there is a bit of backstory worth knowing: most german schools require students to use fountain pens, up to the 4th to 8th grade. the lami safari is ever popular, and a bit of a status symbol too. kids want a pen "where the clip goes like that, and with a screw on top" for some reason. so rotring hopped on that bandwagon, and came up with a more futuristic and prestigious version.
That's very interesting ! In China(at least when I was there, 2010s), almost all grades 4 to 12 ask students to practices calligraphy and do homework. Maybe that's why fountain pens still have a large following in China and Germany nowadays. I still keep a fountain pen beside me, it is a joy to write and feel.
Chris, somehow, I missed this video and now it has popped up on my screen. I bought my Rotring Core in 1990 or 1991 in an office supply store. While they had a moderate selection of fountain pens, this one was in the technical supply area. They actually had it displayed on a drafting table with a few tools. I suppose that they thought it wouldn't be taken seriously by customers looking for a "quality" pen to give as a corporate gift or just to show off. I enjoyed looking at it and bought it for fun at a great price. At home, i put it to paper and was surprised, if not amazed, by its smoothness and ergonomics. While it looks ungainly it actually feels great in the hand and is very well balanced. I carried it and used it regularly for several months. I kept it in my briefcase for over a year, pulling it out when I felt like it. Of course, like many others who live in the fountain pen hobby, I lack loyalty to particular pens or brands so my collection grew and the Core gracefully retired. I still bring it back to life by dipping it and writing a few lines before returning it to its sheltered environment. This pen was underrated, largely because of its industrial looks and possibly its size. Thank you for walking me down memory lane and reviving my ardor for this unique pen. Mine is not for sale.
Sold. I love the technical look, where it seems like form follows function, then speeds past it. Most fountain pens have a classic look that can get vanilla really quick.
I have both the Core and a silver 600 but my Core is a light blue and dark blue. I bought it in Paris in the '90s when I visited and I liked it so much I bought the 600. Rotring alway had interesting fountain pens. I'm sorry they stopped making them. These 2 pens are now part of my very small (but growing) assemblage of fountain pens. its not large enough to call a collection yet. LOL By the way, The name of the company is Rotring (pronounced "wrote ring") or translated from german, Red Ring, which all their pens, afaik, have somewhere on the pen.
Just stumbled on this video, the same day I pulled my Core out of storage. I bought it in Poland on 2002 and it never wrote well. Very dry. I didn't know that I could alter it until recently. Today it is writing beautifully. Funny that I came across your video today! And no I did not Google the pen. Thanks for reviewing it.
I always imagine that this pen was designed to write with on ski slopes with your ski gloves on. That would explain the section. Really interesting pen. Sort of 80s Nike design.
I stumbled onto one of these recently. I once again broke down and bought a pen. I may have to give up on my hiatus from pen buying. That's two since it started! I actually really like this. Mine is more a grayish green color, but does feel good in my hand.
I liked your review, but I just couldn't get over that the pen brand is Rotring.. Not Roting. Again, I really appreciate your review because it was very thorough. Thank you! I want to buy this for my friend. And possibly myself.
some fun background: in german elementary schools it's pretty much mandatory to use a fountain pen. and the lamy safari has quickly becoming the pen that all the cool kids have, and a bit of a status symbol. "that one with the screw on the top". imagine the rest, when there's suddenly an alterative that looked more exotic, felt more high end, and cost (iirc) 15-20 mark more.
I am intrigued and/or puzzled by the grip, which looks like it is "lowered". I wonder what is the point and how does it feel, compared to a normal grip.
Sanford bought rOtring in 1998, so your particular model should be at least a decade newer than you expected it to be. I think the core is only a year or two older than the skynn which was definitely intruduced after Sanford took over rOtring. Saying this, the core should have been first available in somewhere between 1996 and 1998. (My guess would be 1998. I think I would remember if the core would have been available in 1997. I had a lot of rOtring stuff back then and was looking for a new FP for my new job as an editor. Bought something completely different - a Pelikan M150.)
The "Force Reserve" probably refers to Star Wars. The force here is the ink of course. Through the holes you can see how much of the "force" is left. And the "Write on" label is a feature to be able to use the last drop of ink. Each color line has its own name. This is also printed on the barrel, abbreviated to three letters. So the words printed on the pen are not merely useless design.
Hello Chris, i got a rotring core fountain pen, probably the first version of it because it has that orange thing where the cartridge converter goes in, it also has those leters and numbers on the metal top of the cap, like yours. My question is, do you know if the feed is screwed on, or if it's friction fit ? Nib seems to be wrapping around the feed in a lamy safari style, but how do i remove the feed ? Thank you in advance !
Excellent review. So objective and helpful. What is a fountain pen that is ergonomic, buttery smooth, gives no feedback and is such a joy to write with for you, brother Chris? Thanks a lot.
I have two of these core fountain pens and one roller ball. Unfortunately neither, I Of the fountain pens work."" I will send them to Rotring to see if they can repair them.. Thanks I love the design, very unusual...
I have this pen and it was purchased in 2004. I use it every day. Over the years the nib seems to have soften up. I would buy another if I could find it.
I thought they'd gone out of business? Still the case or has it been revived? Comfortable in the but quality problems with threads near tip. Should have used metal threads and barrels.
Rotring Core Coridium see 0:55 of video, shows label. They made many models in may color combos, most names ended in "ium" some "or".This pen has been out of production for many years. Need to check the used market, like eBay.
Wow. What a horrifying parody of a pen. It looks like a prop that would be at home in something like Demolition Man. I can't believe it's so awful that I genuinely don't like it. I'd still love to own one though
rotRing. Two R's. Industrial feel. How does one clean the dang thing and who cares about the writing on the barrel? Why do they have horrible customer service? I think everything but customer service is proportional. So how does it write and how does one maintain it?
chrisrap52 I love the look of the pen and have three. I remove the converter cartridge, fill it and replace it in the barrel. Is the pen designed to fill through the nib?
@@chrisrap52 yeah absolutely! I'm into my more old school pens but I appreciate that they are trying something differant. Sorry if that comment came as offensive :)
there is a bit of backstory worth knowing: most german schools require students to use fountain pens, up to the 4th to 8th grade. the lami safari is ever popular, and a bit of a status symbol too. kids want a pen "where the clip goes like that, and with a screw on top" for some reason. so rotring hopped on that bandwagon, and came up with a more futuristic and prestigious version.
Wow!! I didn't know that! Cool 😍 that explains that hyped clip design and overall exaggeration on pens styling
That's very interesting ! In China(at least when I was there, 2010s), almost all grades 4 to 12 ask students to practices calligraphy and do homework. Maybe that's why fountain pens still have a large following in China and Germany nowadays. I still keep a fountain pen beside me, it is a joy to write and feel.
Chris, somehow, I missed this video and now it has popped up on my screen. I bought my Rotring Core in 1990 or 1991 in an office supply store. While they had a moderate selection of fountain pens, this one was in the technical supply area. They actually had it displayed on a drafting table with a few tools. I suppose that they thought it wouldn't be taken seriously by customers looking for a "quality" pen to give as a corporate gift or just to show off. I enjoyed looking at it and bought it for fun at a great price. At home, i put it to paper and was surprised, if not amazed, by its smoothness and ergonomics. While it looks ungainly it actually feels great in the hand and is very well balanced. I carried it and used it regularly for several months. I kept it in my briefcase for over a year, pulling it out when I felt like it. Of course, like many others who live in the fountain pen hobby, I lack loyalty to particular pens or brands so my collection grew and the Core gracefully retired. I still bring it back to life by dipping it and writing a few lines before returning it to its sheltered environment. This pen was underrated, largely because of its industrial looks and possibly its size. Thank you for walking me down memory lane and reviving my ardor for this unique pen. Mine is not for sale.
I also gave one away as a corporate gift in the early 90s. I agree it is a very good writer.
i normally just like the oldschool cigarre style pens, black n silver. but this is really great modern design.
Hope you enjoy this different style of pen.
Sold. I love the technical look, where it seems like form follows function, then speeds past it. Most fountain pens have a classic look that can get vanilla really quick.
I have both the Core and a silver 600 but my Core is a light blue and dark blue. I bought it in Paris in the '90s when I visited and I liked it so much I bought the 600. Rotring alway had interesting fountain pens. I'm sorry they stopped making them. These 2 pens are now part of my very small (but growing) assemblage of fountain pens. its not large enough to call a collection yet. LOL
By the way, The name of the company is Rotring (pronounced "wrote ring") or translated from german, Red Ring, which all their pens, afaik, have somewhere on the pen.
That cap looks like a ski pole handle! Very cool. I have some Rotring technical pens. They're pretty sweet.
Hi. just to say, not "Roting" , its Rotring. Rot(Red) ring(ring).
Just stumbled on this video, the same day I pulled my Core out of storage. I bought it in Poland on 2002 and it never wrote well. Very dry. I didn't know that I could alter it until recently. Today it is writing beautifully. Funny that I came across your video today! And no I did not Google the pen.
Thanks for reviewing it.
Very cool!
This thing looks like a flashlight o_O
I wouldn't be able take myself seriously using that monster
+Kitsyfluff Sometimes I enjoy not being serious.
I always imagine that this pen was designed to write with on ski slopes with your ski gloves on. That would explain the section. Really interesting pen. Sort of 80s Nike design.
I liked the 80's.
Kind of reminds me of an electronic tire pressure gauge. Interesting pen.
I stumbled onto one of these recently. I once again broke down and bought a pen. I may have to give up on my hiatus from pen buying. That's two since it started! I actually really like this. Mine is more a grayish green color, but does feel good in my hand.
These are unique pens that write surprisingly well. Definitely one that everyone should experience.
I liked your review, but I just couldn't get over that the pen brand is Rotring.. Not Roting. Again, I really appreciate your review because it was very thorough. Thank you! I want to buy this for my friend. And possibly myself.
I think its a ROT(red) Ring pen. Did you notice the ring of red on both of the pens?
Yes. Thanks for clarifying. Always great to learn more about these pens.
I'm keen on the other Rotring fountain pen you showed - haven't seen that one before.
I have four of these, nice to see this great video.
some fun background: in german elementary schools it's pretty much mandatory to use a fountain pen. and the lamy safari has quickly becoming the pen that all the cool kids have, and a bit of a status symbol. "that one with the screw on the top". imagine the rest, when there's suddenly an alterative that looked more exotic, felt more high end, and cost (iirc) 15-20 mark more.
Thanks, it is a "cool" pen.
aint nothing like "RAD" 90s stationary! :_D
I am intrigued and/or puzzled by the grip, which looks like it is "lowered". I wonder what is the point and how does it feel, compared to a normal grip.
Very different, but very comfortable. Easy to get to like.
Wow.. I thought the Parker 51 was " the pen from the future " now I know better ! Haha !
Thanks again
force resource is for checking the spare ink cartidge
Sanford bought rOtring in 1998, so your particular model should be at least a decade newer than you expected it to be.
I think the core is only a year or two older than the skynn which was definitely intruduced after Sanford took over rOtring. Saying this, the core should have been first available in somewhere between 1996 and 1998.
(My guess would be 1998. I think I would remember if the core would have been available in 1997. I had a lot of rOtring stuff back then and was looking for a new FP for my new job as an editor. Bought something completely different - a Pelikan M150.)
+Timo Labrenz Thanks for the info. Pen history is always interesting.
Looks like I'll have to go on eBay and get myself one of these pens :)
I really like that futuristic industrial design.
+thelongslowgoodbye Yes, it's a cool pen. There are some on eBay. Try to get them for under $30 USD.
The "Force Reserve" probably refers to Star Wars. The force here is the ink of course. Through the holes you can see how much of the "force" is left. And the "Write on" label is a feature to be able to use the last drop of ink. Each color line has its own name. This is also printed on the barrel, abbreviated to three letters. So the words printed on the pen are not merely useless design.
Will it use standard converter and cartridge?
That‘s a really unique pen！
Hello Chris, i got a rotring core fountain pen, probably the first version of it because it has that orange thing where the cartridge converter goes in, it also has those leters and numbers on the metal top of the cap, like yours.
My question is, do you know if the feed is screwed on, or if it's friction fit ?
Nib seems to be wrapping around the feed in a lamy safari style, but how do i remove the feed ?
Thank you in advance !
I have not tried to remove the nib/feed. Why do you want to?
Excellent review. So objective and helpful.
What is a fountain pen that is ergonomic, buttery smooth, gives no feedback and is such a joy to write with for you, brother Chris? Thanks a lot.
Amen.
I have two of these core fountain pens and one roller ball. Unfortunately neither, I
Of the fountain pens work."" I will send them to Rotring to see if they can repair them.. Thanks I love the design, very unusual...
My had trouble to start with. I believe the nib had baby's bottom. Nice I solved this with a bit of Micro Mash it works very well.
Let us know about their customer service. I've
had a bad experience with them.
A classmate of mine back in art school called it "Rot-ing" as well??? What's up with that??? Invisible R syndrome?,. :D
My pronunciation skills are a disaster. I say English is my 2nd language. I don't have a 1st.
Was just teasing, sir :D Very nice and informative videos you have here. More power to your channel.
NP. I thought that. But I do mispronounced a a lot. Thanks for watching.
looks like it was designed for people who have impaired fine motor function
Thank you. 🖋
Looks like an contractors type pen to use in the field
I have this pen and it was purchased in 2004. I use it every day. Over the years the nib seems to have soften up. I would buy another if I could find it.
I found my CORE's on eBay. Usually some for auction. Be patient, you'll be able to get MIB at your price.
I have a Rotring Riva, and a Rotring Skynn. Is there dealership in the US for Rotring?
Not than I'm aware of. I buy Rotring on eBay.
By the way, the brand is rotRing, it means red ring.
Thanks, my German is rusty at best.
Looks like a tactical flashlight
Or a light saber. 😉
@@chrisrap52 True!
I thought they'd gone out of business? Still the case or has it been revived? Comfortable in the but quality problems with threads near tip. Should have used metal threads and barrels.
Not out of business - www.rotring.com/us/92-pens#
No longer making fountain pens.
whenever u fill the PEN bottle is full.Can u show us how to fill ink from half bottle .
Each bottle is different. Tilting works for some. When very low I transfer to a small sample bottle or use a syringe like when filling a eye dropper.
I cannot tell if that pen is really cool looking or really ugly. I still can't tell. It is different.
Intresting
Hi
Love the look of this pen ... is there anywhere in the UK we can buy this?
Whats the exact model?
Rotring Core Coridium see 0:55 of video, shows label. They made many models in may color combos, most names ended in "ium" some "or".This pen has been out of production for many years. Need to check the used market, like eBay.
Very nice. Thank you. It's a lovely pen. Do you have more reviews of old pens? I am going to subscribe to your channel
I review a lot of vintage. thanks for subscribing.
maybe he was implying its a rotten rotting pen...hahalolol
Also he said roe ting
"Force Resource" not Force Reserve. And that's not German, lol.
what is cost of this PEN
Pen no longer made. Need to buy used or NOS. I buy on eBay for about $30 - 40 USD.
RotRing!
Yes, Red Ring. Thanks for watching.
Thanks for the review of a rather unseen pen in the community however I don’t like the color they come in. Nib looks too not fancy for me
RotRing
How much is it
No longer made. Check out eBay. Price varies.
You are not suppose to dip the whole pen in ink, just the cartridge.
Actually, when using a cartridge converter you dip the nib into the ink - there's a filler hole at the base of the feed.
Thanks Amanda. That is correct. I used a converter to draw ink from the bottle.
It is pronounced ROAT RING - ROT IS RED IN GERMAN AND RING STANDS FOR ITSELF.
Hey if you want to sell it I will buy love that crazy looking pen
Send me an email - chris@rapseik.org.
@@chrisrap52 rubiany_garcia@yahoo.com
Wow. What a horrifying parody of a pen. It looks like a prop that would be at home in something like Demolition Man. I can't believe it's so awful that I genuinely don't like it. I'd still love to own one though
For me it is a pen I needed. I don't use them but love to look at them & say "What were they thinking?"
Its Rotring and Not Roting as you wrote
Thanks.
rotRing. Two R's. Industrial feel. How does one clean the dang thing and who cares about the writing on the barrel? Why do they have horrible customer service? I think everything but customer service is proportional. So how does it write and how does one maintain it?
Never had to contact customer service. Pens are easy to clean as any converter pen is. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
chrisrap52 I love the look of the pen and have three. I remove the converter cartridge, fill it and replace it in the barrel. Is the pen designed to fill through the nib?
I have two of these. Constant leaking from the CC. Nice pens, messy pens.
I have not had that issue.
Roting xD
Cool weird German engineering.
Perfect description.
Guy reviewing a pen but doesn't know how to read
Maybe someday....
looks like a screwdriver lol
A sonic screwdriver. 😊
it looks like you write with a screwdriver lol
A Sonic Screwdriver...
Mechanical pencils are better hahahahahahahaha
My discomfort is immeasurable and my writing is ruined.
Not for me thanks, a bit ugly..
I heard it's in the eye of the beholder. Not a pen for everyone.
@@chrisrap52 yeah absolutely! I'm into my more old school pens but I appreciate that they are trying something differant. Sorry if that comment came as offensive :)
No worries. This pen creates strong feelings in those that see it.
Wow this is an abomination
a lovable one. 😉😍
wtf is futuristic about this stupid pen... wasted my time.