I first became aware of the H-2085 about 7 years ago. Even back then, bidding competition was pretty strong and as I’d mulled over auctions across the years, that never really relented. Occasionally I missed a good deal. But one thing that bugged me about this 2-model series was the characteristics of the wood. Either the wood looked weathered / faded, a lighter stain than I’d wanted, or the cut grooves had either imperfections or visible wear. In contrast, the TOMBOW Exta (and PILOT S20) uses a completely smooth wood grip. And while TOMBOW used a couple of different woods (white birch and maple), there tend to be variances in grain and darkness of stain (some I’ve seen were so light and weathered, they looked awful–a good candidate for a stain job).
Anyway, I paid more than I wanted given that it doesn’t have a sticker, but the condition and coloration of the wood grip looks pretty much what I’d been wanting all this time. I don’t plan on getting the H-2083 unless a good deal falls in my lap!
Congratulations! This example looks pleasantly warm and even grained. Perhaps the high degree of irregularity with wood grains led Pilot to develop the more controlled and consistent wood-resin process for the Legno and S20…
Thank you for mentioning the Legno*. I’ve been meaning to ask about it for weeks now…
Since I began collecting, I’ve maybe seen 5-10 Legnos for sale through Buyee (auction or merc.). But maybe(?) 2-3 weeks ago a BOOM of pieces have flooded the market. Has anyone else noticed this surge? If so, does anyone happen to know why?
Side question: I personally do not own one, but the Lego appears to be a strict cylindrical design (unlike the S20/30 with its’ wide center/tapered top and bottom). May I right in my design observations?
Lastly: Does anyone know why the S20 is so prevalent/preferred over its’ seemingly quiet cousin Legno??
Yes, the wood used in the S20 is incredible. They mastered it, and for multiple wood species. The thickness of the wood. The threads. The just-right grease on the threads that helps keep it tight (and loose enough) without wearing on the wood. The ‘resin-infusion’ treatment. The surface finish. A masterclass in wood writing instrument barrels, 40 years in the making.
I think Legno was the ‘safe and quiet’ executive version of the S20, which was a premium drafting design. The shiny parts on Legno attracted a different crowd, just like the shinier S30 turned off some fans of S20. What’s interesting though, was that for a short period of time (2007-2009), Pilot made the ‘standard use’ / ‘non-drafting’ versions of the S20 as well. Maybe they were testing to see if there was a market preference for the S20’s more restrained style versus the bling-ier Legno. In the end, the non-drafting S20 was cancelled, so that’s the answer, I guess.
Interesting account. “mu_701.” That’s the designation for the all steel integrated nib pocket fountain pen. It’s also called “myu701.” And of course, there’s a MYU701 tucked in the group. They have a nice assortment of different pencils & pens. Couldn’t help noticing the LAMY Spirit and Faber Castell TK-matic in black.
