Benu Tribute Fountain Pen: “Black Coffee” edition. A tribute to Ella Fitzgerald
Benu Fountain Pens was founded in 2016 by Alex Semanin and Kate Dmitrieva. Benu is named after the Egyptian deity associated with the Sun, creation, and birth, as well as the Benu Bird or Phoenix. Per their website, the name was chosen based on three reasons. “First, despite being a deity, the Benu is also a bird. The fact that quills are one of the most well-known prototypes of fountain pens and most commonly used symbols of writing instruments makes a bird a perfect symbolic representation of a company that produces pens and desk accessories. Another reason is connected to the origin of the name and general design concept. Benu is related to the verb weben (wbn) that can be translated as “rise in brilliance.” Given the provocative, bright, sparkling, and daring colour combination and design, the name suits the brand perfectly. Finally, the Benu bird being a symbol of constant change, recurrence, and renovation, perfectly convey the founders’ view on the current state of the writing instruments industry. Changing throughout centuries, in today’s digital world, handwriting has become more of an art than a communication tool. Pens are much less needed nowadays as we have computers, tablets and smartphones, yet interest in stylish writing instruments remains high among trendsetters. Moreover, an expensive and stylish pen not only becomes a tool but also an important accessory. A beautiful pen is a status symbol or a personal item that reflects the taste of its owner. BENU is reinventing and redefining the art of writing.”
Benu recently launched a new product line, the Tribute collection, which is focused on celebrating the stories, melodies, and masterpieces that leave a mark on the soul. The first model they have generously sent to me for review is “Black Coffee” which is inspired by Ella Ftizgerald, one of my favorite all time singers. Thanks go out to them for sending this to me for review, and you can find one for yourself at Benu’s website.
Packaging: I am familiar with Benu’s usual white rectangular boxes filled with shredded paper, but they have a new box for this pen. The pen arrives in a thick cardboard box with a magnetic closure. Embossed on the lid in gold foil is “BENU Writing Instruments and Accessories” as well as an embossed feather, giving a nod to the bird and quill the company is named after. Inside the box are cut outs containing the pen, ink cartridge, and user guide/warranty book. I am a fan of simple packaging, which allows the pen to speak for itself. I love the design of this box and feel that it could easily be kept for storage or recycled if you feel like you don’t need the package.
First Thoughts: Wow. I have a few Benu pens and I have always loved the materials and the designs, but this is a totally different ballgame.
Design: Every one of these pens is hand painted so each one is unique, but the overall colors range from light creamy tan to a deep rich brown. There is a lot to unpack on the design so I will start at the cap finial and work to the end finial. The cap finial is a rich translucent amber color with a modest sparkle and a concave dip. The sides of the finial are fluted and that design continues to a large gold colored clip band, the clip is sword shaped, before starting again in the cap design. The cap ends with the same translucent amber material which also matches the grip section. The body is made from the same material as the cap and tapers down to a slightly convex end finial. The body of the pen is not fluted like the cap, but I think this is where the pen shines. The cap has a beautiful pocket watch, swirls of gold, and small coffee beans painted on it, while the barrel has a cup of coffee with steam lines, a coffee grinder, a pen, coffee beans, and the same gold swirls as the cap.
Nib Performance: The pen comes equipped with a #6 Schmidt nib which is gold plated to match the trim. There is decorative scrollwork around the edges of the nib, a M for medium, as well as “Schmidt Iridium Point” in the middle near the breathing hole. I received a medium nib and it laid down a nice balanced, not to wet or dry line, and kept up with fast writing.
Filling System: Cartridge converter
Value: $330 USD or $580USD with a 14kt nib
Overall: I am blown away by this model. Three of my favorite things rolled into one; Jazz music, coffee, and amazing fountain pens. The level of detail given to this pen and the artwork on the body is phenomenal. The little coffee beans and the swirls and accents on the pen pull the cap and body together into a wonderful and cohesive design. The colors of the material and paint, ranging from light brown to deep rich amber and dark brown, capture the spectrum of coffee and the smooth sound of Ella’s voice. I think she would have loved this pen and what it represents.
Specs:
Name: Benu Tribute Black Coffee
Design: Hand painted resin
Length: 150mm (5.91in)
Posted: 183mm (7.20in)
Diameter: 14.28mm (0.56in)
Weight: 29.6 gr (1.04oz)
Nib: Stainless Steel
Filling System: Cartridge/Converter
Pros: Stunning material and paintings, the attention to detail is impressive. The design is cohesive and every part of the pen feels like it fits
Cons: I can’t think of any on this model
In the same price range:
Platinum 3776 Century
Sailor 1911 Large
Esterbrook Estie King of the Night
