Fountain pen review: the new Omas Paragon

[Nantucket Red]

It's taken me a while to get used to the aesthetics of the new Omas Paragon, but finally I was so curious that I had to try it. Last weekend, I made bold to try the display models at Itoya Ginza and was very impressed. They've finally made the Paragon oversized, and the section is now made of either sterling or vermeil. This is a good move not only aesthetically, but also in terms of balance. This pen is heavy enough to make you raise your eyebrows in the same way the classic Paragon was light, and yet it has that unmistakable Omas balance. But the heart of a fountain pen is the nib. I tried two; the medium and the fine. Now, I have a spidery, thin handwriting that every medium nib until now has ruined, but this one was perfect because of its ideal flexibility (and for true FP afficionados, I say "ideal" in deference to the Waterman's #2, arguably the most perfect nib ever produced). Let me recommend that both veteran pen lovers and beginning enthusiasts try this pen. It's as good as it gets.

 

[designprofessor]

Great link! I like the looks of the Omas, Shaeffer Victorian and the Visconti.

 

[LabelKing]

When I saw it, I couldn't quit get used to the clip, which although it still uses their wheel it looks very Jorg Hysek-like.

 

[timekeeping]

Is the vermeil/sterling section a magnet for fingerprints?

Also the clip seems to be a more modern take of the classic Omas clip. I don't like it.

Omas is now a member of LVMH... Hopefully they won't runin it.

 

[imageWIS]

Originally Posted by LabelKing

it looks very Jorg Hysek-like.
Minus the carbon fiber.

I still want a Montblanc 1992 limited edition Medici…sigh:

Jon.

 

[Nantucket Red]

Originally Posted by timekeeping

Is the vermeil/sterling section a magnet for fingerprints?

Also the clip seems to be a more modern take of the classic Omas clip. I don't like it.

Omas is now a member of LVMH... Hopefully they won't runin it.

I've found that the black cotton resin is a magnet for fingerprints. I think the vermeil/sterling section would be fine.

I too have trouble with the clip design and am still not used to it. LK nailed it with the Jorg Hysek comment. For me, though, the size, balance, and nib dynamics trump the clip design.

I cringed when LVMH bought Omas back in the '90s, but it seems they're maintaining its integrity. I don't think the quality has dropped a bit and if anything, they've improved their nibs. I wouldn't have thought that possible.

 

[Nantucket Red]

Originally Posted by imageWIS

I still want a Montblanc 1992 limited edition Medici...sigh:

Jon.

The holy grail of MB limited editions! I also liked their spiderweb pen. I am still kicking myself for not buying the Hemmingway when I had the chance. It's one of the only MBs I've really really liked (besides the Medici). What was I thinking when I passed that up?