So, it’s that time again. For those of you (most of you) who haven’t seen a Black Friday feature yet, this is the second installment. On the last Friday of every month I’m going to be featuring a black pen, a black ink, and a black notebook. Why? BECAUSE I LOVE BLACK.
- Pen: Lamy 2000 – Medium Nib
- Ink: Sailor Kiwa Guro Nano Black
- Paper: Rhodia No. 12 Pad & Cover
This month’s Black Friday features a newcomer (to me), and two tried-and-true favorites. The Lamy 2000 is the pen featured this month. I just got this bad boy for Christmas, so we haven’t spent all that much time together. Also, it’s not completely black, and some may even argue that it’s a really dark grey. Well, it’s black enough for me and it’s new so I wanted to feature it. So far I’m really loving the L2K. It’s buttery smooth medium nib glides effortlessly across the paper. The piston operates nice and smooth, and the knob practically disappears into the body of the pen. The size and weight are, in my opinion, perfect. I love the shape and balance of the pen. I’ve been writing with it posted but most people will find that it’s just as comfortable when uncapped. Check back soon for a full review of the Lamy 2000.
The ink I chose for this month’s feature is one of the smoothest writing inks around, Sailor’s Kiwa Guro Nano Black. This ink is pigmented with “nano particles” that provide a smooth writing experience. I really love this ink for a few reasons. It’s very, very smooth. It’s really, really dark. Also, it cleans out easily. After trying many black inks out, I settled on this one as my go-to. For some reason I prefer this stuff in a finer nib, but it is by no means bad in the Lamy 2000’s medium. The ink dries quick, has good water resistant properties, and has an almost matte finish (depending on the paper). The only drawback is it’s price. Hovering around $24 / bottle, it’s not making this ink an impulse buy. I would highly recommend trying out a sample though, it’s a really great ink. An interesting sidenote: the smell that this ink gives off is very interesting, it’s by no means bad. Personally, I enjoy filling up a pen from the bottle and getting a whiff of the scent.
Last, I chose one of my go-to notepads. The Rhodia No. 12 Staple-bound Pad with Leatherette Cover. The number 12 size is perfect for a back pocket, or what I call the “sneaky pocket” inside of most jackets. The pad is of course filled with Rhodia paper which never disappoints. The #12 pad comes with lines, grid, blank or dot grid, and is easily swappable. The pages are micro-perforated, making it easy to jot down a note and give it to someone. The cover also has a pocket in it (a simple cut in the fabric) that is well suited for business cards, a credit card, or an emergency $20. It’s a great pocket notebook, and the cover provides good protection and keeps the pad from getting frayed edges, especially when kept in a pocket.
I hope you guys are enjoying this feature as much as I am. Check back in on the last Friday of every month for a new installment.
edjelley.com - Fountain Pen, Ink, and Stationery Reviews 
I like the look of that Sailor Nano on Rhodia paper. Do you think it would stain the insides of a demonstrator? Your Lamy 2000 is perfectly apt for Black Friday, it’s very stealthy!
Thanks! It’s a great ink. I don’t think it would stain a demonstrator. I’ve had it in my TWSBI before, and it has cleaned out of my converters easily. The ink doesn’t even stick to the sides of the sample vial I had kept some in. Of course, I would do some research before putting it in an expensive pen.
Great post! Will have to get a Lamy 2000 one of these days!
Thanks! I’m loving mine so far. I’ve been wanting it for such a long time now, feels great to finally have it in my collection.
How do you find the nib on a L2K compared to their safari line? When i initially wrote with my Safari M nib I was very displeased as not only did I find it difficult to hold but also it wasn’t the smoothest of writers. By the time my fingers were accustomed to the change in grip the nib seemed to have smoothed itself out.
It’s very smooth, especially compared to the normal steel Lamy nibs. The nib on the 2000 is gold, versus steel, which is usually smoother right off the bat. I may be a little biased, as I’m a huge fan of Lamy, but I’m really enjoying the 2000 so far. I agree with you, the Safari grip isn’t for everyone.
Thanks for the review.
I was wondering if the Leatherette No.12 pad holder comes with a pencil loop?
I have this holder for various other sizes but wasn’t sure if the holder for No. 12 was the same as the rest.
The pencil loop is too small for fitting fountain pens, but I was really looking to slide the clip of my Kaweco Sport into the pencil loop.
Thanks.
I just checked, no loop on the holder. I’m sure you can easily add one with some fabric, thread and a needle though!
Thanks for checking that and letting me know.
I have a cheap $1 faux leather pad holder that I got from Staples, it fits my No. 12 perfectly and does have an elastic pen loop.
Only problem is: It doesn’t have that fancy embossed Rhodia logo out-front, but rather a tiny staples logo on the back. It does the job just fine, but I’m a sucker for Rhodia.
I might still go for it, and maybe I’ll get the detachable pen-loop/clip thingy from the Midori accessories line. (I’m terrible with thread & needle). I need to have a Kaweco Sport with it at all times, to keep my grocery list (loaded with Bernanke Black).
Thanks again. Cheers.
Very strange, I just got my No. 12 leatherette pad holder from the Goulet’s today and it does indeed have the Pencil loop.
Maybe they changed their design.
I had included the midori clip-on pen loop to my order so I received it as well, and it is *much* nicer than the on-board pencil loop. I might get it for my other pad holder as well.
Thanks again.
Odd, mines a bit older, so maybe it’s a new thing.
I’ll have to check out that Midori clip too.
Just found your blog Ed and the reviews are excellent, thanks! I’m commenting on this older post as I’ve just had (HAD) to buy some Sailor Kiwa Guro Nano Black ink and Rhodia pads. Damn you! Lol
Great job, looking forward to the next posts as I work my way through them.
Thank you! I’m glad you’re enjoying the reads. I recently inked up my Lamy 2000 with the Nano Black. It’s just a great ink. It works on practically everything and the smoothness and dry time are hard to beat.