Waiting for a Monster

Waiting for a Monster - Lotus Virat

I recently joined some fountain pen groups on Facebook to see what other people have, trade or want.

I stumbled over a presentation of this pen - a Lotus Virat from Lotuspens in India. The first one was a commissioned pen for an Indian collector who graciously allowed me to use his photos.

I really like simple pens, especially if they are red and so I ordered one nearly immediately. And now I am counting the days until end of September when it will be delivered.

It is made from Nikko Japan's red-colored ebonite and is only polished - not lacquered.

Here is another view.

My new pen will additionally have red instead of black threads - my motto is "if red, then red".

What you don't see on these two photos is the sheer size of this pen.

Total length 173mm
Barrel with nib length 152 mm
Max diameter of cap 19.5 mm
Max diameter of barrel 17mm
Section diameter 14-13.5 mm

This size corresponds to the size of a Manupropria Bo Medium or a Danitrio Genkai.

The nib is a 18K Bock #8. Mine will have nib point F.

Recently, I tested a series of Bock nib points. I found that until M there is absolutely no feedback from the paper. Slight feedback begins with F. MF would be my favourite choice but MF doesn't exist in the Bock world of nibs LINK.

This will be my first experience with a "monster" pen. I have to admit, my favourite size is MB149, Manupropria's Shibui Standard, Sailor's KoP (Profit and ProGear) and Jinhao's 159. Still, this one is a different level. Can't wait.

Finally, a comparison with some other pens.

Right to the Lotus Virat is a Montblanc 149; left to it is the Pilot Custom Urushi.

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Slimming down

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