The journey in the Laban universe continues – where every fountain pen has its own character and secret.
9. The in the first part we got acquainted with the history of the Taiwanese Laban Pens Corporation, the special pieces made for the Vatican and Pope Benedict XVI, and iconic models such as the award-winning Dragon, the Purple Tornado swirling Mento, the cute Vinifera, and the Flora. True to our promise, we now continue the journey – and at the end, there will be a very personal confession about a pen that started this entire series of articles.
Laban Scepter
A piece worthy of the name Scepter. The unique, often geometric patterns of the pen body immediately distinguish it from other Laban models.
The nib was crafted by master calligrapher Ward Dunham – this alone guarantees an exceptional writing experience. It is also available in Purple Tornado and orange shades; for those looking for a companion piece to the Mento, this is the natural next step.
Laban Apollo (2012)
The body of the Apollo skeleton evokes the bygone world of the turn-of-the-century decorated eyedroppers — the filigree-like surface is crowned by the sparkle of diamonds in certain specimens.
The design has become a worthy continuation of the Laban Galileo series, recognized in the world of pens. Pen World magazine chose it for the cover of its June issue. If the Galileo represents elegance, the Apollo is all about sparkle.
Laban Arlecchino
The Arlecchino – named after the clown figure of the Italian commedia dell’arte – is a true character pen.
This is the more playful, freer side of Laban, which is definitely worth a closer look.
Laban Barley Guilloche Silver Plated
Guilloche engraving is the common language of fine watchmaking and luxury pen manufacturing. In the case of the Barley Guilloche Silver Plated, this tiny, regular pattern covers the silver-plated body – the result is a pen that radiates quality even from a distance.
Those familiar with Swiss pocket watch covers will recognize this feeling.
Laban Expression
The Expression, playing in the category of pocket pens, features metal end pieces and a very nice, asymmetrical clip.
In closed state, it measures only 10 cm, and with the cap, it is 12.4 cm – the manufacturer primarily recommends it for ladies. A discreet, elegant piece that proves: Laban also thinks of smaller hands.
Laban 325 (2016)
The 325 series celebrates the possibilities of acrylic resin. While preserving the classic pen shape, the designer has focused on the color mixing technique – the result is abstract art and pearlescent splendor in a single pen.
The palette itself is a work of art: Ginkgo, Lilac, Sakura, Snow, Sun, Ocean, Lagoon, Forest, Flame, Cambridge – and every year new colors join. The gilded decorative elements and the cartridge/converter filling system combine beauty and practicality. This is one of Laban's most widely available and popular series.
Laban Antique (Rose Gold / Silver)
One of the main features of the Laban Antique models is the clean, „torpedo” shaped design and the slightly antiqued, matte metal surface, which gives the pen an elegant, timeless appearance. The minimalist lines, polished surfaces, and restrained yet noble look create a pen that is worth holding – and hard to put down. An important element of the design is the so-called „distressed” (antiqued) surface, which can develop a patina over time, giving the pen a unique character with use.
This model should not be confused with the Antique II, which we encountered in the first part and which evokes the pen used by Pope Benedict XVI for signing.
Antique Sterling Silver set
The Laban Sterling set takes it a step further: a fountain pen and ballpoint pen together, in a matching wooden case. Both pens are polished, shiny – with a black floral pattern under a silver coating.
This is the kind of set that is a joy to gift, and which the recipient will likely never put away in a drawer.
Laban Presidential Pinstripe
The pen of elegance and authority. Body coated with platinum, striped Guilloche engraved pattern, two-tone nib.
Its total length is 5 4/16″, diameter is 2 cm – ideal for those who prefer wider, heavier writing instruments. Its name also says a lot: this is a pen that is taken to the boardroom.
Laban Taroko
The pens of the collection named after the natural wonder of the Taroko Gorge in Taiwan feature unique, handcrafted resin casings – and each piece is different.
Sunset Pink, Sunrise Blue, Dark Forest, Lake Reflection, Marble Gorge, Pinnacle, Emerald Green, Autumn Red: the list itself is a little journey. Gilded decoration, cigar-shaped cap, stainless steel two-tone nib, 16.6 cm in length. Perfectly fits smaller hands as well.
Laban Rosa
The Rosa evokes the shape of neoclassical columns. Colorful, patterned transparent acrylic resin body, gilded ring, two-tone iridium point stainless steel nib.
Closed 143 mm, with cap 156 mm, weight 31 grams. Refined, but not ostentatious.
Laban Grecian
In the Grecian series, even the cap's pattern reveals a lot: Greek columns and Hellenic motifs are reflected in the Italian resin.
Marbled ice, blue marble, and garnet red colors with gilded decoration. Closed 14 cm, with cap 15.6 cm. A truly Mediterranean temperament pen.
Laban 300 Skeleton (2021)
The 300 Skeleton series experiments with the courage of transparency. Initially, the frame-structured versions were made in Rose Gold, Iron Grey, and Silver metallic colors, followed by the Rainbow edition.
Its novelty: the rainbow plates shine in different colors under various light angles. Mechanics and aesthetics at once – this is Laban's most modern-sounding piece.
Laban Abalone
A gift from the sea. The pens of the Abalone collection are meticulously covered with the fine layers of New Zealand abalone shell. The ephemeral beauty of the surface sparkles in a swirling iridescent rainbow, encircled by polished chrome or matte gunmetal (weapon metal) frame.
The massive body is crowned with a two-tone, iridium-tipped stainless steel nib. It must be seen to be believed.
Laban Celebration
„This is a pen that is too good to be lost,” writes the manufacturer, and it's hard to argue with that.
The Celebration collection features a wonderful, swirling marble-patterned resin-bodied pen, with a Platinum layer and Iridium nib, available in Deep Sea Blue and Tiger Yellow variants. Its lightweight provides perfect control – this is the pen one takes out every day.
Laban Formosa (2022)
The Formosa debuted as the Blue Wave variant of the Laban 300 series, made of acrylic resin and brass, with abstract geometric shapes.
A transition between a demonstrator and a traditional fountain pen – and just like almost every Laban, the nib is also made in Germany, designed by Peter Bock. It weighs 31.5 grams, with a closed length of 138 mm.
Laban Solar
Modern, sleek aluminum alloy body with concentric grooves. The chrome-plated grip section is textured for a secure hold. The Solar is a true everyday pen: stainless steel nib, cartridge/converter filling, 135 mm closed length. It doesn't boast – it just works, perfectly.
Laban Gloria
The Gloria returns to the beginnings: precious metal, latest technology, old craftsmanship. The essence lies in the engraving – while other manufacturers use 2-dimensional solutions, Laban chose 3-dimensional engraving on the brass body, which is then coated with 5 layers of paint and lacquer.
Available in Sapphire Blue and Ruby Red variants, with a closed length of 134 mm and a weight of 39 grams. For lovers of details.
Laban Diamond Storm
If someone is looking for sparkle, they will find it here. The Diamond Storm features 216 brilliant-cut diamonds, with the body made of black ionized stainless steel, counterbalanced by rhodium silver.
Currently, one is offered on eBay for nearly one million forints – and based on the appearance of the pen, this price is not surprising at all.
Laban Canada
The Canada model returns to the natural materials characteristic of Laban's early period. Briarwood barrel, flat-ended cap, uniquely designed clip, and B (broad) nib.
Two versions: Light Briarwood and Briarwood. This is a pen that also has a scent – and that is not a complaint.
Laban African Wood Sterling Silver
A personal confession. Every article has a starting point. This pen is mine.
When it arrived by mail and I unpacked it, my first thought was that the advertisement text did not fully reflect reality. In terms of grip and feel, it reminded me of the stainless Parker Jotters that regularly slipped out of my hand while writing. The first test – without ink – confirmed my fears.
But then I took out some ink. More precisely: I probably just dipped the nib and wrote that way. What followed was a surprise: the nib glided smoothly, almost without resistance, on the paper. The material of the grip and the pen body is indeed challenging – but the writing experience itself is distinctly stiff, yet glides beautifully and is well controllable.
The dimensions: with cap 44 grams and 140 mm, without cap 24 grams and 122 mm, with the cap screwed onto the pen barrel 158 mm.
It is visibly much longer and bulkier than the Jotter, while its length is roughly comparable to the Lamy 2000. For those who are more familiar with Japanese pens, I also prepared a comparative picture. Here, the Laban is shown next to the Platinum #3776. In the first picture with the cap:
In the second picture, it is worth observing the significantly different sizes of the nibs in the two fountain pens.
The cap itself is a little puzzle: several different African woods can be discovered layered next to each other on it – the darkest is perhaps ebony. If someone could identify the wood species more precisely, in the Pens & Watches Facebook group there is surely an expert – I thank them in advance for their help.
The nib is simple steel, with Laban Iridium inscription and the company logo. All signs point to it being made by Bock – which means reliable quality. By the way, I have no bad experiences with steel nibs. Depending on the design, they can be flexible or even quite stiff. It depends on what one likes and what expectations one has for the nib. They are obviously cheaper than their counterparts made of 14-18-21 karat gold.
Initially, I had reservations. Now – perhaps thanks to this article series – I am glad that back then, in a late-night moment, I bought it.
P.S.: I am seriously considering acquiring two or three new Laban fountain pens. Passion obliges.
Sources
- https://www.laban.es/about-laban/
- https://laban.com/pages/rooted-in-passion-1
- https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/339569-laban/
- https://yosekastationery.com/collections/laban
- https://www.stilografica.it/products/laban-pens
- https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2019/3/29/laban-ocean-blue-fountain-pen-a-review
- https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/antique-laban-sterling-silver-pen-set-1861029725
- https://www.peytonstreetpens.com/laban-african-wood-tan-stripe-fountain-pen-cigar-shape-silver-metal-body-w-layered-wood-cap-medium-steel-nib-excellent-works-well.html
- http://www.montgomerypens.com/laban-african-wood-sterling-silver-fountain-pen-medium-nib
- https://ebay.com
