What is your opinion of the quality of this item? It seems to be a fine thing, and it certainly looks it; however, like another reviewer here, i had and initial problem with the nib - it wasn't altogether descended into position. With a little bit of futzing, i got it right and now it works fine. Beautifully designed. Wonderful to use, heavy in the hand, a joy to look at. Mostly; I just wish it had come with its nib in proper position. For that kind of money, and with legendary German craftsmanship, I would have expected something pretty much perfect and ready to go right out of the box. I'm glad I bought it, despite any caveats. When I look at it or pick it up, I am not a bit sorry.

Ihave the same pencil in stainless and it's totally awesome. Absolute 5 star every category. I could not give the brass pencil a 5 because it did not ship to me in the same condition. On the business end of this pencil, only the lead was exposed without the "nib". It was terrible to write with. I tore it apart and apparantly, it should have been screwed down inside the pencil and was not. I screwed it down and it did expose the nib, which is great. However, it does not seem as solid and secure as the stainless pencil which shipped in perfect condition.