Many thanks to Lizzie at Studio Pens for sending me this stunningly packaged limited edition Ebonit Sport Set to review. As you may be aware, 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.
The limited edition Kaweco Ebonit Set immediately catches the eye with its stunning packaging, beautifully designed and printed in a retro style. The red, gold and black looks very classy. And as you open it up you start to realise that you’re in for an absolute treat.
The Kaweco story goes all the way back to 1883 and the Ebonit Sport is a celebration of this. Kaweco have been creating high-quality writing instruments for 140 years and are acknowledged as one of the oldest brands in the writing equipment sector – a heritage that is still reflected in its product design today – ‘creating writing instruments with passion and love that will be a beloved and loyal companion for a lifetime.’
With the Kaweco Ebonit Sport you are taken on a journey through time. Not only is the shape of the popular Sport model inspired by products from over a hundred years ago, but the material used also has a historical origin. In a time when the injection moulding process had not yet been invented, ebonite was often the material of choice for writing instruments. The name ebonite goes back to ebony, which is very similar to hard rubber in colour and hardness.
The expressive marbling and the highly polished surface suggest the appearance of valuable exotic wood. The composition of the material with natural rubber and sulphur is totally natural. The combination with gold-plated elements underlines the nostalgic character of the fountain pen and enhances the warm brown grain. A complex burin engraving perfectly complements the history-steeped craftsmanship.
The limited set also includes a nostalgic clip in gold to attach the pen securely to a writing pad or pocket, a 10-pack of ink cartridges featuring all the Kaweco ink colours and a miniature concertina history booklet. Everything is beautifully arranged within the box with further historical information detailed on the inside of the box lid.
Each pen is unique and has its own colouring – if you compare the pics of my pen to the pics on other sites, you will notice this. Over time, the pen will also develop a patina with its own individual appearance but can be returned to its original condition with a simple polish if you so wish.
To conclude, this set is just sublime – a really lovely idea and beautifully executed. What more can I say. Kaweco is one of those brands that for me, just oozes design credibility. And as a designer myself, I can’t help but submit to the appeal. And for all Kaweco enthusiasts this limited edition really is a must have! If you’re based in Europe, here’s a link for you: Kaweco Ebonit Sport Fountain Pen Set 140Th Anniversary Edition – Medium
Thanks to Hamilton Pens for some of the back history.
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?
FOUNTAIN PEN INK ART 