| |

FPR Himalaya V2-Chrome Ultra Flex Fountain Pen Review

Finding a fountain pen with a flexible nib that works well can be difficult without spending a fortune, but I’m happy to say it’s possible.

My quick review spoiler: For everyday writing, journaling, and snail mail, I think you will love this pen. And, if you want a pen that makes practicing modern calligraphy simple and easy, or you would just like to give your handwriting some flair or a vintage look, I think you will love it even more. Read on.

My Search for a Flex Fountain Pen

Several years ago, I was looking for an affordable fountain pen with a flexible nib, to give my regular handwriting a little more character and also so that I could practice modern calligraphy with a fountain pen, instead of a dip pen every time.  A grab and go pen for ease and portability. I tried another brand’s pen that had somewhat of a flex nib, but I was hoping for a softer nib.

At that point, I had decided (incorrectly!) that the only way to get a lot of flex with a fountain pen was to spend well over a hundred dollars for one with a flex nib or buy a very expensive vintage nib. (I said “no” to both of those ideas. So, I still had no flexible fountain pen.)

I’m pleased to say, though, that fountain pens within my budget, with very flexible nibs do exist, as I found out when I discovered the Himalaya V2 at Fountain Pen Revolution.   There are other even more affordable options there, too. The Himalaya V2 is definitely not the least expensive one there, so there are lots of choices.

Today, I’m really happy to give you my honest review of the Himalaya V2-Chrome fountain pen with the Ultra Flex nib. It was provided to me by Fountain Pen Revolution (FPR), in return for my review, and I’m so excited about this pen.

Thanks, also, to Newsha from @ferociousnprettypens for recommending FPR as a good resource for affordable flex pens.

FPR Himalaya V2 fountain pen review

The Himalaya V2-Chrome fountain pen with the Steel EF Ultra Flex nib is exactly what I was hoping it would be. 

Himalaya V2 fountain pen review

In the photo above, I wrote “Himalaya V2” with very slight pressure on the downstrokes, but as you can see in the photo above this one, you can get even more line variation with more pressure on the downstrokes. Or just write without any pressure, and the nib won’t flex at all.

The pen comes with several nib options, so if you just want a beautiful fountain pen and not necessarily a flex pen, there are other nibs available, too. My goal, though, was a flex pen. The flex nibs are the last two in the list, and I received the Steel EF Ultra Flex Nib, which I love. 

  • Extra Fine
  • Fine
  • Medium
  • Broad (add $4.00)
  • Stub (add $4.00)  
  • Steel Flex (add $4.00) 
  • Steel EF Ultra Flex (add $14.00)   (Mine has this nib. The extra charge on the flex nibs is for the nib modification.) 

The base price of the pen, at this writing, is $35.00.  The Steel EF Ultra Flex nib is an additional $14.00. So, the cost of the pen, with the Ultra Flex nib is $49.00, which is a great price for a beautiful  flex nib pen that works this well.  As I mentioned above, there are other pen options that are even more affordable at the site.

The ultra flex nib flexes beautifully, without much pressure, and I get excellent line variation with it. With pressure on the downstrokes the lines get thicker, and with less pressure on the upstrokes, thinner lines. It makes my regular handwriting prettier, and I’m able to do some modern calligraphy with it, too. 

Himalaya V2 Chrome flex fountain pen review

To say I’m impressed with this ultra-flex nib is an understatement.  Do I sound giddy?  I am giddy.  I’ll say this again – it’s exactly what I hoped it would be. 

It doesn’t hurt that the Himalaya V2-Chrome is beautiful, too.  Mine is the Peacock Aqua Acrylic, and it’s even prettier than it appears in the photo on the website. It’s comfortable to use, either posted or unposted.

The pen is filled using a twist style converter that works well. When I received it, I quickly filled it with ink, and it worked like a dream from the very start.  (Update: I don’t recommend removing the converter from the pen to clean it. When I did this, it started leaking. Kevin, from FPR, provided exceptional customer service and replaced the converter. I added some silicone grease, and it’s been back to it’s non-leaking, wonderful self.)

The ultra flex nib lays down more ink than non-flex nibs, so lefties may have a bit more trouble with ink smudging (which is true of any flex pen.)

I’m thrilled that the Himalaya V2-Chrome exceeded my expectations. 

Thanks again to FPR for providing the pen, in return for my honest review. All opinions are my own, and this post does not contain affiliate links.

If you enjoyed this post, consider subscribing here.

Linking to:

Wonderful Wednesday, Thursday Favorite Things, Imparting Grace , French Ethereal, Funtastic Friday, Home Matters, A Morning Cup of Joe, The Answer is Chocolate, Pam’s Party and Practical Tips, Creative Jewish Mom, Sum of Their Stories, Decor,Craft,Design, Traffic Jam Weekend, Create with Joy, Esme Salon, Mostly Blogging, Life and Linda, Tuesdays with a Twist, Shabby Art Boutique, Artsy Fartsy Mama

Similar Posts

8 Comments

  1. I admire people who can do such beautiful creative writing. Thanks so much for sharing some inspiration for those of us who would love to learn more about how to do it. #HomeMattersParty

  2. “Update: I don’t recommend removing the converter from the pen to clean it.” Can I ask how you would recommend one go about cleaning the converter? Thanks 🙂

    1. Teia, Thanks for reading! I just draw water up into the converter, the same way I fill the converter with ink, and then expel the water from the converter. I do that a few times, until the water runs clear. I hope that makes sense!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *