Conklin Mark Twain Review...and a giveaway

[@PathinAZ]

I've always been partial to lever fillers. My everyday carry is a Waterman's 452 1/2v I restored, a pen my grandma used to write with 70+ yrs ago. Cheers

[@WBLBears11]

Thanks for the review! My favorite unique filling system has got to be the snorkel filler. I look forward to running out of ink so I can use it again!

[@pat412pear]

Sam Bosak I have a couple of vintage Sheaffers, so I totally get the urge.

[@imiranda6117]

As usual, David, very thoughtful review. The C&C filling system is my favorite because of its ease of cleaning.

[@joannew8093]

Just purchased the black one thanks to your review. Happy fountain pen day 2019

[@FigbootonPens]

Thanks for watching!

[@edgarjauregui6238]

I had recently seen the crescent filler but nowhere had I seen how it actually filled, very nice indeed

[@DDixon-kk1kf]

I really like filling converters with blunt syringes. Converters hold enough ink that I don’t run out during the day but not so much that I’m committing to one color for more than a couple of days. They are really convenient for allowing my ink colors to complement my mood, while also avoiding inky hands when using a blunt syringe.

[@InkquiringMinds]

I agree. I dislike filling a pen by dipping it nib down into the bottle of ink and then twisting or operating some mechanism. It is fraught with the danger of a potential accident. Just a little ink in a blunt syringe and fill the converter. Then I will put one drop on the feed and it is primed. Fast, clean and efficient.

[@Chrisiant]

I am new to the crescent filler, I think it's rather elegant. Thank you for reviewing it.

[@thatjellyfish]

You provide a very informative, and great videos that has inspired me to get back into fountain pens again. For that I am grateful! Keep up the good work!

[@SilverScale.]

That crescent is fascinating, I always wondered how it works! Anti-rolling is also a plus. I also never knew that about Mark Twain's name significance. Neat!

[@tanbatun9366]

Thanks for the review. As a student and lifelong user I'd recommend reusing standard cartridges by refilling it with a syringe.

[@LucidorSWE]

I tried the tip with sealing with hot glue to get a few in your bag without spillage. Just scrape it off before loading...

[@tanbatun9366]

@@LucidorSWE thanks for the tip man, that never came up to me! I'll try it out for sure

[@strongbox9849]

Thanks for the review. It was interesting to know how the pen name Mark Twain came to be.

[@monkfan72]

The Crescent filler looks awesome! I used to not like lever fillers, but since my favorite pen of all times (at the moment) is the Waterman's 55, I am starting to love the lever filler mechanism. I guess it's because I love my pen that I love everything about it. :)

[@HistoryMike86]

I'm so glad you reviewed this pen! I have a Harringbone and have wanted the Mark Twain for a while.

[@ChristineLSlocum]

That black pattern is lovely. Wow. I am going to steal the phrase "profanity saver"

[@antonioraffa5489]

A thorough review as always David. I always need just one more pen. Keep up the good work.

[@MelissaLeilaniLarson]

Thanks for sponsoring the giveaway! My favorite filling system is the Edison draw filler. I have a Menlo equipped with it, and it has a large capacity and always works.

[@FigbootonPens]

Just leaving another reply here to see if this one will save. Hmmm...*NOW* it decides to save! Grrrr. :-)

[@MelissaLeilaniLarson]

@@FigbootonPens :)

[@nataliazellermaclean3723]

I will forever be amused by the Sheaffer snorkel pen. Thanks for the thorough review!

[@Reevahn]

I love the filling mechanism of the GO. I had to take mine apart for some deep cleaning and you can really appreciate the ingenuity of both the pen and how it was put together

[@oheck5570]

I enjoyed learning how a crescent filler works. But I really liked knowing how Samuel Clemens got his alias. You have lots to offer us. Thanks.

[@bokneg66]

Thanks again for another chance to win! I find that black Mark Twain design to be so elegantly old-fashioned.

[@gadgetstop321]

I appreciate the ingenuity of unique filling systems, but my favorite is one that is easy to clean - the cartridge/converer.

[@letujoseph]

I like converters because they’re easy to change out inks!

[@jeremyhenderson5233]

Another great review. Thanks so much for taking the time. And thank you for your consistency in all of your reviews. It’s nice to know what to expect.

[@Maraaha55]

David - thanks for an excellent review as always. I found it particularly interesting to get an in your face view of the filling mechanism in action on the demonstrator. It was nice to hear again the story of how Sam Clemens found his pen name - I remember reading Tom Sawyer in primary school and the teacher telling us this story in introducing us to the book (I had already started reading the book - if I had not already finished it and gone on to Huck Finn, but it was still an engaging fact to hear). It's moments like this which make me realise just how excellent our school was, in a tiny rural village in the north of Scotland and that continued throughout my education there. God bless the North! [It's summer here in Derbyshire, but it feels like Winter is Coming!]

[@FigbootonPens]

A couple years ago, I took a trip to Scotland and loved it. I was in the St. Andrews/Crail/Dundee/Carnoustie area. I would love to visit again sometime.

[@matthewschneider8106]

Thank you David, and interesting pen with some nice history.

[@jmm95076]

I like any filling system that can be completely disassembled for cleaning. Thanks for another great review and give-away.

[@kjkoolio]

I think this crescent filler wins for most unique to me. I wasn’t sure of the exact mechanism until you just showed us in the demonstrator. Thanks for the review; always quality. I am glad there is that “safety” ring under the crescent. Hope you’re well. Look forward to hearing from you soon!

[@olivertull86]

Great job again, I haven’t really considered a crescent filler before but now I feel like I have to have one. Right now I’m really enjoying the Pilot Custom 823 vacuum filling system. Huge capacity!

[@fare1710]

I love the way you do your reviews

[@abbaabenjaminmancaud3384]

Thank you for the detailed description and the narration of the history! I love the unique filling system of this model.

[@therealjenso]

I'm with you on the alignment. Those little details speak volumes about the quality and attention to detail about a manufacturer.

[@meatatarian212]

Seems like Conklin nailed it. I was always kinda skeptical about the new crescent filler but my feelings are changing about it. Thanks for the review! As far as unique filling systems, I really like the interesting system on the Conid Bulk Filler, theres some seriously cool and ingenious engineering there.

[@jerryvankuiken1882]

I thoroughly enjoy your reviews. They are detailed and answer the questions most people would have. I have always enjoyed the Esterbrook filling system, since that was the pen I first started using in 1952.

[@umjw21]

I think my favorite filling system is using an eye dropper - especially on something like the Opus 88 Demonstrator. Good balance of volume and ease of cleaning. Also great if the nib is flexible because eye droppers don't seem to have the same flow issues as some other systems.

[@kyuu129]

I love the rose gold trim! I like this filling mechanism because you get more rose gold material on the pen.

[@Hobbysgirl100]

I change inks too often for ink capacity to be a high priority. It seems like ink capacity is the reason for alternate filling systems. Thanks for the give away! The rose gold trim is beautiful.

[@AnshShah1]

My favorite unique filling system has to be conid's bulk filler. It is easy to use, easy to clean, and highly functional with a high ink capacity.

[@loganbohlinger8692]

Ansh Shah The bulk filler looks fantastic. A Conid pen is on my ever growing wish list.

[@AnshShah1]

@@loganbohlinger8692 have you seen the Penbbs 355. It uses a similar system and is around $35.

[@gloriavillanueva2913]

Before a road trip, I researched a variety of fountain pens and their filling mechanisms. We actually stopped in Hannibal, MO, Twains hometown and I was thrilled to see a poster advertising this pen! I have liked the look of the pen since my research, but overall I so like piston fillers.

[@srvfan84]

I bought my first Conklin a few weeks ago - a Duragraph stub nib. I liked the body design and material but the nib felt unpolished and had the worst feedback I'd ever felt out of box. I polished the nib and I enjoy how the stub script looks. Thanks for this review. It's fun to see what else is out there in the modern Conklin world.

[@Vidugavja]

I happen to like another Conklin filling system: The Conklin Nozac piston filler. Not the modern ones, but the original 1930s one. I have one that had been my grandfather's. I was surprised how well it worked still after I cleaned it. I was able to get the cork seal working perfectly without having to replace it. In comparison, many of my modern pistons seem to get stiff after a few ink refills and need new silicone grease. After all these decades, the Conklin Nozac has managed to feel as if it were brand new. I consider that to be a great piston, and at the time unique in the U.S.

[@zathrasnotzathras655]

I love the unique filling system of the Mark Twain. Also love how Twain described the pen.

[@InkquiringMinds]

“If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything. “ Mark Twain. Thanks for the wonderful review of a unique pen named for a very unique writer. The demonstrator is almost anachronistic in that it is a modern incarnation of an old technology.

[@ArkansasMike]

This is a beautiful pen. It's my next one to buy. My favorite filling system would be the piston filler; just because of the ink capacity.

[@denspens9035]

Thanks for the review. I think my favourite filling system is the one from the old parker vacumatic. Very little fuss and easy to work with.

[@rsinger2597]

Thanks for the review... always been curious about this Twain pen and filling system. I prefer non sac fillers, but the crescent is at least unique-looking.

[@jeannineelliott9437]

Thank you for reviewing this pen. I've always been curious about it but too worried whether I'd like it or not to actually but it. After watching your review I'm leaning toward giving it a try.

[@jochananveerbeek3915]

I think my favorite filling mechanism is the Opus 88 eyedropper type with the stopper inside. Big capacity and safe for flying.

[@WantedVisual]

I'm so happy you reviewed this one! This one is definitely going on the Christmas wishlist!

[@ginopagnani7286]

My favorite filling mechanism is the standard converter. Not glamorous, I know, but still the easiest when cleaning out your pen.

[@SuaveP]

I think I would look good in a women's large Tee. Haha. Thanks you David! Good luck and God speed all.

[@dinghuart]

I think the Conid filling system is my favorite simply due to its raw functionality. The pilot 823 vacuum filler is probably the flashiest though!

[@aligorgun]

Thanks again for this review. I used to love piston fillers, but lately I am starting to lean towards eyedropper pens with a shut-off valve like from Opus 88, or simple converters. This has mainly to do with the ease of cleaning them.

[@curtism5333]

Another great review. Thanks. The most fascinating filling system that I’ve seen in that of the Conid bulkfiller. The Mark Twain seems interesting and the alignment of the crescent with the nib certainly helps ergonomically. I think the price is great.

[@thecivilroad]

Thank you for the review! My favorite filling system is eye dropping because it holds a large amount of ink and it is typically easy to clean.

[@good_youtube_handle]

I've always loved the design of Conklin's Crescent Filler, particularly the smaller vintage ones! They have wonderful nibs.

[@wlovas]

I love a good piston filler - easy enough to clean, no weird ink traps, no sacs to go bad, no tricky business with having to unscrew the blind cap to write.. but so much more capacity than your usual converter!

[@greyareaRK1]

I love the look of the black version, with the pattern so common in ye olde (ebonite?) originals. Thicker too, I believe, which is nice, and cap-able too.

[@tiantuatara]

Very helpful to see the demonstrator model and see what is going on inside. I don't really have a favorite odd filling system. I have a vintage Esterbrook lever filler and I'm not in love with not knowing how much ink it has. The crescent is cool though, with bonus points for Mark Twain.

[@apocalypse_frau]

Vacuum fillers are fun, but as long as the nib is smooth and I can view the ink level (via window or in a demonstrator), I’m happiest. 🤟✒️

[@sarahwillcutts9169]

Thanks for another contest opportunity! As for filling mechanism, I like crescent fillers and vac fillers.

[@rscottrogers]

Thanks for the review! I’ve been curious about the crescent filler. Of all the unusual, unique, obsolete, or just plain unusual filling systems I’ve tried, I haven’t really preferred any over a modern piston filler or even converter fill.

[@AlanJOCasado]

Such a nice pen, I find that filling mechanism to be quite interesting. I like the piston filling mechanism because it holds more ink. Thanks for the review!

[@nicolasveyrat-charvillon6686]

Awesome pen. But I cannot help but be fascinated by the magic of (demonstrator) vacuum fillers.

[@philryan3418]

I really do enjoy unique filling systems, they seem to make the pen stand out more. My favorite filling system would have to be the snorkel style system. Very good review on a classic pen brought back to life.

[@JoshSTatum]

Your reviews are the best. My first fountain pen was a Conklin, chosen because of Mark Twain's endorsement. But it wasn't a cresent-filler. My favorite filling mechanism is a piston filler.

[@cynthiaalvarado8610]

Thanks again for another enjoyed review, David. My favorite filling mechanism is seeing the vac fillers draw the ink. I really enjoy my Twsbi Mini Vac for including the wrench so cleaning is not as big of a hassle.

[@WeeblesMcGee]

I think this is one of the more interesting filling mechanisms. My only personal experience thus far has been with cartridge converter pens, I'm ready to start trying different mechanisms!

[@gordonbusseau9349]

Thank you for another fantastic review.I love my Opus88 Fantasia eye dropper with the shut off valve. I have been eyeing this pen for the last few days. I like the way it looks

[@jjrector]

My favorite filling mechanism is probably cartridge/converter. Makes it easy to clean the pen!

[@sven-erikrose5732]

Thank for the review. I like the vac filler mechanism of the Twsbi Vac 700/ Penbbs 456, and I like the eyedropper + shut-off valve of many Opus 88 pens (among others).

[@billthomas8205]

Thank you as always for an excellent review. My fave filling system is the Shaeffer Snorkel, as my fingers don't get so inky - working in a hospital, we need to look clean as well as be clean!

[@kevinzheng6531]

wow i didn't know there was a demonstrator version. Besides i love how you tell the history of the pen

[@kvetchingdingo]

What an interesting history this company and brand has! Thank you again, as always, for the best fountain pen content on youtube!

[@desmondoneill6196]

A great review as always. I suppose my favorite filling mechanism is the Vacuum Filler, but I do like that this pen resurrects a mechanism that has virtually disappeared in modern pens. A nice homage to the olden days!

[@rakeshvarma4695]

Hi David, thanks for the review. I own several Conklins and like you have had a hit or miss experience with the nibs, especially the omniflex nibs. The Mark Twain crescent filler reminds me of my school days where the fountain pen sac had to be pumped by hand, leading to almost always having ink on one’s hands. The TWSBI GO has the spring mechanism that I am quite enjoying using.

[@Xingqiwu387]

I would NEVER use a steel nib! Nothing beats 18kt or 23kt gold for smoothness. Excellent presentation as always.

[@MrAndrew1953]

A lovely pen with some unique, quaint features like the Crescent filling system. Using it would give you a certain historical experience. Another I like is the Noodlers Boston Safety pen.

[@jeffthompson8789]

I always look forward to your reviews, thank you so much. I enjoy vacuum fillers , but I would enjoy trying something new. All the best.

[@master_of_scribble5535]

The Bulkfiller looks awesome from Conid! Thanks for the opportunity.

[@enigmaticecstasy]

Thanks for the review, I've been looking at these pens but haven't been able to decide if I want to go for it or not. As for filling systems, I like the ingenuity of vacuum fillers, but I also really like eye dropper filling demonstrators, having just the ink sloshing around in empty chamber with no extra parts just looks wonderful to me.

[@christianhaitz9774]

Love Mark Twain and this pen has been on my list for a while now. I absolutely love the filling system on my Conid Bullfiller. Thanks for a great review!

[@mickmckigney4177]

Impressive pen and review. The Mark Twain branding adds to the interest.

[@normananderson8687]

I like filling systems such as the Pilot 823 that have shut off mechanisms that control the ink flow.

[@kinjalbhar3296]

That lever of the filling mechanism is definitely the distinctive, but I generally don't find that mechanism the most efficient! The demonstrator looks really cool though.

[@michaelmooney8083]

Not a single detail escapes the beady eye of inspector Figboot! Well done David, a pen which is uniquely American and which has escaped me to date.

[@rogeliogarcia-cavazos3715]

Very nice review as always. I really like the eyedropper system in the Opus 88 brand. You get the huge ink capacity that comes with eyedroppering with minimal risk of ink burping. It is very straightforward and with very small chance of mechanical failure.

[@MartaZobeniak]

I'd love to give that crescent filling system a try. Right now I love my piston filler for capacity and the converter ones for ease of cleaning.

[@MrTeal888]

Great review David. my favourite filling mechanism is the piston filler preferably the Pelikan ones since they are the easiest to clean.

[@jizzyzs]

A thorough review indeed. I do agree with you on yafa brand's nibs being either a hit or a miss. As for my favourite filling mechanism, I would say its the snorkel filling mechanism found in vintage Sheaffer fountain pens. Cleaning them can be a real pain in the back though!

[@leandrosilva3807]

"I never let my schooling interfere with my education." - Mark Twain. Is probably my favourite quote by him for now :)

[@WhatIInk]

I have a Conklin Crescent 20 that's about 100 years old and it's among my favorite filling systems on vintage pens. On modern pens, I'm actually a big fan of eyedropper pens with shutoff valves (like the Opus 88).

[@abel.jo.mateix1404]

Thanks for the review, David. I like vacuum fillers in demonstrator pens. Very fun to use :)

[@punchymcfearson253]

I have to say Pilot's Custom 823 is the most interesting filling system to me, as well as the pens with bladders. Never used either as I'm new to fountain pens, but still fascinated. I feel that the vacuum filler is just more useful in terms of travel. Both seem more convenient than the converters I use for my Lamys and Jinhao.

[@anrik-l2k744]

Great review David, my favorite filling system must be the eye dropper. I love the simplicity and massive ink capacity when it’s available!

[@carloscardy8117]

I like the filling systems that allow for a large amount of ink. So I started with piston fill, moved up to vacuum fill, and hope to play around with a bulk-filler eventually. The bulk-filler I guess is really just a combination of the vac and piston filling systems.

[@Shaiy007]

That's not a bad price. I have always loved the Mark Twain. I would love to have one in my collection. Oh - my favorite filling system is vacuum. 😎👍

[@cassidypfau1519]

I've been eyeing these pens for a while, mostly because of their filling system! Thanks for the giveaway.

[@mikeiokhvin2853]

I like Visconti’s “Power Filler”, very fast filling system.

[@taintedcrimson]

Thanks for the thorough review, David! Love the rose gold on these pens, especially the demonstrator.

[@pat412pear]

My desired filling system depends on what’s the purpose of the pen. The longer I will be away from home/office the more likely to eye dropper a pen. If I am writing just for pleasure, I want a cartridge/converter so I can change inks more often. I do however like a snorkel or touchdown.