It is that time again. Time for the new POTY (Pen Of The Year) from Graf von Faber Castell. The first thing that hits our eye was that Graf has worked on the design shape of the cap, which in the last years always had the same design
So this was the first chance to buy a pen of the year with a completely new design. We did an article on last Year’s pen of the year (Check it out here). Last year we were in the land of the rising sun, talking about heritage, intricacy, the five elements, and details. This year we’re still talking about those things, but this time it’s different. This time we are going to Greece.
As badly as we wanted to start this post off with “THIS IS SPARTA” we decided against it. With that being said The movie 300, though fiction in some areas plays a huge part in this pen. We all know the story of the 300 Spartans, led by the fearless Leonidas held off king Xerxes at the battle of Thermopylae. That battle would go on to define the Spartans and put the world on notice about their strengths and abilities. They had the reputation of being unbeatable, they were considered your most powerful allies at the time. Rightfully so, because from childhood every male spartan went through a rigorous training system that was difficult and physically demanding. (no wonder they were so ripped in the movie) For centuries, the small province of Sparta was the strongest military power in ancient Greece. The Spartans discipline and superiority are legendary, acquired in their strict education from childhood onwards: the Agoge – meaning “leading, guidance, training”.
Driven to bravery, perseverance, fearlessness and abstinence, they were to be made the best warriors of their time. Heavily armed with shield, breastplate, helmet, and greaves, they went into battle on foot. They had to buy their very expensive armor themselves, which was adapted to their body shape. The POTY is modeled after this concept.
Driven to bravery, perseverance, fearlessness and abstinence, they were to be made the best warriors of their time. Heavily armed with shield, breastplate, helmet, and greaves, they went into battle on foot. They had to buy their very expensive armor themselves, which was adapted to their body shape. The POTY is modeled after this concept.
There are two color-ways to this piece both available as a rollerball, and Fountain Pen (Medium, Fine, Broad, Bold Broad size Nibs). The silver ruthenium coated edition is limited to 310 pieces as a fountain pen and 90 pieces as a rollerball. The anthracite-colored PVC “Black Edition” is limited to 270 pieces as a fountain pen, and 90 pieces as a rollerball. We love limited editions, it adds a special “get it while you can quality” but also shows the detail to the craft and not something that is just massed produced. In hand, both editions seem to just sink right in. They feel sturdy and have a good weight to it, again embodying the strength of Spartans.
The Matt ruthenium-coated barrel (silver edition), the grip, the clip, and the lambda symbol are reminiscent of the grandeur and sophistication of their armor. At the top of the barrel, you will find 7 rough diamonds(.35 carats) they represent the robustness, strength and uniqueness of the bold Spartans. As the hardest natural material, the word diamond comes from the Greek word adámas (ἀδάμας), which translates as “invincible”. The milled pattern on the barrel is reminiscent of the strip-style armor worn in the abdomen region. The milled grip zone of the writing instruments is a reference to the warriors’ breastplate, which was shaped according to the anatomy of the body. Details on the barrel are reminiscent of the archaic patterns on the Spartans’ protective, bespoke battle dress.
The “Black Edition” features 42 uncut diamonds of 2.1 carrots in strategically placed seven rows of six diamonds. (bling bling) Think of how the Spartans get their strength through precise unity. Again the grip on this edition also features the breastplate of the Spartans ( we like to call it a six-pack).
We are really pleased with these two editions. Graf von Faber Castell always does a great job with their POTY. They do an excellent job of delivering on the product and conveying the history, and a message with their pieces. This piece is special to us because not only does it have a lot of detail, aesthetically It is not that complex. This is a versatile piece for sure, use this anywhere! Pair this with your favorite watch or with your favorite suit. Take it to a business meeting. The subtle elegance of this pen mixed with equal parts coolness will give you the confidence to handle this pen however you see fit.
