Lamy2000 black - elegant Fountain Pen in robust fibreglass barrel - 14 ct. gold nib, partially platinum-plated - nib size F

I'll not repeat much about the pen's design and history, there are extensive reviews elsewhere online. Instead, a few random jottings.* this is a very practical fountain pen: the fibreglass finish, sprung clip and large ink reservoir make for a no fuss everyday writing experience. There's no reason why a pen like this shouldn't be usable for decades.* it's a pen which combines a number of interesting/desirable features in one fountain pen at a reasonable price. Hooded or gold nibs and piston filling are characteristics found usually in pricier pens and the Lamy 2000 combines all three.* it's much less likely than some other good quality fountain pens to be stolen since, capped and left unattended on a work desk, it could pass for some run of the mill biro or rollerball* the Fine nib comes up broader then typical, and would easily suit someone looking for a Medium on other pens. It is finer than a TWSBI 540 M or a Pelikan M200 M however. It has some springiness and allows for some lovely line variation, say less then the Noodlers Konrad's flex but much more than a nail like the TWSBI 540.* Cost varies a lot from full retail at £175 to sub-£100 if you manage to hit the right offer. WHSmiths have it at less than £100 at times, but rarely in stock. I bought mine from Amazon for under £100 and felt I'd done well. The quid pro quo is that you don't get the full Lamy packaging, so depending on the circumstances it might not be suitable as a gift. I flushed the pen before use and there was the mearest whisper of blue ink, this is from the factory testing and is not an indication that the pen is used. I think £175 is a little overpriced, but anywhere under a £100 seems good value for this piece of elegant and functional design history.

The Lamy 2000 is a unique fountain pen, created in 1966 with a body of glassfibre-reinforced polycarbonate, its tactile matt black brushed finish cigar shaped body and brushed steel fittings give it modernist cool and a touch of the technical. The body is lightweight but durable and well-balanced. It's filled from bottled ink, rather than cartridges. For me, the large ink capacity outweighs not having the ease of carrying around a spare cartridge, and opens up a bigger choice of ink colours. The semi-hooded nib is platinum coated 14K gold, and hand polished. The fine nib is smooth and well-behaved, not in the least scratchy like some fine nibs. I've tried the Lamy Studio 14K nib, and I find the 2000 to have a good sweet spot in comparison. Truly a modern classic.

I write a lot and bought this Lamy 2000 on the basis of the recommendations as sadly there was nowhere for me to try it before purchase. It is light, easy to hold; posted with fairly large hands, and after 2 weeks of regular use it is beginning to bed in. Its ease and no fuss style with large reservoir, makes it a delight. I've had a few blind starts but each time following leaving the cap off for 10minutes, so I'll watch that. But after 2 weeks the colour and thickness are becoming consistent and smoother, so it 'looks good' so far. Based on the price, I would hope the fine nib tip will hold its clean and precise shape but time will tell. Thank you

The pen is fine. I was slightly worried about the notoriously narrow "sweet spot" of the pen- I personally think the issue is exagerated. It writes smoothly and the flow is good.Few complaints:1. Cheapeast packaging. I know there are far pricier pens, but the Lamy 2000 is not cheap. The pen came in a paper box without any protective layers- the packaging on the picture was all. I wouldn't be surprised if the pen shows up damaged. I've seen £15 pens with better packaging. I usually side with crappy packaging if that money is spent to improve the actual quality of the product, but I don't think that's the case here. -1 star for value for money.2. The cap doesn't slide as smoothly. I guess this is how the pen is designed, but when closing the cap, there's always a fair bit of resistant that makes me double-check if I'm closing the cap in some wrong way.3. There was some ink residue. I'm aware that pens usually go through a test at the end of manufacturing to ensure normal operation, but I would expect them to be completely removed prior to packaging. I had to clean the pen thoroughly before loading it up with my own, as I wanted to fill it with a different colour.I know that Lamy has a reputation for prioritising function over form, and I'm generally all for that. Even with that in mind, the poor packaging and leftover ink residue are not very justifiable. Fountain pens, especially at this price point, are closer to being luxery items. It's clumsy mistakes like these that harm the overall experience.