Lamy Al-Star Fountain Pen - Medium Nib - Graphite Body

My Lamy Al-Star fountain pen (medium nib) arrived the other day, and right off the bat it's performance is stellar. It comes with a Lamy ink cartridge (blue ink) that is not trouble to install. Well... for a newbie like myself, there was one little hiccup. When I installed the cartridge, I thought it was in securely - but there was no audible "pop" of the cartridge seal. I didn't want to force it in... that hasn't proven the best solution in experiences past. *ahem* Anyway, I proceeded to twist on the body of the pen back on and felt resistance as I was twisting it. I saw that the threads were not entirely hidden so I gently twisted the body and heard the "pop" of the ink's seal. The pen wrote almost instantly! No skipping, no dripping... smooth like butter (can you imagine lumpy butter?)!

As expected, the medium nib gave me the sort of ink flow that I desired. The blue ink looks great, although this is my first "blue" ink so my basis for comparison is well.... not a whole lot.

Still, the Lamy Al-Star is lightweight, reliable, and doesn't disappoint. The aluminum body is just a touch heavier than the Safari, but not so heavy that you'll experience fatigue whilst writing your autobiography. ;-) I'm still on the fence whether or not I'll get the converter - the ink cartridge seems to work fine... for now. As my ink and pen collection grow (cross your fingers), I may take advantage of the converter to keep the cost of the ink cartridges down.

This pen is a little more pricey, but still affordable. There are much MUCH more expensive ones out there, and their improved quality is marginal. In the world of economical "bang for your buck" deals, the Al-Star should be given serious consideration.

Writes very nicely. I save five star reviews for things which are unbelievably great. This is just very good, and I'm not inclined to pay any more than this for a fountain pen. I buy them to write with, not to display.

Writes very smoothly, and feels good in my hand. I got the extra-fine nib, and absolutely cannot tell the difference between it and the fine nib on my Lamy Safari in side by side writing. Not really important, as it's just about where I want it for the kind of writing I do.

The fact that it seems a sturdier than the Safari justifies the extra money. The Al-Star will see a lot of use.

I think this is the most beautiful color in the al-star series. Writes smooth. I fall in love with fountain pens again~

My first Lamy!

I love this pen; it does not bleed ink, and it starts right up, no matter how long you have gone between uses.

I ordered this pen along with a converter so that I can use any colored ink that I wish. I am very glad that I purchased this pen rather than something lighter, since I prefer the feel of a slightly heavier pen. As far as the extra fine nib goes, I do not find it too fine for my handwriting, it actually makes my handwriting look much better ^.^ Now I cannot wait for my second fountain pen to arrive.