Review of the LAMY Safari
As my first venture into the fountain pen hobby, I chose a Lamy Safari and a Platinum Preppy.
I chose the platinum preppy as it was fairly cheap. The Lamy Safari was my first "grail" pen. I got it in green from WHSmith.
As I chose a fine nib for the preppy. I decided to go for a medium nib on the Safari. This was a good idea. Knowing what I know now I should've gotten a broad nib for the preppy. It was much too fine so I barely use it.
I really enjoy writing with the Lamy nib and knowing that the nibs are replaceable is a godsend.
Materials
For my "Emerald" Green Lamy Safari the main material seems to be ABS plastic, which I've been told is what Lego is made out of.
In comparison to metal I very much like the plastic as it always feels warm to the touch.
I've heard that the grip can get sweaty and slippery but I haven't personally experienced that.
One thing I can say for certain is that the material doesn't feel cheap by any means.
It's exactly what I like.
Form
The form of the pen is different from many other fountain pens I've seen. I for one very much like the look of the Safari.
The ink window most definitely is a useful function.
The triangular grip section makes holding the pen much easier and while many people don't like the grip, I do.
While the pen does post. I personally do not post it, as when it's unposted it has the perfect balance for me.
Converter
The Lamy Converter comes a bit pricy at ~£5 - £6 however I believe that it was a valid purchase. I knew that I was not going to use cartridges as I really wanted to try all sorts of inks. I didn't want to be stuck with just Lamy Cartridges.
I personally love the distinctively red turning knob.
The converter is also generally useful as it helps me with cleaning the pen.
Nib
On my green Lamy Safari I have a medium nib as of writing.
The nib feels incredibly smooth and very rarely has a hard time starting. Though it's normally because I barely put the nib to the paper.
Price
The price I payed for the green Lamy Safari was £27 which I believe is retail price, I believe this is reasonable for a pen that could last well over 10 years.
The Lamy Safari could've been my first and only fountain pen, and I could have simply bought nibs so that I could find the nib I like.
Sound Design
One of the first things people notice when picking up and using my Lamy Safari is the cap.
When the cap is removed to reveal the nib, there is a satisfying "pop" and when the cap is reinserted there is a soothing "click" because it lets you know that the cap is on the pen.
The Cap
The cap of a Lamy Safari is instantly recognisable. With it's iconic clip that does not bend easily, it's certainly successful in both form and function.
Photos
