The TWSBI 540 Demonstrator
Today we have a review (and giveaway) of the TWSBI 540 Demonstrator fountain pen. Previously we reviewed the TWSBI 530 fountain pen, and this model has only very minor differences, but one is actually major in the impact it has on the pen.
The TWSBI 540 Demonstrator Broken Down
If you are not familiar with the line of TWSBI fountain pens, they are a pretty unique product even outside of the fountain pen world. The original design and features of the pen were actually determined by the fountain pen community as a whole through feedback that was collected by the folks at TWSBI. The above picture shows what I believe is the coolest part about this pen, which is that it can be completely broken down which makes it super easy to clean and / or repair….hopefully you won’t need to do any of the latter though. In order to break the pen down into its individual components, you only need the one metal tool that you see in the background of the photo, and it comes with the pen.
TWSBI 530 and 540 Ink Chamber Comparison
Now as I mentioned in the beginning of this post, there is one really significant difference between the TWSBI 540 and 530, and that is the size of the ink chamber. In the photo above, the orange pen is a TWSBI 530 with the smaller ink chamber, and in the foreground is the new TWSBI 540 with the larger ink chamber. You can see the difference by looking at the space between the silver rings on the left, and the end of the plunger which is the thick black section to the right of the silver ring. To me, this was a big enough improvement to warrant purchasing the new version (at a slight discount thanks to Goldspot) since I was also in the market for a new demonstrator anyway.
TWSBI 540 Demonstrator Full Ink Chamber
One of the really nice things about the TWSBI 540 (even the 530 for that matter) is that the outside walls have multiple facets that reflect the light well, and really show off the color of the ink inside. With darker inks like the ones I typically use, this is not AS obvious, but it is still noticeable.
One of the other advertised feature improvements is that they have made to the new version has to do with the cap threading. On the previous model when you twist the pen open or shut, the motion is slightly unforgiving, especially when closing, it just kind of grinds to a stop. With the new threading, it feels more like a hydraulic process where the final closing twist actually comes to a gradual and controlled slowdown. Not a major improvement, but certainly nice feeling once you notice it.
TWSBI Different Clips
Something else that I noticed is that the clips on the caps of my two different TWSBIs are different. On the left in the photo above you see the original 530 and on the right is the new 540. It doesnt jump out at first, but you can see that the clip on the right has the underbelly tapper inwards, while on the original it is flush with the sides of the clip. Again, not huge, but noticeable if you fiddle with the clip when you are holding or using the pen.
TWSBI Different Clips Top
Another difference with the clip is on the other end where the clips just look a bit different. You can see on the left, the old TWSBI has a square hole in the top, and the new one is lacking it. Again, not major but I thought I’d ooint it out.
The TWSBI is a pretty fantastic fountain pen, however there is one issue that I called out in my previous review that I wish they would have addressed in this upgrade. It still bothers me that when you post the cap, it latches onto the twist knob for the piston filler, which gives you the “opportunity” to twist it by accident and sppill ink. I know many people don’t post their caps, especially on a pen this big, but I do, and I personally think it is a bit of a design flaw here. Otherwise though, this is really a fun pen to write with and I think it looks absolutely fantastic. My review version here was an EF nib, which is made of steel, but it is also available in Medium, Broad, and Fine sizes.
The Giveaway:
Similar rules as the giveaway for the Stainless Steel Sharpie Pen, which you still have time to sign up for. For this giveaway there will only be ONE winner thoughm, but you can pick the nib size that you would like. Also, many thanks to our friends at Goldspot.com since they are the ones that will be fulfilling the prize for the TWSBI 530 giveaway winner.
Rules are as follows:
1. You must be a US resident
2. Entries must be left by 11:59 PM Eastern time on Wednesday, December 14, 2011
3. Up to 3 entries per person, but only one of each method (ie. 1 straight comment, 1 twitter comment, and 1 newsletter comment)
4. Winner will be announced on Thursday December 15, 2011. Winners will have one week from that day to claim their prize
How to Enter:
1. Leave one comment
2. Sign up for the newsletter and monthly giveaway and leave an additional comment here, if you are already signed up just leave a comment as well
3. Retweet the following: “ Enter to win a TWSBI 540 Fountain Pen @OfficeSupplyGee #Giveaway Week http://goo.gl/0Wizr “ and leave another comment with a link to that particular status update. To get a link to your status update, just click on the time stamp below it on Twitter.
So to summarize, a maximum of 3 individual comments, one per entry method and you have until 11:59 PM eastern on on Wednesday, December 14, 2011 to enter. Also, there is no need to include your email address in the body of any comment, that is just asking for spam to your email account. There is a place for your email address in the comment form itself that doesn’t get displayed and we don’t use it for anything here.
© 2011, OfficeSupplyGeek. All rights reserved.
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Monthly Giveaway & Newsletter
Yes! Please Me! Pick Me! Me! Me! No but seriously love JetPens and the blog!
I’d really like to win the TWSBI.
I am already subscribed to the newsletter.
Very cool!
i want to win!
i am subscribed :3
How do you pronounce TWSBI?
I already subscribe to the newsletter
This would be awesome
Great review! I have the 530, and love it, and am eagerly awaiting the vac-filler they’re working on. I believe the name is pronounced Twiz-bee, like frisbee.
Would love this!
Already subscribed to the newsletter!
Already getting the newsletter
What a great pen. I’d love to win it!
I subscribe to your newsletter.
Tweeted! http://twitter.com/#!/JanelGr/status/144409086249811968
I’d love to win this!!
Also been a subscriber since day one!
That’s a great looking pen, and I’d love to win it!
I would really like to try this pen
I’m already subscribed to the newsletter
Interesting pen
Happy to be subscribed to the newsletter
Here’s my tweet
oops: http://twitter.com/#!/shutterdipity/status/144416581143900160
I would love to win!
Oh wow!
https://twitter.com/#!/AlondraMillan1/status/144425502025842689
Oh – I would SO love to win this one. I had a serious problem reassembling my 530 after its last cleaning, and it’s now all scratched up around the base of the piston cap. Wasn’t looking to replace it before, but now I’m seriously thinking about it. <3
https://twitter.com/#!/ISanderson/statuses/144426776825839616
My tweet.
I’m already signed up for the newsletter.
Here is my tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/bakanekosan/statuses/144428586395369472
I have signed up for the newsletter
would be a cool christmas present.
I am a sucker for demonstrator and it would be a wonderful Christmas to me!
Would love to get it!
Nice looking pen. I’d like to add a demonstrator to my rotation.
Sweet pen, would love to add it to my collection!
I love demonstrators
I love demonstrators
I love demonstrators
Thanks for this review – I have a 530 that I really enjoy writing with (with Noodler’s Air Corp Blue Black) but a larger ink chamber would be great. If I don’t win it maybe Santa will bring me one
Looks like a really nice pen!!
Great pen I would love to win this!
And already signed up for the newsletter!
Fun that the nib size can be chosen! Love the demonstrator style
Read the review on the 530 and was impressed by the pen & the review. It seems like this pen has many excellent qualities.
A question comes to mind. During my many years of using fountain pens I have rarely needed to disassemble a pen. ( I own Pelican, Visconti, Aurora, Parker, Shaeffer, and many other brands) Why is it considered necessary to make this pen so accessible and repairable. This is not a complaint, simply a question.
If I win, I would want the pen with the XF nib also.
Finally, other than the Noodler Flex pen and the Namiki Falcon, do any new pens come with a flexible nib?
I would just love to have this pen
And I’m already signed up for the newsletter
free stuff
because I get the newsletter
Hope I win the TWSBI!
Subscriber to the newsletter
Thanks, please count me in.
Grr
My twitter share:
http://twitter.com/#!/GrrGrrr/status/144449199860224000
Grr
Already subscribed to newsletter.
Grr
What a great-looking pen!
I have already subscribed to the newsletter.
Would love to try this pen!
Already a newsletter subscriber.
I’m a fan of the Twsbi 540. It would be great to win this with an extra fine nib!
And I’m a newsletter subscriber…
I’ve got the 530 and use it daily – so it needs a new sibling………….
I could always use another TWSBI pen.
Tweeted as nimrodjcs
Subscribed to your newsletter
I love TWSBIs. Been an early adopter.
http://twitter.com/#!/reudaly/status/144459517621571585 My tweet
Been a long time subscriber
Sign me up
Awesome giveaway!
Already subscribed via email
Amazing contest! Thanks OSG!
Tweeted! https://twitter.com/#!/GourmetPens/status/144467234000084992
Already Subscribed too!
https://twitter.com/#!/kevinsunley/status/144467633213943808
Lovely Pen!
already subscribed
http://twitter.com/#!/JeansandTs/status/144471447870517248 tweet
Oh my gosh I would SOOOO love one of these!!
I have already been signed up for the newsletter
http://twitter.com/prumdargon/statuses/144474003149570048 for my 3rd chance!!
I’ve been meaning to try a fountain pen
And in for the newsletter as well
nice pen.
Gorgeous pen and I’d love to have it.
I’m a subscriber.
I would dearly love to get my hands on one of these. And I believe it’s pronounced twisbee like frisbee.
I’m hoping really hard that I win this one!
Already signed up for the newsletter.
Love fountain pens!
Already a newsletter subscriber too.
Very cool! I’m just starting to use fountain pens and this is a great review.
I would love this pen!!
http://twitter.com/#!/mysskittey/status/144501836685131776
I already get the newletter. Pick me!!
I love giveaways! This one looks AWESOME!
I would love if you picked me… It would make my whole month. I’ve included this picture I drew of a dinosaur that I used a Precise extra fine V5 to do… Just as added intensive and because well… dinosaurs be bitchen!
I am a subscriber to the newsletter. This is a great looking pen that according to the review has the function to go along with it.
I would love to experience this pen.
I would LOVE to win this fountain pen! Great review!
I am already signed up for email and monthly giveaway
I have tweeted! http://twitter.com/#!/molossus1/statuses/144527716832653313
What a lovely pen:)
What a lovely pen.
Well, my first fountain pen just broke, if luck has it, the timing would be perfect, I need a new pen.
My second entry for being a newsletter subscriber.
I’m already getting the newsletter. As if I wouldn’t bother with it… Come on! (a la GOB).
I’m in. Please let me win so I can justify getting ridiculous amounts of new ink!
I like Twitter. And Pens. http://twitter.com/#!/ebfryer/status/144535771439828993
Moi aussi!
Great pen. Tried a friends, but haven’t been able to spring for one yet. SOOOOOO my feelings will not be hurt if you send me one!
I have many fountain pens, but I’ve never had a demonstrator.
I’ve been receiving your newsletter for a long time.
I have tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/TheDarkEngine/status/144551281904717824
That would be great!
This is a neat looking pen. I’d love one.
I’m already on the mailing list.
Here’s my tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/itsjustelise/status/144553929634611200
Thanks for the review and the giveaway. The pen looks great!
I signed up for the newsletter.
Nice pen! Sign me up
and I’m already subscribed to the newsletter
A friend of mine has the 530 and loves it. Very cool.
Already signed up for the newsletter.
…and on twitter….
https://twitter.com/#!/KirkOsterman/status/144565241672503296
I love pens! A fancy fountain pen would be a wonderful addition!
I am also subscribed to the newsletter.
A fine pen such as this could have me switching to fountain pens.
I’m already subscribed to the newsletter. I hope I win!
https://twitter.com/#!/laoriginaltec/status/144582508753862656
I would love to win this pen! Thanks for giving me a shot at it.
I’m a subscriber to your newsletter, too!
Ooo I’d love a 540!
i have been wanting one of these for awhile
This pen looks great!
The demonstrator is the way to go!
I hope to win this pen for Christmas.
wah hooo! i’ve never owned a fountain pen, and this looks like a swell way to start a new obsession!
Tweet:
https://twitter.com/#!/bored_agitated/status/144619410970263553
and I’m already signed up for the newsletter!
good luck, all!
I’d love to win this!!
Entry #2: I’m also signed up for the newsletter
I’ve tried the 530 and love it; I want to give the 540 a shot now.
I’m subscribed to the newsletter already as well.
Ohhhh, this would make the absolute perfect gift for the significant other. He’d cherish it.
* Pick me? Pretty please?
I am subscribe to your monthly newsletter
I am a fountain pen geek and would love to give this a try.
Would love to win! I am a penatic!
I subscribe to your newsletter.
Tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/bikeohio/status/144635639990722560
Thanks for the chance. Such a great design.
I’m also subscribed to the newsletter. Happy holidays!
I can not wait to get a hold of one of these pens to continue my renewed love of writing instruments.
TWSBI goodness is always appreciated.
Already signed up for the newsletter.
First entry! I’ve been lusting after one of these after I sold my 530 to help pay the bills.
Really really hoping here!
http://twitter.com/#!/HOJO1645/status/144653241836249088 … have never tweeted anything except pen giveaway entries! lol
I am a newsletter subscriber already!
Oh, yeah – I’m already a subscriber, too.
It’s a lovely instrument! I hope I get a chance at it!
I am already a newsletter subscriber!
Nice pen!
melodyj(at)gmail(dot)com
Email Subscribe
melodyj(at)gmail(dot)com
I have heard so much about this pen. I’d love to try out the EF nib and that amber body is lovely. Thanks for giveaway!
I am a follower on Google Reader, so please enter me again. This is almost enticing enough to make me sign up for Twitter. Almost.
Oh wow! Thanks for the chance to win a TWSBI
!!
I’m already subscribed to the newsletter
Link to my tweet : http://twitter.com/#!/lucasmines/status/144771065023959041
I would love the pen – as a new fountain pen enthusiast, everyone has told me this is the pen to get to start my collection. Good luck everybody!
Beautiful pen!
Subscribed
https://twitter.com/#!/FreeMyBiz/status/144790632102236162
Fingers crossed!
Already subscribed!
Just bought my first fountain pen and would love to have another!
And here’s my newsletter entry.
Pick me please?!?
I already subscribe to the newsletter
Tweeted
https://twitter.com/#!/mfryer/status/144811599318888448
Ohhh Twsbi I love you
I’m already subbed to the newsletter.
And… http://twitter.com/#!/hippycrite/status/144823336998928385
I really want one of these!
Already signed up for the newsletter.
That is a gorgeous pen!
Already an email subscriber.
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/aisazia/status/144856009427525632
Count me in.
Ok now this is a great giveaway! I’ve been thinking of getting one of the TWSBI pens for awhile, so I hope I win.
I am a newsletter subscriber so hopefully this additional entry will improve my odds…
I’ve really wanted to try a TWSBI! Thanks for the chance
I also subscribe to the newsletter!
I wonder if retweeting the contest will lower my odds more than the additional entry will increase them.
http://twitter.com/#!/atmozap/status/144863167049248770
I’d love to win this fountain pen. I could compare it with other pens!
I just posted a link to this on facebook. Does that count as an entry? Visit my page: https://www.facebook.com/butlnata
Ooh, TWSBI! It’s just beautiful, and I love piston fillers!
Oh, and I’m already signed up for the newsletter. Thanks! :)
so many giveaways this week. its fantastic
also, i’m subscribed to the newsletter
Hook it up!
I have a 530 from the pre-production run, and it leaked like a sieve. That’s how I got one on the secondary market at all. Then I fixed it (with swimming pool silicone) and then I got a new piston.
If I win the 540, I promise to pass on my 530 to someone who will enjoy it, instead of letting it gather dust.
https://twitter.com/#!/ian_twl/status/144924808424071170
I’m signed up for the newsletter, too.
The TWSBI 531 fountain pen is revolutionary because it can be self-serviced.
Newsletter entry!
Very cool! I, like most people, already have one – but I would love to have another! Wouldn’t anyone?
Oh, and I’m signed up on the monthly giveaway!
Oh, also, a newsletter subscriber!
It’d be amazing to get a TWSBI!
I like the fact you can take it apart. Even if you don’t need to repair it, it gives the user a good idea of how a Fountain pen works and its complexity.
I want one. I hope I win.
Oh, if only this were to be in my stocking
Subscribing keeps me smiling
I’m already signed up for the newsletter. Would love to try the pen.
I can ALWAYS use another fountain pen and I ‘m already signed up for the newsletter.
Here’s my Tweet https://twitter.com/#!/FPNOkami/status/145138062777782272
I adore my twsbi 530 and I think 540 would be a nice gift for my significant other (or me….)
and I tweeted it: https://twitter.com/#!/lessherger/status/145143203400646657
Comment 1 for the win.
Comment two, already signed up for the newsletter.
Comment three, heres the tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/edjelley
What a lovely giveaway! Thanks for sharing the TWSBI love!
Would love a demonstrator. Although the wife thinks there are enough pens in the house now.
Already a newsletter subscriber, read it every month.
Glad the pen keeps improving — I like demonstrators because it makes it easy to track the ink supply.
Newsletter I get.
sweet looking pen!!
https://twitter.com/#!/RipVanMarlowe/status/145211158431932416
I had one of these on my Christmas list, but another gift cancelled it out. I’d love to win one!!!
Looks like an ink holding tank. I’d love to win one.
Comment
I really need to get a fountain pen. Think I’m gonna dip in the shallow end and order a Lamy..
This looks awesome!
I’m already subscribed, but I don’t use twitter.
this pen is gorgeous
love drawing with a fp and really love demonstrators. good luck to all – molly z.
Please pick me!!!!
Please enter me in the drawing. Thanks!
I just subscribed to the newsletter
Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/pezazul/status/145361237318975488
Super pen!
Just signed up for the newsletter.
http://twitter.com/#!/dtedh/status/145511551342870531
Love fountain pens!
Already subscribed to the newsletter!
I would have major plans for this pen, using Noodlers Black Swan in Australian Roses which you’ve also reviewed previously
I want to win
http://twitter.com/#!/peyton_spencer/status/145607685209993216
What a wonderful present for my wife ….
Wow, hope I win this! Looks amazing.
i wanna check out this pen!
also i already subscribe to the newsletter
Huge fountain pen fan! This would be treasured!
http://twitter.com/#!/ChefTalkJim/status/145930159827075072
I love the Tswbi fountain pen.
I love TWSBI fountain pens
What a pity I am not in the US. This pen is great. I have the 530 and I love it.
I’d like to have it!!! Thanks!
Demonstrator pens are so much fun – they also get you a lot of curious looks and comments.
This is such a cool pen! I would looove it
and they say I never won anything as wonderful as this fountain pen…
Good looking pen and I really like the fact that you can take it apart to clean.
Crossing fingers and other stuffs
Thank you for the chances~!
I am a rabid reader of your website, newsletters and tweets ^^
I enthusiastically tweeted: http://twitter.com/DIYSara/status/146216194679128064
Would love to win this pen. Coooolio!
Here is my first entry.
I am already subscribed to the newsletter.
And here is my tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/ThirdeYe1337/status/146253164658700288
Wait! I forgot to leave my second comment (already left my newsletter comment).
and they said I never won anything like this awesome fountain pen…
and they said I never won anything like this awesome fountain pen…
I’ve been looking all over for a new fountain pen, and this might be my opportunity to get my hands on a nice one!
I’ve also signed up for the newsletter.
And I subscribed!
I let a friend use my TWSBI 530. He posted the cap (Nooooo!), wrote his note (while complaining about this strange pen), then ripped the guts out of my pen when he unposted the cap. The cap is broken, the barrel is cracked and I’m very sad, indeed.
Now I’m longing for a new TWSBI because I miss it. What a great pen.
already signed up for the newsletter!
My status: https://twitter.com/#!/NoPenIntended/status/147006354568134656
I’m in! Always wanted to try a TWSBI
Signed up for newsletter!
Enjoyed your review of the Twisbi’s. I’ve heard so much about them, but never saw a review. Nice to know the difference between the two pens. Thanks so much. Happy for the chance at the giveaway, too.
0_o I have really been wanting one of these!
…perhaps ill get lucky!
and a little more luck from having previously signed up for the news letter
https://twitter.com/#!/hanryy/status/147139931528118273
and even better/the best odds I can get
http://twitter.com/#!/balt11t/status/147151806072500224
I would like to win this please!
Also I have subscribed to newsletter a bit ago. Second post.