TOWNSEND

In the past, I have used Cross Century (the classic slim model), Century II, and now this Townsend pen that I have just received. Great pens all, but comparatively this pen is significantly different. First, the sheer size in terms of height and width as compared to the two smaller models noted above is the most immediate difference. This Townsend is weighty in comparison, and in and of its own right. In other words, this pen is an attention getter even though the black lacquer and rhodium appointments are tastefully elegant without being gaudy. Someone considering purchasing this pen should consider size and weight factors, and whether a larger pen is for them. Not a bad characteristic on the surface, rather, a preferential consideration.For me, I love it. As the title to this review suggests, this pen is imposing, yet understated in its elegance. Another plus on account of its larger size (again, as compared to smaller Cross and other manufacturer models) is that you also get more surface area for the rich, deep lacquer that the pen is coated with. This is a true gloss black that seems to draw one into and below the surface. The brightly polished looking rhodium plated appointmets are also noteworthy. This pen is the textbook vision of what an premium executive pen that a professional would be expected to use.Also, its function is also impressive. The pen cap makes a solid, satisfying click when it is either capped or posted. Nothing "rattles" when the pen is shaken or written with, an occurence often found with cheaper pens with less stringent tolerances or gaps between joints and such. And the Cross-made rollerball refill is ultra smooth. In essence, super close to the "frictionless" writing of a fountain pen with the convenience and capacity of a ball pen.Finally, you simply cannot beat the price that Amazon (which at the time I purchased this pen was the exact company listed as supplying the pen for sale, and not some 3rd party purveyor) is selling this pen for: $70!! This is easily almost $20 cheaper than other sellers are charging, and fully $80 cheaper than if purchased directly from Cross itself. Throw in the free shipping on account of it being over $25, and this is a true bargain for a high-end pen!Hope this review helps, folks. Enjoy!

The pen itself is beautiful. It feels luxurious and weighty-- very substantial. I enjoy pens that I can post, and this has a wonderfully balanced feel in the hand while writing. Cliche, but you really can FEEL the quality. It's much heavier than other writing instruments I have from Pilot and Montblanc. I do have to say, I'm not crazy about the rollerball-- it's really a scratchy miss on MOST types of paper.That is not the reason why I'm sending back my item though-- unfortunately. Some idiot put a HUGE, unnecessary sticker across the box. It says "THE GRIPPER; Helps Prevent Liquid Leaks." The only purpose the sticker serves is to RUIN the luxury gift box, which if the Amazon product description is any indication, is a part of the appeal of this product. You literally have to destroy the box just to remove it from its sleeve. It's awful and cheapens the experience severely. You can see from my pictures that the papering on the box (including the main logo) gets ripped off with the sticker.I intend to repurchase this item in the ballpoint version, but Amazon blew it for me on this. I will happily pay more for the item elsewhere.The item gets top marks for me, but I NEED to make others aware about this avoidable packaging nightmare. If you don't care about the box, then more power to you--

I love this pen! I really hate not giving it a full five stars, but there's one thing that just really irks me about it... read on to find out what.First off, this pen is everything you want in a nice pen. It's weighted well, nice and heavy (but not too heavy). It writes like a dream, rich black ink - not too thin, not too thick (of course you can get other ink cartridges in whatever you like). The chrome accents are very stylish. Really I love everything about this pen... writing with it is just awesome.My ONLY issue with this pen is that the cap wears circular marks on the barrel of the pen... and I'm not talking about after a few years, but rather after a few days. The first time it happened I sent the pen back for a replacement thinking it must have been a defect, but the 2nd pen I received is the same. I have been VERY careful with it, but it's still got marks from where the cap was seated on the barrel.Light signs of wear may not bother you, but when I spend $110 on a pen I'd like it to stay in new condition if I take care of it. (Side note: right now as I write this review the pen is selling for $88. Don't pay too much like I did, wait for it to go back on sale if it's above $100 when you read this)Overall, I really love this pen. Even with the wear marks, it's still my "go to" pen for just about everything.

This pen has a feel to it that is way beyond what my expectations were. It sits nice and heavy in my hand, and the flow of the ink is perfect. The option to substitute the rollerball for fiberpen and marker is nice.Also, the finish is outstanding on this model. The cap snaps on with a subdued click istead of a sharp snap, reminiscent of the subdued sound when closing the door of a luxury automobile as opposed to slamming shut the door of a japanese compact.I rate it as the best possible combination of price, refined, toned down looks, superb finish and great function. In my opinion, this is therefore a better buy than more high profile pens like Mont Blanc, where you pay too much for conspicuous flair.If you are looking for a classic pen that says you favour brain over brawn, functionality over fanfare, and classic style over custume party dressing - then this is the pen for you (and me).It was delivered promptly to my frozen hometown of Oslo, which is always greatly appreciated. The seller also took great care in wrapping the pen for shipment. I am very pleased with the transaction.