VALUERight, don’t ask. I mean, it costs… ….a lot.I mean, yeah, really a lot so if you are deep into the hobby… it’s 250$. Plus shipping and import and VAT. Yeah, it’s hard to defend that price, I know. I am not even trying, but I am glad that I bought it in a mania mood of Covid-19 depression. Because if I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have this really nice pen.

WHAT IT ISThe Ultem fountain pen is a rather small pen, just around where you would say pocket pens are. It still is big enough to sport a #6 Jowo nib. There is even a grip section to be bought extra that can take the #8 Bock nib – if you like. It is a very straight forward machined pen, nib unit, minimalistic design, that very special natural honey/amber Ultem semi translucent material. Velvety to the touch and super light, it looks fragile, but its not. It’s a very genuine fountain pen that’s practical to bring along. Can take standard international cartridges, comes with a K5 Schmidt international converter and can be turned into an eyedropper. It has several O-rings as well.

LOOKSWhat strikes you immediately is the color, that semi translucent yellowish color. Either love it or hate it. Me, I think it’s that fine-ugly mix. But it has some attitude. Conical end of cap and a sleek tapering where it seems like the inners of the pen has been followed in as straight way as possible. Nib, converter and O-rings are visible through the material. Uncapped the pen shows a hourglass:ish shaped grip, the barrel and section with threads are one piece and this is much appreciated since you won’t part the pen by mistake unscrewing the cap. So, it is a small pen working on that minimalistic design and showing its breed of being born by sweat and determination to create something sleek and well engineered. I know, I like it.

IN THE ENDAn eye-catching pen that really isn’t for those that don’t get what Ultem is, why it is cool and well – for those that just don’t like expansive fountain pens that are – “because”? It’s really hard to say anything at this point but to finish with the obvious, “It’s not for everyone”.

WRITINGSo, this is a small pen, it’s light and have a sleek design. So, how does it write? Well, first of all, the #6 medium Jowo nib is well tuned and balanced nicely. No problem with my Robert Oster ink. Flows well and only if I store for days without writing can there be a need to shake it alive. The material is soft velvety but offers a very good grip. Something that I really find close to amazing. I wish more fountain pens used this material for grip. I love it. Satin to the soft touch, but quickly offers a secure grip. The pen is light, I don’t personally find a problem here but enjoy it since the grp is good. If you like a longer pen, it can be securely posted. Since the light material of the cap doesn’t weigh much, the balance is well kept. It is a joy to write with, and I find myself reaching for it often.

Now this is a rather special pen. It’s a pen whose maker I have followed on Instagram and seen the struggle to make a pen come alive. Machines that breaks down and being open and honest about the journey. In these pandemic times, I have to admit, it was a gripping mini drama playing out. So when Ian of Schon DSGN let us followers know he had cracked it and had a second batch soon to be ready, I decided to sign up and get on the list. I tell you this partly because I want you to know that this is a review, but one where I am heavily influenced by sheer massive goodwill towards the creator. You know, sometimes these things happen. I’m not going to excuse myself, but I still want it out there.The second thing to mention is; what the hell is Ultem?Ultem is a special material, and here is the description from SABIC’s homepage, the guys providing the PEI known as Ultem:“The ULTEM Resin family of amorphous thermoplastic polyetherimide (PEI) resins offers outstanding elevated thermal resistance, high strength and stiffness, and broad chemical resistance. ULTEM is available in transparent and opaque custom colors, as well as glass filled grades. Plus, ULTEM copolymers are available for even higher heat, chemical and elasticity needs. ULTEM resins uniquely balance both mechanical properties and processability, offering design engineers exceptional flexibility and freedom.” (Click on text to read on website)Right – so it’s a rather cool light material that is strong and resilient. OK? Let’s move on.