a new pen. Your pen is pretty.
Its interesting that every time you mention how smooth a pen is, it seems to have baby’s bottom. Maybe that’s why Japanese pens are toothier and also very reliable? It almost seems that you need some feedback (the inside edges of the tines have to be sharp for capillary flow). It’s interesting that polishing takes away baby’s bottom, as that would usually cause it. You must use no pressure so that the entire edge gets ground down and not the inside of the times. When I first started with pens i caused baby’s bottom by polishing too much.
Well to me, toothy (feedback) and baby's bottom are separate issues. A nib with no baby's bottom issues at all can be as smooth as glass and you can introduce feedback with some 8000 grit to just add a bit of roughness to the iridium tip.
@@InkquiringMinds This is much easier with steel nibs, as opposed to gold ones, at least those that are softer/springier/bouncier. Also less trepidation as cost of completely screwing it up is much less.
@@InkquiringMinds That is the tricky part of contoured sections. Certainly not one fits all. One of those things pen shows can be useful for, is to try the fit. Perhaps they will be back one day, late 2021, or 2022.
It is pretty but that section sure is squat. The pen you showed with the extreme hourglass section (Nettuno?) looked even worse. I've been holding my pens where the section and barrel meet to loosen my grip and keep my hand from tiring. It helps with short sectioned pens like the little Hero I bought on a whim. But it's nice to have a choice. Someone might buy it from you if you don't want to return it. Reddit has had a lot of Italian pens up for sale lately. Pass it on like a fruit cake!
Thanks, Amy! I expect I'll keep it for a while. It is so dang purdy! And I can use it in size comparisons. Yes, that Nettuno looked totally funky. Form should follow function not the other way around.
@@amyr.862 Yes, well, I actually just bought it precisely to use as a size comparison because so many people have one. The nib is great, the rest of the pen, not so much. :)
I've never had an issue with a stock Jowo broad, so I wonder if they are doing something to "improve" them. The material grew on me as I watched the review. I'd love to see it in person, but I'd never pay that much for a pen with a fixed nib, and that section looks really uncomfortable. Thank you for a great review.
Thanks, Jacquie! This Jowo broad is very smooth and very wet. The touch of baby's bottom, as I've said to others below, was missed by me too until I had written with it for several minutes. The Jowo broad I got from Salvatore Matrone to replace the Bock in my Furore was spectacular. Overall, I've had better experience with Jowo than Bock.
Hi Doug really nice video showing the material off really well.I have not found a problem with the grip on this pen so i suppose it depends on your grip & i agree with the comments about the nib performance from a pen at that price & should not even be having to checked at extra cost by the retailer.Although they are not going to complain to manufacturers as they are making money out of it.Ive just recieved two ebonite pens from India both eyedroppers with #6 broad nibs,beautiful straight out of the box £50 for the pair?
What was the brand of the Indian pens, Ed? The optional nib tuning from Appelboom is a free service by the way. As to the grip on the Maiora, if you grip your pen closer to the nib, then this I can see how this hourglass section would work.
The pen site is ASA pens.The make of pens Gama Nauka & Gama Raja both with with there own broad nibs,both in matte black ebonite.If they have not got it in stock just click enquire they are usually good at replying.
We must have the same tastes Doug i had a Himalaya from Fpr with a flex nib try as i may i could not get it flowing correctly.I have quite a few Ranga pens with no problems.
I have one nib tuned. An Artisan Sigaro with a broad nib hand ground to an Asian style Broad nib. I have a Lamy 2000 broad nib that feels too broad by comparison. Will you get more work done on that nib or just tune it yourself?
Since I won't be writing with the pen, I'll probably just leave it alone for now. But the Jowo nib is a nice one and might find it's way into another pen at some point I expect. The little bit of baby's bottom that is still present is easily fixed in a few more strokes with micromesh (you can see it appear again in my sign off letters).
Yes, as I said in the video, two of the founders of Delta are Nino Marino (Maiora) and Ciro Matrone (Leonardo). They were partners and now run competing brands out of the same city; Naples.
Thank you, Raúl. I only have a couple of Noodler's inks; Widow Maker and North African Violet and they both stain so deeply and are so difficult to wash off my hands, I stopped wanting any more Noodlers.
Hi Doug it really is sad that pens you get in this price point are always giving you issues when for a 10th of the price they can work without any issues at all. I make allowance for the fact that a $20 pen from china is not getting the same potential quality control but there really isn't many things to get right for a pen to give you years of faultless service.
Really?? On what do you base that Ichiro? I have no evidence but I had assumed Chinese nibs were pulled out of a huge bin and stuck on and then the pen is shipped without any further QC.
@@InkquiringMinds Likely you are right. What I meant is that the writing experience of Chinese pens seems more reliable, according to all the video reviewers I have watched.
@@ichirofakename I agree with that assessment Ichiro. I'm amazed at the level of quality I'm getting from all these Penbbs nibs. I have purchased over 30 of them in the last year and a half and I have to say that 99% of them have been excellent. Typically dry as they are designed that way, but easy to make wetter. The last one on my 355 is simply astounding. I wonder who their supplier is?!
This is why I won't by expensive overseas grail pens. To spend many hundreds of dollars on a pen to find issues with the nib would be very disappointing. I have my pens custom made to my satisfaction by an excellent Australian penmaker.
@@InkquiringMinds Personality conflicts, and mismanagement. Shame really. Not sure all the real reasons made it out. Seen restaurants that were always full go under, so it isn't unique on that count either. And partners not agreeing, going their own ways, and running the same businesses under new names is also common.
Great video, indeed. I am beginning to find disgusting paying well over 100-200 euros for a pen with a Jowo or a Bock nib that do not write as well as expected. Then you get a 12 euros Jinhao Centennial, or a 6 euros Jinhao X750, or a 20 euros Wing Sung 699... and nibs write like butter right out of the box. Of course, my respect to those who buy these pens, and even to those who think that the pens I mentioned are sh*t.
When you spend more than $100-$200 for a pen, you can nit-pick a little more than for a $25 pen. But I do find that a higher percentage of my less expensive pens have fewer issues than the high prices ones. But, again, I'm a newbie at the expensive pen thing.
@@InkquiringMinds Sad, but true, and it is the Germans letting them down too. I think all the extra orders from new pen makers make Bock, Schmidt, and Jowo let things out of the factory that wouldn't have made it out in the past. And oen makers don't have enough QC procedures to catch this, so now the cheap pens put them to shame, which is really unforgivable.
I wouldn't return it. I have no reason to. I could ask for another nib if I wanted to be picky, but I've pretty much erased the baby's bottom now and it write fine. The pen doesn't fit my hand and that's really not Maiora's fault. A Lilliput doesn't fit my hand either.
Thanks, Doug! Ouch! Sorry for your writing woes, that's an expensive ornament for the holidays. Look forward to your best of 2020,
I'm sure it will be fun.
My list for 2020 surprised even me!
Very interesting history of the pen founders. Beautiful pen.
Many thanks!
@@InkquiringMinds Always wanted a nice Dolce Vita, but couldn't afford it when Delta was extant. Now I could, but they are unavailable, and if they pop up somewhere the prices are astronomic. Will eventually get a Leonardo I think, unless a vintage Delta pops up for a mere mortal price, but that is unlikely. Will wait for some sale to acquire some though. Those pistone grande models look tempting, especially in rose gold trim.
What a freaking gorgeous pen that is. I have to say though that it looks completely different in the photo on Appelbloom. Both are beautiful, but the one you received is lovelier. I love the girthiness of it. Yup, I like big pens just like the Maiora. Argh, that section. It's too short. What a shame. Oh,! You bought another pen on fountain pen day!!! Alright!!! What a great choice! That will be a fun review. I'm already looking forward to next Saturday's Top 20 of 2020 eppie! Sounds really fun. Until then, take good care and enjoy this beautiful season! Thank you! Stay healthy!
Thanks, Annie. I showed the Maiora at my virtual pen club today and the moderator of the group showed his and he loves it and the grip. He grips the pen down near the nib and it is perfect for his fingers. So, the pen works for some!
So much for Appelboom's "tuning" the nib for you before despatch. You made the point that other pens' broad nibs had the same problems but that sure isn't a characteristic of broad nibs in general.
No customer spending $220 on any pen should have to get out the micromesh before they can use it! As the supplier, Appelboom should be embarrassed at their lack of QC.
This right here! Maiora should also be embarrassed for the lack of QC.
Jeff: I chalk it up to Maiora more than Appelboom.
No. As I said, I think the broader the nib, the more susceptible it is to having baby's bottom. That's just a feeling as I am no expert at all.
Attractive piece of garbage. Wtf is the matter with the manufacturer?? I won't be getting one now.
Why would you blame Maiora when you have no idea how the nib came from the factory?
Ouch! They can’t all be winners, Doug. Thanks for taking the bullet for us. The review and video... excellent as always. I’m looking forward to Christmas morning so I can open up the Lamy 2000, Pineider Avatar, and Diplomat Aero that “Santa” got me. (plus three Conklins)
The intestinal fortitude is strong with you young Pen Jedi! I couldn't leave them under the tree like that! LOL
@@InkquiringMinds, it’s less intestinal and more testicular.
@@oscarmedina1597 TMI Oscar! TMI!
I love Dante's creations, but they tend to be out if my budget.
Wonderful Saturday morning review fun: solid review with great sense of just-the-right moments of giggles! Oh and great music! I’m a sucker for tortoise so any riffs on the theme get my attention! Wish I had that sedate green tortoise Conklin qMark Twain but the new Leonardo’s and this galaxy brown tortoise are attention getters! Thanks 🙏!
I wish Conklin's quality was better. I was SO close to getting a Mark Twain with the classic "chased" black finish, but my Conklin Duragraph is such a dud, I am gunshy now.
@@InkquiringMinds ah good to know. Luckily I just want the resin-was it whole deal or nib putting you off?
@@RBartsy The quality of the nibs. The pen is fine. I bought two nibs with the Conklin and both were duds.
@@InkquiringMinds I never pulled the trigger on any of the new Conklins, as the quality and reputation is not there, and you can get equivalent with better quality for quarter the price, although without the branding. Not worth four times the price to me.
I think what surprises me more than the acrylic + odd section, is that even when some nibs are advertised to have been "tuned" they still sometimes come out "okay" if not a little disappointing.
My anecdote: For me the Aero is a prime example of this, when the two Aero's I had purchased on FPD I did my usual flushing and chose the usual ink (Waterman Serenity Blue) yet I ran into similar issues as you, one had a bit of baby's bottom which made the down and up strokes skip an if left for a day it would hard start. On the orher hand the second one was oddy feedbacky an in certain strokes even scratchy plus it wrote more like a fine than a Broad, while the nibs were disappointing and even some of the threads were a little rough, what let me down me the most was just how much praise the nibs got by many reviewers, some even said the nibs could hold their own against some gold nibs.
Thankfully a bad nib isn't news to me and it didn't take much time to fix it plus I've already sold one and even made an extra few bucks since I did get it for sale, just a shame it wasn't everything I hoped for.
I'm interested to hear that experience IC. It reinforces my feeling that baby's bottom is sometimes insidious. Even if the pen is tested at the factory and then by the retailer, it still gets through without the baby's bottom being detected. This Impronte got past me as well in the first few minutes of writing. Then it started doing that frustrating thing on the downstrokes that I experienced with Sean's Homo Sapiens a couple of months ago. So my guess is that baby's bottom doesn't always show up if the nib is very wet - like when dipped. It isn't until the ink starts to flow properly through the feed that you get the skip. Just my theory.
I have been fortunate and all my Diplomats have worked gloriously out of the box (F M AND B, steel and 14k) including 3 Aeros.
I purchased one of these pens in black when they were first released. I was very disappointed in the pen, so much so that I returned it to Pen Chalet. The nib was scratchy, did not flow ink well and was really not comfortable to use. I prefer larger pens but like you this one was just not comfortable. The folks at Pen Chalet were great. No issue returning it to them. Another great review.
I'm sorry to hear of your experience Dick, but glad as the same time knowing it isn't just me! I've heard great things about Pen Chalet. I wish I could buy from US online retailers. The prices and the shipping costs are prohibitive to come to Canada. It is much cheaper from the UK or EU to Canada.
One year later I agree with many of your comments. I now own 3 Maiora and I love their Alpha models where the section is straight and long. On the other hand, my Aventus was a dud all around with unflushed bands, a slightly skewed finial and the cap cracked within 2 weeks so the nib dries every night. But my biggest issue with the company is that they are virtually unreachable because the website printed on the booklet does not exist!
Try contacting Nino Marino on Facebook.
I got two Maiora pens of different styles both are oversized. One is Aventus Unica which is similar to your Impronte Terra the only difference is the pen clip, I love the Aventus range the pen grip is ergonomically easy to hold and very comfortable. The other is Mitho Origine which is fatter than my Visconti Homosapiens, the pen grip has no girth, very very difficult to hold the pen the Mitho Origine is a huge disappointment. Thanks for this review!
It's always a shame when a pen doesn't feel great to write with.
Also, I suspect, this is just reinforcing my concern that too many luxury pen brands (particularly, but not limited to the Italian ones) are just in the business of producing fancy showpieces and not writing utensils.
I'm slowly beginning to eyeball the more expensive ones, but I've definitely been scared off of purchasing because of how many quality control horror stories I've heard at this point.
I agree. Though it seems to me that yes, the problem is specifically an Italian one. To a weird degree.
@@ichirofakename also, with a steel nib no less? Yes, steel nibs can be just as great as gold nibs...but that steel nib had better be immaculate. And I understand that there's a ton of cost when it comes to producing a beautiful pen, but at this price range? You could buy three Opus 88 pens and have the exact same steel nib.
Agreed on all points. Yep, I’ve come to conclusion that given all the on-line purchasing required - particularly these days but who’s ever got opportunities to in-person try most of these pens anyway?- really need folks like Doug who through his reviews is in synch with the kinda pens I like! I have trust you won’t lead me astray in my on-line purchases.
@Rebecca Bersagel I just report what I experience and so much of what we experience is subjective all you can get is one person's perspective. One pen doesn't speak for the whole batch and that's where input and comment from you guys adds to the knowledge. If others have the same experiences, then we can start making some objective judgements. Thanks so much for your support Rebecca. It is truly appreciated.
I don't think I can see myself paying over $100 for a pen with all the bother that can come from them. I haven't passed $20 yet and for the most part have been really happy with what I have.
quite stunning colors. 👍
I think so too! Thank you, Luc!
Thank you for the awesome review, Doug. I really wanted by this exact pen, but there weren't many reviews about it. Also, I couldn't find one via US distributors. I ended up getting Leonardo Momento Zero Grande in Dark Hawaii. It is patiently waiting for me to ink it. 😁 BTW Jack Frost is one of my favorite inks. Video just don't do the justice. Love your reviews!
Glad it was helpful! I LOVE Jack Frost! The red edging on each letter is amazing. And, I'm waiting for my Leonardo Officina Italiana Momento Zero Dark Hawaii from a Black Friday sale on Fontoplumo! Can't wait!
@@InkquiringMinds Dark Hawaii is a gorgeous pen. I am very happy with my purchase. 💕 I just can’t decide which ink to put in it. I am curious to see your choice of ink for yours. Jack Frost is amazing. It even works beautifully in a Kakuno EF. ❤️
Excellent! I know I mentioned to you in an earlier video that the section of this pen was on the short side, but too bad it's not going to work out for you. FYI ... that "orange" and black version is the one that I have and in person, it is actually gold, amber and black. Also, all the trim pieces are actually solid brass (if I recall correctly, that is). I'll be revisiting mine soon i.e. plan to put in next months rotation. Cheers!
Yes the trim on the Maiora is made of gold-plated brass but that is typical. The Leonardos are the same.
Great Review! My favorite SNL skit. Dan Aykroyd playing Julia Child is a Classic! Good explanation of a babies bottom! 😂
That skit was based on an episode of Tomorrow with Tom Snyder. He and Julia got snockered on some summer punch she concocted. She then wielded a knife, severely cut herself, Tom cut to an extended commerical break, and when they returned she was happily sporting a pressure bandage.
O, how I miss the days of intelligent late-night live TV!
Glad you enjoyed it!
[Warning: Rant Mode]
Beautiful pen. When I first saw it I thought "well, I must have one of these". I love the awesome color scheme, the overall look, the captured converter cap, and the design. I'm proud of you for being so gracious with both Maiora and Appelboom. When I spend $200+ on a pen I expect perfection. I demand it. I would be extremely bitter & disappointed if I had also paid an additional fee to have the nib tuned! That in itself is insulting, to pay extra for having the nib checked on such an expensive pen. There is no excuse! Both Maiora and Appelboom should be ashamed!!! So I am pissed off for you! Italian pens have sunk to a low in my mental scoring. They are beautiful & expensive but you'd better not expect them to perform the primary function of their purpose. Appelboom too has decreased in value to me as a vendor because yours is not the only personal example of a pen arriving with a faulty nib even though it had been tuned & tested by Appelboom. My tolerance for incompetence is at an all-time low due to an all-time high of encountering it throughout society! Thank you for the excellent video.
Thanks for the supportive RANT, Jeff! Just to clarify, the extra nib tuning from Appelboom is a free service. Plus, the baby's bottom didn't appear to me either until I had written with the pen for several minutes. So, I'm not surprised it got past Appelboom. Even with the odd skip, the nib is ultra glassy smooth and wet. It is the section and overall "clunkiness" of the design of the pen that underwhelms me. I'm not all that pissed off at Appelboom. Joost has excellent customer service and any concern a customer sends gets immediate attention from Joost himself and he will make things right. He offered to replace both the Leonardo nibs for me on my MZ but allowed me to work on them first. If I had screwed them up further he would STILL replace them. That's pretty good. His prices are excellent and his shipping fast and well packed. And he stands behind the products - at least in my personal experience. Thanks again for your input Jeff it is much appreciated!
@@InkquiringMinds I apologize to Appelboom. I did think that the nib check/tuning was an extra service fee. My point, well one of them, was that nibs should properly function (good ink flow with no structural flaws) prior to leaving the pen manufacturer. But you have effectively diffused my anger even though I still believe the fountain pen industry as a whole should be held more accountable.
@@jeffroberts532 I agree with that 1000% Jeff! Especially at these price points, the manufacturer should be extensively testing each pen they put in a box. These are already intensively hand-made items (I've seen the videos) and surely on more hand operation of writing with the pen for five minutes would be the final operation. My $0.20 rant anyway. :) Thank you, my friend.
@@InkquiringMinds let me know anytime you need a rant by proxy! Ha!
I apologize to Appelboom and Joost. I know he is a quality vendor and goes above & beyond in customer service. I have purchased several pens from Appelboom and will continue to do so. Please forgive my lack of discernment.
@@jeffroberts532 No worries at all my friend!
Jim Croce - soooooo good.
Thank you, Eric!
1. What is the point of a numbered unlimited edition? Besides raising the cost of production. Obviously I'm not a collector, since the value added escapes me.
2. I also object to a forced grip position. When drawing, one's hand likes to scootch up and down the grip + barrel. Providing the ability to do this without distraction has become my fundamental requirement for new pen purchases.
3. Whaddya know, another $200+ Italian steel-nibbed pen with nib issues out of the box. Even with a German nib! I have three $50- German pens with B (and BB) German nibs that arrived nib-problem-free. What's up, Italy? That finish better be VERY pretty…
1. I have no idea. Added prestige? I can't see how knowing that my pen is #3008 makes it any better.
2. I like having a flexible grip. That's why I love my Carène so much. I like to scootch too.
3. I have no idea what is up with Italy. The nibs are either Jowo or Bock and both brands have issues.
Yes, exactly. What's up Italy? I had serious issues with my Momento Zero Blue Hawaii nib purchased this year.
@@anniebus105 I think Salvatore has taken positive steps to resolve his nib issues with the most to Jowo. So, hopefully, Leonardo has turned that corner.
@@InkquiringMinds I prefer it as well when there is no step between the section and the barrel/body as that means you can hold it just about anywhere.
A beautiful and very large pen. They all seem to be getting much bigger these days. I picked up a Waterman Cayene recently that is a much slimmer, more compact. It would be hidden in that pens shadow.
I love my Carène. The long tapering section allows for multiple grip points and flexibility. And that inlaid nib is to die for!
Oops yes Carene. A very smooth stylish pen that writes the way a Porsche Cayene drives. Trying to dig my way out of a very deep hole. I think modern pens on average are much bigger than pens like a Parker 51 that seem much more involving. A Monteverde 20th anniversary innova compared to an Invincia is another example.
@@MrAndrew1953 I think you are right Andrew. My guess is that because the fine motor skills of using a pen or pencil to do cursive writing at an early age were not developed in modern generations, fatter pens are required to maintain control of the writing experience. Hence, bigger pens. Some of these fountain pens from the 1970's (I have a few here to review) are so ultra slim as to be unusable for me! Sooo, NOT vogue today.
Lovely resin,a great pity about the section not to your liking.Look forward to next week's video thank you.
Thanks 👍
Beautiful acrylic, quite stunning. It's a shame about the design of the section, what you experienced does not surprise me being I also tend to use a higher grip on my pens. I wonder if someone might be able to reshape the nib end of the section allowing a more comfortable and relaxed grip?
Thanks for an informative and interesting review as always 👍
One of the reasons I now avoid screw-on caps. I don't need the roughness in the extended grip area.
Just to be clear, the Impronte's threads are supersmooth - that added step from the barrel to the section does NOT help with comfort however.
Thank you! 😊 I doubt this pen could be reshaped without destroying it.
I thought about checking out Appelboom just for the stroopwafel included in the packaging. Then I realized a trip to the grocery for the biscuits would cost less than a new pen.
Your pen is pretty.
Thanks, Cynthia! I add $500 to my cart and then delete them all just to save a chunk of money!
Thanks!
Thank you so much, George! Very generous!
Its interesting that every time you mention how smooth a pen is, it seems to have baby’s bottom. Maybe that’s why Japanese pens are toothier and also very reliable? It almost seems that you need some feedback (the inside edges of the tines have to be sharp for capillary flow). It’s interesting that polishing takes away baby’s bottom, as that would usually cause it. You must use no pressure so that the entire edge gets ground down and not the inside of the times. When I first started with pens i caused baby’s bottom by polishing too much.
Well to me, toothy (feedback) and baby's bottom are separate issues. A nib with no baby's bottom issues at all can be as smooth as glass and you can introduce feedback with some 8000 grit to just add a bit of roughness to the iridium tip.
@@InkquiringMinds This is much easier with steel nibs, as opposed to gold ones, at least those that are softer/springier/bouncier. Also less trepidation as cost of completely screwing it up is much less.
I love the grip section it looks like something I might have to take a look at more closely
Yes, I was just commenting that my pen club moderator loves his as the section fits his grip perfectly.
@@InkquiringMinds That is the tricky part of contoured sections. Certainly not one fits all. One of those things pen shows can be useful for, is to try the fit. Perhaps they will be back one day, late 2021, or 2022.
I know it's not the the focus of the video but WOW is Diamine Jack Frost super sheeny!
I know! And it hardly shows in the video but it is WOW!
It is pretty but that section sure is squat. The pen you showed with the extreme hourglass section (Nettuno?) looked even worse.
I've been holding my pens where the section and barrel meet to loosen my grip and keep my hand from tiring. It helps with short sectioned pens like the little Hero I bought on a whim. But it's nice to have a choice.
Someone might buy it from you if you don't want to return it. Reddit has had a lot of Italian pens up for sale lately. Pass it on like a fruit cake!
Thanks, Amy! I expect I'll keep it for a while. It is so dang purdy! And I can use it in size comparisons. Yes, that Nettuno looked totally funky. Form should follow function not the other way around.
But what about the poor Metropolitan? It needs to work and pay drawer rent 💰
@@amyr.862 I doubt my Metro will ever hold ink again. I can't abide that sharp edged section! :)
@@InkquiringMinds you've used it in your size comparisons, announcing it with a "not mad, just disappointed" tone in your voice 😂
@@amyr.862 Yes, well, I actually just bought it precisely to use as a size comparison because so many people have one. The nib is great, the rest of the pen, not so much. :)
I've never had an issue with a stock Jowo broad, so I wonder if they are doing something to "improve" them.
The material grew on me as I watched the review. I'd love to see it in person, but I'd never pay that much for a pen with a fixed nib, and that section looks really uncomfortable.
Thank you for a great review.
Thanks, Jacquie! This Jowo broad is very smooth and very wet. The touch of baby's bottom, as I've said to others below, was missed by me too until I had written with it for several minutes. The Jowo broad I got from Salvatore Matrone to replace the Bock in my Furore was spectacular. Overall, I've had better experience with Jowo than Bock.
Hi Doug really nice video showing the material off really well.I have not found a problem with the grip on this pen so i suppose it depends on your grip & i agree with the comments about the nib performance from a pen at that price & should not even be having to checked at extra cost by the retailer.Although they are not going to complain to manufacturers as they are making money out of it.Ive just recieved two ebonite pens from India both eyedroppers with #6 broad nibs,beautiful straight out of the box £50 for the pair?
What was the brand of the Indian pens, Ed? The optional nib tuning from Appelboom is a free service by the way. As to the grip on the Maiora, if you grip your pen closer to the nib, then this I can see how this hourglass section would work.
The pen site is ASA pens.The make of pens Gama Nauka & Gama Raja both with with there own broad nibs,both in matte black ebonite.If they have not got it in stock just click enquire they are usually good at replying.
@@edwardwiper1323 Thanks for this Edward! My first Indian made pen was not a happy experience (FPR Himalaya v2)
We must have the same tastes Doug i had a Himalaya from Fpr with a flex nib try as i may i could not get it flowing correctly.I have quite a few Ranga pens with no problems.
@@edwardwiper1323 My FPR leaked like a sieve from the start and then the owner blamed me for the problem. I returned it and got a partial refund.
I got one in Paris… sad to say, not even a week later… the nib got scratchy. Don’t know how to fix it
Check the alignment of the tines. Sometimes they get a little bent out of shape.
I remember seeing that clip of Dan Ackroyd, first run. I was probably 12.
It is a classic, along with "Cheeseburger Cheeseburger!"
@@InkquiringMinds I never missed a show. Even though I had to stay up late, my Mom didn't care.
Good looking pen.
It is but I sold this one to help pay for my Pelikan M800!
@@InkquiringMinds As long as you keep the ball rolling and those amazing reviews coming... We will appreciate stand keep learning with you.
I have one nib tuned. An Artisan Sigaro with a broad nib hand ground to an Asian style Broad nib. I have a Lamy 2000 broad nib that feels too broad by comparison. Will you get more work done on that nib or just tune it yourself?
Since I won't be writing with the pen, I'll probably just leave it alone for now. But the Jowo nib is a nice one and might find it's way into another pen at some point I expect. The little bit of baby's bottom that is still present is easily fixed in a few more strokes with micromesh (you can see it appear again in my sign off letters).
I have the Lamy 2000 in OBB, which is very broad as implied. I like it though.
@@martinlebl631 I'm thinking about a Lamy Studio Palladium with an Oblique Medium
Sir Doug, is it just me or is Maiora related to Leonardo at some point?
Yes, as I said in the video, two of the founders of Delta are Nino Marino (Maiora) and Ciro Matrone (Leonardo). They were partners and now run competing brands out of the same city; Naples.
Gorgeous pen.. ¿What ink to fill it?.
I suggest Noodler's black.
I think he said he wasn't ever going to ink it up again. Not that there's anything wrong with Noodler's Black.
@@ichirofakename Yes I know.. Well, Dough can change his mind and ink it up again, who knows.. 😺👍🇪🇸
@@Raul1971xxx Of course. That's the best reason for keeping it.
@@ichirofakename That's right.. 👍🇪🇸
Thank you, Raúl. I only have a couple of Noodler's inks; Widow Maker and North African Violet and they both stain so deeply and are so difficult to wash off my hands, I stopped wanting any more Noodlers.
Hi Doug it really is sad that pens you get in this price point are always giving you issues when for a 10th of the price they can work without any issues at all. I make allowance for the fact that a $20 pen from china is not getting the same potential quality control but there really isn't many things to get right for a pen to give you years of faultless service.
I have to disagree; Chinese pens have fabulous QC compared to Italian pens.
Really?? On what do you base that Ichiro? I have no evidence but I had assumed Chinese nibs were pulled out of a huge bin and stuck on and then the pen is shipped without any further QC.
I had assumed the same about Chinese QC, even in Chinese made Western brands.
@@InkquiringMinds Likely you are right. What I meant is that the writing experience of Chinese pens seems more reliable, according to all the video reviewers I have watched.
@@ichirofakename I agree with that assessment Ichiro. I'm amazed at the level of quality I'm getting from all these Penbbs nibs. I have purchased over 30 of them in the last year and a half and I have to say that 99% of them have been excellent. Typically dry as they are designed that way, but easy to make wetter. The last one on my 355 is simply astounding. I wonder who their supplier is?!
This is why I won't by expensive overseas grail pens. To spend many hundreds of dollars on a pen to find issues with the nib would be very disappointing.
I have my pens custom made to my satisfaction by an excellent Australian penmaker.
That's great to have a local you can trust. That's how I feel about Jack. He is 15 minutes from me and a genius with any nib!
Hey Sir Doug, is it mismanagement of funds that makes these Italian pen companies go under? Just wondering....... 🔍🤓
The demise of Delta came before I went down the rabbit hole of fountain pen collecting. I bet ChrisRap52 would know!
@@InkquiringMinds I'll have to ask him.... How are things in the 'Arctic North' ? It was 48 F a few days ago, overnight. Had to turn on the heat. 😀
@@stargazer1359 OMG!! 48F ? Is that plus 48?
@@InkquiringMinds 48 sunny degrees Fahrenheit 🌴🌞🌡
@@InkquiringMinds Personality conflicts, and mismanagement. Shame really. Not sure all the real reasons made it out. Seen restaurants that were always full go under, so it isn't unique on that count either. And partners not agreeing, going their own ways, and running the same businesses under new names is also common.
Great video, indeed. I am beginning to find disgusting paying well over 100-200 euros for a pen with a Jowo or a Bock nib that do not write as well as expected. Then you get a 12 euros Jinhao Centennial, or a 6 euros Jinhao X750, or a 20 euros Wing Sung 699... and nibs write like butter right out of the box.
Of course, my respect to those who buy these pens, and even to those who think that the pens I mentioned are sh*t.
When you spend more than $100-$200 for a pen, you can nit-pick a little more than for a $25 pen. But I do find that a higher percentage of my less expensive pens have fewer issues than the high prices ones. But, again, I'm a newbie at the expensive pen thing.
@@InkquiringMinds Sad, but true, and it is the Germans letting them down too. I think all the extra orders from new pen makers make Bock, Schmidt, and Jowo let things out of the factory that wouldn't have made it out in the past. And oen makers don't have enough QC procedures to catch this, so now the cheap pens put them to shame, which is really unforgivable.
Maybe you can return it.. you don't need a trophy wife.
I wouldn't return it. I have no reason to. I could ask for another nib if I wanted to be picky, but I've pretty much erased the baby's bottom now and it write fine. The pen doesn't fit my hand and that's really not Maiora's fault. A Lilliput doesn't fit my hand either.
@@InkquiringMinds it is a beauty! Just want you to be happy.
@@wendyholiday2021 Awwwww!