Fountain Pen: Laban Skeleton

VISUAL

The Laban Skeleton is a very artistic pen. It is a decently sized cigar-shaped pen that is decorated with a loosely winding metal overlay that wraps around both the cap and barrel.

The inner barrel and cap are both translucent, providing easy viewing to the nib and the converter.

The metal plating is a lovely mix and gradient of colors. Overall, the colors tend toward the purple/blue end of the spectrum, but there are splashes of orange and yellow and green throughout.

TACTILE

I have a number of skeleton pens, and this is my most expensive one. Therefore I was a bit surprised that the metal overlay was a bit sharp to the touch. The plating itself is smooth, but my fingers do catch a bit on the ridges.

The section is smooth plated metal, with a fairly pronounced concave shape. It is comfortable to write with, and the curve feels very natural. It helps that even at its narrowest, it's still decently wide.

PRACTICAL

I'm very happy with how this pen writes, and for a pen with a smooth section it doesn't feel particularly slippery.

This pen posts securely. Fortunately, the cap threads and cap liner are both acrylic, so I don't feel like I'm in danger of scratching the colorful coating when posting. It does post through friction, so there's always a risk, but it feels cushioned enough.

I wish that it were possible to eyedropper this pen, as I think that would look amazing. Unfortunately, there is enough metal that would be exposed to the ink that the converter needs to be used.

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STATISTICAL

Pen Measurements:

Weight: 36.48g

Weight of Cap: 16.88g

Length Capped: 136mm

Length Uncapped: 124mm

Length Posted: 158mm

Nib: 6mm 'Fine' Steel

Body Style: Cigar

Fill Method: Converter

Fill Volume: 0.8 ml

Comparison Pens: Pilot Metropolitan, LAMY Safari

My Fountain Pen Database

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OVERALL

Pros:

• Striking color and design

• Smooth, wet writer

Cons:

• Slightly sharp edges to the overlay

• Visible converter is a bit unsightly - can't eyedropper

• I wish the nib was also rainbow-coated

  
  

This pen has actually grown on me over time. I initially was so surprised by the lack of smoothing on the overlay that I didn't take a step back and really give it a try. I absolutely love the wide-spaced chaotic design. Even though the overlay is reduced, there is enough metal in the finials and the cap band that provides a lot of weight to the pen. It's subtle, but it really adds to how the Skeleton feels in hand.

I would love to replace the nib at some point with a rainbow-coated nib for extra rainbowtasticness. It's such a small thing but I think it would look great!

DISCLAIMER: Pens and inks purchased by myself. Photos and opinions are my own.