Visconti Homo Sapiens Comparison

[@Trivia_Knowledge]

Great comparison review. It totally satisfied my confirmation bias since I recently ordered a Crystal Dream. Cheers!

[@writerlywitterings]

Hi, Kelvin, and what can I say? You have excellent taste!

[@nrs6956]

Question arises is Visconti Homo Sapians a functional pen or a work of art? Perhaps both!

[@writerlywitterings]

I think the Crystal Dream and Skylight models fall into more the functioning works of art category, whereas the original pen, the Bronze Age, is a work of design genius that is a superbly practical and functional pen. It's so robust, and works extremely effectively.

[@olegkolbasenko]

Thank you very much Michael for this great review of these wonderful writing instruments! I have been waiting for this review for so long and could not watch it for so long, so that something or someone would not tear me away from it. But I could do it! Cheers!

[@writerlywitterings]

Glad it was helpful! Next up is a more detailed look at the Crystal Dream compared with the basic Bronze Age!

[@BossPenguin]

I love the Viscontis. Ever since I got a Homo Sapiens Dark Age it's been in my pocket all the time. I'm happy for you getting such beautiful pens, mate! BTW I'll soon be able to send you the planner like I promised. I'll drop you an email as usual when I send it off. Stay healthy! Cheers, Chris

[@writerlywitterings]

Cheers, Chris! Glad you like your Dark Age still - they are magnificent pens, aren't they? I love the look of a nice, shiny acrylic (such as the CS Wordsworth or Belliver), but I love the fact that our Viscontis will never scratch or show signs of wear. They really are magnificent pens, and a joy to use. Thanks for that offer, too. I'll look forward to that. Mind you, like most people, I'm just looking forward to being able to plan again!

[@jaylo1214]

I am fond of the dark age as well. The Homo Sapiens is my grail pen. And the Dark Age is definitely my style.

[@JtwasLuck]

A very in-depth comparison, thank you for making this video. I absolutely love my Visconti Kakadu and London Fog. The large ink capacity and design are what drew me to Visconti in the first place. Wonderful nibs if you get lucky, sadly the old Palladium nibs were plagued with Q/C issues. These new 18K nibs on the other hand, are quite good! I’m very tempted to get the Skylight, these pens are not as durable as those with the basaltic lava!

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks for sharing and glad it was helpful! Yes, I have heard lots of people talk about the palladium QC issues, but I have to admit I've never had a problem with my two. And I love the gold ones too - in fact, I'm not sure which I prefer, to be honest. And the basalt pens are bullet proof, without a doubt!

[@illustratedjournal]

Love the Visconti Homo Sapiens Bronze Age model. Someday I will own one.

[@writerlywitterings]

I hope so. They are fabulous pens - wonderful weight, balance, feel, and superb nibs!

[@NMuratBAYRAKTAR]

Hello sir how are you? I am uncertain with Visconti bronze age or dark age, what do you think about these two? Thanx for videos and enjoyable things..

[@writerlywitterings]

All good - for my taste, the Bronze Age appeals more, but it's just the look of it. It's the way that the bronze itself ages, gaining a patina that is unique to my pen. I believe both pens are internally exactly the same, and I think the nibs give the same experience, but the Dark Age's appearance just doesn't appeal quite so much - and in the end it's all about how they look to you, the writer.

[@NMuratBAYRAKTAR]

@@writerlywitterings Could it be possible to do a comparison video of these two? Because unfortunatelly i don't see them side by side Thank you for your answer you say the bronze age :)

[@writerlywitterings]

@@NMuratBAYRAKTAR Sadly, I don't have access to a Dark Age, so I don't think I can.

[@NMuratBAYRAKTAR]

@@writerlywitterings Thanx anyway your opinion is very valuable..

[@writerlywitterings]

@@NMuratBAYRAKTAR I'm very grateful! Many thanks.

[@comprehendeth92]

I have and love the traveling inkwell. The Crystal Dream is my grail pen, I hope to get someday. I have two other Visconti pens that I love.

[@writerlywitterings]

I have to admit, I cannot fault Visconti. A wonderful company, with the Crystal Dream as (in my opinion) about the best pen money can buy.

[@angbane]

My partner is going to buy me one. Just waiting for the car, bed, & holiday first. Some of the loveliest pens. You're going to need a bigger pen pocket!

[@writerlywitterings]

You do need one. Every home should have at least one Visconti. I love all of these, and trying to come down in favour of one or other is going to be next to impossible!

[@riseandinspire]

I'm relatively new to this rabbit hole (about 1 1/2 year). Loved this first review (comparison) of these beauties! Great job! I'm impressed with the ink capacity difference between the classic Bronze and The sky light and crystal dream! It is so impressive! You've also done the best job I've seen so far (and I've done quite some research here), about how to achieve a full fill of them, using the Visconti Travelling inkwell (which I bought 2 of.. thanks again to you lol) I'm just sad, in a way, that I've bought the 2 original HSs, in the past 6 months.. all because of you ;-) and I absolutely love them! I bought the second one because I had found a dealer in Canada that still had one with the Pd nib ..I even prefer them to my Montblanc 146 and 149 (that I appreciate very much too, of course)! With the one exception of my 146 Le Petit Prince that I believe I like as much as the HSs. Still, the ink capacity of my HSs is a lot more than my Le Petit Prince 146 or the 149. But those new Visconti HSs are so expensive.. I'll have to wait.. but I'm hooked to those HSs.. again.. all because of you! lol But I will say that when I first saw the Crystal dream model I wasn't too convinced if I liked the whole see through segment for it was at the expense of the indestructible Aetna Lava. It's as they had gone too far.. But with your presentation, it's slowly starting to sink in for me. Thanks again for the great work! Looking forward for the next one ;-)

[@writerlywitterings]

Hi, Louis, and thanks for the comments. Yes, it's so difficult picking pens when you later find that a new model has appeared. For what it's worth, I still adore my original Bronze Age, and it's still the pen of choice a lot of the time because that reservoir still lets me cover a lot of paper in ink. Having the Travelling Inkwell does help a lot, doesn't it? I'm really glad to be able to show exactly how much ink the pens fill with when using the inkwell. The next video will be a comparison with the original Bronze Age and the Crystal Dream. After that, I'll compare the prototype Skylight with the production model, and finally an overall comparison and which I prefer. That will be hard!

[@muchasgracias6976]

A quartet of Visconti’s. Someone’s a very lucky boy!!

[@writerlywitterings]

I certainly feel that way! Thanks for the comment, Muchas!

[@johnnymontalvo5620]

I suppose that I could have just watched this video as opposed to asking you about the weight of these in your other video. Either way, thanks! :)

[@writerlywitterings]

No worries! Glad it was helpful!

[@JBFire97]

I see what you mean about the capacity compared to the original! Looking forward to the next video. Thanks.

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks for watching - I hope you like the next one too!

[@chrisb012]

Love the video. I’m considering the HS dark age as a daily writer - taking notes, etc. Would you recommend? My current daily writer is a Parker Duofold Big Red, and it’s lovely, but I want to treat myself… (left hand under writer).

[@writerlywitterings]

I have a range of pens (as you'll have noticed). Some, like the Conway Stewart #58, are ideal for keeping in my pocket daily for notes and ideas when I'm out and about ... however the pens I use every day, almost without fail, when I have a lot of writing, when I have letters to write, when I'm in the garden in the sun - almost every situation, tends to be the HS. It is robust, nothing can scratch the material it's made from, they are superb writers, they have massive internal reservoirs ... I would heartily recommend them as daily writers. I really, really love them as pens and I haven't had any issues with them.

[@chrisb012]

@@writerlywitterings That’s a hell of a recommendation. I’m sold. I’ll get mine next week (bonus pay treat). Thanks for your help!

[@writerlywitterings]

@@chrisb012 My pleasure. You will enjoy it!

[@chrisb012]

@@writerlywitterings last question, I promise. Do you have to slightly unscrew the piston when you’re writing with it? I’m hearing you have to on this pen. Mine arrives tomorrow!

[@writerlywitterings]

@@chrisb012 Note - I've not handled a Dark Age. HOWEVER - I am pretty sure that the internals will be identical with my original Homo Sapiens Bronze Age. I have one of them, two of the Skylight style (one was the prototype for that model), and one Crystal Dream. None require the rear button to be unscrewed for general use. Your informant is talking about the Dual Powerfiller Systems which are used on the top end models (Skylight and Crystal Dream) which have two reservoirs. The main tank is vast and when the button is screwed down fully, it is shut off from the second, much smaller reservoir. This small one feeds the nib directly. Which is designed so that, on an aeroplane, the pen won't "burp" ink. You tip the up nib-upmost, open the valve by unscrewing the end, and let the small reservoir drain into the main one. Then, when ready, you can hold the pen nib down, open the valve, and ink will run into the lower tank and nib. I tend to leave the reservoir at the bottom full of ink. When it's empty, I have to open the valve but then I close it again. I don't leave the valve open while writing. I write to empty the lower tank, and then open and close the valve. I believe the Dark Age has a single power filler system, which means you fill the pen and start writing. There is no valve because there is no second reservoir (as far as I know). Which is all very interesting to pen geeks, but for you, it means either way, you don't have to immediately unscrew anything. Take the cap off, and start writing! Hope you really enjoy the arrival of the new baby tomorrow!

[@michellestephenson1680]

What size nib are you using in the Crystal Dream? It’s pretty much decided, I will get to my favorite pen store this summer even if I have to run away from my family and WALK to Wisconsin!

[@Richard_Barnes]

Michelle Stephenson, in the writing sample it is a fine nib, he writes. 🙂👍🏻

[@writerlywitterings]

Sorry, I should have said - they're all Fine, apart from my original Bronze Age, which is a Medium.

[@writerlywitterings]

Quite right! Cheers, Richard.

[@Richard_Barnes]

Hi Mike 🙂, I am going to enjoy this little series of videos! I love these pens. I still dream about owning one. Am saving up! lol. Just as regards the pens, the original Visconti Bronze Age does not have a dual reservoir. It is a power filler only. The Crystal Dream has dual reservoir yes. Visconti make two types of pen internally. 👍🏻🙂 A great first look at your collection. I will ask, have they sent you those for you to keep? If so, that’s epic Mike and congrats,.....twice 🥳! lol. If not, then it’s stil epic, but only once. 😉 Look forward to the next reviews. Thanks.

[@writerlywitterings]

Haha - you're quite right that the original Bronze Age is a powerfiller, the other three all dual reservoir. That's coming up in the next video! And yes, Visconti have been very generous indeed!

[@SamManso]

A very nice video and review. The Crystal Dream is definitely going on the List (not the one with certain people ...). Looking forward to next week.

[@writerlywitterings]

Good choice! I really love the size of that reservoir window and seeing the ink sloshing around! It is a fabulous pen and the nib is wonderful!

[@harisivakumar207]

Two new Homo Sapiens pens that now have 18 carat gold nibs instead of their usual 23 carat palladium nibs! I know that the Crystal Dream had a fine nib, but what about the regular production Skylight (not the prototype one)? Now you have a quartet of Homo Sapiens! What joy!

[@writerlywitterings]

Hallo, Harikash, and thanks for the comment. Yes, I am enormously lucky to have these four. And the two gold nibs are truly wonderful to write with. I still love my Palladium nibs, but these are very worthy successors. I think they feel slightly softer on the paper - there's a little less feed-back, which makes them feel even more as though they are floating over the paper. With the Fine palladium nib, I did find I was pressing harder to get the nib to work, which meant that Tomoe River 52gsm paper was being dented through four or five sheets - almost like writing with a ball point on A4, where you have to write harder to get a regular mark, if you know what I mean. But, to answer your question, the two new nibs are both Fine. I wanted to be able to compare both the new pens with my prototype Skylight. And they do bear up very well in comparison!

[@MrG0CE]

OMG 4 HS ! I CAN'T EVEN AFORD 1 XD

[@writerlywitterings]

I have been very fortunate!

[@billcrabtree8700]

Milliliters weigh pretty much one gram each, so you can just weigh the pen before and after filling to find the ink capacity.

[@writerlywitterings]

A very good point, Bill ... if I'd thought of that, it would have saved quite a lot of time, dammit! Cheers!

[@TartaricKnight]

​@@writerlywitterings yes, I've actually done this and broken down the density is 1.03 - 1.05 g/mL. And the Bronze Age actually only has a 1.55 mL ink capacity. I have yet to measure my Skylight, since it's away for nibwork.

[@drnomad16]

This was magnificent to watch! Definitely my grail pen! I have a couple of questions...... have you ever needed to silicon grease the inside chamber and how did you manage that.... and the lava material being hygroscopic, how much of a problem is ink absorbing into it when you refill from a bottle? Thanks for posting!

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks, Nomad - and I'll try to cover these a little in a video too. Silicon grease, no. So far I've had no need to with any of my Viscontis. It's not something I'd feel very comfortable doing. Perhaps you could unscrew the nib unit and use a toothpick or similar to smear a little grease on the inner washers? But seriously, I think I'd get to find a very good pen mechanic rather than try it myself. As to the lava - yes, it can absorb a little ink at the nib end of the section. However, I find it's far less of an issue than more people assume. The reservoirs are so vast, that refilling is far less regular than other pens. That means that I will flush and wash the pen between refills. And then I don't dry it too well before refilling. That way there's always a little moisture soaked into the lava before it gets ink on it. Fill it up, wipe it down, and the ink is wiped away. Hope that makes sense!

[@spacecat7715]

The clear parts of the Crystal Dream and Skylight, what is that material? I am concerned about cracking and leaking.

[@writerlywitterings]

They are acrylic, but a very strong form of it. It is certainly not as strong as the volcanic material, but it's easily as strong as a standard black acrylic or any other form of pen material. I should just say, I've been using my prototype Skylight for at least 5 years, and never had any kind of issue with it. I'm sure the production models will be at least as strong, if not stronger.

[@spacecat7715]

@@writerlywitterings thank you for your response. It will definitely inform my decision. Your pens are just simply exquisite.

[@writerlywitterings]

@@spacecat7715 My pleasure, Erin. If you are really concerned, the old style without windows is available, but I have to admit, I do find it hard to cope without seeing any indication of how full the pen is. My personal favourite is the Crystal Dream. I sit for ages watching the ink sloshing around! Best of luck.

[@simplewelshman]

The original 'bronze age' would be my pick of the bunch. Have you ever tried a Pelikan M1000? The nib on the M1000 is beautifully soft and springy.

[@writerlywitterings]

No, I have tried the 800 (whichever model, I think the 805 because it was a demonstrator), but I could not get on with it. The nib was EF, and I think it was the wrong choice for me, because it was terribly hard. Sadly, I had to return it, and it was then that I was given the prototype Skylight, which has been my daily use pen ever since.

[@dcmsr5141]

I'm new to fountain pens but enjoy the Visconti line

[@writerlywitterings]

It really is a brilliant company - innovative, attractive designs, and really hard working!

[@ACuntouch]

I’m not sure if I missed it but what ink was that?

[@writerlywitterings]

Hi, Akshay, and thanks for the question - it is Blu Mare from Rohrer & Klingner, which is rapidly becoming one of my very favourite inks!

[@sistergoldenhair0727]

I have to say that the crystal dream is growing on me! Especially with that massive ink capacity!

[@writerlywitterings]

Tracie, seriously, if you can, I'd thoroughly recommend it. It holds enough ink to last me a week of writing! One fill of that, plus a Travelling Inkwell, and you have almost 10 CCs! And the huge viewing window is fabulous to see. I could sit and watch my Blu Mare sloshing around in there for hours at a time!

[@sistergoldenhair0727]

writerlywitterings you may have convinced me! Hopefully I’m still going to Germany in September but after that I will have to start saving for the Crystal dream!

[@donovanpoe1063]

Sir I blame you for my new obsession with fountain pens and quality paper. Not a bad thing but it was your videos that caused this.

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks so much, Donovan. You do realise I just wanted to share my misery with such things! Hope you like the next one this week!

[@donovanpoe1063]

@@writerlywitterings I can't wait!

[@PenFriends]

What I don't understand is why the crystal dream is more expensive than regular homosapiens. Is it the filling mechanism?

[@writerlywitterings]

I think that the additional charge here is justified. The standard Homo Sapiens has a simple single reservoir filler, whereas the Crystal Dream has a dual reservoir system. Then again, creating the viewing windows themselves mean more machining, more elements to fit together (without creating leaks), and is a much more difficult process because all the areas inside and out have to be highly polished. In short, there is a lot more work involved.

[@PenFriends]

writerlywitterings ahhh I see so the filling mechanism is different. That’ll explain it then

[@endeavour1976]

Thank's Mister Jecks

[@writerlywitterings]

My pleasure, Miguel!

[@jonw4595]

that really is one stunning pen. the only concern i have is with the two ink chambers. i love the j herbin emerald of chivor, but i am unsure if the smaller ink well would allow the shimmer material to mix properly. regardless, i am sooo sooo close to pulling the pin. good job again, and thank you for your efforts.

[@writerlywitterings]

I have to admit, I've not put any shimmering inks into any of my more expensive pens. However, I have loaded Brandy Dazzle and other Diamine shimmerers into other pens, like my TWSBIs, and had no problem. The main thing always seems to be to shake the pen and get the particles evenly dispersed through the liquid. As to the two chambers, the main thing would be (I think) to always empty the smaller chamber and lock it off so that all the ink was in the larger reservoir. Then you just give it a quick shake before unscrewing the cap to let the ink into the smaller reservoir. That should work fine. My own concern would be possibly blocking the feed etc, but I've never had that issue so I'm probably just over-cautious!

[@riseandinspire]

@@writerlywitterings OMG, I have never thought the J Herbin Emerald of chivor could be a problem... I actually didn't realise it had shimmer in it before telling my girlfriend it would be a nice present for christmas.. I've used it in my Mb Le Petit Prince with no porblem. I've rinced it since and put another ink in with no issue at all. And I believe (but not sure) I have put it in one of my HS once and again I don't recall any issue going to another ink after. I thought those J Herbin inks were high end ones and would not cause any problem with high en pens of course. I'd like to hear of anyone who would have had a bad experience to guide me for the future.

[@jonw4595]

@@writerlywitterings i use gushers, nothing less than broad, most being double or triple. i think that may be part of the reason why i've yet to have any issues with feed or startup. its just such a small chamber. i wish they'd do a batch, mirror of the new line, but with the retro single ink chamber. i'd be sold in a heart beat. keep on writing.

[@revianwolfe]

I was doing fine missing my Magma, until I watched this. The pain has rekindled.

[@writerlywitterings]

I'm sorry, Pastor! I have to admit, that Crystal Dream is winning me over ... the huge viewing window is just gorgeous when you have any colour of ink loaded!

[@revianwolfe]

writerlywitterings at first I wasn’t really sold on the aesthetics of it. But after your videos, it is growing on me. What do you think of the bulky chunky end knob? It seems off to me, again aesthetically speaking.

[@patrickblindeman5847]

You are certainly a happy man, now that you can play with these holy grails :)

[@writerlywitterings]

Oh, yes, Patrick! They are superb pens, and make me very happy indeed!

[@patrickblindeman5847]

@@writerlywitterings glad to hear that ... I knew it, I will have to load my Paypal again 🤨😃

[@sistergoldenhair0727]

I’d love to hear if you still love your original as much after playing with the crystal dream and also your thoughts on the gold vs palladium writing experience! Looking forward to the next videos!!

[@writerlywitterings]

Definitely!! The next video (as planned currently) will be a comparison between my original and the Crystal Dream; after that I'll make one on my prototype Skylight and the production model; and a third video will be all about the four pens and which is my favourite (including the nibs). Hope that's going to answer most people's questions.

[@riseandinspire]

@@writerlywitterings This is going to be soooo great!

[@wayneclarkson7486]

Mike liking all the Homo Sapiens. I haven't got one yet but i must say that out of all The Visconti's the Homo Sapiens is the one i like the most. And hopefully one day i will own one of these masterpieces of the pen world. Thanks for sharing and it is always a pleasure to watch your videos keep up the good work and thank you again.

[@writerlywitterings]

Thank you so much, Wayne. I'm really glad you're enjoying the pens! I hope you do get one as well - they are stunning to use, and will last a lifetime, I'm sure.

[@wayneclarkson7486]

@@writerlywitterings Mike glad to hear that about the said pens.So with a bit of saving i could be the proud owner of one of these beauties of the pen world within the year. And once again a very big thank you for your reply stay safe and keep rolling out your quality videos.