Versus
TWSBI Eco vs Lamy Safari
Around $35 the road forks: a real piston filler with 1.7 ml on board, or the modular icon with the swappable-nib party trick?
Option A
TWSBI Eco
Pick the Eco to marry bottled ink — the demonstrator barrel holds a week of writing and the piston ritual is half the joy of the hobby.
$38.99
Check price on AmazonOption B
Lamy Safari
Pick the Safari to stay flexible — cartridges for travel, a converter for bottles, and a nib wardrobe for under $15 a size.
$36.44
Check price on AmazonThe decision table
| TWSBI Eco | Lamy Safari | |
|---|---|---|
| Filling | Piston, ~1.7 ml (barrel is the tank) | Cartridge/converter, ~0.6 ml |
| Ink logistics | Bottles only | Cartridges or bottles |
| Nib range | EF–B + 1.1 stub, factory-fitted | EF–B + stubs, user-swappable |
| Maintenance | Occasional piston re-grease (wrench included) | Rinse and go |
| Demonstrator | Yes — watch your ink slosh | Opaque (Vista variant excepted) |
| Best for | Journalers, ink enthusiasts | Commuters, experimenters |
The bottom line
Capacity versus convenience at the same price. If you already own three bottles of ink, the Eco. If you are one pen into the hobby, the Safari keeps options open.
Read the full TWSBI Eco vs Lamy Safari breakdown →
A plain-ink note: some links on this page are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we may earn a commission when you buy through them — at no extra cost to you. It never changes the price you pay, and it never changes a verdict.
The specimen press
Original nib & ink art, made to order.
