Pelikan M800 Green Demonstrator Fountain Pen Review

Introduction to the Pelikan M800 Green Demonstrator

The Pelikan M800 Green Demonstrator fountain pen is a beautiful example of the famous German brand's craftsmanship. As a "demonstrator" model, the pen's barrel, cap, and piston mechanism are made of clear acrylic, allowing you to see the inner workings of the pen. The transparent design highlights the large ink capacity and German-engineered piston filling system that Pelikan is known for.

What is a Demonstrator Fountain Pen?

A "demonstrator" fountain pen shows off its inner components through a transparent or translucent barrel. It lets you see the piston mechanism, ink flow, and feed. The clear body contrasts with the colored ink inside, making for a visually striking writing instrument.

Demonstrators first became popular in the 1920s and 30s as a way for manufacturers to showcase their advanced filling systems. Today, they are sought after by fountain pen enthusiasts who appreciate their unique aesthetic and glimpse into the pen's inner workings.

Pelikan M800 Design and Specifications

The Pelikan M800 features a classic green and black color scheme. The cap and section are made of black acrylic while the barrel and piston knob are crystal clear green acrylic. Gold plated furniture adorns the cap's beak and clip and the piston turning knob.

It has a medium sized #M805 gold nib available in widths from extra-fine to double broad. The nib is stiff but smooth, providing a delightful writing experience. As a piston filler, the M800 has an impressive ink capacity of around 1.35ml.

The M800 is a full sized model, measuring 5.4 inches capped. It is comfortable to hold due to its rounded ends and light weight of just 0.7oz. As part of Pelikan's upscale Souverän series, the M800 is lovingly crafted and meant to last a lifetime.

Filling the M800 Demonstrator

The M800 fills using Pelikan's trademark piston filling system. It provides a very large ink capacity in a tidy package. To fill from an ink bottle, follow these simple steps:

1. Unscrew the barrel from the section to reveal the piston mechanism.
2. Submerge the nib and feed into your desired bottled ink.
3. Turn the piston knob clockwise while the nib is still immersed. This draws ink in through the feed.
4. Once full, turn the knob counter-clockwise to stop the intake and retract the piston.
5. Wipe any excess ink from the nib and screw the barrel back onto the section.

The process is quick, clean, and lets you fill directly from any ink bottle. The ink level is clearly visible through the transparent barrel as you write. A quick twist of the piston knob lets you top up your ink at any time.

Writing Experience

The Pelikan M800 with a medium gold nib provides a delightful writing experience. It lays down a smooth and consistent medium line ideal for everyday writing. The feed keeps up well so the nib glides across paper without skipping or hard starts.

The nib offers a hint of softness to give a touch of line variation. It exhibits minimal feedback thanks to Pelikan's expert grinding and tuning. The design is ideally suited to flowing cursive script but also handles printed letters well.

Overall, the M800 offers a responsive, reliable, and smooth writing experience - exactly what fountain pen users desire. The quality is evident from the first word you write.

Why Choose the Pelikan M800 Demonstrator?

For fountain pen fans, the M800 Green Demonstrator checks many boxes:

• Iconic German design and quality manufacturing
• Piston filling for huge ink capacity
• Clear view of inner components
• Smooth medium gold nib
• Classic green striped aesthetic
• Reasonable price for a premium pen

Beyond the transparent body, the M800 Demonstrator offers the same beloved performance as the standard M800. It proudly carries on Pelikan's long legacy of fine writing instruments.

If you appreciate fine craftsmanship, lots of ink, and a peek inside your pen, the Pelikan M800 Green Demonstrator is a perfect choice. The visibility highlights Pelikan's engineering while providing a unique and eye-catching user experience.

Where to Buy the Pelikan M800 Demonstrator

The M800 Demonstrator is available from leading fountain pen retailers including:

• Goulet Pens
• Anderson Pens
• JetPens
• Goldspot
• Atlas Stationers

As a standard production model, the M800 Demonstrator is readily available. Prices range from $500-600USD. Special limited editions sometimes offer alternative colors like blue, red, or grey transparent barrels.

The Pelikan M800 demonstrator remains popular year after year. For new users, it offers a modern take on a classic German fountain pen. For seasoned Pelikan fans, it provides another great option in their favorite brand.

FAQs

What type of filling system does the M800 use?

The Pelikan M800 uses an efficient piston filling system. It allows you to fill directly from any bottle of fountain pen ink.

What nib sizes are available for the M800?

The M800 fountain pen comes with a 14K gold nib available in sizes EF, F, M, B, and BB - so extra fine, fine, medium, broad, and double broad.

What makes the M800 a demonstrator pen?

A demonstrator pen has a transparent body that allows you to see the inner workings of the pen. The M800's clear barrel shows off the piston mechanism and ink supply.

How much ink does the M800 demonstrator hold?

The M800 has a huge ink capacity of around 1.35mL, thanks to its oversized ink chamber and piston filling system.

Where is the Pelikan M800 made?

Pelikan pens are designed and manufactured at the company's factory in Hannover, Germany. All M800 pens carry on Pelikan's legacy of German quality and engineering.