Hippo Noto created some special add-ons and collaborations for the pre-order period for the latest phase of their Hippo Noto notebooks. Along with new notebooks in A5 an B6 size and a new Robert Oster ink color, there is also a limited edition fountain pen collaboration with the Herbert Pen Company: the Hippo Noto x Herbert Pen Co Pygmy Invasion Pen ($345). These pens are an unusual combination of sparkly colors inspired by the colors of the Hippo Noto notebooks. There are just 32 of these pens available.
The material used to create these pens is Diamond Cast which means the glitter effect is the result of actual diamond particles in the resin. So, not only is the color a combination of vivid fuchsia, turquoise and dark grey, but it’s full of diamonds.
(The Pygmy Invasion pen was hanging out with my original Hippo Noto A6.)
It’s a bit ridiculous to post this pen as it’s 6.75″ long posted. If your hands are very big, then posting it may be useful. For me, it makes the pen back heavy. Unposted, it’s 5.125″ and capped it’s 5.875″ which is manageable.
Here’s a size comparison photo: from left to right: Sailor ProGear Slim, Parker 51, Opus 88 Koloro , Leonardo Momento Zero, Hippo x Herbert Pen Co. Pygmy Invasion, Platinum 3776, Lamy AL-Star, Sailor Pro Color (different model).
The Pygmy Invasion is notably larger in diameter and length than many of the pens in my collection. It’s even bigger than the Leonardo which I thought would be comparable in size.
As you can see in the photo above, when posted, the only other pen that is similar in length is the Lamy AL-Star which is similarly weighted.
The Pygmy Invasion weighs 13gms uncapped and 22gms capped or posted and filled. So, even though it’s a big pen, it’s not particularly heavy.
The model I tested had a 1.5mm stub nib on it. I don’t normally use a nib this broad but it was kind of fun to experiment with something this broad. The pen takes a standard #6 Jowo nib so you can easily switch out the nib for something that might be customized by your favorite nib doctor.
Some of the 32 pens available have already been claimed so if this is a pen you want, I wouldn’t hesitate. I’ll be returning this pen to Herbert Pen Company at the DC Supershow so if you want to see it in person, I recommend swinging by his table to see it.
DISCLAIMER: The items included in this review were provided free of charge by Hippo Noto for the purpose of review. Please see the About page for more details.
