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4.5
Review: Duke “Charlie Chaplain” Fountain PenFor those of you who are unfamiliar with Duke, they are a fountain pen company who make inexpensive pens which write and feel like typically more expensive pens. In that respect, this “Charlie Chaplain” edition is no different.First, this is a heavy, all brass-bodied pen. From the moment you pick it up, there’s a feeling of having something of real quality in your hands. There’s just something about “heft” and the inherent connotation of substance. Being of medium length, this places more of the weight into a smaller area as well, adding to the effect. The glossy black lacquer finish is a real thing of beauty.The body creates four distinct curves in profile, resembling the quirky suits worn by “The Little Tramp” himself. The upper finial, cap and barrel each striking a concave pose, while the cap band stands out in a concave appearance. Likewise, the finial ends are each deeply concave, giving this pen a very unique appearance.The cap band is silver with a brushed finish, again setting it apart from the body. It includes a “Duke” script emblazoned on the front and designs commemorating its namesake, including bow ties bordering the top and bottom and two shoes bookending a bowler hat and cane. Overall the Champlain is of medium length.Removing the pull-cap reveals a small iridium nib and iridium trim at both ends of a slightly concave, shiny, medium-sized grip section. The nib itself has the “Duke” lettering under the Duke crown and rays running out to a filigree border, giving the business end of the pen a very attractive look.Unscrewing the barrel from the section reveals the nicest universal converter I’ve seen yet. Shiny silver iridium metal parts and an internal spring agitator really add to the overall experience of working with a fine writing instrument here. It’s attention to detail like this in places where casual viewers will never see that makes the ownership experience so special for Duke owners.The nib is extremely smooth on paper, provides little line variation and decent reverse writing capability. Line width is more Medium than the advertised Fine, but I prefer that. Flow was good and reliable. As mentioned, the body is of medium length, and that makes it just a touch short for my hands to write with. Likewise, the small nib and short-medium grip section make the section-paper dimension just a touch short for me, forcing me to hold the pen at the trim dividing the section from the barrel. This is going to vary for each writer and most other reviewers haven’t mentioned any issues. The pen can be safely and securely posted, but the cap is quite heavy and could cause the pen to be unbalanced for some. Myself, I prefer to write unposted anyway.Final thoughts on this pen, and I come away with a real appreciation for the quality and attention to detail put forth here by Duke. Other than my personal inconvenience with the length, there’s nothing bad to say about this pen. For the money, it will make a deserving addition to any collection.
