Safari Fountain Pen Charcoal Medium Nib

The Lamy Safari scores well for repairability thanks to its modular design and active repair community. Users report pens lasting decades with basic maintenance.

• •Nib swapping: Multiple users confirm nibs are easily replaceable - just pull off and push on a new one. Replacement nibs cost around $15, letting you fix scratchy nibs or change sizes.
• •Parts availability: Converters, cartridges, and nibs remain available for older models. One user noted their pen still writes like new after six years of daily use.
• •Design limitations: The ABS plastic body is sealed shut with no user-serviceable internals. Cap seal issues causing ink drying can't be fixed at home.

Bottom line: Built for nib swapping and long-term use, but sealed body means you can't fix feed or seal problems yourself.

The Safari shows strong bones but suffers from a severe nib lottery that undermines its reputation. Multiple users report pens lasting decades with the robust ABS plastic body and sturdy wire clip, yet the writing experience varies wildly.

• •Build quality split: Users praise the pen surviving years of daily pocket carry and backpack abuse, with one noting it still writes like the first time after six years, while others get nibs that fail within a year
• •Fatal flaw: Widespread nib QC issues mean some users get scratchy, skipping nibs that hurt their ears to write with, while others receive perfectly smooth writers - creating a Russian roulette experience
• •Counterfeit concerns: Low Amazon prices and plastic bag packaging instead of official boxes have multiple users worried about fakes, especially given the $18.69 price point

Bottom line: Could've been great, but inconsistent nibs turn this workhorse into a gamble. The replaceable nib system helps, but needing to swap parts on a new pen defeats the BIFL promise.

Lamy offers a 2-year standard warranty on the Safari fountain pen with potential extension to 3 years if purchased directly from their shop. The warranty covers manufacturing defects but excludes wear and tear, improper use, and accidental damage.

• •Documentation Required: Original proof of purchase is mandatory for warranty claims.
• •Claim Process: Users must mail the pen to a regional service center with a description of the issue.
• •Service Quality: While the warranty terms are clear, user reviews indicate mixed experiences with nib quality, suggesting potential issues with warranty claim consistency.

Bottom line: A solid mid-range warranty that offers reasonable protection, but some users may face challenges with inconsistent nib quality affecting repair outcomes.

The Lamy Safari sparks passionate debate in fountain pen communities. While its iconic design and theoretical beginner-friendliness earn praise, severe quality control issues create a polarizing ownership experience.

• •Nib lottery frustration: Users report major inconsistency - some get buttery smooth writers while others receive scratchy, skipping nibs that ruin the experience
• •Design vs. performance gap: Redditors love the aesthetics and sturdy ABS body but many say Jinhao clones at one-third the price actually write better
• •Drying issues plague daily use: Multiple reports of pens drying out quickly when capped, forcing constant cleaning and wasting ink

Bottom line: Once a universally recommended starter pen, the Safari's reputation suffers from widespread nib problems that undermine its BIFL potential despite the durable body.