The Maiora Everest is not just a fountain pen: it’s a BIG pen representing a feat of engineering and craftsmanship; it is the first BIG fountain pen in the world that adopts a fixed ‘Mega Piston’, designed to guarantee unprecedented ink capacity and an uninterrupted writing experience with a whopping 5ml reservoir for fountain pen ink. Also of note is that the length of the pen overall when posted is an incredible 178.4mm (7.02in)! The cap diameter alone, is 22.0mm (0.87in)!
But why such a BIG pen? To quote the great climber George Mallory, when asked by a reporter why he wanted to climb Everest, Mallory purportedly replied, “Because it‘s there.” And it’s those words that have driven the Maiora workshop team. Like the mountain from which it takes its name, Everest rises above all other fountain pens, embodying the pinnacle of creativity and craftsmanship. BUT they’ve also created the Everest, because only they can!
There are three Everests available: Vulcania, Celestia and the limited edition Demo Black. Each pen is created from entirely artisanal workmanship: precious and embellished materials, hand turned from a solid bar. Everest is the result of great technical commitment, precision and dedication, combining elegance and technique in an imposing and exclusive form.
The Celestia fountain pen, which I am reviewing, is made entirely of blue, black and tan ebonite, hand-turned from a solid bar and mirror polished. All of the detailing is finished with gorgeous gold trim. The pen comes with an impressively oversized 14k #8 gold nib with an ebonite feed. Each pen is numbered on the base of the cap, and handmade in Italy.
The piston filler system is really easy to use and once filled up the oversized gold nib writes smoothly. The ebonite feels fabulous in hand, like a highly lacquered wood. The pen is big in hand, but surprisingly easy to write with. Being such a dominant pen, you really can’t fail to notice and appreciate the skills and craftsmanship needed to create it.
Maiora’s legacy dates back to 1978 and is the result of a collaboration of skilled professionals with over 40 years of experience in crafting exquisite writing instruments. The brand’s steadfast commitment to ‘made in Italy’ authenticity, coupled with a perfect balance of functionality and elegance, has created a timeless style that is synonymous with Maiora’s success. The brand’s strengths are rooted in experience, passion, and enthusiasm, as evident in the stories and craftsmanship of each Maiora pen.
Maiora is managed by Nino Marino, the former co-founder and president of the Delta Pen Company. Maiora also produces fountain pens under the Nettuno brand.
As a size comparison, here is my EDC Black Estie laid alongside the Celestia!
The pen comes sleeve packaged in a cloth bound box with: a booklet with information about the Mega Piston, an ID card with the pen number and other details, a pen sleeve and a bottle of blue ink.
To conclude, this pen is something else! When I first received it, the sheer size of it was a shock. But once that initial shock wears off, the Everest grows on you. It’s a unique piece of high art, well deserving of its name and placed back in its presentation case reluctantly. Many many thanks to Stephan Lucht at Tinte Im Blut. for sending me the pen to review. It’s made my eyes water!
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 