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Pen Review: Noodler's Ahab


I wanted a flexible modern pen but couldn't spend a lot of money. My research led me to the Ahab from Noodler's Ink. After getting the Creeper in the demonstrator I thought to do the same but a darker shade of yellow. Baltic Amber sounded darker than Carniolan Honey and the online sales clerk told me the same. The pen came packaged in the standard Noodler's fashion, no frills just a cardstock box with some paperwork. The Ahab was a little disappointing initially but the more time I spent with it the more I grew to love it.

Brand: Noodler's Ink
Model: Ahab
Year: 2010's
Nib: Noodler's Flex - Modified
Colour: Baltic Amber

Appearance & Design
The design is rather simple, a double stepped section and unique clip set it apart. The transparency to the ink reservoir and filling system add an element of interest to the cigar shape of the body. The colour though said to be darker than Carniolan Honey is actually lighter.

Construction & Quality
The pen construction feels solid and the plastic has some heft to it. No seams or flaws. The materials used are of a durable quality plus the ebonite feed opens up to flexibility in nibs that can be used with the pen. Apart from the residual odor from the vegetable resin (which took about 4 months to improve) I am really impressed with the quality of this pen.

Weight & Dimensions
The pen is large and when posted becomes rather long. The diameter is comfortable in hand and could support long writing sessions. The placement of the threads allowed my hand plenty of room to hold / grip the pen.

 Nib & Performance
The Ahab nib is steel and has a slit that runs deeper up the nib than anything I have seen before. The stock nib though flexible takes a lot of pressure to spread and I found it cutting deeper into the page than I prefer. I found an article about a modified Ahab nib and did just that with this pen. I recommend the adjustment, it now flexes with little pressure and a joy to use. The ebonite feed made it possible to adjust the ink flow and heat set to work with this modified nib. As you can imagine that the ink demand is high for a flexible nib. Another great quality is that the feed and section can accommodate no 6 nibs opening up possibility of bringing new life to a favourite nib. With a bit of tinkering this pen's performance can be tuned to exactly the way you want.

Filling System & Maintenance
This piston filler uses a plunger to drive the piston. It holds a lot of ink and easy to operate. All the parts of this pen can be easily disassembled for maintaining and cleaning.

Cost & Value
The price point for this versatile pen, with an ebonite feed and piston filler is affordable. It gives you the ability to tinker without worrying about breaking the bank.

If you are looking for a flexible modern pen definitely do the nib modification. You can have a great flexible pen with high ink capacity for a small fee and a little shop time.  A wet noodle from Noodler's Ink. 

Gord A

A student of Architecture that is very particular when choosing a tool.

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