BENU Ambrosia
Overview
This pen is only for sale (as far as I can see) from BENU’s website. I went on there to figure out what sort of nibs I can fit in to my Talisman and I saw their Ambrosia line. Instantly, upon seeing a teal and gold pen, called “Forget-me-not,” I was in love and ready to throw my money at the situation.
But, not a coupon was in sight and the shipping from Armenia to my house would be a hefty $28. So I backed off and just showed it to everyone who ever wanted to buy me a gift for a holiday or birthday instead. But, in the end, they were much too afraid to buy me a pen (so many choices! What is “ef” or “m” mean???), so for my birthday in 2023, I got it for myself. Shipping and all.
Details
It’s even prettier in person, this ultra glossy work of art! BENU pens really are fun little marvels and I appreciate their sculptural qualities more and more with each one I see.
The nib is a #5 Schmidt nib. Schmidt and JoWo are the most common nibs you’ll find in pens, I do believe. I find that the #5 Schmidt is firmer than the #5 JoWo (the opposite is true for #6 nibs in my experience.), but it’s not anything like writing with a nail.
It can be posted, by some force of absolute magic. I have not had a single incident of the cap falling off the back, even though it looks like it should. Sometimes it takes a little twist of friction to get it on the back, but once it’s there it’s there. I can use it unposted as well, but I doubt anyone with meaty mitts will agree.
The grip section is like a swan’s neck. There is a little tiny bump before the nib. So small that some might say it was completely unnecessary (I would say that).
You must use a mini converter (or small cartridges if that’s your bag) in this pen. I have mine fitted with a Kaweco mini converter. The ones you can use with the Kaweco Sport. They tell you about this on the website and they do not supply you with a converter. They should though!
Here are some size comparisons:
Anything Bad to Say?
I got a hard start with this pen. So that was dreadful. It was only once, and I’ve had it inked and used it daily for about 3 weeks. I’m going to hope it was just a weird event. I will update if that happens to me ever again, though.
Writing Samples
I have this pen inked up with Diamine Steel Blue ink. And, yes, it was a massive headache trying to choose one of my nearly identical teal inks to put inside.
Conclusion
I wish there were no bump before the nib. They almost had it. Otherwise, it’s just a great pen to use. Tough to fit in a pen loop, though, I’ll give you that.
Thanks for this review! It helped me decide to buy a brown orchid. I also bought a Kaweco mini converter, but it won’t fit. It seems the inside diameter is too narrow, perhaps. It’s a little narrower than on a short international cartridge. (Or any international cartridge)
Did you have to do anything special to get yours to fit? Is your converter the one with the metallic piston knob, like mine, or another model?
Thanks very much!
Laura
The Brown Orchid one is lovely as well! I didn’t have to do anything special to get the Kaweco converter to fit, I mean it is not a ‘nice’ fit, I do have to push it a bit, but I’ve been using it for a few years without issues. It is the Kaweco Mini Piston converter (which fits their Sport models). I haven’t tried their newest ‘folding’ model of converter if that’s the one you used. Oh, if you watch the “closer look” video I put in the post, I take the pen apart and you can see the converter I used.