Maker: TWSBI.
The Classic is, in rough terms, the mechanism from a Diamond mounted in a rather more conservative body; this seems a sensible thing to do, because the very strong house style of TWSBI does not necessarily appeal to everyone who might like an inexpensive piston-filling pen.
The body style of the Classic is, in fact, quite similar to the Venezia, a pen TWSBI made before it had quite become TSWBI. That earlier pen was brass-bodied, however, and the Classic does lean in the direction of the house style, as it has faceting which the Venezia lacked– the body and cap have an octagonal cross-section. Also unlike the Venezia, there is an ink window at the base of the section. This doesn’t give as complete a sense of how much ink remains as the clear bodies used in most other TWSBI models, but is it definitely sufficient to warn of low ink before it develops into a pressing need.
In August 2014, TWSBI amended the design of the filler-knob of the Classic. When the pen was first released, the knob was entirely smooth, and the cap did not post well, a feature/bug common to TWSBI. The amendment was the addition of a pair of o-rings on the knob which provide the cap with purchase. This certainly provides the current version with positive posting, although I harbour some concerns about the long-term durability of the o-rings. They are, after all, experiencing friction each time the cap is removed, and when the pen in not in use, they’re exposed.
The points and feeds are the same as those found in the Mini and Eco, and the writing performance is similar to those models; firm and generally smooth. Whether posted or not, the pen has good balance.
| When removing the cap of this pen, I would suggest gripping the ring rather than the plastic of the cap. In my example, it takes a great deal of torque to get the cap free of the body, and I suspect the ring/cap interface is a likely point of failure. Since the cap threads are part of the ring, and the ring had good grippy facets, applying the force to the ring itself should avoid that potential for failure. |
Production Run: 2013 to present.
Cost When New: $50.00, or $55.00 with a 1.1 mm stub point (2017 MSRP).
Size: 13.8 cm long capped, 16.6 cm posted, 12.8 cm uncapped.
Point: Steel.
Body: Plastic.
Filler: Piston, capacity approx. 1.2 ml. If you go through the necessary gymnastics to get all air out of the reservoir, TWSBI suggests 1.4 ml is possible.
The TWSBI Classic in its 2017 limited edition turquoise. This, and the LE white version, did not cost any more than the regularly available colours, which is an approach to limited editions I can approve of.
The Classic with the usual TWSBI kit in its box– a tiny bottle of lubricant for the piston seal, a wrench to get the mechanism out so the lubricant can be applied, and a sheet of instructions so you feel confident in performing the task.
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