Known for its entry-level Safari and Al-Star models, German-based Lamy is often mainly seen as a manufacturer of school supplies by its fellow Germans. Elsewhere, Lamy is loved by fountain pen users who value the unique shapes of their pens’ caps and clips and the handy ink window. To the surprise of some, not all Lamy models display these features.
Lamy’s high-level pen, the Lamy 2000, has almost nothing in common visually with Safari and Al-Star pens. Situated closer to the entry-level price range, the Lamy Studio might just be the most interesting model, both visually and performance-wise. Close to a classic cigar shape, albeit not quite the same, the Lamy Studio is a sleek and slender pen with an unusual twist—literally. Its clip twists from a horizontal to a vertical orientation about halfway down its length.
The medium nib my model is equipped with is buttery smooth and highly reliable. I haven’t experienced a single instance of hard starting, skipping or drying out, even after days without using the pen. The cap closes with a satisfying little snap and does appear to seal the nib off quite well.
The Lamy Studio’s availability and price vary on account of the special edition colours available. The stainless-steel version with a rubberised grip requires prospective buyers to put down € 39.-, whereas the Imperial Blue version pictured here asks for € 45.- and features a more slippery metal grip. A Piano Black version is available for a whopping € 119.-.
In contrast to other pens in similar price ranges, the Lamy Studio does not come with a converter. It takes proprietary Lamy cartridges and converters and won’t work with a standard international converter.
Suggested ink: Graf von Faber-Castell Olive Green