URL link to the YouTube video version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUieOF_y42MThis was my first S.T Dupont pen which I had acquired from Ebay at a a very good discount off normal retail prices. Never mind that S.T. Dupont pens get little attention from the pen collecting community at large, but I had read good reviews of S.T. Dupont nibs, in particular how smooth they write, as well as S.T. Dupont’s famous Chinese lacquer techniques, so when the opportunity presented itself, I had to get one for myself.
Appearance & Design (1-10/10) – 10/10The Olympio is one of those pens that seem excessively plain at first glance, but after closer inspection, turned out to have a lot of interesting detail. It's a nice , elegant blend of straight lines and gentle curves, with just enough in the way of palladium trim to break up the expanse of the Chinese lacquer.
The lacquer work is first rate, as you might expect. S.T. Dupont has been in business since 1872 making luxury goods, and the use of Chinese lacquer began in the late 1930s, so it’s no wonder they have a wealth of experiencing in working with the Chinese Lacquer. Authentic Chinese lacquer comes from the sap of trees from South Asia. The species Rhus Vernicifera, Rhus Succedana and Melanorrhea Laccifera can grow up to 10 meters high with a diameter of 40 cm. There is an entire section in S.T. Dupont that is purely devoted to Chinese Lacquer. For more details, please refer to the URL below.
http://www.st-dupont.com/usa/sf_arbre_a_laque.phpChinese lacquer is a living material that is resistant to handling and difficult to work with. Only a master lacquer maker with a long experience and a confirmed know-how can master the craftsmanship and the techniques involved in the processing of Chinese lacquer. All lacquer products are adorned with the authentic Chinese lacquer hallmark, the image of leaf of the Rhus vernicifera tree.
Weight & Dimensions (1-10/10) – 9/10I have big hands, so I like my pens to be heavy. The Olympio has exactly the weight I am looking for in a pen. Substantial is the word for the feel of the pen in my hand. This XL Olympio pen is a lacquer over metal construction, which accounts for the weight. The Chinese lacquer work is first rate, as you might expect. S.T. Dupont has been in business since 1872 making luxury goods, and the use of Chinese lacquer began in the late 1930s. The Chinese lacquer is strong, beautiful, and feels great in the hand.
Nib (1-10/10) – 10/10The pen was shipped to me with a Medium nib. The nib is made of 18K gold, and is easily the "coolest" part of the Olympio. The Nib design looks unique, since it comes with a very fluid shape, and it blends perfectly well with the pen barrel section. The 18K nib is very rigid, but smooth.
See how the feed blends in with the profile of the nib.
Filling System (1-10/10) – 8/10Nothing much to say about the CC filling system, only that the converter looks like it can hold a decent amount of ink.
Nib Performance (1-10/10) - 10/10The Olympio was able to start right away and I wrote a full paragraph with no skipping at all. The 18K Nib was rigid, but was glassy smooth and glides effortlessly across the writing pad. Ink-flow was great using the Montblanc blue-black ink, so I got myself a nice wet writer. Dupont nibs have had a very good reputation in the past for being exceptionally smooth and pleasant to use. This Olympio simply reinforces this history.
Cost & Value (1-10/10) – 10/10The Olympio is truly a substantial and classic pen. It offers an excellent writing experience and plain yet elegant aesthetics. This pen is made of high quality construction, and since I got a good deal on this pen, hence the highest rating.
Conclusion (Final score, x/6) – 6/6I am very pleased with this new acquisition, and will be open to future purchases of different Chinese Lacquer designs.
The pen has an attractive surface made of bright blue lacquer. The translucent effect of the lacquer reveals a fine guilloche in the form of waves artistically engraved on a stainless steel barrel.
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