The Legend of Lamy: The Safari

Oct, 02

Why is the Lamy Safari So Popular?

Lamy….Chances are, you have heard of the manufacturing giant (it is also [hopefully!] likely that you are never sure if it's pronounced ‘Lay-me, Lah-me or Lam-ee…just me?). Well, the German company is the brain-child of Josef Lamy in the 1930s, Josef Lamy was a sales representative for Parker Pens but had a vision for his own independent company, he saw this vision into fruition in 1930 with the establishment of Orthos Füllfederhalter-Fabrik growing into the Lamy brand in the early 1950’s - but more on that in our previous article: Lamy: From Pioneer to Prominent Global Brand.

Each year, Lamy produces over 8 million writing instruments which are distributed worldwide but it can be argued that the Safari is Lamy’s most popular model…it can also be argued that the Lamy Safari is one of the most popular pens worldwide.

But what exactly makes the Lamy Safari so special? Let's dive in and uncover the secrets behind its widespread popularity.

It's All About the Design

Lamy is like that low-key genius in the room, creating pens that are all about function and less about flaunting. They might not be the blingy conversation starters you'd get from other luxury pen brands, but hey, they're phenomenal at doing what pens are meant to do - write! They're affordable, elegant, and practical. A Safari is an instantly recognisable pen…even those who are new (or strangers to) the world of pens will be able to spot a Safari from a mile away!

Back in the day, while others were stuck on wood or metal, Lamy was the bold maverick using synthetic plastics. The result? Lightweight, durable pens that everyone could get their hands on. Fast forward to the 1980s, enter the Lamy Safari line. These dynamic pens not only catered to fountain pen-wielding students across Europe but also managed to withstand their daily whirlwind of activities. Lamy is like the cool aunt who always has a treat for everyone, offering a variety of fountain pens, rollerball pens, ballpoint pens, and even mechanical pencils.

Each Lamy line is distinct, like the Safari, a crowd-pleaser for beginners and experts alike. The Safari is like the superhero of pens. Its power? An ergonomic triangular grip! It's like holding your favourite three-sided pencil from school, but even better.

The soft grooves provide comfort and stability, making your writing experience a breeze. The Safari also has a cool trick up their sleeves - super durable ABS plastic shafts. Think LEGO tough but in pen form. For the AL-Star and Lx pens, they've got anodized aluminium shafts - lightweight yet sturdy. Don't forget the sleek metal clip on every Safari pen, making it a breeze to clip onto your shirt pocket or notebook.

And for all you fountain pen users, there's a nifty viewing window to keep track of your ink level. No more disassembling your pen - just write, check, and refill!

One of the first things you'll notice about the Lamy Safari is its sleek and modern design. With a sturdy plastic body and a distinctive triangular grip, this pen is not your average writing instrument. It's like the James Bond of pens - stylish, sophisticated, and always ready for action. Award winning, evolving (but remaining true to its origins) and dynamic, the Safari is ALL about design…both aesthetically and ergonomically as well as considering durability and reliability.

Colourful Personalities

But wait, there's more! The Lamy Safari comes in a rainbow of colours, from classic black and white to vibrant neon hues. It's like a box of crayons for grown-ups, allowing you to express your personality and add a pop of colour to your writing routine. Who said writing had to be boring? With special editions, limited runs and more colour options than you could ever imagine, the variation and personality of this little workhorse adds to its popularity and endurance in an increasingly populated market.

There is also a collectability that comes with the variety available from the Lamy Safari…paired with its versatility, changeable nibs and the ability to use an ink converter, it is not uncommon for individuals to have multiple Safaris with different nibs for different activities and a broad spectrum of colours…some even like to match the colour of their Safari to the ink they are using! The Safari is joy! It brings fun, colour and personality to the table!

Nib-tastic Performance

Let's talk about performance! The Lamy Safari features a high-quality stainless steel nib that glides smoothly across the page, creating a writing experience like no other. It's like writing on a cloud, but without the risk of smudging. The fact that The Safari permits easily changed nibs is incredibly appealing. On the whole, the Safari is known for being durable, ergonomic, reliable and a well-performing piece of kit - especially for its price point.

Are there ‘better’ pens out there? Well, it depends what you mean by better but chances are…yes. But The Safari is constant, it is nostalgic and fun and most certainly a ‘good’ pen. For many, it is a favourite; for some, it is a daily work-horse (with flashier pens saved for special occasions); and for others, it is an average pen and they prefer another comparatively priced pen. It is, however, undeniable that the Lamy company is known for its solid designs, attention to detail and well-produced nibs.

Built to Last

Unlike those flimsy disposable pens that run out of ink after a few pages, the Lamy Safari is built to last. With its durable construction and refillable ink cartridges, this pen will be your trusty sidekick for years to come. It's like the Energiser Bunny of writing utensils - it just keeps going and going. The Lamy Safari is well constructed and is well-reported as durable enough to be used on a daily basis, thrown in bags and pockets, dropped and bashed about…all without major issues.

Reddit threads seem to agree with many Safari users stating they have been using the same Safari for decades without issue. Others describe it as a ‘tank’ and argue that its initial conception as a tool to be used in schools means it’s designed to be used and abused. The main complaints appear to be that the Lamy Safari can be prone to going a little shiny on its matte barrel - a minor complaint and one caused by endless hours of use.

Inspired by the Bauhaus principle where form meets function, the Lamy Safari is a perfect blend of practicality and charm. LAMY Safari and Vista pens are crafted from a material known as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), a type of plastic renowned for its exceptional impact resistance. This substance is commonly utilised in the creation of protective housings and packaging materials. ABS plastic is also found in everyday items such as Lego products and computer keyboards, demonstrating its versatility and durability. Despite being plastic, Lamy Safari pens exhibit a robust and sturdy feel, a testament to the quality of their construction.

Affordable Luxury: The Lamy Safari at The Hamilton Pen Company

The best part? Despite its premium quality and stylish design, the Lamy Safari is surprisingly affordable. You don't have to break the bank to own a piece of writing luxury. It's like getting a Ferrari for the price of a Fiat (okay, maybe not exactly, but you get the idea). Furthermore, with a relatively low price point, The Safari and its quality characteristics is well-suited as an introduction to fountain pens; for children, beginners, those who have an interest in fountain pens, and ardent collectors alike.

So there you have it - the Lamy Safari is not your average pen. With its unique design, colourful options, smooth performance, durability, and affordability, it's no wonder this fountain pen has captured the hearts of writers, artists, and pen enthusiasts around the world. Explore the full collection of Lamy products and the many Lamy Safari options at The Hamilton Pen Company.