Beautiful pen though expensive as I build my pen collection. Wonderful review again Doug. I will now have a look at your Moonman M800 review again. Many thanks
Hey, Doug - I love your style, your music, certainly your irreverence, and your dedication to the fountain pen community and art form. I watch most of your videos and find them informative and entertaining. Keep up the great work - and thank you!
Great review Doug, thank you for the research, work, honesty, and great suave humor. Btw, I too am on a fixed, and was elated to know that Leonardo makes it possible for guys like us to "get into the game"! Oh, and despite my situation, I actually do own a Montblanc Miesterstück 146 Fine Nib, but it was a Father's Day gift. 😊 thanks again & God bless.
When offered by a European vendor to ship DHL (delayed / lost) I will refuse and ship regular tracked with signature. These hidden costs are what they like to refer to as “handling charges” and are a rip-off in my mind. I have never had any problem with orders out of the UK nor the Netherlands. I just have to wait for the two week delivery as our Canada Post likes to take their time as well. Still not bad. I seem to remember that a previous Leonardo from Appelboom required nib work or nib replacement?? You mention that they performed nib work on this one. Looks like a wet fine compared to some others.
Yeah, Appelboom has an option where you check the box to have the nib tested before shipping. The only Leonardo I had nib issues with was the MZ Blue Hawaii which I bought two nibs. Both were Bock and both were crap. Appelboom did NOT check these nibs as I had not requested it. I did have the broad cut into an AI and it is perfect now.
@@InkquiringMinds the price paid for this pen compared to many others wouldn’t necessarily be considered expensive but still at the entry level fo a mid range quality pen. JMHO but I feel for that price Appelboom should always check the pen prior to shipment instead of telling the buyer to check the box and then telling you it might delay delivery. This would discourage some of those eager to hold that beauty asap.Should a retailer become the manufacturer’s quality control? What’s your opinion on this?
@@richardc6932 I think it is a good service to have and agree the customer should be given the option. The fact it is free is a bonus. Since manufacturers vary widely in their nib quality control, having the option at the retailer is great.
They are hard to get at retailers in the US. Leonardo does not go though a distributor and the retailers have to purchase stock on spec or order direct from Leonardo for you.
I appreciated your comments on the Bock switch to JOWO by Leonardo. I have heard of other pen companies also switching to JOWO but I did not know why. I thought it was pandemic supply issue. I am not experienced enough to have an opinion of one vs the other. But I appreciate your opinion very much.
Love this review! I agree with you on the price points on the MonteBlanc Pens Ben g a bit high and a bit lower in the area of “creativity.” Mont Blanc is a legacy company. Leonardo is presenting itself as an artistic luxury brand that is also obtainable by more people. Münsterstroke maybe nice but a Blue Hawaii is going to catch people’s eyes as well as to get a few compliments as too!
Totally agree! One of these days I might land a 149 but it would be vintage I expect. I should have another 149 clone next week; a Wing Sung 628 Münsterstuck with a 14K gold nib. Should be interesting how many German knickers get twisted.
Hi Doug, I always enjoy your music intros! Love this beautiful pen too! I actually picked up the Alga (Seaweed). It was such a tough choice because purple's my color but I decided to go for something different than anything else in my collection. That said, your review has me sorely tempted to pick up the Prugna! 💜 I just can't look away! 😄
Thas "this is my Chanel" moment was 🙌😂. I don't think this is boring, especially, as long as it's Italian, well shaped, and they comes in red (or similar tone 😅), I think I would fall in love 😍... I swear I wasn't thinking in Sofia Loren neither Monica Bellucci 😅 Thank you for the video Doug. Iterative but always entertaining. I hope you enjoyed your new pen, I'm recently on the compulsive collection hunt for Esterbrook J's... so far I got 5. I know, I'm a vintage induced collectioning entangled, VICE for short 😂. PS. This is off topic but🤔... is it possible to replace that melted section of the Jinhao 85 with one of those metal sections from wing sung?? Saludos.
This is a very good review. LOVE your thorough review! Good job! Well said. I am interested in buying another Leonardo in this Red color with ROSE GOLD TRIM😍💖
I ordered 35 euros worth of inks from a store in england once, to be delivered in greece. The store stated that there would be no extra import duty fees etc. and what I was paying at checkout would be my one and final payment. I payed a bit more for faster shipping since I didn't want to wait. DHL air shipping sounded pretty good! When the inks arrived here at athens I was informed of an extra charge for 53 euros!!! I told DHL to send them back and thankfully I got a speedy refund! That makes me a bit hesitant to buy again from non-eu shops but I'll probably give it another try if I can avoid DHL now!
I bought a Gioia Parthenope from Appelboom in the Netherlands, it was shipped from Bromfield Store (a new acquisition of Appelboom in US) via DHL. No extra fee was charged to me. I think the fact that your pen crossed the border, it would be charged for custom handling. My wife ordered coffee from Jamaica once and we had to pay the duty handling of $20 to the DHL man. Therefore, order from Appelboom in Laren, shipped from Boston, may not be charged with duty handling fee because of US-Canadian FTA.
@@InkquiringMinds They price it to gauge businesses that pay hundreds or thousands in customs fee, where it doesn't seem as outrageous for the convenience. Small packets are just unintended victim, not that they will not happily gauge you.
Just inked up the same pen with the same ink yesterday - Instantly fell for it! Thanks for your reviews on Leonardo Pens, I might have otherwise skiped on a great deal and would definately miss the writing experience!
Great review! I love your sarcasm meter and your added commentaries. I will also say that I have my first Leonardo Momento Zero arriving tomorrow (if the USPS tracking is correct 🙄) from Pen Chalet. It is a PC limited edition ebonite barrel with black resin caps in fine. A bit more understated, but that's my style. Thanks again for your reviews.
Much appreciated! It would be a good gig to get a sponsorship to sit and watch YT all day while eating Cheetos (or whatever sponsor you chose... Budweiser etc) LOL
Douglas I completely agree regarding the custom and duties. And then of course there is the transaction fee on top of it. I always ask what shipping options are available, and if I can get the national post carrier, I usually go with that. I don't mind waiting if I can save some $. Good idea to compare the newer MZs vs the old ones. I like the Bock stubs. They are more aesthetically pleasing to my eye than the Jowo stubs.
Keep in mind the Jowo stub I showed was one not publicly released. All of the Leonardo Jowo nibs look like the one on my 2021 MZ now, except the gold ones which have 14k 585 on the top and the size.
@@InkquiringMinds I don't like the Jowo stubs in general. I like stub nibs, but if it's made by Jowo I'll avoid it. I don't like that extension for the stub. It makes the nib longer in a bad way. Otherwise Jowo nibs are great, so long as they have the proper feed. Conklin switched to Jowo as well, but are have ink flow issues because of the feed. Checkout Penboy Roy if you want for that info. The Jowo nib that you have that is not publicly released is a valuable prize.
Yeah , I know, DHL Hidden fees are 💩 . It would'nt be so insulting if at least the let you know before the fact, anyway NOW i know. Thank for the review. Stunning Pen.
these damn customs fees (and delays) are the reason why I don't usually buy pens from the US, and I'm very sorry because a lot of the models I would like to buy don't arrive in Italy. you never know what to expect😭😭😭
@@francescomotolese4644 I've had to avoid US retailers because of their heavy shipping costs to Canada (I'm only a few hours from the US border). So, I've been buying from the UK and EU. Goulet just recently dropped their shipping prices to Canada to $13US so I've just made a purchase of a Penlux Masterpiece from them. Should be here next week.
@@francescomotolese4644 Take a look on Goulet. They are made in Taiwan. www.gouletpens.com/collections/penlux-masterpiece-grande-fountain-pens/products/penlux-masterpiece-grande-fountain-pen-snowflake-limited-edition?variant=33085826138155
Someone's DHL is another one's FedEx. Here in Germany DHL doesn't bother with customs. If the item passes customs checks it gets a small green sticker and it'll be delivered to your mailbox without any further ado. If it doesn't pass they'll drop it at your nearest customs office and send you a letter telling you where to pick it up and remind you to pay any fees and taxes by yourself. FedEx however always delivers the item to your doorstep but they let you pay through the nose for this service. Last time I got something from outside the EU, I had to pay FedEx $20 shipping and three weeks later I got a nice letter from them. They had to pay €6 in customs fees and taxes and they wanted it back. Fair enough. Additionally the import seems to have been done by a highly trained FedEx-specialist as they wanted another €18 for his work which would have taken me about 10 minutes (waiting included). So I avoid shipping by FedEx whenever I can.
My issue with DHL is the back-ending of some of their costs. I don't mind paying duty and taxes after I've paid for shipping. But extorting another $17 after already paying $35 up front is usury.
@@InkquiringMinds I absoutely understand that and I agree wholeheartedly but I don't see any difference between your $17 bill from DHL and my €18 bill from FedEx. In both cases we had to give the seller money to cover his part of the shipping costs and then DHL/FedEx demands an additional sum from us which was not disclosed before. “The Master said, “If your conduct is determined solely by considerations of profit you will arouse great resentment.” ― Confucius
The trouble is the fee is the same no matter how much they paid customs. On an expensive item where you owe hundreds in customs fees the eighteen bucks to avoid going to customs might be worth it. On cheap item where customs fee is six bucks it is insanity. EU does this on purpose by setting the limit very low when customs fee requirements so as to keep out small purchases from outside the single market. US sets the limit for customs fee collection to things ove six hundred dollars because US Customs does want to deal with the piddly stuff. All that Aliexpress and Etsy shipping from China would grind to a halt otherwise, as it does in EU.
I feel like there's this misconception with Lamy's QC when it comes to their nibs, while it's true that they check every nib for defects, they do not check for smoothness. It's very easy to misinterpret 'defects' as a lack of smoothness, too much feedback, or even scratchiness. But all they're really looking for is misaligned tines, uneven tipping, too tight/loose nib slit, etc...
@@stargazer1359 Goulet Pens has a video on their channel which shows the nib+feed being tested with Lamy Blue ink, BUT! It's all done by machine and is only done to test for ink flow, not for smoothness. But it's shame that this is the case however if we were to hold a standard where every nib should be tested by hand it should be held by every company, not just Lamy but this would both be difficult an a bit ridiculous as it would probably cost more for both the consumers and manufacturers. Edit: this also doesn't even take into account on man power or nib preferences like smoothness, feedback, drag, noise, etc...
Doug- “Cento per cento means not made in China”. I almost spit my coffee out on that one! Hilarious. Another great review. Couldn’t help but notice that your reviews are trending toward more expensive pens. Did you win the Canadian Lottery and not tell us? I may need to break down and buy this one. FYI- Prugna is pronounced “Prune-ya”
Thanks for that! Prune-YAH it is! No, I'm still in the modest pen collection ballpark. Every month, when I get my CZcams revenue money, I'll try to get a more upscale pen that would ordinarily be out of reach. A Platinum 3776 Bourgogne was supposed to be my pen for this month, but they broke it in transportation and it was the last one from that vendor so they cancelled my order.
@@InkquiringMinds yeah that model marble burgundy,for me the duofold is the best model Parker has ever produced and luckily the many Parkers I have are all from the pre Newells era. 🤙
Hi Doug, what a beauty! It's so gorgeous. Leonardo is a very good company and I do love all of their color innovations over the last year. I wish I could swing a few, but alas they are way out of my league. Thanks for a another great review. Stay safe and healthy!
Hi Doug, Received my Leonardo Officinia Italiana Momento Zero pen in the Prugna color. You were 100% right the Yama-Budo is a perfect match. My pen is extra special as there is a spelling error on the engraving on the pen. Officina on my pen is spelled Officia. I was able to see the engraving on your pen during your review and yours is spelled correctly. I have written Pen Chalet about it. The spelling error is also on the pens that they have pictured on their website. The older colors the spelling is correct on pen pictures on the Pen Chalet website. Asking if they could find out if the error has been discovered yet. Also would be interesting to see how many were done in error. Looking at the pictures closer it appears that the error is only on the Prugna in Gold Finish. The other finishes are correct. Leonardo is still using some of the old boxes as my box does not have the added wording on the box. Keep up the great reviews.
@@InkquiringMinds Looking at Pen Chalet website pictures if the pen. I think the error is only on the gold trim. #323 Plum is gold has the error also but in the rose gold picture it is correct. I have not heard back from Pen Chalet yet. I might write to Leonardo directly. Just interested in how many have the engraving error. Like error coins my pen should be worth more with the error. The pen writes great.
Once again Doug a great in depth review comparing the 2020 zero to the 2021.Beautiful colour & trim combination aswell which i had looked at,but this time decided to give another manufacturer a go.I am waiting for a Armondo Simoni Club studio which on the few reviews I've found sounds to be a great pen & at £20 less than the zero sounds a good deal.
Unfortunately not as it was broken in transportation from Japan. It never reached me and the vendor cancelled the order claiming it was the last one. Still no refund either.
@@InkquiringMinds This is a common problem I guess.. My PTL 5000 A order got cancelled twice from one vendor for the same reason as yours and finally I got it from a different vendor who had it in stock locally..
So is Sbre Brown still correct in saying that buying Italian pens is a bit problematic or hit and miss in that you can run into problems with the nibs out of the box. One he got wouldn't write out of the box and had to be sent to a nibmeister before it would.
Hi Doug, Just purchased a Leonardo Oddicina Italiana Momento Zero Blue Hawaii Gold Trim broad nib new one at a good price. What ink did you pair yours with? I just love my Prugna color one. It writes so smooth and the Yama-Budo is a perfect ink color for it.
Did you really fall in love with this brand?!?! I think now that they have switched to jowo nibs,it is time for me to try one too. Greetings from Italy Doug🤟😝🤟
Additionally, if my Leonardo had silver trim...I would change out the nib that drags...I have several fine + broad Bock nibs brand new to change out. Darn you, Gold trim!
Wow. This plum is amazing ..... Thank you so much for helping clarify the matter of the new nib and their life guarantee. Duty and taxes is not DHL's, that's the Crown's. DHL is acting as our agent to process our taxes. Those are the fees you paid. A lot of not all private international shipping companies have the same costs, they just don't have the same way of structuring those costs as DHL. From my experience in New Zealand, DHL's working relationships with local Customs are not the most straight forward. But on their commercial prices are some of the more affordable. Depending on which country sellers are residing, and those which DHL they are dealing with.
The details listed on my DHL "duty and taxes" invoice were; taxes = $7, DHL processing fee $17, duty = $0. I had already paid $35 shipping up front so this took the full cost of shipping to $59.
@@InkquiringMinds Yes. The charge a fee to process our taxes. Which isn’t good business optic when import taxes are generally low. Not sure about Canadian customs, but New Zealand customs charges process fee too, for them to work out my important taxes. Plus goods and services tax on those. Your $7 went to the Canadian government. The $17 is what DHL charge to process that $7. Shipping is still $35. What I am saying is that no matter who is the shipping company, they still have to pay that $7 to the Canadian government on your behalf, and someone has to process all that on your behalf. Either they incorporate the $17 into their shipping fee, or charge them separately and itemise them. Either way, we are paying for it.
@@TwoMiceOnMyBookshelf It is still better than the $75 US shipping to Canada on a $150US pen from Jetpens.com which would still be subject to duty, tax and FedEx fees.
@@InkquiringMinds Indeed. Living in New Zealand, the ass of the planet, we have to do all these mental mathematical acrobatics to figure out what is ultimately the cheapest for us because of shipping and taxes. I think Canada and New Zealand suffer a common issue of high post costs. At least your import taxes is not ridiculous as ours. We are being charged GST, the equivalent of VAT for everything we purchase overseas over the net. I will stop myself here before I go into a tirade of rants.
Hi Doug, Always like your reviews. I have been pondering buying the Leonardo Officinia Momento Zero. Just could not decide between the Sea Green or Plum. Once you said that the Pilot Iroshizuku Yama-Budo ink is a perfect match (which I have in my ink collection) I said thats it and just ordered the Pen from Pen Chalet. If anyone is wants to order this pen in any of the colors I would do it ASAP from what I can see on line the pen dealers are selling out fast on these pens. I do like it that you point out the changes that have been made from older versions of the pen. Pointing out the good and bad of pens is good also. In some cases the pen makers do listen to reviews and comments and make improvements to pens. Keep up the great reviews.
I have heard of buying ink to match the pen, but buying pen to match the ink is next level. Also the purple Moonman M800 is a good match for Yama-Budo...that is what mine us loaded with.
@@InkquiringMinds To get anything that is even semi exceptional, I get unrestored vintage. Most I've had to pay for one was $61 USD, and seriously cramped my very limited fixed income. But it was a ca. 1912 Mabie Todd Swan C2 eyedropper, very nice writer that the seller really didn't know what they had. 😈
@@InkquiringMinds Why I have several for parts, and I try to stay away from ones that look beyond my capabilities. I have more Esterbrooks than anything, as my first love was a grey Esterbrook J in high school. Though I have a Sheaffer flattop (5-30 nib) that surprisingly was in working condition when it arrived, and I tend to focus on lever fillers, as they tend to usually only need a new ink sac, maybe a J bar. Though I just picked up a Parker Challenger button filler. Basically similar to a lever filler, so... 😁
@@InkquiringMinds Well vintage is a whole another rabbit hole to dive into. If just being part of the fountain pen hobby becomes too tame for you there is always vintage...
Actually, in Italian, the "g" in Prugna is kind of silent, (it's actually a palatable pronunciation with the "g" & "n" running together), so it would be pronounced "pru-nah". And yes it does officially translate to plum, but I've also heard it used in reference to a prune: Little Italy Da'Bronx, NY, circa 1965-1998. 🇮🇹🇺🇲
Re delivery charges by shippers, before ordering put the seller on the spot and ask them to confirm whether the courier makes any additional, undisclosed charges that are not import duty and tax. Then, when the likes of DHL try it on, you have grounds to dispute the charges and either have them removed by the courier or refunded, post-delivery, by the seller. If the seller says they don't know, they're lying and you'll know what to have your wallet handy.
Thank you, Aladdin! No. I made guitar videos for 10 years on CZcams before I started doing fountain pen reviews. I've had to take most of them down because of copyright strikes from CZcams. I'll post the odd music video, but my guitar videos only see a 10th of the traffic the pen videos get.
A little TLC can make even a Schmidt not write like a Schmidt. He. He. He. This pen's color is in my vibe zone. Nothing like a warm purple. The clean cut on the section is a little odd. I wonder if that was intentional (gah I love playing a pen nerd). If people didn't review new colors penTube would be a desert. Pelikan and Sailor gotta get that free press for their pricey plumes 😏
“Dot-dot-dot” or ellipses seems either silly or a bit presumptuous of being fancy. Love the pens but reading that “father and son” stuff is a bit too much. Perhaps it is a bigger deal in Italia than it is for me in Los Angeles.
I was just making fun copying the way Stephen Colbert read Trump's tweats. LOL But the father and son thing is significant because Salvatore's father, Ciro Matrone, is one of the co-founders of Delta and there are quite a few Delta devotees out there.
Hi Doug, Great review. I just bought two of the new Leonardo Momento Zeros. Have you ever tried Pen Chalet? They have a great rewards program, not sure what shipping is with them to Canada. Thank you for taking the time to go over the change in nibs. I pulled out my 8 Leonardo’s I have now and did comparisons. My 7 year old son Maximus thoroughly enjoys your videos. Many Thanks-
Yes I have. Their shipping to Canada is $15.99 US which is $20Cdn. So it isn't the most expensive (Goldspot) but not the cheapest either (Pen Boutique).
Wow! Nice collection! 2021 might be the year for mine after I buy a flexie for my art needs. On your recommendation I looked at Chris’ Saenz ink site-good suggestion there to! You are my pen guy having the final word even on things I might first see elsewhere but I trust your instincts & research! 🙏 (and the music is mighty fine!)
I think it's a shame Pilot don't sell the Falcon metal with the swish bottle from the 823 box. No I don't want the 823 just the bottle with Falcon metal.
We have the same issue with all private couriers here in Israel. I just avoid FedEx, DHL, EMS and all these companies. I always ask sellers to ship via their country's postal service - in which case I'd only be asked to pay the tax and nothing more.
So .. so much to like ... No dislike haha ...(I waited for the dislike section) I decide to get one soon... Thanks to your video. How about moonman copy. Is the quality comparable to Leonardo ? I think I will buy both moonman and Leonardo myself to compare. Thanks a lot for great video 😃👍👍
@@InkquiringMinds I managed to get DHL packages from China (PenBBS on Etsy) and Hong Kong (IndieGOGO) and haven't gotten the ransom treatment, but perhaps they don't charge it in the states.
I recently purchased one in green. It is very nice pen but I noticed it makes metal sound inside due to touching of the ink converter and the bottom metal housing and makes it looks like flimsy.pen
@@InkquiringMinds I think that's the result of so many people taking their cut before it gets to you the consumer, especially with the prestige, luxury brand names. Big difference with what you'll pay for a Pilot in Japan vers that in Europe.
DHL is a nightmare. I've had service fees that more than doubled the cost of what I ordered. The only way around it, according to Canada Customs, is to go down to their office and pay the taxes in person. No online payment method offered. I think it was CTV ran a piece from BC about the problem. It's a scam, and I'm pretty damn sure THEY don't have to go pay the taxes in person. Beautiful pen.
Doug- So, it sounds like you enjoyed the writing experience more on the MZ prugna because of the nib. So...... if you had that nib on the Blue MZG would you like it just as much? In short.... which pen is the winner here for you between this one and the grande? Sounds like it might be a tie. I am trying to decide between the two and value your opinion. BTW- I think there is nothing like a tuned nib. My rule after getting burned in the past is anything over $100 I want to buy from a vendor that tunes it before it leaves the shop. Thanks for all you do.
That's why I like Appelboom. A 15% discount (which pays for the shipping) and a free nib tuning. Between the MZG and the new MZ, it is a toss-up at the moment. The MZG is currently with Jack being fashioned into a Naginata Togi!
@@InkquiringMinds Coming soon to a theater near you, Doug Rathbun starring in " Can't say sayonara until you try a Naginata" ... a review of a unique grind for the FP enthusiast. Can't wait to see it.
Thanks, for the pen porn, the puns, and the pregnant plum pronunciation. Of your three reasons for this review, I like the third the best. I especially appreciate the comparison between the older and new models. At some point in the future, I’m going to get a Blue Hawaii. I like that resin, even if it is linguini.
Thanks for the another great review I wasn't aware this review was coming so when I received an email from Penchalet.com and found that they offered some colors exclusively from them and finding that some of them have ebonite barrel I pulled the trigger for what they call Colorful ebonite barrel with rose gold trim. But I really like one of other colors you showed in your review
Thanks for the consumer tip on "ransom" charges, appreciated. Wonder if retailers will discount their Leonardo Bock stock? Hmmm dot dot dot Happy writing to you! Odd couple scene, an all-time classic!
Hi again Doug, I received an email from Pen Chalet and they said that I was the first one to notice the spelling error on the Momento Zero that I received. They have not had anyone else contact them about it yet. I used messanger on Facebook and reached out to Leonardo Officina Italiana this afternoon. I figured it would be tomorrow before I heard back from them as it would have been like 10:30pm their time. Low and behold in a matter of mins I got a message back from them. They had heard from Pen Chalet about my contacting them yesterday. Both Pen Chalet and Leonardo wanted to replace the pen it I wanted to exchange the pen. Told them I was all set in having the error pen. Its like having an error minted coin. It being numbered means it is one of a kind error pen. Would be nice to know if anyone else has received the pen with the spelling error on it. So far #323 which is pictured on the Pen Chalet website and #338 which I own have the Officina spelled Officia dropping the n. Keep up the great reviews.
That's excellent communication and service all round. Good for Pen Chalet and Leonardo. And good for you for both reporting it and keeping the bad penny collector's jem!
Before I enjoyed your review as usual along with a cup of coffee and homemade cake, I promised myself not to rehash all the terrors I experienced with my (now dead-and-buried) Leonardo Momento Zero and Appelboom. So, I am not going to.
P.S. The change in the converter fitting may have been due to the fact that the original (mine included) malfunctioned. Even my nibmeister hired to try to make the pen write couldn't fix it.
LOL! Yes, you aren't the first to note that 100% Italian. I take it with a grain of salt. Like MacDonalds says "made with 100% pure beef". All they are saying is whatever beef is in your burger is all beef. LOL
Naww, Nick. I'm not fishing for a sponsor, just reminding people that I buy these pens. They don't come to me for review and then I pass them on to the next reviewer.
What DHL is doing is dastardly low blow, but I wonder whether that could be seen as fraud. In many countries it is Customs that holds your packages hostage, while charging you a fee to collect the customs due that is several times the size of the customs fee. But DHL just doing so just because they can seems like some sort of bait and switch scheme. Deplorable really. (Probably still better service than UPS. :) Those people just abuse the hell out of your package, might not charge you some made up fee, but your item will only arrive intact through grace of God, and good packing job of the sender, but certainly despite UPS's best efforts to break it.)
They are using a Canada Customs loop hole to upcharge for their "paperwork" as they have to file notice to the Canadian government to remitting tax. So I get charged $17 for paperwork to report $7 in taxes.
Got my coffee, got my dog, got my fiancé too and it is time for another fountain pen review by Doug!
I'm glad you have your priorities straight, Adam! Coffee, Dog, Fiancé. Check.
@@InkquiringMinds Mine hates your humor...doesn't stop me from watching. She is like: "Oh, no, not Inkquiring Minds..."
@@martinlebl631 LOL
@@InkquiringMinds 😂🤣😂
Beautiful pen though expensive as I build my pen collection. Wonderful review again Doug. I will now have a look at your Moonman M800 review again. Many thanks
Please do! It is expensive, no question.
Excellent and very thorough review as usual. And it doesn't hurt that you make it so much fun. Thanks a lot Doug!! 😊
Glad you enjoyed it!
Hey, Doug - I love your style, your music, certainly your irreverence, and your dedication to the fountain pen community and art form. I watch most of your videos and find them informative and entertaining. Keep up the great work - and thank you!
Wow, thanks!
Great review Doug, thank you for the research, work, honesty, and great suave humor. Btw, I too am on a fixed, and was elated to know that Leonardo makes it possible for guys like us to "get into the game"! Oh, and despite my situation, I actually do own a Montblanc Miesterstück 146 Fine Nib, but it was a Father's Day gift. 😊 thanks again & God bless.
Thanks for sharing!
When offered by a European vendor to ship DHL (delayed / lost) I will refuse and ship regular tracked with signature. These hidden costs are what they like to refer to as “handling charges” and are a rip-off in my mind. I have never had any problem with orders out of the UK nor the Netherlands. I just have to wait for the two week delivery as our Canada Post likes to take their time as well. Still not bad. I seem to remember that a previous Leonardo from Appelboom required nib work or nib replacement?? You mention that they performed nib work on this one. Looks like a wet fine compared to some others.
Yeah, Appelboom has an option where you check the box to have the nib tested before shipping. The only Leonardo I had nib issues with was the MZ Blue Hawaii which I bought two nibs. Both were Bock and both were crap. Appelboom did NOT check these nibs as I had not requested it. I did have the broad cut into an AI and it is perfect now.
@@InkquiringMinds the price paid for this pen compared to many others wouldn’t necessarily be considered expensive but still at the entry level fo a mid range quality pen. JMHO but I feel for that price Appelboom should always check the pen prior to shipment instead of telling the buyer to check the box and then telling you it might delay delivery. This would discourage some of those eager to hold that beauty asap.Should a retailer become the manufacturer’s quality control? What’s your opinion on this?
@@richardc6932 I think it is a good service to have and agree the customer should be given the option. The fact it is free is a bonus. Since manufacturers vary widely in their nib quality control, having the option at the retailer is great.
Hi Doug, Pen Chalet sold out of the entire new batch of the Leonardo Officina Momento Zero pens in one day. Good thing I ordered when I did.
They are hard to get at retailers in the US. Leonardo does not go though a distributor and the retailers have to purchase stock on spec or order direct from Leonardo for you.
I appreciated your comments on the Bock switch to JOWO by Leonardo. I have heard of other pen companies also switching to JOWO but I did not know why. I thought it was pandemic supply issue. I am not experienced enough to have an opinion of one vs the other. But I appreciate your opinion very much.
Thank you, MrCabimero!
Love this review! I agree with you on the price points on the MonteBlanc Pens Ben g a bit high and a bit lower in the area of “creativity.”
Mont Blanc is a legacy company. Leonardo is presenting itself as an artistic luxury brand that is also obtainable by more people.
Münsterstroke maybe nice but a Blue Hawaii is going to catch people’s eyes as well as to get a few compliments as too!
Totally agree! One of these days I might land a 149 but it would be vintage I expect. I should have another 149 clone next week; a Wing Sung 628 Münsterstuck with a 14K gold nib. Should be interesting how many German knickers get twisted.
Blue Sorrento too👍
Hi Doug, I always enjoy your music intros! Love this beautiful pen too! I actually picked up the Alga (Seaweed). It was such a tough choice because purple's my color but I decided to go for something different than anything else in my collection. That said, your review has me sorely tempted to pick up the Prugna! 💜 I just can't look away! 😄
Very cool! Thank you, Roxie!
Great Googilee Moogilee - anyone who says that plum finish doesn’t deserve its own review isn’t seeing that amazing finish!
I know! And the Yama Budo is the perfect match. It hasn't been empty since I did the review.
@@InkquiringMinds I’m torn between Blue Hawaii, the Plum one, and Blue Sorrento. Paralyzed with indecision.
@@stevenbrown7048 To me, the Blue Hawaii is way more interesting than either the Positano or the Prugna.
Thas "this is my Chanel" moment was 🙌😂.
I don't think this is boring, especially, as long as it's Italian, well shaped, and they comes in red (or similar tone 😅), I think I would fall in love 😍... I swear I wasn't thinking in Sofia Loren neither Monica Bellucci 😅
Thank you for the video Doug. Iterative but always entertaining. I hope you enjoyed your new pen, I'm recently on the compulsive collection hunt for Esterbrook J's... so far I got 5. I know, I'm a vintage induced collectioning entangled, VICE for short 😂.
PS. This is off topic but🤔... is it possible to replace that melted section of the Jinhao 85 with one of those metal sections from wing sung??
Saludos.
There are worse VICES Jorge! And no, the Jinhao 85 hood does not come off.
This is a very good review. LOVE your thorough review! Good job! Well said. I am interested in buying another Leonardo in this Red color with ROSE GOLD TRIM😍💖
Glad it was helpful!
A new finish is a perfectly good reason to do another review!
I agree!
@@InkquiringMinds I second.
Hi Dough.. You have a very good country voice.
And the pen.. Gorgeous like always.
Thank you kindly!
@@InkquiringMinds 🇪🇸👍
#3 was the best reason sir. Great review as always.
Cool, thanks! And it is the only reason that even matters. LOL
The "..." got me laughing 🤣
I ordered 35 euros worth of inks from a store in england once, to be delivered in greece. The store stated that there would be no extra import duty fees etc. and what I was paying at checkout would be my one and final payment. I payed a bit more for faster shipping since I didn't want to wait. DHL air shipping sounded pretty good! When the inks arrived here at athens I was informed of an extra charge for 53 euros!!! I told DHL to send them back and thankfully I got a speedy refund! That makes me a bit hesitant to buy again from non-eu shops but I'll probably give it another try if I can avoid DHL now!
I call it "the extortion fee".
Got my first Leonardo Momento Zero in Lavende after watching your review. Very thorough and entertaining. That color looks lovely!
Hope you enjoy it! Congrats!
I bought a Gioia Parthenope from Appelboom in the Netherlands, it was shipped from Bromfield Store (a new acquisition of Appelboom in US) via DHL. No extra fee was charged to me. I think the fact that your pen crossed the border, it would be charged for custom handling. My wife ordered coffee from Jamaica once and we had to pay the duty handling of $20 to the DHL man. Therefore, order from Appelboom in Laren, shipped from Boston, may not be charged with duty handling fee because of US-Canadian FTA.
$20 to send routine paperwork to the Government is usury.
@@InkquiringMinds They price it to gauge businesses that pay hundreds or thousands in customs fee, where it doesn't seem as outrageous for the convenience. Small packets are just unintended victim, not that they will not happily gauge you.
Just inked up the same pen with the same ink yesterday - Instantly fell for it! Thanks for your reviews on Leonardo Pens, I might have otherwise skiped on a great deal and would definately miss the writing experience!
Hope you enjoy it! I just received my new 2021 Leonardo Furore Galaxy yesterday! Awesome!
Great review!
I love your sarcasm meter and your added commentaries.
I will also say that I have my first Leonardo Momento Zero arriving tomorrow (if the USPS tracking is correct 🙄) from Pen Chalet.
It is a PC limited edition ebonite barrel with black resin caps in fine.
A bit more understated, but that's my style.
Thanks again for your reviews.
Sounds like a beauty!
Thanks for the excellent and free review, as I am unsponsored to view your channel. ;-)
Much appreciated! It would be a good gig to get a sponsorship to sit and watch YT all day while eating Cheetos (or whatever sponsor you chose... Budweiser etc) LOL
@@InkquiringMinds Cheetos would never do. Your videos require a softer food so I don't miss any of those puns (or choke!)!
Douglas I completely agree regarding the custom and duties. And then of course there is the transaction fee on top of it. I always ask what shipping options are available, and if I can get the national post carrier, I usually go with that. I don't mind waiting if I can save some $.
Good idea to compare the newer MZs vs the old ones. I like the Bock stubs. They are more aesthetically pleasing to my eye than the Jowo stubs.
Keep in mind the Jowo stub I showed was one not publicly released. All of the Leonardo Jowo nibs look like the one on my 2021 MZ now, except the gold ones which have 14k 585 on the top and the size.
@@InkquiringMinds I don't like the Jowo stubs in general. I like stub nibs, but if it's made by Jowo I'll avoid it. I don't like that extension for the stub. It makes the nib longer in a bad way. Otherwise Jowo nibs are great, so long as they have the proper feed. Conklin switched to Jowo as well, but are have ink flow issues because of the feed. Checkout Penboy Roy if you want for that info. The Jowo nib that you have that is not publicly released is a valuable prize.
Yeah , I know, DHL Hidden fees are 💩 . It would'nt be so insulting if at least the let you know before the fact, anyway NOW i know. Thank for the review. Stunning Pen.
That's the point - they back-end the extra cost and it amounts to ransom; pay or don't get your item.
these damn customs fees (and delays) are the reason why I don't usually buy pens from the US, and I'm very sorry because a lot of the models I would like to buy don't arrive in Italy. you never know what to expect😭😭😭
@@francescomotolese4644 I've had to avoid US retailers because of their heavy shipping costs to Canada (I'm only a few hours from the US border). So, I've been buying from the UK and EU. Goulet just recently dropped their shipping prices to Canada to $13US so I've just made a purchase of a Penlux Masterpiece from them. Should be here next week.
@@InkquiringMinds I can't wait to see this Penlux, it's a brand I don't know.
@@francescomotolese4644 Take a look on Goulet. They are made in Taiwan. www.gouletpens.com/collections/penlux-masterpiece-grande-fountain-pens/products/penlux-masterpiece-grande-fountain-pen-snowflake-limited-edition?variant=33085826138155
Someone's DHL is another one's FedEx. Here in Germany DHL doesn't bother with customs. If the item passes customs checks it gets a small green sticker and it'll be delivered to your mailbox without any further ado. If it doesn't pass they'll drop it at your nearest customs office and send you a letter telling you where to pick it up and remind you to pay any fees and taxes by yourself. FedEx however always delivers the item to your doorstep but they let you pay through the nose for this service. Last time I got something from outside the EU, I had to pay FedEx $20 shipping and three weeks later I got a nice letter from them. They had to pay €6 in customs fees and taxes and they wanted it back. Fair enough. Additionally the import seems to have been done by a highly trained FedEx-specialist as they wanted another €18 for his work which would have taken me about 10 minutes (waiting included). So I avoid shipping by FedEx whenever I can.
My issue with DHL is the back-ending of some of their costs. I don't mind paying duty and taxes after I've paid for shipping. But extorting another $17 after already paying $35 up front is usury.
@@InkquiringMinds I absoutely understand that and I agree wholeheartedly but I don't see any difference between your $17 bill from DHL and my €18 bill from FedEx. In both cases we had to give the seller money to cover his part of the shipping costs and then DHL/FedEx demands an additional sum from us which was not disclosed before.
“The Master said, “If your conduct is determined solely by considerations of profit you will arouse great resentment.”
― Confucius
@@stephanfeinen3923 Agreed.
The trouble is the fee is the same no matter how much they paid customs. On an expensive item where you owe hundreds in customs fees the eighteen bucks to avoid going to customs might be worth it. On cheap item where customs fee is six bucks it is insanity. EU does this on purpose by setting the limit very low when customs fee requirements so as to keep out small purchases from outside the single market. US sets the limit for customs fee collection to things ove six hundred dollars because US Customs does want to deal with the piddly stuff. All that Aliexpress and Etsy shipping from China would grind to a halt otherwise, as it does in EU.
Woohoo!! I just placed an order of this beauty. I am already so excited to see it coming. Thanks, Doug for your review😘.
Hope you enjoy it!
Just received a new Lamy yesterday...if they checked the nib and thought it was good, they must have zero senses
Lamy has been very inconsistent recently. I have not had issues with replacement nibs, but you should not have to plan on relacement with purchase.
I feel like there's this misconception with Lamy's QC when it comes to their nibs, while it's true that they check every nib for defects, they do not check for smoothness.
It's very easy to misinterpret 'defects' as a lack of smoothness, too much feedback, or even scratchiness. But all they're really looking for is misaligned tines, uneven tipping, too tight/loose nib slit, etc...
@@i.c.3157 Whatever the issue, if it's unpleasant for me, it must have been noticeable to QC. Isn't that why it's tested?
@@i.c.3157 then no need to use ink, they should just visually inspect
@@stargazer1359 Goulet Pens has a video on their channel which shows the nib+feed being tested with Lamy Blue ink, BUT! It's all done by machine and is only done to test for ink flow, not for smoothness.
But it's shame that this is the case however if we were to hold a standard where every nib should be tested by hand it should be held by every company, not just Lamy but this would both be difficult an a bit ridiculous as it would probably cost more for both the consumers and manufacturers.
Edit: this also doesn't even take into account on man power or nib preferences like smoothness, feedback, drag, noise, etc...
Doug- “Cento per cento means not made in China”. I almost spit my coffee out on that one! Hilarious.
Another great review. Couldn’t help but notice that your reviews are trending toward more expensive pens. Did you win the Canadian Lottery and not tell us?
I may need to break down and buy this one.
FYI- Prugna is pronounced “Prune-ya”
Thanks for that! Prune-YAH it is! No, I'm still in the modest pen collection ballpark. Every month, when I get my CZcams revenue money, I'll try to get a more upscale pen that would ordinarily be out of reach. A Platinum 3776 Bourgogne was supposed to be my pen for this month, but they broke it in transportation and it was the last one from that vendor so they cancelled my order.
That color with rose gold trim it's PERFECTION!
PS.my Parker Duofold Centennial have similar color.
So cool! You have a Duofold in burgundy with rose gold trim? How cool is that?
@@InkquiringMinds yeah that model marble burgundy,for me the duofold is the best model Parker has ever produced and luckily the many Parkers I have are all from the pre Newells era.
🤙
@@francescomotolese4644 Back when Parker was Parker!
Hi Doug, what a beauty! It's so gorgeous. Leonardo is a very good company and I do love all of their color innovations over the last year. I wish I could swing a few, but alas they are way out of my league. Thanks for a another great review. Stay safe and healthy!
They are pricey no doubt. If it wasn't for CZcams, I'd be sticking with $30 Penbbs.
Have you seen the mango color. I got one for Father’s Day. Beautiful. Stay classy.
Congrats! That's a gorgeous pen! I was close to pulling the trigger on one but then the Magico came out.
Great review!
When you opened the green box I was expecting you to insert a dream sequence from ”In the still of the night”.
That's a great idea!
Your reviews spend a lot of my money
Glad to be of service!
Very nice review. Well done. Ooooh, ooooh, ooooh..... will the DHL information be on the Semester Final?
Yes.
Yes it will! Question: Which POS delivery company gets you in the back end on delivery? Bonus points for every "bastard!" in the answer.
Nooo! Stop that!!! I hadn't seen this color and now i NEED it! My poor bank account!
LOL!
Hi Doug, Received my Leonardo Officinia Italiana Momento Zero pen in the Prugna color. You were 100% right the Yama-Budo is a perfect match. My pen is extra special as there is a spelling error on the engraving on the pen. Officina on my pen is spelled Officia. I was able to see the engraving on your pen during your review and yours is spelled correctly. I have written Pen Chalet about it. The spelling error is also on the pens that they have pictured on their website. The older colors the spelling is correct on pen pictures on the Pen Chalet website. Asking if they could find out if the error has been discovered yet. Also would be interesting to see how many were done in error. Looking at the pictures closer it appears that the error is only on the Prugna in Gold Finish. The other finishes are correct. Leonardo is still using some of the old boxes as my box does not have the added wording on the box. Keep up the great reviews.
Congrats, Russell! What number is yours? I expect you have one of the early ones.
@@InkquiringMinds #338
@@russellbickford7890 Fascinating! Mine is #357.
@@InkquiringMinds Looking at Pen Chalet website pictures if the pen. I think the error is only on the gold trim. #323 Plum is gold has the error also but in the rose gold picture it is correct. I have not heard back from Pen Chalet yet. I might write to Leonardo directly. Just interested in how many have the engraving error. Like error coins my pen should be worth more with the error. The pen writes great.
@@InkquiringMinds Now limited pen misprint is even more collectible...like misprint stamps or currency.
I have very little interest in Leonardos, fine pens though they undoubtedly are, but I enjoy your reviews (and your pitch-perfect sense of humour).
Thank you, archivist17!
Once again Doug a great in depth review comparing the 2020 zero to the 2021.Beautiful colour & trim combination aswell which i had looked at,but this time decided to give another manufacturer a go.I am waiting for a Armondo Simoni Club studio which on the few reviews I've found sounds to be a great pen & at £20 less than the zero sounds a good deal.
Right on! Congrats on your purchase!
Congratulations on yet another prized possession !
BTW, has your 3776 Bourgogne arrived ? Mine hasn’t yet..
Unfortunately not as it was broken in transportation from Japan. It never reached me and the vendor cancelled the order claiming it was the last one. Still no refund either.
@@InkquiringMinds This is a common problem I guess.. My PTL 5000 A order got cancelled twice from one vendor for the same reason as yours and finally I got it from a different vendor who had it in stock locally..
So is Sbre Brown still correct in saying that buying Italian pens is a bit problematic or hit and miss in that you can run into problems with the nibs out of the box. One he got wouldn't write out of the box and had to be sent to a nibmeister before it would.
I only have Visconti, Leonardo and Maiora Italian pens. The only nibs I've had issue with were Bock from Leonardo.
Hi Doug, Just purchased a Leonardo Oddicina Italiana Momento Zero Blue Hawaii Gold Trim broad nib new one at a good price. What ink did you pair yours with? I just love my Prugna color one. It writes so smooth and the Yama-Budo is a perfect ink color for it.
Good choice! I have J. Herbin Kyanite du Nepal in my Blue Hawaii and I'm never changing! It is the pen and ink in my "Inkquiring Minds" intro.
Did you really fall in love with this brand?!?!
I think now that they have switched to jowo nibs,it is time for me to try one too.
Greetings from Italy Doug🤟😝🤟
Sì, mi sono innamorato! Ciao dal Canada!
@@InkquiringMinds lol😂
Additionally, if my Leonardo had silver trim...I would change out the nib that drags...I have several fine + broad Bock nibs brand new to change out. Darn you, Gold trim!
I really like the Prugna...beautiful material.
The rose gold is a nice match with Prugna though.
Wow. This plum is amazing ..... Thank you so much for helping clarify the matter of the new nib and their life guarantee.
Duty and taxes is not DHL's, that's the Crown's. DHL is acting as our agent to process our taxes. Those are the fees you paid. A lot of not all private international shipping companies have the same costs, they just don't have the same way of structuring those costs as DHL. From my experience in New Zealand, DHL's working relationships with local Customs are not the most straight forward. But on their commercial prices are some of the more affordable. Depending on which country sellers are residing, and those which DHL they are dealing with.
The details listed on my DHL "duty and taxes" invoice were; taxes = $7, DHL processing fee $17, duty = $0. I had already paid $35 shipping up front so this took the full cost of shipping to $59.
@@InkquiringMinds Yes. The charge a fee to process our taxes. Which isn’t good business optic when import taxes are generally low. Not sure about Canadian customs, but New Zealand customs charges process fee too, for them to work out my important taxes. Plus goods and services tax on those. Your $7 went to the Canadian government. The $17 is what DHL charge to process that $7. Shipping is still $35. What I am saying is that no matter who is the shipping company, they still have to pay that $7 to the Canadian government on your behalf, and someone has to process all that on your behalf. Either they incorporate the $17 into their shipping fee, or charge them separately and itemise them. Either way, we are paying for it.
@@TwoMiceOnMyBookshelf It is still better than the $75 US shipping to Canada on a $150US pen from Jetpens.com which would still be subject to duty, tax and FedEx fees.
@@InkquiringMinds Indeed. Living in New Zealand, the ass of the planet, we have to do all these mental mathematical acrobatics to figure out what is ultimately the cheapest for us because of shipping and taxes. I think Canada and New Zealand suffer a common issue of high post costs. At least your import taxes is not ridiculous as ours. We are being charged GST, the equivalent of VAT for everything we purchase overseas over the net. I will stop myself here before I go into a tirade of rants.
Hi Doug, Always like your reviews. I have been pondering buying the Leonardo Officinia Momento Zero. Just could not decide between the Sea Green or Plum. Once you said that the Pilot Iroshizuku Yama-Budo ink is a perfect match (which I have in my ink collection) I said thats it and just ordered the Pen from Pen Chalet. If anyone is wants to order this pen in any of the colors I would do it ASAP from what I can see on line the pen dealers are selling out fast on these pens. I do like it that you point out the changes that have been made from older versions of the pen. Pointing out the good and bad of pens is good also. In some cases the pen makers do listen to reviews and comments and make improvements to pens. Keep up the great reviews.
Thank you so much for your terrific comment Russell! And congrats on your MZ!
These regular 2021 models should be available all year. I think if they sell out, the retailers can get more stock if they choose to..
I have heard of buying ink to match the pen, but buying pen to match the ink is next level. Also the purple Moonman M800 is a good match for Yama-Budo...that is what mine us loaded with.
Running late...got my coffee and lunch! Thanks 😊for the review.
Any time! And remember, "Time is an illusion; lunch time doubly so" - Douglas Adams.
Thanks for showing some more eye candy! Whilst they are out of my price range, I can still appreciate beauty.
Thank you, Paul!
@@InkquiringMinds To get anything that is even semi exceptional, I get unrestored vintage. Most I've had to pay for one was $61 USD, and seriously cramped my very limited fixed income. But it was a ca. 1912 Mabie Todd Swan C2 eyedropper, very nice writer that the seller really didn't know what they had. 😈
@@paulherman5822 II worry about vintage become a money pit to restore to working condition.
@@InkquiringMinds Why I have several for parts, and I try to stay away from ones that look beyond my capabilities. I have more Esterbrooks than anything, as my first love was a grey Esterbrook J in high school. Though I have a Sheaffer flattop (5-30 nib) that surprisingly was in working condition when it arrived, and I tend to focus on lever fillers, as they tend to usually only need a new ink sac, maybe a J bar.
Though I just picked up a Parker Challenger button filler. Basically similar to a lever filler, so... 😁
@@InkquiringMinds Well vintage is a whole another rabbit hole to dive into. If just being part of the fountain pen hobby becomes too tame for you there is always vintage...
Really gorgeous color. Nice to see it in detail. Thanks!
Glad you like it!
Actually, in Italian, the "g" in Prugna is kind of silent, (it's actually a palatable pronunciation with the "g" & "n" running together), so it would be pronounced "pru-nah". And yes it does officially translate to plum, but I've also heard it used in reference to a prune: Little Italy Da'Bronx, NY, circa 1965-1998. 🇮🇹🇺🇲
Yeah, I have to remember "PRUNE" in my head and just add the NYA on the end.
Re delivery charges by shippers, before ordering put the seller on the spot and ask them to confirm whether the courier makes any additional, undisclosed charges that are not import duty and tax. Then, when the likes of DHL try it on, you have grounds to dispute the charges and either have them removed by the courier or refunded, post-delivery, by the seller. If the seller says they don't know, they're lying and you'll know what to have your wallet handy.
I agree but it seems like retailers are like restauranteurs; they have to make their allegiance to Pepsi or Coke.
Thank you so much Sir, are you planning on making guitar tutorials as well?
Thank you, Aladdin! No. I made guitar videos for 10 years on CZcams before I started doing fountain pen reviews. I've had to take most of them down because of copyright strikes from CZcams. I'll post the odd music video, but my guitar videos only see a 10th of the traffic the pen videos get.
I have this same pen, exact same color and nib. I have chosen Diamine Writers Blood as my ink, and I am very very pleased with it.
Good choice!
A little TLC can make even a Schmidt not write like a Schmidt. He. He. He.
This pen's color is in my vibe zone. Nothing like a warm purple. The clean cut on the section is a little odd. I wonder if that was intentional (gah I love playing a pen nerd).
If people didn't review new colors penTube would be a desert. Pelikan and Sailor gotta get that free press for their pricey plumes 😏
Colours: IKR? The clean cut seems to be there on all the 2021 sections so it is intentional. I don't know why.
“Dot-dot-dot” or ellipses seems either silly or a bit presumptuous of being fancy. Love the pens but reading that “father and son” stuff is a bit too much. Perhaps it is a bigger deal in Italia than it is for me in Los Angeles.
I was just making fun copying the way Stephen Colbert read Trump's tweats. LOL But the father and son thing is significant because Salvatore's father, Ciro Matrone, is one of the co-founders of Delta and there are quite a few Delta devotees out there.
I agree on a new color review, unless changes were made. New nib?
Indeed! Quite a few changes.
Not to be rude, but if they are purchasing nibs from jowo, unless they are stamped in italy, the pen is not 100% italian made.
LOL! You funny.
Hi Doug,
Great review. I just bought two of the new Leonardo Momento Zeros. Have you ever tried Pen Chalet? They have a great rewards program, not sure what shipping is with them to Canada. Thank you for taking the time to go over the change in nibs. I pulled out my 8 Leonardo’s I have now and did comparisons. My 7 year old son Maximus thoroughly enjoys your videos. Many Thanks-
Yes I have. Their shipping to Canada is $15.99 US which is $20Cdn. So it isn't the most expensive (Goldspot) but not the cheapest either (Pen Boutique).
Wow! Nice collection! 2021 might be the year for mine after I buy a flexie for my art needs. On your recommendation I looked at Chris’ Saenz ink site-good suggestion there to! You are my pen guy having the final word even on things I might first see elsewhere but I trust your instincts & research! 🙏 (and the music is mighty fine!)
Thank you, Rebecca!
I think it's a shame Pilot don't sell the Falcon metal with the swish bottle from the 823 box. No I don't want the 823 just the bottle with Falcon metal.
It looks a bit like the Colorverse bottle.
Very informative and enjoyable review!
Glad you enjoyed it!
We have the same issue with all private couriers here in Israel. I just avoid FedEx, DHL, EMS and all these companies. I always ask sellers to ship via their country's postal service - in which case I'd only be asked to pay the tax and nothing more.
Makes sense!
So .. so much to like ... No dislike haha ...(I waited for the dislike section) I decide to get one soon... Thanks to your video. How about moonman copy. Is the quality comparable to Leonardo ? I think I will buy both moonman and Leonardo myself to compare. Thanks a lot for great video 😃👍👍
I like the Moonman M800 a lot. The nibs are in no way comparable to the Leo. In fact, I have a Leo nib in two and a Schmidt nib in the third.
@@InkquiringMinds good idea ! I think I'll get a m800 with Bock nib and compare to the Leonardo !
Thank you for the info about the DHL ransom.
You're welcome!
@@InkquiringMinds I managed to get DHL packages from China (PenBBS on Etsy) and Hong Kong (IndieGOGO) and haven't gotten the ransom treatment, but perhaps they don't charge it in the states.
I recently purchased one in green. It is very nice pen but I noticed it makes metal sound inside due to touching of the ink converter and the bottom metal housing and makes it looks like flimsy.pen
Interesting! Mine don't do that. Have you screwed the converter all the way in?
Thanks Doug that did it.
Just realised that this pen cannot be 100% Italian made as it uses a German nib! Did not stop me from buying it though!
A few people have noticed that! :)
Prices on Leonardo Officina Italiani Momento Zero Prugna - Australian dollars $339 to $393.
Wow! That's $100 Cdn more than I paid.
@@InkquiringMinds I think that's the result of so many people taking their cut before it gets to you the consumer, especially with the prestige, luxury brand names. Big difference with what you'll pay for a Pilot in Japan vers that in Europe.
DHL is a nightmare. I've had service fees that more than doubled the cost of what I ordered. The only way around it, according to Canada Customs, is to go down to their office and pay the taxes in person. No online payment method offered. I think it was CTV ran a piece from BC about the problem. It's a scam, and I'm pretty damn sure THEY don't have to go pay the taxes in person. Beautiful pen.
I'm always adding an extra $20 in my head before I made any purchase that is shipping with DHL.
Doug- So, it sounds like you enjoyed the writing experience more on the MZ prugna because of the nib. So...... if you had that nib on the Blue MZG would you like it just as much? In short.... which pen is the winner here for you between this one and the grande? Sounds like it might be a tie. I am trying to decide between the two and value your opinion.
BTW- I think there is nothing like a tuned nib. My rule after getting burned in the past is anything over $100 I want to buy from a vendor that tunes it before it leaves the shop.
Thanks for all you do.
That's why I like Appelboom. A 15% discount (which pays for the shipping) and a free nib tuning. Between the MZG and the new MZ, it is a toss-up at the moment. The MZG is currently with Jack being fashioned into a Naginata Togi!
@@InkquiringMinds Thanks! Naginata Togi is Japanese for expensive!!!
@@MrCabimero Not when it is made by Jack!
@@InkquiringMinds Coming soon to a theater near you, Doug Rathbun starring in " Can't say sayonara until you try a Naginata" ... a review of a unique grind for the FP enthusiast.
Can't wait to see it.
@@MrCabimero You are my ghost writer now! :)
Thanks, for the pen porn, the puns, and the pregnant plum pronunciation. Of your three reasons for this review, I like the third the best. I especially appreciate the comparison between the older and new models. At some point in the future, I’m going to get a Blue Hawaii. I like that resin, even if it is linguini.
It is very pretty linguini! One of the most stunning resins I own.
Beautiful pen, Congratulations🥳
Thank you so much 😀
Beautiful pen.
It really is!
I got my 2021 MZ with a medium nib, and I keep trying to talk myself out of getting one with a fine.
How goes the argument?
@@InkquiringMinds inconclusive.
Thanks for the another great review
I wasn't aware this review was coming so when I received an email from Penchalet.com and found that they offered some colors exclusively from them and finding that some of them have ebonite barrel I pulled the trigger for what they call Colorful ebonite barrel with rose gold trim. But I really like one of other colors you showed in your review
I've seen some of the ebonite MZ's and they are as lovely as they are expensive!
@@InkquiringMinds I paid $171 US which less than $199 that I paid for Goldspot.com limited edition
@@olegsolomonik6594 Great deal!
Thanks for the consumer tip on "ransom" charges, appreciated. Wonder if retailers will discount their Leonardo Bock stock? Hmmm dot dot dot
Happy writing to you! Odd couple scene, an all-time classic!
Good question! I think they should at least identify the 2021 stock from the NOS for consumers. Goldspot Pens is doing just that.
They should call it the ransom fee...at least that would be truth in advertising.
Hi again Doug, I received an email from Pen Chalet and they said that I was the first one to notice the spelling error on the Momento Zero that I received. They have not had anyone else contact them about it yet. I used messanger on Facebook and reached out to Leonardo Officina Italiana this afternoon. I figured it would be tomorrow before I heard back from them as it would have been like 10:30pm their time. Low and behold in a matter of mins I got a message back from them. They had heard from Pen Chalet about my contacting them yesterday. Both Pen Chalet and Leonardo wanted to replace the pen it I wanted to exchange the pen. Told them I was all set in having the error pen. Its like having an error minted coin. It being numbered means it is one of a kind error pen. Would be nice to know if anyone else has received the pen with the spelling error on it. So far #323 which is pictured on the Pen Chalet website and #338 which I own have the Officina spelled Officia dropping the n. Keep up the great reviews.
That's excellent communication and service all round. Good for Pen Chalet and Leonardo. And good for you for both reporting it and keeping the bad penny collector's jem!
Yes 👍
Thank you, Marie!
@@InkquiringMinds review all the colors 😜
@@mariemccullough9874 When I win the lottery!
@@InkquiringMinds please win
Beautiful. And what a scam by DHL...
Hidden markup after sale is extortion and should be illegal.
Keep the Pen Porn coming Doug. I love getting a close look at various finishes as it helps me choose. This pen is gorgeous.
Thanks, Robbin!
Pen Porn... NOW I know what's wrong with me... made my day, good Sir :)
Ahhhhh all the pen porn, GLORIOUS!!!
Thank you, Guardian of Fun!
My object of desire. One day...
Good luck, Rene! They are great pens.
Before I enjoyed your review as usual along with a cup of coffee and homemade cake, I promised myself not to rehash all the terrors I experienced with my (now dead-and-buried) Leonardo Momento Zero and Appelboom. So, I am not going to.
P.S. The change in the converter fitting may have been due to the fact that the original (mine included) malfunctioned. Even my nibmeister hired to try to make the pen write couldn't fix it.
Sorry about your issues.
100% Italian, except for the bit that makes it a pen.
I know right? LOL
Leonardo: 100% Italian
Also Leonardo: Using Jowo Nibs
Did Jowo Shift the Production base
to Italy ? 🤷♀️
LOL! Yes, you aren't the first to note that 100% Italian. I take it with a grain of salt. Like MacDonalds says "made with 100% pure beef". All they are saying is whatever beef is in your burger is all beef. LOL
@@InkquiringMinds McDonald's probably closer to being beeg than Jowo is to being Italian.
I think prugna is pronounced "prunya".
Yes! Thanks, Savanna!
Let's hope it's not too long before your subtle-as-a-flying-brick hint is taken up by a sponsor. Good luck.
Naww, Nick. I'm not fishing for a sponsor, just reminding people that I buy these pens. They don't come to me for review and then I pass them on to the next reviewer.
What DHL is doing is dastardly low blow, but I wonder whether that could be seen as fraud. In many countries it is Customs that holds your packages hostage, while charging you a fee to collect the customs due that is several times the size of the customs fee. But DHL just doing so just because they can seems like some sort of bait and switch scheme. Deplorable really. (Probably still better service than UPS. :) Those people just abuse the hell out of your package, might not charge you some made up fee, but your item will only arrive intact through grace of God, and good packing job of the sender, but certainly despite UPS's best efforts to break it.)
They are using a Canada Customs loop hole to upcharge for their "paperwork" as they have to file notice to the Canadian government to remitting tax. So I get charged $17 for paperwork to report $7 in taxes.