New pen from Noodlers, the Ahab, second generation flex nib from Nathan.

The second flex pen, third altogether from Nathan? The Ahab - following his Nantucket theme.

Unpacked from Goulet Pens to UK (via customs) 22 Nov - 8 Dec. Well wrapped in bubble wrap with the explanatory note. I bought the clear to see what the fuss was all about. The only advantage I can ... see, is how much ink is left. More needed perhaps on the earlier flex pen with its much smaller body. This pen feels big. Same girth as the TWSBI, nib even longer.

It feels right (one caveat) from the start. Big without being too big. Lots of ink I guess, without measuring it, much more than the earlier pen. It writes easily as any good pen should. Not buttery smooth but smooth enough, with just enough drag to keep my hand in check.

Quality? (pure prejudice here), It's clear plastic thus it is cheap. No? I don't think so. I like th engineering that's gone into this. It strips easier than the TWSBI. The piston needed unsticking and came apart easily. Ditto the rest of the pen.

Negatives? Just one. The grip has a smooth step down to the grip/feed intersection. Makes my hand tend to slide onto the nib. Why Nathan? A 2mm step where none is needed? Rest of it I like.

Flex. It does... not easily. Feels more resistance. See writing for a comparison. More work needed to flex it. Just makes for a soft nib as far as I can see (good point). $20 + shipping? Thanks Nathan. Great value. Now when are you going to find an EU/UK outlet? Full of ink. A big pen.

See the step in the grip?

Little and large

I'm tempted to ask if Nathan will make his third 'just right' for me?

Review, Diamine gray ink