PLATINUMFountain Pen, Curidus, Prism Crystal, Medium Point, PKN-7000#6-3

Platinum Fountain Pen, Curidus model arrived in OEM packaging.The fountain pens arrived on time and well packaged.The nib is a good, smooth writer.When inserting a cartridge or converter, make sure to position the nib unit properly so the nib flap cover operates properly.This is just paying attention to the setup and all will go AOK from then on.This is not a flaw but like some other fountain pens, a design to follow.I am very happy with my purchase and recommend this fountain pen to all.

The Red one has a nice color with depth from the chromed interior parts. The clicker travel is 1 1/4 inches, about twice than of the other retractible fountain pens in my collection -- Majohn A1 and Pilot Vanishing Point. The Curidas comes with a bottle of lub and cotton swabs to grease the nib cover.That long travel is a problem, but not too bad. The pen is long and fat with odd bulges, but I like it and use it daily for now. It is mostly plastic and lighter than those other retractibles.Loading the cartridge is fiddly and the instructions are pictorial and not that clear. Pay close attention as you take the innards apart and reassembly will go easier.The EF (extra fine) nib writes well with the included blue cartridge. The feel is similar to the Platinum Preppy size 02 nib. Preppys are my favorite cheap fountain pens, so you might try one for about $5 before springing $50 for the Curidas.Cartiridges are proprietary to the Platinum line, so I plan to get a converter and use different ink.

I want so bad to like this pen but it looses in every regard when compared to a Pilot Capless (the Japanese market special alloy nib version of the Vanishing Point). But assuming you are here to read about the Curidas and not the Capless, I will endeavor to review it on it's own merits.Pros:Retractable fountain pen action at a price most can afford.The only (to my knowledge) demonstrator retractable FP.Smooth writing nib.Visual and tactile interest due to mechanism.Cons:Non-premium feeling resin body.No cartridge converter included in the box (sold separately).Mechanism sometimes sticks slightly open, even after application of silicon oil to the slide and spring.Love it/ Hate it:The very visible bump, some people don't mind it while others can't stand it. For me personally, it becomes uncomfortable in my hand after maybe 10-15 minutes of writing. I have larger than average hands, and the bump rides my middle finger while using a classic tripod grip. After a time the pressure becomes slightly uncomfortable. Depending on your grip position, style, and hand size, this may or may not be an issue. For me, it limits the pen to quick notes and signatures. For dedicated note taking I will reach for something else.

The pen was a disappointment. I could not hold it in a comfortable writing position because the hinge that helps the nib pop out and then helps close it, was in a bad place. I tried to adjust my grip but the bump kept getting ing the way and was uncomfortable. I love Platinum pens and I have several click open fountain pens by Writetech, that are great, so I was excited to find a click fountain pen by Platinum. As I said, I was disappointed I could not use the current design so I returned it.

What a fantastic pen.I've wanted a retractable fountain pen for quite some time. I still intend to get a Pilot VP eventually but bought this in the mean time. What a pleasant surprise. It writes beautifully. I am using the standard cartridge that comes with the pen but my converter is on the way. The ink that comes with it is nice too. In my Moleskins it does not bleed and it does not feather AT ALL. I used it on a cheap Office Max yellow legal pad and still no bleeding and no feathering. I know this has as much to do with the ink as it does the nib but hopefully my Noodlers inks perform as well.I would highly recommend this pen. I am very impressed with the build quality and the mechanics. Such a cool piece of writing equipment. I carry a Pelikan Souveran Ballpoint and love that however I may have to put it on stand by to use this for a while.If you've been looking for a fountain pen you can take with you every day, this is a good one. And it writes as good as any.

I have been a user of the Platinum Preppie pens for years and decided to get this retractable pen.I do enjoy how it writes, not as nice as my 40 year old Pilot Vanishing point, but it is acceptable.What I do not like is the pen will occasionally need the nib moistened to get ink flow. This is not from forgetting to retract the nib. I am using the manufacturer's ink cartridges as well.The seller sent a replacement pen and it does the exact same thing. The pen has been dropped into the desk drawer likely to never see the light of day ever again.....I would not recommend purchasing this pen based on my experiences.

Pen is heavy and clumsey to use. The nib has a nice point; but the refill load methodology is awkward and I found it easy to damage the pen's springs when reloading.

Easy to hold, attractive, very good functionality for the price . A little cumbersome and probably not easy to instinctively discern how to fill (you will need to buy a Platinum converter for bottled ink for bottled ink) or disassemble to insert an ink cartridge. Once you follow the easy instructions, you are good to go. Comes with one cartridge inside the barrel, so either buy then upfront or buy a converter. I miss that I couldn't find and EF or red color pen nib at the same price.