The Kaweco Student made my 2022 wish list, though my interest was in the Student pen with the green cap. As we all know, I am a sucker for a deal and stumbled across a Student demo model at a really good price. I couldn’t say no.
Company Backstory
Kaweco is a German brand of writing implements, originally introduced by the Heidelberg Pen Company for its dip pens line in 1889. Kaweco became a public limited company in 1921, with an annual production of 130,000 fountain pens.
The company went bankrupt in 1930, Knust, Woringen & Grube (KWG) purchased the Kaweco company name, machines, stock, and patents. After the death of Frederik Grube, the company languished indeterminate until another bankruptcy in 1981. The brand was acquired in 1994 by the cosmetic company H&M Gutberlet Gmbh.
My Pen
As mentioned I purchased a Kaweco demo Student pen not the green one on my wish list. The pen is made from polished injection-molded acrylic with brass metal parts that are chrome plated, a stainless steel iridium-tipped nib, and accepts standard universal cartridges or converters. The pen is inspired by a design from the 1920s and ships in a retro gift tin. Ok, it’s not vintage but it is vintage-inspired.
Why demonstrator, welp the transparent design lets you see the internals, how much ink is left inside, and I think they are cool.
The clear acrylic barrel is crisp and clear while the chrome trim makes it pop – setting off its beauty. Not everyone likes a chrome or metallic section, that includes me but this demonstrator is the exception.
The barrel is not straight, it slowly tapers out to about mid-way then tapers inward to the end of the barrel.
The pen comes with 2 ink cartridges, of which only one is full. Good thing I have a syringe to refill the cartridges. I did find a converter at a really good price but I have put it off until refilling the cartridges becomes a problem or I simply get fed up. The pen accepts standard universal cartridges or converters but I’ve read reviews claiming this is not true. So make sure the converter is clearly approved for the Student.
The Kaweco logo is found on the end of the cap, the nib, and the feed.
The nib is stainless steel iridium-tipped nib. It is decorated with an etched scroll, the company logo, and the nib size, BB.
Time to insert the Royal Blue ink cartridge and give it a go. Compared to the Pilot CM nib the Kaweco BB is a pleasure and I like the CM nib.
Der Kaweco Student Demonstrator ist ein wunderbarer Stift. Ich habe einen neuen Favoriten und eine Lizenz zum Schreiben.
Vitals Statistics
- Capped length, 131mm
- Uncapped length, 119mm
- Barrel diameter, 13mm
- Cap diameter, 14.5mm
- Weighs in at 26g
——————— Reference Material —————
- Pencil case blog: Kaweco Student Demonstrator
Chronicles of a Fountain Pen 
Love my Kaweco Brass Sport. The converter has mixed feedback re: leakage. There are so many choices with cartridges and, as you say, refilling with syringes any chosen ink favourites. So I won’t try out a converter. Sounds like you enjoyed the feel of the nib too. Mine never lets me down on first application to the paper. Writes every time. Even after a week or two. And is glorious. Thanks for this review. Gives greater insight to the company history which is much appreciated. Cheers.
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It writes lovely, very smooth. The width is very similar to that of the Pilot CM but this is a wet nib. Requires very little pressure for the ink to flow. Maybe one day I will give a cartridge a go but not any time soon.
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Another beautiful pen!
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Thank you. Normally I am not a big demo pen person by this pen with chrome, steel, and clear acrylic was an exceptional find. Plus I got it from a pen shop going out of business so the price was great.
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It’s true the clear acrylic / chrome makes in modern and elegant.
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Some people never like demonstrators, but I’ve always been smitten by them. Not only because they get a lot of attention by non-pen people, but also like you said, I get to see how much ink is left. I can’t stand not knowing my ink level. Anyway, thanks for this post!
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Hey Stuart, originally I viewed them as a gimmick but I’ve really taken a liking to them. By far my fave demonstrator is the Pilot Prera. One day I will figure out why only your comments are automagically forwarded to the comment trashcan. Thanks for the visits and comment.
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