Kaweco is one of the oldest brands on the market and focuses on that thin line between tradition and innovation of which I am a devoted fan. As part of the United Inkdom meta review team I have been asked to take a look at yet another of their stunning retro creations, the Dia2.
The Dia2 is in essence a reimagining of one of Kaweco’s classic pens, the Dia, which dates back to the 1920s. Back then, fountain pens were made of black ebonite and high-grade coloured celluloid. Today, the Dia2 is made of high-quality hand polished acrylic with all of the decorative elements and proportions based on those of the golden 1920s. Originally, the vintage Dia was a piston filler and although the end of the Dia2 barrel is designed to look like a piston filler the Dia2 is actually made for cartridge and converter.
The Dia2 comes in gold or chrome trim. Both body and trim are beautifully finished and the high shine resin appears to be scratch-proof, which is just brilliant! The pen feels very comfortable in my hand and comes with a standard steel 060 Bock nib. I have taken the liberty of upgrading the nib to a steel Bock 076 as I feel the 060 looks a little on the small side and the 076 just looks so much better. I’m not posting any writing samples as Bock nibs are proven beyond doubt as some of the best writing nibs on the planet.
The distinctive kurling on cap and end of barrel gives the glossy Dia2 a unique design look and feel. The clip is of solid brass for strength and flexibility and the Kaweco logos, in chrome, are present at either end. The Dia 2 improves on the original Dia by having a screw-on cap.
The pen can be used with ink cartridges or be fitted with a standard converter for use with bottled ink. Of note, the pen doesn’t come with a converter but I would suggest investing in one. The pens are shipped in either a leatherette box case or the iconic tin box with a couple of cartridges.
And so to the all important bit – the price. The Dia2 retails for circa £85.00 which in my opinion is a very fair price for a beautifully produced fountain pen. As you’ll see from the pics I’ve taken of the Dia2 superimposed on vintage Kaweco postcards, it’s packed full of timeless style, elegance and that all important Kaweco look. In a market absolutely awash with pens, Kaweco is one of those brands that for me, just oozes design credibility. And as a designer myself, these really do appeal. And for all Kaweco enthusiasts this really is a must have! If you fancy one of these, here’s a link to the Cult Pens website: Kaweco Dia 2 Fountain Pen Black with Chrome Trim – Fine
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And HEY! If you’re interested to know more about how to use fountain pen inks in more creative ways – whether it’s simply to observe their chromatic behaviours, or, to recreate one of my swatch cards, or, to learn how to use them in watercolour painting, illustration and calligraphy, why not check out my online course or, even better, sign up for a workshop?
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