Stopwatch1986

Yes, mine is the same as the one in the photo. I am sure the amount of friction is sufficient. Like Lamy and others I just couldn't see the benefit of losing the extra support point but it may be that Platinum want to be able to design short pens and use the same cartridges.

All my pens that take two international cartridges back-to-back do that too, otherwise they would rattle if you shook them.

Interesting. All of mine hit the back. I always thought that was meant to push the cartridge in and secure it there. The neck may be tight but a long cartridge can't possibly move. Eg I notice Lamys are sold with a removable ring that stops you fully tightening the barrel by accident and breaking the seal of the cartridge that come's with the pen. I don't see why designers would choose not to secure their proprietary cartridge like that, unless they want to be able to design shorter models and use the same cartridges.

I was planning to suggest dipping tomorrow. Fingers crossed but the general attitude here is like going to a supermarket.

That helps -- thanks. I apply almost no pressure, with pens basically resting on my hand, so F may be more appropriate for an Eco for me.

Not applying pressure also means very light pens don't work great for me but I prefer the metal look more than resin.

I have three bottles of this: black, blue and peacock blue. Peacock blue is fantastic with dip pens and I have a Delta pen filled with it. I bought them in 1990, so 34 years ago.