Posted 02 December 2012 - 07:48

The Parker Sonnet seems to a popular pen, with both positive and negative press it seems, a nice pen available in several finishes and trims, the 2nd in line of Parker's current lineup dubbed "The Writers Pen"Here is some basic info about my specific pen:Nib Size: FFinish: LacquerTrim: Gold PlateAppearance and Design: 8/10:This is the odd part about the pen, its a blue pen with different shades in loose stripes, even as dark as black The gold trim accents it very well, this is a pen that I can't see everyone liking, its attractive, but not too bright, which I like. DSC00458 by miadhoque , on Flickr DSC00459 by miadhoque , on FlickrConstruction and Quality: 9/10I'm taking points off as the snap on cap feels a little weird, but firm when the pen is being capped. The quality is great however, some seem to have bad experiences with the pen drying out in a few hours, or overnight, but I have experienced no such issue, its traveled faithfully with me, clipped to a pocket, ready for use in a moments notice, and ink comes out as soon as the pen hits paper.Weight and Dimensions: 10/10I feel like Parker really put some thought into this one, I don't like the weight/balance of the Parker 45,51,Urban, and IM, but i do like it on this one. It feels nice in the hand, not heavy by any means, but substantial, like its worth something. The dimensions are great too, on the smaller side of the fountain pen world, but with a large grip section its comfortable.Nib and Performance: 8/10I'll be honest, its not my favorite nib, but I have to give credit where credit is due, this nib is fantastically smooth out of the box, and is on the drier side of things as well. The "fine" nib I've got is certainly a western fine, the steel gold nib is very nice to look at, someday I might upgrade to a gold italic nib, but that day is not here yet.The nib doesn't skip or have any issues starting, no complaints, just that I prefer a wetter nib. DSC00461 by miadhoque , on FlickrFilling System and Maintenance 7/10I don't like converters that much, but this one works well, and given the dry nib, will suffice, converter is smooth and draws ink well, no issues, just preference at it again, maybe the Visconti double reservoir has spoiled meThe nib is removable should you wish to interchange it with another or for cleaning.Cost and Value: 9/10A solid performer that looks good and isn't a wallet buster, i like this pen a good lot, it comes in a variety of options and looks and feels nice.Conclusion:Would I recommend this pen? Yes I would and I have, a friend of mine has a steel gold trimmed version and she loves it. I hope other owners feel the same way. DSC00462 by miadhoque , on Flickr