2022 Leonardo Momento Magico Emerald Fountain Pen Unboxing and Review

[@TheNightowl001]

I'm just going through one of those periods where I look at the dimensions of this pen and see that it's a bit larger than what I know feels comfortable in my hand, the acrylic patterns and colors don't REALLY "call to me," and I find it hard to justify a +/- $200 implement that I can't help feeling at baseline is "just another Jowo nib holder." That might be just the depression talking, but sometimes all I can do at points like this is wait until it passes before I can find a true appreciation of some of these lovely works of art.

[@InkquiringMinds]

That's called "willpower"! :)

[@picklypt]

Thanks for this review. I watched it a few months back and decided to get the pen. I had been eyeing it for a long time hahaha. I love it!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@Detman101]

Loving this new video format!! Handsome guys should always show their faces, and being able to see both views at once...awesome!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Wow! Thanks, Detman!

[@remyvegamedia]

I'm not sure if I'd like this or the MZ's section better 🤔 That's really all it comes down to choosing between the two! Leonardo is definitely my grail pen.

[@oscarmedina1597]

Another excellent video and review. I laughed out loud repeatedly. And you made me want one of these.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you, Oscar!

[@seanmarshall2559]

I too bought the magico and don’t love it as much as my MZs. Still great pens, I do like having an ink window. Great video as always

[@InkquiringMinds]

Awesome! Thank you, Sean!

[@cameronkiely7210]

Awesome as always Doug thanks! You did bring my attention back to my Narwhal Schuylkill Rockfish that I am currently hunting a feed for, but alas I need to purchase a new nib assembly for $50 AUD which is about $20 AUD less than the price of new pen lol. Looking forward to your review of the dragon! Also ordered a Hongdian 100 on the back of your other review 😍.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Terrific! This Dragonet Sapphire was provided by Narwhal! First one I haven't had to pay full retail for!

[@AngelGabrielish]

I have NEVER taken as long a time to make a decision as with the Leonardos. My original purchase was delayed when I heard about the Magico. I waited patiently until it was released but was not thrilled with the original resins. Then I made myself crazy trying to decide if I wanted a gold elastic nib (more or less doubles the price of the pen). I tried to source it through a brick and mortar (fail) and went back to the drawing board. I was so happy to see that you were reviewing it and incredibly happy to hear that an elastic nib review is coming soon. But now you tell me that Leonardo is going to make their own nibs. Ay yi yi. I think I may be on the sidelines for this pen for yet more months. Thinking I should just buy a Jowo steel elastic nib (out of stock but it will come eventually) and delay my Leonardo purchase again. Hoping I can still hold a pen by the time I pull the trigger and eagerly anticipating your review comparing the elastic nib to the MB Calligraphy nib (which I own). I do appreciate your efforts to clearly distinguish the objective from the subjective.

[@InkquiringMinds]

They keep upping the ante that's for sure!

[@martinlebl631]

Now with a piston and ink window these are becoming mighty tempting. Especially as I know that section works for me thanks to certain knockoffs. :)

[@Javi_C]

Appreciate your thoughts Doug

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you Javi C. That is much appreciated!

[@archivist17]

Haha! Yes, I see your mention of the not-Galaxy Blue Abyss option. 😄

[@InkquiringMinds]

A non-starter!

[@santauxia]

Gorgeous pen. Great review.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you kindly!

[@bullseye11b]

I have not bought a Leonardo pen yet, but I have bought a few of their replacement nibs. I currently have them in an opus 88, diplomat aero and a jinhao 100. They are all great nibs.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Now that they are Jowo nibs, I agree. The Bock nibs were, in my experience, awful.

[@user-br3sl9go3b]

​@@InkquiringMinds I had two Leonardos with Bock nibs. Both wouldn't even write. One also had a faulty converter connection. Total loss. However, when I complained the second time, I got a replacement pen, not just a replacement nib -- Prugna -- with a stub. It is one of my favorite fountain pens. I am hesitant about dipping in again. However, when you inevitably review one of Leonardo's in-house nibs, and if you are enthusiastic, I will be hard pressed not to try a third time.

[@Mikey-ii8ef]

OMG! I just ordered my first two Leonardo's this morning from Pen Venture. A Momento Zero(Prugna) and a Furore(Galaxy, the last one they had). Thank you Doug, another shipment to hide from my wife - lol! Anyway, Emy from Pen Venture mentioned that the Furore has a Bock Nib. Isn't it a bit weird that a new Leonardo would have a Bock Nib in August, 2022? I have no Bock Nibs, so I guess it's not a big deal...I do feel a little cheated, but I'm not sure I should. I also looked hard at a Magico, which I will likely re-visit. Thank you for the great reviews!

[@InkquiringMinds]

That Furore has to be new old stock. They stopped using Bock in January 2021.

[@yappytown]

Are Bocks bad? Or do they just usually use their own in house nibs or something?

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@yappytown The QC has suffered in the last couple of years I think as makers migrate away to Jowo.

[@MrCabimero]

Thank you. I have a couple of Leo MZGs in my collection thanks to you. Yes, I agree, I think they are some of the finest pens on the market. I have resorted to buying my more expensive pens exclusively from vendors that will tune and smooth the nib before sending it. This is done at no extra charge, and prevents the heart ache I had when I purchased a Visconti. I would like to know where you got the pen rack on your desk. I looked on your son's site Inkbuddy but did not find it. PS- only a musician like you would be able to hear the difference in the pen feedback. Old deaf guys like me hear it all the same!!! And glad that you, like Odysseus, did not heed the sirens call to buy that other expensive Leo. Plug your ears like Odysseus did, but with a pen cap and lash yourself to your chair the next time they come calling.

[@InkquiringMinds]

LOL! Thanks, MrCab! The pen stand was printed by my son but it is a Thingiverse design. It can be printed, but not resold.

[@MrCabimero]

@@InkquiringMinds ok thanks

[@aag24]

Congratulation! I guess I MUST get a Leonardo pens! I don't own any … not even sure they have a distributor on this accursed Brexishity isle. (you should get one of your Opera friends to teach you Italian - you theatre folks always hang around together)

[@InkquiringMinds]

You can buy directly from the Leonardo website. My daughter is an opera singer, so she can teach me. LOL

[@aag24]

@@InkquiringMinds your daughter? Wow. You are an incredibly talented family sir! (I’ll be robbed by the import tax authorities. The benefits of a European Union are no longer ours to enjoy! Even shops in the USA (like Goulet, Jet Pens, etc) now insist on a minimum spend of $250 … it’s very disheartening).

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@aag24 Thank you! And sorry about the Brexit stupidity!

[@escapingdeception5799]

I want this pen!

[@ashokkumartyagi3924]

Very beautiful fountain pen ! Thank you for introducing such a beautiful pen so nicely ! I want to buy the same beautiful fountain pen. Please advise. Is it still available with fountain pen company for sale ? Thanks in advance ! Best wishes ! With respect ,

[@InkquiringMinds]

It is. leonardopen.com/collections/momento-magico/products/momento-magico-smeraldo

[@porcelainbisque]

Hi I am new here, so glad I found your videos. I was wondering if it’s necessary to get the 14k gold or a steel is good enough?

[@InkquiringMinds]

Welcome aboard! The steel is good for writing. Gold is preferred for longevity.

[@williamcatalano1762]

Good review Doug!!! I love my Magico in Miele (Honey) finish. It however has the older ink window that is bigger and doesn't have the rings on the outside of it. While I like my bigger ink window the rings on the newer ones are a nice and welcome touch. I noticed how much bigger my hands are than yours by looking where the end of your hand meets on the pen and mine looks way shorter in the hand than yours. Mine is more comfortable I guess and this is why? I want a Furore but have thought long and hard and decided that if I do it will be the grande version because it's bigger and will probably fit my hand better. I also noticed that a Pelikan M-800 isn't as big as I originally thought compared to the magico. I want a Pelikan but If i'm spending that kind of coin want it to be comfortable. Perhaps a 1000 is more to my liking? Also I got my Pilot 78G+ and you were right about it being a smaller pen. I like it but very small for my hand. It will be a knockaround pen for sure though. But the real reason I got it was because it was cheap and I was testing to see if that size would work for me. I was thinking about getting an Esterbrook Jr. pocket pen in carmine red. I'm not spending the money on it. I love the looks but it's probably the size of the 78G and it wouldn't get used much honestly because of the size. I also just got a Moonman A-1 in wine red. Love it except I wish the nib was a bit more juicy as they only come in EF even if it still is more of a fine line. I put Diamine writers blood in it and it fits. I love it though. But I know now if I want a real Pilot VP I'd love it, but I know now for sure. Was worried about the clip being in the way, but for me it isn't a problem. I am happy Leonardo is going in house with nibs. I hope this will be an excellent decision and not a flop. I also just saw Narwhal or Nahvalur is the new name these days haha I saw they finally made a vacuum filler now. So I guess that will be a must have soon. lol Will be looking forward to your review on that when the time comes and also the elastic Leonardo nib as I am interested. Also to a future video on the new in house Leonardo nibs when the time comes. Whew. I know this was long winded and even had more to say, but this will do. lol Hope you are well!!!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Once bitten... I feel the same about Kanwrite and FPR.

[@williamcatalano1762]

@@InkquiringMinds What do you mean you feel the same way about Kanwrite and FPR? You were disappointed in them?

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@williamcatalano1762 Sorry. This reply was meant for your comment about your issues with Leonardo.

[@williamcatalano1762]

@@InkquiringMinds Oh no. I didn't have any issues with my Magico. I love the pen. I meant that my hands are even bigger than yours I noticed so a Furore Grande would probably be the way to go instead of the regular because it would fit my hand better. Same between the Pelikan M-800 and M-1000. I worded it weird probably haha I'm sorry.

[@obituariopuertorriqueno4283]

Talking about coincidences! I bought my first Leonardo last Thursday. I must admit I had been debating about getting a Momento Magico Emerald for about a month or so. And then, Goldspot announced its latest collaboration with Leonardo had just arrived: the Momento Zero Caretta. This limited edition Momento Zero combines two beautiful blue and green resins with blue trims and a blue nib. It was a no contest! Right now I'm waiting for my Caretta to arrive, and as soon as it gets here I'll let you know how it feels. ✒️

[@InkquiringMinds]

Something to look forward to!

[@stefanwood2182]

The Momento Zero arrived. To quote Geroge Takei, "Oh my!" It's interesting to see how much and how little differentiates this from its cheap competitors. Really, it all comes down to detail. The unique curvature of its nib, which arc slightlty at the middle, but bends firmly at the edges. How it hugs the shape of the feed. The lightness of the pen, not much different than a Moonman, but a tactile feel that feels sturdier and firmer in the hand. The color!!!!! Yes, this is the gold standard at its price range for sure.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Congrats, Stefan! Enjoy!

[@johnsomers8269]

Your Italian is fantastico! A snail mail epistle from me is on its way to you!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Excellente! Thank you John!

[@paulherman5822]

Looks like the flex nib is heading towards the right direction. Similar in design to the truly flexible steel dip nibs from the 1800s (and the modern Zebra G type.😁) Still not convinced that it's as much a "true flex" as it could be. I can get similar with the old Esterbrook "for shaded writing" fountain pen nibs (and that's still not a lot, compared even to a Sheaffer's Balance Junior), but it's definitely a step in the right direction. 😁 Still a good looking pen, with a lot to encourage me to think about it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this lovely pen!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks, Paul!

[@dashsunil]

Wow. Thats a great price you got. Here in Th, it retails for 250 USD. Quite a surge.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Oh wow!

[@dashsunil]

@@InkquiringMinds thats a great deal for you, Doug. Thank you for sharing the prices always. Appreciated.

[@paulmchugh1430]

I have been betwixt and between the Magico, Mosaico, and the Momento Zero Grande. Like all three but your opinion on the grip area of the Magico makes a case for the other two. I would probably jump at the MZG if it had a larger ink capacity, meaning a larger converter or a piston filler, but alas that is not meant to be. I also want to see the comparison between the steel elastic and the MB calligraphy nib very much.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Hey Paul. Did you mean the MZ instead of MZG? Because the MZG IS a piston filler with a 1.5ml capacity.

[@paulmchugh1430]

@@InkquiringMinds I thought the MZG was. Cartridge Converter. Yes, the MZG is the pen of choice. I was thinking about getting an Elastic Steel nib. So, I am very interested in your comparison.

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@paulmchugh1430 The MZG and the Furore Grande are both piston fillers. The same piston as in the Magico. The smaller Momento Zero is a cartridge converter.

[@MrCabimero]

PS- the flex/elastic nib comparison is coming soon to a theater near us ??

[@InkquiringMinds]

Yes. Next week I hope. Filming today.

[@samyg123]

I saw recently Figboot has been doing collaborations with pen makers, have you ever considered doing one? Feel like putting your preferences into a model would make an amazing pen!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Yeah right. Like Brooks knows who I am! LOL Figboot has 37,000 subscribers!

[@samyg123]

@@InkquiringMinds true, but he’s also been at this for almost a decade

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@samyg123 Yeah. And the fact that he did a wonderful in-person interview and acrylic mixing video with Brooks. The Figboot - Brooks - Leonardo connection is strong.

[@samyg123]

@@InkquiringMinds I get that impression too. But I think the pen community could benefit from more reviewer/manufacturer collabs

[@gourisankarmandal6733]

Hi , can you review about the Click renaissance fountain pen?

[@InkquiringMinds]

I'll take a look.

[@willieb918]

What song are you playing at the start of this video? I can’t remember the name.

[@InkquiringMinds]

“Longer” by Dan Fogelberg

[@princeajaz9167]

Kindly tell me the name of the ink that you use for signature at the introduction of video

[@InkquiringMinds]

J Herbin Kyanite du Nepal

[@princeajaz9167]

@Inkquiring Minds Thanks. I am a new pen lover, and it feels good to get a response from a pro.

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@princeajaz9167 Thanks! But I think you have me confused with Figboot on Pens! LOL

[@edisontrent5244]

My only challenge with this pen is the cap does not seem to seal well, if it sits for a day I have to let it restart by having it nib down for about 10 min. I had Graf von Faber Castell turquoise in it which seems dry, so that may also be a factor.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks for mentioning that. I just checked with a back light and the ledge on the inside of the cap does NOT meet up with the section to seal that nib!

[@Calcprof]

Transparent Window. That is, an ink window.

[@twain888]

😔 removed this from my Grail list. For Leonardo, I'll wait for Furore Piston with curved grip of Zero and ink window of Magico. 🤣🤣

[@InkquiringMinds]

That would be great!

[@archivist17]

I think I am more disposed towards the Magico than you are. There was a black version in the original release I quite admired. That said, if anyone wanted to give me a Blue Abyss fir my birthday, I'm open to offers.

[@InkquiringMinds]

I have a Galaxy Penbbs 308 that's more in your ballpark. ;)

[@archivist17]

By the way, I was braced throughout for this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4m0hYWnrsycbNk

[@InkquiringMinds]

OMG Mr. Sleepytime!

[@Raul1971xxx]

I'm gonna rate that pen.. I give it a 9.8 to 10.

[@InkquiringMinds]

You sound like Chris!

[@Raul1971xxx]

@@InkquiringMinds Affirmative.. 👍👍😄😄🇪🇸🇪🇸

[@sushanart]

Do you have a video of the flex nib too? Don't have any flex nibs and would like to see if it's for me or not. 😇🩷🙏🙌

[@InkquiringMinds]

I don’t think I do! I should get on that!

[@sushanart]

Yes, please! 😁👍