Noodler's Konrad Flex Pens
The Noodler's Konrad Flex Pen is a medium-sized option that bridges the gap between the Noodler's Nib Creaper and Ahab, offering a perfect compromise between the two pen sizes. Initially introduced as a refillable rollerball, it was also prototyped as a brush pen. Like the Nib Creaper, it features a screw-type piston-fill mechanism but boasts a larger ink capacity, similar to the Ahab. However, unlike the Ahab, it is not designed for eyedropper filling.
Noodler's Flex Pens, left to right: Konrad, Ahab, Nib Creaper, Triple Tail Flex
Noodler's Konrad Flex Pens were initially released in three colors: Red Mesa Tortoise, Roaring 20's Brown Tortoise, and Fleur de Lis Blue Tortoise. Since then, the collection has grown with several new additions.
The Konrad represents Noodler's most refined design to date, a significant evolution from the earlier Ahab and Nib Creaper models. It features a screw-type piston fill mechanism with a blind cap—a removable, protective cover over the piston. This thoughtful addition prevents the piston from being accidentally unscrewed, ensuring no ink is inadvertently expelled. The inclusion of the blind cap also allows the pen to be securely posted without any issues, enhancing its overall functionality.
One notable feature of the Noodler's Konrad Flex Pen—beyond its convenient, moderate size—is its fully tool-free disassembly. You can easily unscrew the back of the piston mechanism, which pulls right out, making cleaning the pen incredibly simple. That said, there’s a small caution to keep in mind. If you tighten the blind cap too much, it may lock onto the back of the piston mechanism. This can cause the piston to unscrew along with the blind cap. Fortunately, the fix is straightforward: hold the piston in place while unscrewing the blind cap. To avoid this issue altogether, just gently tighten the blind cap.
Before using the pen, it’s a good idea to give it a thorough cleaning. Residual machining oils used during production, especially in the feed slots, can sometimes cause the pen to write dry or skip initially. While this isn’t a problem for all pens, around 10% of the Ahab models needed a proper cleaning to perform well, and the Konrad may be similar.
Another thing to note is that the nib and feed are friction-fit inside the pen. This makes them easy to remove for cleaning but may require some tinkering to align them properly for optimal ink flow. If you’re unsure how to adjust the nib and feed, the process is the same as with the original Noodler's Nib Creaper Flex Pens, and I’ve detailed it in a video you can refer to for guidance. With a little care and setup, the Konrad Flex Pen can deliver an exceptional writing experience while offering easy maintenance and versatility.
In terms of ink capacity, the Noodler's Konrad Flex Pen strikes a balance between the other two Noodler's models. The original Noodler's Nib Creaper Flex Pen holds approximately 0.9ml of ink, which, while decent, was often considered too small by many users. The Ahab addressed this concern with a larger capacity of 1.9ml using the piston mechanism and an impressive 6ml when converted to an eyedropper. The Konrad offers a middle ground, providing a capacity that bridges the gap between the compact Nib Creaper and the high-capacity Ahab.
There you have it! The Noodler's Konrad Flex Pen is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a medium-sized pen that balances functionality, design, and versatility. Overall, I believe the Konrad is the most well-designed pen to come from Noodler's yet, offering a thoughtful blend of features that make it stand out. Write on!
