A Review of the Lamy Logo
By Wesley James Young
I know, you know, everybody knows; when you place the words cheap and reliable in a statement about fountain pens, Lamy is bound to make itself known. Countless backpacks and satchels have a Safari or an Al-Star tucked away somewhere waiting to leave their mark. But some are not pleased by the bulk or the pedantic shape of that triangular grip section. If you count yourself among that lot, you may wish to consider the Lamy Logo pens!
Appearance & Design
The Lamy Logo is available in two finishes; a brushed stainless steel and what is called a matte steel finish (personally I think shiny is a more accurate descriptor). Like many of Lamy’s best products, the design is very clean and simple. A cylindrical tube with evenly spaces ridges at the point where the fingers should rest gives a nice marriage of form and function. The simple curve of the spring loaded clip is a perfect complement to the rest of the design.
Construction & Quality
The cap is a simple friction fit involving a metal clutch-ring gripping onto the black band above the nib. The cap securely posts to the back of this pen with crimps on the back end, holding the cap secure. The threading on the section is metal, as is the threading in the barrel. This will likely last much longer than some other pens would. Overall, a well made piece.
Nib & Performance
The nib is stainless steel and attaches to the plastic feed by friction. The pen evenly when ink is drawn into it and writes smoothly until the last drop. The full range of nibs from Extra Fine to Broad are available, as well as 1.1, 1.5, and 1.9 mm Italic nibs. Notice how well the fine performs with Sailor Ultramarine in the picture below:
 |
| Lamy Logo |
Filling Mechanism
The pen can use either Lamy cartridges or the z26 converter(not included with this pen). Personally, I recommend using a converter since there is a cornucopia of inks you can use with this pen. But Lamy does have a series of moderate looking ink colors (Black, Blue, Blue-Black, Red, Turquoise, and Violet), if you prefer cartridges.
Cost
The brushed steel finish retails for $50 and the matte finish retails for $44, a little more money for a lot more style.
Final Remarks
If you want to step up from the Safari or Al-Star and the Studio is not to your taste, this is definitely something worth a second look.
