Graf von Faber-Castell Tamitio Fountain Pen Review

Graf von Faber-Castell Tamitio Fountain Pen

The Graf von Faber-Castell Tamitio line brings the high quality and craftsmanship of the luxury brand to the affordable price levels of the workhorse Faber-Castell lines. It is an elegantly designed piece which is constructed of a metal body covered by multiple layers of varnish. This varnish imparts a matte finish which is non-reflective and smooth to the touch. The front section, rear section and cap are all polished metal. The nib is stainless steel and plated with Rhodium. The body has fluting which not only gives the pen a sleek look but also allows for a solid grip. The Tamitio is available in Black, Rose or Taupe and all share the same polished metal accents. It is offered as a fountain pen, rollerball, finewriter, ballpoint or mechanical pencil – the finewriter uses a felt-tip/fineliner type refill. The fountain pen includes a Graf von Faber-Castell converter, is compatible with short international cartridges and is offered with an Extra Fine, Fine, Medium or Broad nib.

The attention to detail and finish on the Tamitio line really shine through on this piece. This is a weighty pen, no doubt due to the metal and varnish used extensively throughout the body. I found the fluting in the body to be both grippy and comfortable. The pen sans cap is weighted very well, and posting the cap did not throw that balance off too much. The Rhodium plated nib is very smooth, though the Medium was a little on the wet side for my tastes. I do like the black shield located at the top of the cap – it draws the eye and sets the logo apart from the silver colored metal. The nib unscrews from the front section, making cleaning extremely easy.

From sight alone, the Tamitio fountain pen is unmistakably from the expert craftsmen at Graf von Faber-Castell. The lines of the cap and quality materials utilized are sure signs of this German manufacturer. The pen is a smooth writer, with a nib that is easy to use and easy to clean. The Tamitio is an easy and affordable step up from Faber-Castell pieces into the luxury pieces offered by Graf von Faber-Castell.

- Joe (Pen Boutique Limited, 5560 Sterrett Place, Suite 101, Columbia, MD 21044)