This Pen Feels Like a Cheese Grater - Why I returned the Mark Twain By Conklin!

I really wanted to love the Conklin Mark Twain Crescent Filler, but the tactile experience was a dealbreaker. In this quick 2-minute review, I’m explaining why this pen is going straight back to Amazon.

The Issue:
While the "chased" pattern looks beautiful and mimics that classic vintage hard rubber look (like the old Parker Lucky Curve), the execution on this metal barrel feels incredibly harsh. It’s less "vintage elegance" and more "handheld cheese grater."

Key Points covered:
• The look vs. the feel of the metal chasing.
• Why the texture makes long writing sessions impossible.
• The return process for fountain pens on Amazon.

[00:00] - Introduction: Comparison between a lime zester and the Mark Twain Conklin Crescent Filler.
[00:23] - Packaging Overview: A look at the "museum piece" style packaging and the embossed Conklin box.
[01:06] - Initial Impressions of the Pen: Praise for the pen's aesthetics, rose gold finishes, and the stub nib.
[01:27] - The Texture Issue: Demonstrating the "grater-like" sound and feel of the pen's chased pattern.
[02:44] - Vintage Comparison: Comparing the modern Conklin to a 1906 Parker Lucky Curve made of smooth black hard rubber.
[03:53] - Final Verdict: The creator explains why the "grittiness" makes the pen unusable for them and their decision to return it.

Let’s Discuss:
Have you tried this specific finish on the Mark Twain? Does the texture bother you, or do you prefer a more aggressive grip? Let me know in the comments!

#FountainPens #Conklin #Stationery #PenReview #honestreview

I’m a Perth veterinarian who swaps the intensity of vet life for quiet moments of fountain pen journaling in nature—with my dog Tigerlilly by my side. Inked Intention is a calm space for outdoor fountain pen journaling, ink writing therapy, vet life reflections and slow living adventures around Western Australia. If you love dogs, journaling, handwriting, stationery joy and peaceful creativity, you’ll feel at home here. Grab your favourite pen and journal with us—one page at a time. ✒️🐾
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