Hands On: Stilform KOSMOS
Fountain Pen on Kickstarter
Specs:
- Description: A sleek fountain pen with a flat side that both looks cool, and prevents the pen from rolling off a desk.
- Nib: Bock steel
- Filling Mechanism: Cartridge/Converter
- Color Options: See Kickstarter campaign
Intro/About:
I’ve thrown around the idea for a while now doing a more brief hands-on style review. If you like this shorter (but still comprehensive) review style, please let me know in the comments below! The KOSMOS is an interesting fountain pen from Germany-based design firm Stilform. The pen features a completely flat side to prevent it from rolling off your desk. You’ll also find a unique magnetic cap closure mechanism that’s really fun to play with. The pen feels like something that Lamy would release, and for me that’s a good thing. Clean lines, premium materials, and top-notch fit and finish are seen throughout this new fountain pen offering.
Notes:
Proportionally, the KOSMOS is just right. The body is on the longer side, and the cap is relatively small. Since the cap and body are the same diameter, it doesn’t post. For me, that’s not an issue. As you can see in the photo above, the KOSMOS is a great size for my medium hands. One of the more unique features on the pen is the magnetic cap closure system. A strong magnet snaps the cap into place, always properly oriented to line up the flat surfaces. The magnetic closure means that there are no threads to get in the way. This design choice results in a clean-looking pen with a small step from the body to the grip.
The KOSMOS sports a Bock nib and feed system. The writing experience is what you’d expect from Bock – good flow, smooth writing, and reliability. I’m not a huge fan of the look of these drop-in nib systems that have become common amongst the Kickstarter pens of the world. While they perform well, I feel like the Bock design detracts a bit from the work that the designers put into the pen. Maybe it’s something from my manufacturing background that brings that about. It’s a pet peeve of mine to have someone else’s logo on my work. It’s a bit of a double-edged sword though – without these easily accessible nib systems, we probably wouldn’t see so many new designs come about.
Overall, I’m a fan of the KOSMOS. The premium materials (grade-6 anodized aluminum), excellent fit, unique closure mechanism, and comfortable proportions result in a solid offering. Pledges start at $69 on Kickstarter for the aluminum version and go up from there depending on the body material (titanium is available) and nib material (steel, coated, gold, titanium). Currently, the KOSMOS is fully funded with over $200k in backings. They’ve successfully delivered products in the past, so back with confidence. There are only 5 days remaining in the campaign, so make sure you get there fast! Thanks to Stilform for reaching out, it was a pleasure to check it out.
Back the KOSMOS on Kickstarter
Gallery:
edjelley.com - Fountain Pen, Ink, and Stationery Reviews 
Non-posting cap? What an annoyance! They either must be held in the hand which isn’t writing, or they roll away, get knocked off the writing surface, or otherwise get lost. I was excited until I saw that. Perhaps for folks who only write seated securely at their very own desk that’s not a problem. I’m a teacher and I write at a lectern, my desk, and at student desks as I move around class. I often grade papers on a sloped lap desk, more chance for caps to relocate. Alas.
There will also be a version of this fountain pen with a clip on the cap. Would that solve your problem?
Short and sweet. Thanks for the review. I’m excited to get mine. Cheers!
I have never purchased a pen with the Bock nib. I like F nibs, but do you have a sense of how a Fine Bock nib writes? Is it scratchy? Would a medium be better? Thank you in advance for your feedback.