Leonardo Officina Italiana Momento Zero Hawaii - Fountain Pen (F (Fine))

Product Information

The Leonardo Momento Zero is the first pen in a long time that I’ve reviewed where I don’t have any significant critiques or “negatives” - it’s that good of a pen in terms of design, build quality, and execution. Of course, so much of this hobby is driven by personal taste that it’s entirely possible that you won’t be drawn to this pen the same way I am, but that’s how these things go. I will note, however, that the gold nib pens are wet writers - probably due to the use of an ebonite feed - so you’ll want to consider this when selecting a nib size and adjust a size down from what you would normally choose (i.e., if you’re looking for a medium, buy a fine). Salvatore showed us the magic of alighment. Turn the cap on the body of the pen. In up to three times, you will have the cap and body aligned. The magic of three. For the writing sample, I inked the Leonardo Momento Magico in extra-fine point with one of the new ink colors also released this spring, called Arancio Tarocco. The fountain pen carved into the material is certainly this detail that differentiates us on the world market. It’s a big size upgrade from the typical #6 sized nib. What does that size upgrade get you in terms of performance?

The Momento Zero was lovely to write with. I loaded it up with my Papier Plume Ivy Green and away I went. The nib was smooth right out of the box, and wrote beautifully with no rough starts. While the pen is gorgeous and I can’t stop looking at it, I have to admit that it might be a little big for my hand. (Remember – I have small hands and the Pro Gear Slim is totally my speed!) I can’t decide whether I care for the section, which is somewhat graduated, or whether I would prefer one that was a consistent circumference. Compared to two of my other favorite gold nibs, the oversize #8 is a little softer than the 823 but has less “give” than the Sailor King of Pen that tends to produce a bit of line variation. It’s also a little broader than the M nib counterparts of those pen models. Over 45 years of experience in the field of writing instruments, handed down from father to son, from generation to generation.And the story goes on ... A family tradition. Leonardo is a forge, a laboratory where experience and craftsmanship are mixed giving life to "pleasure", the pleasure of writing.

The internal piston mechanism, designed and created by Leonardo, is accessible through a cap at the end of the body. The piston is one of the largest on the market, giving the Momento Zero Grande an ink capacity of 1.5 ml of ink. The Magico's piston knob adds a 5mm difference to the overall length of the pen. This difference is negligible when writing cap posted or cap in hand. Thanks to the pen's lightweight construction and balanced profile, the Magico feels just as comfortable as the Zero.I’ve teased this in the last couple of posts, so I’ll come right out and say it: the Leonardo Momento Zero has blown me away. In this review I’ll explain why. The Momento Zero Grande pens come with an in-house designed and created 1.5 ml piston fill mechanism. The size of the piston capacity is one of the largest available. I like the large ink capacity. I can fill up the pen and take it for a serious writing excercise! Cap Band Larger nibs tend to write broader lines. This M #8 nib writes about the same line as the Leonardo broad steel #6 nib. So if you want a line true to size, make sure to size down. One of the changes to these new Momento Zero Grande pens is the single band at the end of the cap. This replaces the three rings of the previous line. I like the wider band and the geometric shape is very attractive. There is a fair amount of work for the detailed engraving and it adds to the overall look of the pen. The Nib & Feed The Momento Zero Grande is a large size pen with fitted with a number 6 nib and holding one of the largest piston fills available. It is a pleasure to hold and and write with the Grande pen. The size and appearance of the pen reflects simplistic style. They have a timeless look.

The sky merges with the art of writing, the “Momento Zero” collection is enriched with a new iconic Nuvola pen, Nuvola in italian language mean Cloud. Why "Nuvola"? Inspired by the tranquility and elegance of clouds, the Nuvola reflects a sense of calm and contemplation. Just as the clouds move gracefully in the sky, this pen glides across the paper with the same lightness, offering an unparalleled writing experience. The name Momento Zero, absolutely evoking, exactly means a new beginning, a start from scratch; the first pen made by a new company, based on experience and passion of a strong team. The Leonardo Momento Zero collection is inspired by the Italian vintage style, worldwide known; it’s a classic pen, well balanced with size and metal trims. You’ll also notice a few other changes from Leonardo pens in addition to the new Jowo nib. Starting with the 2021 Momento Zero release, the popular pen design will feature a thinner pen clip (similar to those seen on the Leonardo Officina Italiana Furore Grande pen), and three cap bands instead of the previous two.

Ink for this product

In October 2021, Karen and I, while in Rome, met with Salvatore Matrone and discussed the new 2021 release - the Momento Zero Grande Mosaico Chiaroscuro. The pen is made in a version of the spaghetti resin in the sand (Chiaroscuro), the Mango and Hawaii. I believe the name Salvatore has given the pen is very apt. Chiaroscuro means the arrangement of light and dark shades without the regard to colour - that exactly is th is pen. The Leonardo Momento Zero wins big in all the major categories that I look at when selecting and buying a pen. The overall size also makes the Grande a perfect home for the oversize #8 nib. This nib makes even the M800 (second from the left) nib look small. Well this is what the pen is all about. The Momento Zero Grande pen is simply a wonderful writer. I used it to update my travel jounral on my 2021 trip through Italy. Lots of writing each day and it was a pleasure to use the pen.