FPR (Fountain Pen Revolution) Himalaya V2 Fountain Pen Unboxing and Review

[@nickturner2813]

Doug, at 2:30 you show the (rather odd) filling instructions provided for this pen that you didn't follow, at least you didn't film it if you did. Those instructions stated that ink would be expelled intentionally when filling after screwing the barrel ⅔ of the way back and that the pen should be held downwards for that. Could that be the reason for the leakage issue? Or perhaps it's just down to Indian manufacture!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks, Nick. The instructions on using the converter do not say that. Those are the instructions for using an eye dropper. I cleaned the pen out this morning (fifth time in two days) and took the converter out. I liberally greased the threads of the section and followed the eye dropper instructions to the letter. I also noted, from a comment from another viewer, that the nib was not fully seated. Did that. Screwed the barrel down 3/4, turned upside down over my ink bottler and screwed the barrel down. Two drops of ink. Cleaned everything with a tissue (I was using latex gloves for this whole operation). It still writes like a firehose and after just a few minutes being capped, the cap is full of ink. I think most of this is down to poor quality control and poor manufacturing. I will be returning the pen and the freebie (unused) for a refund I'm afraid.

[@JasonBarnhart]

Got one of these on the Black Friday sale. It needed some cleaning and the nib was rotated 180° out of the box but I generally clean new pens anyway so not a big deal. Did a gentle heat set and was very pleasantly surprised at how well the pen worked. I was prepared to tinker but I had zero issues. Working great with Birmingham swift formula ink on Tomo River paper. It’s in my current daily rotation. Very much appreciate the review and discussion in the comments. Thanks as always.

[@FriedPi-mc5yt]

4 years later and all the issues seem to have been corrected. I’ve got 3 and all of them write very well right out of the box. I even bought a couple of the Himalaya V1’s and a couple of the Jaipur V2’s. Kevin is a great guy and will do what he can to make sure you’re happy with your purchases.

[@adouglaspr]

I really appreciated the thorough and honest review. I love your videos. Keep up the great work.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you so much, Andrew!

[@jamerelbe]

Wow this review has unleashed a storm of comments! As a long-time FPR customer, and an owner of 3 Himalaya V2s (and as sometime correspondent with Kevin), let me make a couple of observations: (1) The original Himalaya is a wonderfully reliable pen that had no issues - but lots of customers (including me) were keen to see a #6 nib version - and Kevin kindly agreed to design one with the manufacturer of this pen. (2) The Himalaya V2 has had some significant challenges though - and Kevin admitted to me he may have rushed this to release before discovering some of them. I have 3 of these, and have tinkered with them extensively - and am now pretty happy with them, but it took some doing. (3) The *main* problem with these pens (IMHO) is the fit between nib, feed and section. The interior of the grip section isn't perfectly spherical, it's directionally sensitive, and fairly easy for the ink to gush through if the nib and feed aren't oriented precisely. [Kevin has also experimented with different length feeds, to try and work out what's optimal. The ones he supplied to me he now feels were too long.] (4) The fix Kevin gave me (when I couldn't work out the best orientation) was to "heat set" the entire thing - the acrylic is sufficiently heat resistant that it can handle a dunking, so you toss the feed *and* the grip section into boiling water for around 30s, then ram nib and feed (not too forcefully of course!) into the grip section. As the acrylic cools it sits tightly and securely around its contents, and ensures the ink only flows where it's supposed to! You might then want to heat set the nib and feed again (as you did in the video) for good measure. Once I did this with the first pen, and found it had fixed my problems, I proceeded to do it to the second. The third was never a problem, so I left it. [PLEASE NOTE: I *DON'T* know if you can do the same thing with the ebonite pens - the different material may not respond as well to boiling water!] I'm sorry you had such a bad experience with the Himalaya V2. It's a fantastic pen if only it's set up right from the outset - obviously that wasn't the case with yours!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks, Jamerelbe. As you can see from Kevin's response, he believes that I caused the leaking. But, I still contend, it is probably just a bad unit as the majority of people who have this model have no problems.

[@jamerelbe]

@@InkquiringMinds Just found Kevin's response below - it wasn't there when I watched the video last night (my time). I can understand him being defensive of the pen - it's his business after all! - but all manufacturers have the occasional lemon, and one of my Himalayas required some 'trouble-shooting' to get it functioning properly (as above). I think you were pretty even-handed in describing the pen's problems *and* FPR's customer service (I've always had a good experience with the latter). In your position, I'd probably return the pen too...

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@jamerelbe Thanks, Jamerelbe!

[@crouserm]

I am so glad you keep these reviews available. I got my Himalaya V2 this past September, and have had time to suffer the same experiences you have. Yet, I got the brown ebonite version (looks and feels good), with the ultraflex nib (amazing line variation, comparable to my vintage pens). I have kept it inked, one way or another, since it arrived, because I still think I can make a silk purse of this sow's ear. I did try the eyedropper fill, partly because I didn't understand the unique ink-flow demands of the ultraflex nib. Lots of Charlie Brown Dear Pen Pal moments with that. Converter works better for me. That said, everything that happened to you in this review still happens to me. The nib still is teaching me to write. And, my FPR Indus is a pen I'll give to potential fountain pen recruits! Unless, maybe I should swap the nibs . . . ? What a hobby!

[@InkquiringMinds]

I chalk it all up to experience. Some experiences I don't want to repeat! :)

[@awaken77]

I have also Himalaya V2 Ultra-Flex and this is a great specialty pen for art projects. Because of very wet flow, ink colors with this nib are very intense and deep, much richer than with my "normal" pens. Not very usable as daily writer though, because ink consumption with UF nib is very high... not practical for regular writing

[@crouserm]

@@awaken77 Funny you should reply now! I just inked the V2 for the first time in ages, thinking that it would be the right pen for some shimmering ink. After having tightened the fit of the nib and feed in the section, I have found that I enjoy using it for correspondence to family. It makes a lovely line -- and, yes, really runs through the ink. Happy Spring!

[@brightonbabe2139]

I've just ordered a Himilaya V2 with a super flex nib based on a more recent demo that I saw that seemed to be OK. I am now waiting anxiously, and hope that whatever was a problem 2 years ago has since been fixed. If my experience is better/different, I will come back to here and comment. I don't expect the pen to arrive quickly because I am at the back end of the world. I was motivated by the quality of the writing with the superflex nib. It looked so amazing. Thanks for your videos Doug, and the music and the comedy.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks! Let me know how it goes.

[@brightonbabe2139]

@@InkquiringMinds Only a year later - but its been a busy year. Thx

[@Boberrosini]

How did it go? Is it now better than initial batch?

[@brightonbabe2139]

It's OK, but I get the feeling its about to leak ink at any time but it hasnt. I picked it up and started to use it over the weekend. It does flex well. @@Boberrosini

[@judyjacobs5827]

Doug, thanks for another thoughtful and careful review. Recently I bought two of these, one in a resin and the other in black and green hard rubber, that have some small variations from the one you reviewed. The nib is smaller, silver-colored. There's a black rubber ring at the juncture of the section and the converter, and the converter itself is a plunger. I tend not to like plunger converters, as they are often hard to control, but this one has two levels of sealing and moves smoothly. The ring on the cap says F.P.R with no period after the R, the threads inside the cap go on for a long distance, and there are smooth threads wherever components meet. Since I bought them on sale, there's no good way to tell whether this is a new and improved model, a clear-out of the v1, or something else entirely. Once I get around to cleaning them and giving them a try, I'll contact Kevin if necessary, though that could be kind of a drag.

[@johnwoodland7378]

I just bought two of these pens both with the ultraflex steel nibs. I cleaned them when I received them just by flushung them with water using a syringe and bulb syringe. I then filled them using the converter with the nib/feed down in the ink. I had none of the leakage/burping issues you experienced. I had a little issue with railroading but then headset the feeds and I am pretty much good to go. One pen railroads a little if I write too fast using a sheening ink which Kevin recommends against. The resin is kinda uneven on the blue pen but I am still very happy with them.

[@antoniomandelli2311]

In my opinion you have some problem with the rear seal of the converter. - When you are screwing on the barrel, pressure is raising inside the body and the air pushes out via the converter, then into the section making the pen burps. - When you unscrew the barrel, you are creating a depression so the air flows from the section to the converter and pushes out the ink into the barrel. - When you write, the leaking converter allows an excessive ink flow. You could try the pen without the converter as an eyedropper.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks, Antoino. Please see the pinned comment at the top as I've done a few of these things. The converter does have an issue and I did put silicone grease all over it during the making of the video but it didn't help and that's why the air pressure of screwing and unscrewing the barrel was causing the issue. The eye droppering is better but the pen still burps into the cap. Poor design IMO.

[@antoniomandelli2311]

Should be because of the expanding/retracting the air in the pen body, caused by thermal expansion. Last chance: remove the converter and use a cartridge instead, if you can insert any.

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@antoniomandelli2311 Thanks, Antonio. This is from the FPR Website: "Features: Converter or eyedropper filled (screw in twist-style converter included) Note: Himalaya V1 and V2 converters are not interchangeable. Body, cap, and section are made of matching acrylic/ebonite Sturdy chrome metal clip and cap ring Screw on cap #6 chrome steel nib and 6.3mm ebonite feed Note: does not accept ink cartridges"

[@monkeyfacesenior]

your piston is leaking. the draw sucks probably because of warping in the clear plastics or the rubber seals suck. silicon grease wont fix this, try some o rings. The smelly plastic is because it's a poor quality resin that is prone to warping.

[@trafalgarla]

It's good you reviewed this pen. I was considering buying the ebonite version since I bought the Guider desk pen that FPR sells and very much liked it.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you so much, Panurge!

[@brightonbabe2139]

Hello Doug, I bought this pen about a year ago because I wanted a flex nib. I had trouble with the pen leaking which I tried to sort out. I gave up - I don't have your level of patience. I am playing around again with the pen prior to deciding to keep or dump. I had trouble inking it up and to completely disassemble the converter to actually get the ink in. It's not a plunge converter like in the video, its an ordinary converter where I wind the nob. Not sure whether I am misunderstanding the term 'plunge'. Anyway after disassembling it and cleaning it, and reassembling it I have now filled the pen - although filled is not the level more the aspiration. It's about a third full. I love writing with the flex nib. It is very wet and I needed to let the page dry. I am using FPR own ink - Mardi Gras which matched the lilac colour of the pen. Yes I agree it is beautiful. My band is branded and the pen clip seems stronger, so I suspect there has been a bit of an upgrade. Well done FPT. As I said, the pen writes well, but I don't feel comfortable taking it away from my desk. It feels flimsey and I am concerned that it will leak again. The good news is I am not going to dump it. So I will have the fun of using the flex nib, and probably looking for other pens to move the nibs to. I paid 57 USD for it and also bought my first TWSBI at the same time so the shipping costs to Australia were waived. I think the TWSBI is still better value, and I have more confidence in it. It's rather like a toddler that you are working with to get toilet trained and hoping that one day you can take it to the supermarket and the toddler does not have an accident. It's good to review these past videos and get more information.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks for the follow up. I have seen that FPR have made various changes and upgrades. But I will refrain from taking that "plunge" again.

[@brightonbabe2139]

@@InkquiringMinds Yes me too. There is such a wide variety of pens that do work well out of the box.

[@timmarshall4881]

Yes. It does confirm my opinion of the distinction between PenBBS and many others as discussed before. Best wishes and stay safe everyone.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks, Tim. The fit and finish and price point of the Penbbs pens is hard to beat and has spoiled me.

[@intangibletingles3412]

Hey Doug, guess I'm a bit late on this, but I wish you would've persevered with the Himalaya. I've learned, through a whole lot of extremely stubborn trial & error with multiple inexpensive, ebonite feed, eyedropper type pens (Noodlers Ahab, FPR Himalaya, Airmail 71JT etc) that these can be some of the nicest writers IF tuned properly. And by properly I don't just mean the 'heat, pinch, burn fingers' heat set that everyone seems to go with. The setting needs doing in all directions (side to side, up & down plus rotation), sometimes the section it's self needs to be heated up & manipulated if it isn't form-fitting to the feed (no point in a round section if your feed isn't and vice-versa). It took me no less than two years to get my 71JT's (I brought a pack of 5, every one piddled ink like no tomorrow!) to work properly, angrily throwing them in the back of a drawer every time I failed but digging them out in another month or two after I'd calmed down enough to try again.

[@awaken77]

You got faulty convertor. Mine is fine and doesn't leak (apart of the stink). For the stink problem, I left it on the balcony for couple of days, then washed extensively in warm soapy water. The smell didn't go completely, but it is fainted, and only noticeable when I unscrew the pen and hold close to my nose. My copy of the pen is very usable, although I don't use it as daily writer, it's reserved for scrapbooking and fancy postcards, because I have it with Ultra-Flex nib.

[@hirschowitz1]

Thank you for this review. The Peter Sellers clip priceless, as are the others. Guitar picker? Classical? Jazz? Miss Jenny

[@InkquiringMinds]

Classic rock and folk rock mostly. Beatles, James Taylor, Jim Croce, Simon and Garfunkel etc.

[@jerryw255]

Hi Doug. Another nice in depth review. Two points: 1. It looks like the convertor may be turning when you begin to screw the top body of the pen into the section. 2. It looks like you may be missing an O ring where the convertor screws into the section? 3. Did you ever eyedropper this pen?

[@InkquiringMinds]

This was the worst POS fountain pen I've ever experienced, exacerbated by the worst customer service I've experienced from a pen seller.

[@andrewcamacho4092]

After watching your "Worst Pens of 2020" I had to check out this video. I also had similar problems with my pen. I was using Aurora Black so the cleanup was easy. Can you imagine this pen with Baystate Blue? (I would be able to get a job as a Smurf.) I've used other FPR models with good results. I enjoy the flex and ultra flex nibs. I haven't tried eyedroppering it yet. I might give that a try.

[@InkquiringMinds]

I tried eyedroppering the FPR but had the same issues.

[@hawkeyedave]

I gave up using the converter because of it's leaking issues. Strictly using it as an eyedropper now.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks, David. Eye droppering does not stop the burping issue.

[@BrandochGarage]

Dude, you are just ahead of me on this stuff. I was actually looking at one of these this morning, and then I saw this video in my feed. By the time I get back to FPR, they'll probably be gone, hahaha.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you so much, Brandoch!

[@ungabungus01]

I got two fpr Jaipur pens and ending up throwing them both out because the piston, even greased, would lock up at the bottom of the turning cycle and become impossible to loosen and fill again. I want to like these pens but I don't want to risk little flaws like that when chinese pens just seem to work better for the most part

[@InkquiringMinds]

I thought I'd give them a shot. The customer service is excellent though. I got an instant response from Kevin.

[@ungabungus01]

@@InkquiringMinds yeah, I contacted Kevin about one of those pens and he did give me a refund. I didn't bother complaining about the second one because they were on sale for such a low price I figured I wouldn't bother.

[@clarkbilgrav]

No thank you. Wow, that was painful to watch. Glad to know you’re sending it back. Thanks for the video, some very good (and necessary) information.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks, D! Kevin responded immediately and has offered a full refund. I just have to pay for shipping it back.

[@clarkbilgrav]

Glad to hear it. Stay safe! 👍

[@ovebjornson7846]

Did you check if the converter is too long for the inside of the barrel? In case the converter touched the end of the barrel, it will turn when you tighten the barrel. That would not explain the problems with drawing ink from the inwell.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks, Ove! But, the barrel does not contact the converter at all.

[@kauaiphotography]

Aloha Doug! Earlier this year, I too ordered a Himalaya V2 but in ebonite, with the same medium nib (yes the grease smell is very over-powering!) My experience also was not a good one with the Himalaya V2 as well as two other pens I purchased! The Himalaya V2 initially was writing fine, but very wet and then would just burp out ink all over the page through the nib tines. Tried to adjust the nib and feed, but always had the same problem. From the start, I had contact with Kevin, which was very good and he offered to send out a replacement section, which did work better, but the fins would be soaked with ink after having it sit for a day or overnight. I believe Kevin "tested" the replacement before sending it out and I believe he said it's normal for the underside of the fins to be wet (more like soaked!) with ink? It was certainly dripping ink, maybe burping like you pen as the cap was always full of ink. The other pen had flow issues, even the replacement sent, and the clip of the third pen was falling off! I was told by Kevin that since I was sent replacement parts, that meant I couldn't return the pens and he was adamant about that. With some further coaxing, he finally agreed to accept the return, although I am out the return shipping cost. BTW, Doug, do you plan to try the free Muft pen? I also received one, but with all the issues I had with the other pens, I just was too frustrated to "tinker" with another pen! Take care and stay safe! Mahalo from Kauai, Thomas

[@InkquiringMinds]

Hey, kauai! I do not intend to try the freebie pen for just the reason you state. I will not be able to get a refund if I get replacement parts or have used the freebie. I eyedroppered the V2 this morning and it still writes like a fire hose and burps ink into the cap.

[@kauaiphotography]

@@InkquiringMinds , thanks for the reply and also for the update regarding using the pen as an eyedropper. Did Kevin explain no returns if he sends out a replacement pen or parts? He made no mention of that and I could not find anything on his website, so I was surprised when he told me that. Ultimately, he did the right thing to accept the return, but I was never updated on if his findings of the pens were the same as what I was experiencing. So your review made me feel better, although I was sure it wasn't something I was doing wrong. Regards, Thomas

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@kauaiphotography Thomas. No, I gleaned that from your comments about your experiences. I have just written to him asking for a return/refund and look forward to his reply.

[@kauaiphotography]

@@InkquiringMinds , understood about the return policy or at least my experience. You have the advantage of having it all documented on video, so I can't see how he wouldn't accept your return and full refund. BTW, I have a Ranga pen that should be here soon. Hope that is not a disappointment as well ....

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@kauaiphotography 🖖✍

[@frankiethompson1443]

I am glad that i ran across this video I was on the verge of buying this pen I will look for another on

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you, Frankie!

[@barrylevitt1170]

Hi Doug, as far as the ink leaking inside the barrel I had the same issue with a Conklin Duragraph which also uses a screw in converter, the converter must have a mucro crack because when the converter was replaced the leaking stopped. I have two Himalya V1 and the ebonite feeds have two models, one with a roumd nib and one made for the flex nib which wites wetter. I have had kevin send replacement feeds but they will all write on the very wet siide. The pens can be frustrating but Kevin provides excellent customer service and I finally got the pens to write properly. Please keep us updated on the progress. Thanks for a honest and informative review.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks for the great information, barry. I've emailed Kevin and asked for a return/refund.

[@paulmchugh1430]

I had this pen about 2 years ago. The price was reasonable and I got it with the flex nib. The converter pulled up ink and then the piston came right out of the converter. Two weeks later, the new converter arrived. It worked fine but the pen kept burping ink. I couldn't figure out why. I threw out the pen but kept the nib and feed, thinking that I may use it in another pen, maybe a Noodler's? Like you said the body was nice, but it was like it was cursed.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Made in India crap.

[@Kenjiro5775]

I have an FPR Himalaya V1 with the Ultra-Flex nib. I ordered the pen with a medium nib and ordered the nib and ebonite feed separately. It took about 5-6 installs, heat sets and testing to get the performance correct. Using the converter, it always writes well but can stumble if flexed too much. When eyedroppered, it shines. It flexes to full potential without railroading. I do recommend the 6.3 mm ebonite feed sold separately. Hope you can get a configuration you can be happy with.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you, Kenjiro5775!

[@SilverSeaOT7]

Hmm. Wondering if the FPR 6.3 ebonite feed with ultraflex nib will fit any of the penbbs?

[@InkquiringMinds]

I don't know as I do not own, or will own, an FPR pen.

[@greyareaRK1]

Unfortunate, but at least you'll get a functional replacement. It did sell me on the Galaxy 500 though.

[@InkquiringMinds]

I'm glad for you with the Galaxy 500. Awesome pen!

[@andrewsmith5731]

The experience you've had with this pen is akin to my experience with the Noodler's Ahab before Nathan started heat-setting them prior to shipping. From what I can see, the instructions included were the ones for eyedropper fills to help deal with air pressure. The other observation I have is that the feed looks like it is too far back from the shoulders of the nib. In my experiences with properly set Ahabs and Konrads, which use similar ebonite feeds, the fin marks of the feed align differently with the shoulders of the nib than what was shown here. This admittedly put me off of "tinker pens" and ebonite feeds for awhile, but when they are aligned they're great stuff.

[@InkquiringMinds]

You are correct about the nib - which I never touched at all out of the package. I pushed the nib fully into the section this morning. Still writes like a firehose even eyedroppered.

[@meh8982]

Yes, those new converters are awful. The old push-pull ones worked much better. I've had serious problems with their feeds leaking as well (a problem I didn't have with the V1). How much the leaking problem can be traced back to the converter I'm not sure, and whether heat setting would help. They have two styles of ebonite feeds, one wetter than the other, but the regular one is already too wet. Their ultraflex nib though - wow. If it could be paired with a functional feed, it would be magnificent.

[@InkquiringMinds]

I heat set the nib/feed and have removed the converter. I put a ton of grease on the threads and followed the eye dropper instructions to the letter. The pen still burps.

[@misswoodhouse5720]

Wash your hands and don't touch your face while operating an FPR V2... The pen looked amazing sadly it didn't live up to the expectations. Hopefully, FPR can fix the issues. PS liking the guitar intro today. :)

[@InkquiringMinds]

Oh I clean everything that comes into the house thoroughly. I should have just left my latex gloves on for the duration of the review though! LOL

[@misswoodhouse5720]

@@InkquiringMinds I cleaned my shopping and the dry goods I quarantine for a week in the bag then I use them. I sadly cannot get home delivery and have to walk to the shops and cart it all home. I pretty much have to go every week maybe twice because of this, our supermarkets only sell online in certain areas.

[@seanthomas8864]

Thanks for the review. I was considering purchasing this, it looks beautiful. Still, I'm gonna' pass.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Understandable

[@petemanherz7296]

Bummer Doug - Something is definitely amiss, send it back. I got a Ranga ebonite pen from India and am very pleased with it. The ebonite, I'll call it "chocolate latte swirl" is gorgeous - and the stub nib is a dream. Don't let this setback keep you from getting an indian ebonite!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks, pete. I think I will be sending this back with the freebie pen.

[@justyclacky]

I couldn’t stop laughing at the cut away at 9:46!!

[@InkquiringMinds]

LOL. Took me a while to find that particular reaction from Terri Garr in that film!

[@Detman101]

Yeah, that was HILARIOUS!!!!

[@barrylevitt1170]

Hi Doug, Do you have a Noodlers Ahab??? If so, try the Noodlers feed in the Himalaya, they do not write as wet. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks, barry. No, I don't have an Ahab.

[@Johan-vk5yd]

Too expensive a pen to have such issues. Tolerances too wide in feed and section fit, and with the converter mechanism is my guess. Did you experience some play in the converter screw? On the other hand, what attracts attention most, cool runnings or problem and conflict? Thank you for a most interesting review. I get a feeling of kinship when you experience so many ”badges of honor” on your hands just inevitably.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Well I don't mind getting smudged when I'm experimenting. I just never expect it when I'm just trying to write with a new pen. There was no play in the converter at all.

[@Johan-vk5yd]

Douglas Rathbun I see! Thanks!

[@enchantingfountainpens6238]

The convertor is faulty, use it as an Eyedropper

[@InkquiringMinds]

Did that EFP. The pen still burps into the cap and writes like a fire hose.

[@maisunn]

I'd recommend putting a literal amount of silicon grease on the threads of the converter. Without grease there, my converter will gradually leak. It's an easy fix and I don't really see it as a fault in the design, just a querk.

[@InkquiringMinds]

I did that as part of the video review. I removed all of their stinky grease and re-greased it with a ton of silicone grease (non smelly) in the converter, on the converter threads, on section threads and on the cap threads. I've removed the converter completely and eyedroppered the pen and it still leaks. I think it is a combination of poor design and poor quality manufacturing and materials.

[@maisunn]

@@InkquiringMinds well that's really unfortunate, I'm sorry to hear that. I really enjoy FPR pens but I'll admit that quality control is somewhat lacking. That said, I enjoy tinkering and Kevin is great at replacing parts/pens so I don't mind too much. The price and uniqueness made it worth it. Now though, they have the new Jaipur v2 for $55. If the quality is similar to their other pens I don't really see it's appeal over other Chinese or Indian pens.

[@KenCrooker]

Jeepers Cripes, what a disaster. I believe the Himalaya V2 is likely made by Kanwrite. That's the same converter my Kanwrite Desires use. (Kanwrite also makes the Ahab and all the FPR and Noodler's nibs.) I've got three Desires and none of them ooze ink into the barrels like that. I wonder if there was a hairline crack in the acrylic...or maybe the threads didn't marry up correctly. I picked up an FPR Jaipur not long ago, and it was excellent. I'm sorry you had such a terrible experience, although I will say that your frustration and anguish made for a very entertaining video. :D

[@InkquiringMinds]

Whatever doesn't kill you can make you laugh! LOL

[@mysticsailor9]

hi, nice reveiew..was that a Peter Sellers clip from "the party"?.. or from one of the pink panther movies?..thx and yes, OT by a short mile

[@InkquiringMinds]

Yeah! One of my favourite Blake Edwards films. When my kids were teens, I wanted them to watch "The Party". They complained they didn't want to see an OLD movie. I made a deal with them. I said "If you don't laugh out loud in the first 15 minutes, we can watch what you want to watch." They didn't make it to five minutes.

[@helenmcdonnell2585]

​@InkquiringMinds i love The Party too, one of my all time faves, and when my children were teens i persuaded them to watch it... Good times 💙

[@JamesEck9095]

Have you tried silicone grease on the threads of the converter? Is it possible that the inside of the barrel is catching on (squeezing) the knob of the converter and turning it as the barrel is screwed on? Most acrylic Indian pens have a smell to them. Noodler's do as well. It dissipates somewhat over time. I really enjoy all of my FPR pens and I have often recommend them. Your experience, therefore, is troubling to me.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks, James. Yes. Tons of grease. It isn't the acrylic that smells; it is the grease they used on the converter.

[@tiantuatara]

My V1 gave me no problems and I've had good experiences with my other FPR pens. It seems like you've got a converter issue. Sorry you are having issues.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks, Terri. I've removed the converter from the equation and eyedroppered the pen it still burps into the cap.

[@tiantuatara]

@@InkquiringMinds Weird. I'd definitely contact Kevin.

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@tiantuatara Done.

[@gregwebdale6406]

I just bought this pen. It is truly beautiful. Very reasonably priced....but....I experienced the same things. Piss me off! AAArrrgh!!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Join the club.

[@MissMarilynDarling]

did you ever get the eyedropper to work how about the burping issues did you get a replacement was it any better ? inkquiring minds want to know !

[@InkquiringMinds]

I returned the pen for a refund along with the free sample.

[@ArtistWizardry]

Do all KWZ inks have the nice scent?

[@InkquiringMinds]

I don't believe so Zarah. Just certain colours that had a chemical smell before. You might want to ask Claudia by dropping a line to her on her website www.bauerinks.ca.

[@jorge23483]

Well, it's a little disappointing. The fountain pen looks very good but unfortunately if it doesn't function adequately then there's a need to replacement. I think as an eyedropper the pen should work but I doubt the ink burping will stop🤔... thanks for the video Doug, may you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy 🖖.

[@InkquiringMinds]

You are correct, Sir. The converter is suspect but eye droppering the pen has not solved the burping.

[@Detman101]

You mentioned that the "KWZ Azure #5" is "Vanilla scented"? Omg is that for real? If so...I have GOT to get some of this ink!!!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Yes, indeed! Another reason to love this ink!

[@thorhilda]

I haven't tried it but I would guess that a drop of vanillin (clear artificial vanilla) in any ink you like would do the trick.

[@danlevene5478]

What a shame. I have a v1 from ebonite and it is a really fine pen all round. Well made, comfy in the hand and a great writer.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks, Dan. I don't expect this one is typical, but it happens in sufficient numbers (based on comments at FPR and here) that I question the quality of the manufacturing and quality control.

[@Detman101]

Such a beautiful pen...such a disappointing design...That's a fountain pen nightmare. I deftly avoid "Proprietary" anything when possible...that leaky feed seems to be the source of the unbalanced problem I think... I love FPR nibs...I'll avoid their pens though.

[@InkquiringMinds]

The acrylic is lovely and I'm sure this was an isolated incident. But I didn't care for the flimsy clip or the merchant's attitude.

[@Cyriljayant]

This is a very bad converter, I bought several pens and all the pens have a lot of issues which includes the Himalaya pen had this threaded converter. The threads were gone in a short period and there's no way it can use with any other converters. So the only option is to buy the pen with several extra converters. But is a ridiculous idea, my pens are just lying around. I like the steel Nibs they are OK to use on any other pens.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you, Cyril!

[@dimhelmet]

I suspect the smell is actually the converter. It looks like it's made of the same vegetable resin that Noodler's uses for the Ahab and Charlie pens that stink to high heaven! I also have an old Stanley screwdriver that smells like cat barf even worse than these pens!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Hey, John. The converter itself doesn't smell. It is the grease they had in the converter. I pulled it apart and cleaned it out thoroughly and replaced the grease with my non-smelly silicone grease and it doesn't stink anymore. The converter is still faulty and I've removed it from the equation and eyedroppered the pen. It still burps into the cap.

[@neilspector9221]

I have bought two of those pens and all the ink leaks into the cap. I am going to be blunt and call them what they are…garbage. I have had 6 dollar Chinese pens that perform far better. Don’t waste your money. They all hemorrhage ink like a stuck pig.

[@InkquiringMinds]

100%

[@MissMarilynDarling]

what a darn shame and its so beautiful too how disappointing

[@InkquiringMinds]

IKR?

[@Raul1971xxx]

I see... That pen runs amok..

[@InkquiringMinds]

LOL!

[@Raul1971xxx]

@@InkquiringMinds Hahaha.. 🇪🇸🇪🇸✌️✌️😂😂😂

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@Raul1971xxx Himalya Pon-Far... Amok Time. ;)

[@Raul1971xxx]

@@InkquiringMinds Totally.. 😂✌️🇪🇸

[@MissMarilynDarling]

martha

[@InkquiringMinds]

??

[@MissMarilynDarling]

@@InkquiringMinds i love lucy step by step inch by inch slowly i turn MARTHA !

[@davidmcguigan5497]

Ouch! No wonder ballpoints took over. An ink-allergic fountain pen, hmmm. Yes, refund time.

[@InkquiringMinds]

LOL! This is STILL a better writing experience than a ballpoint David! :)

[@wesdenham282]

What a mess. This pen will send you back to a ballpoint!

[@InkquiringMinds]

LOL