There is something extra special about getting wind of not just one but two new fountain pens back-to-back. Late last night, I wrote about the M200 Pastel-Blue fountain pen due out in mid-June. Nibs.com was the first to bring news of the next Raden model to hit the streets as well, the M1000 Raden Red Infinity. The M1000 model line has had some heavy hitters in the Raden category over the last 10-15 years. These have included the Moonlight (2011), Sunlight (2013), Starlight (2014), Sunrise (2016), Green Ray (2020), and White Ray (2021). For these ultra-exclusive models, artists employ traditional Japanese techniques to embellish the cap and barrel of a standard M1000 with small pieces of shimmering abalone shell. Every piece is crafted by hand which accounts for the relatively few models made and their correspondingly high price tag. Each pen is signed by the artist and hand numbered using the Maki-e technique. Similar to recent past releases, this will once again be a limited edition run of just 400 pieces available worldwide. Pelikan’s product literature states that “The design pattern has no beginning and no end and stands for continuity which is a lucky design that implies long family happiness, prosperity, development, and professional success.” Availability is anticipated for some time in June 2023. Read on to learn all that we know of this new Raden model.
The Raden Red Infinity uses the same techniques previously employed on the Green Ray and White Ray all-be-it to a much different effect. The product literature indicates that the Red Infinity uses colorful pieces of pearlescent Australian abalone shell, particularly those pieces that skew towards a green hue. A urushi lacquer is used to create the red color scheme to which silver colored powder is then applied before the rectangular sections of abalone are laid down. The whole thing is then sealed with additional coats of lacquer. Based off of the M1000 chassis, that gives the artists a big canvas to work off of. The section is not red like the rest of the elements but instead made from black resin. Just behind the section sits a dark green ink view window. Rounding out the look is the standard gold-plated furniture of the Souverän line which consists of a beak clip, two trim rings at the piston knob, two cap bands, and a single trim ring at the section. The furniture appears to be done in the traditional Souverän style and not the revised trim style that we saw with the new M800 Green Demonstrator. The cap top sports Pelikan’s single chick logo plated in gold. Every Red Infinity will come equipped from the factory with a two-tone 18C-750 gold nib in a medium width. Because it is a standard M1000 nib, some retailers will swap in another size upon request, or you may do so after the fact. These have always come packaged in a traditional Japanese gift box made of Paulownia wood therefore I expect the same to hold true here.
Only 400 pieces have been made for worldwide distribution therefore availability will be very limited. This is the same limitation that we’ve seen with other Raden releases in the last several years. Combining such a small production run with such a high degree of craftsmanship all superimposed upon Pelikan’s flag ship fountain pen makes for an eye watering price. Nibs.com has this one listed for $3,400 in the USA which is not too far from the White Ray which retailed for $3,360 back in 2021. Prices are expected to be slightly lower in Europe but only by a few hundred dollars. With a model this exclusive, it matters less where you buy since availability is so limited. Because of the high price of admission, these Raden models are eye candy for most of us, and well out of the reach of any sensible pen budget.
The Red Infinity has quite the unique appearance. It is like a chess board of alternating squares and not at all what I expected. I’m honestly not sure that I see the “endlessness” Pelikan has envisioned for the theme. I cannot say that it is love at first sight but reserve final judgement for when I have had the opportunity to see some real-world photos. This is by no means the slam dunk that the Green Ray from 2020 was, a release that was almost an instant classic. I do like the red, but the abalone rectangles come off as disjointed and jarring to my eye, working against the pen instead of for it. Purely a subjective view of course and I know that there are those out there who will love this one. What are your thoughts on the Red Infinity? Would this one be joining your flock if money weren’t a factor? How do you think this one holds up compared to some of the other great Raden releases that I mentioned in the intro? Feel free to leave a comment below.
I provisionally put my name down for one, but I have the same reservations on the design. Gives off harlequin vibes.
Exactly! I’m glad that I’m not the only one. That is the first thing that came to mind. I almost thing that I would have liked a true harlequin pattern a bit better.
This is a pen I like just a little out of my price range.
Totally understandable. Hard to justify such an outlay for a pen, no matter how beautiful.
I am very much in the market for a Raden M1000. I’ve been waiting patiently for two years. Unfortunately this will not be the one I choose.
This is the first Raden which hasn’t grabbed me like some of the others. The White Ray and Green Ray were such awesome pens I’m not sure that I could have been anything but disappointed by a release such as this.
As a collectible, I get it. For an everyday pen I think the design is a little over the top. I use all of my pens so getting a collectible, limited release pen is not something that drawx me in. That being said I do like the red and my 800 red stripe (orig release) is a very handsome pen. I would love seeing 800s with a red marbled finish without any browns… think of the 200 pastel blue in red with black. Now that would have me swooning!
I think that could look awesome. Seems like they are more into striped finishes for the Souverän lines and marbled finishes for the Classic series. A red marbled M800 would be cool.
This is going to be an expensive month for you, Joshua! More seriously, the Radens are beautiful – though I share your reservations about this one – but too exclusive and impractical. I wish that Pelikan would experiment more with their resin 1000s – perhaps a tortoise or a vibrant color would increase the popularity of this model.
It seems like they are hesitant to do much with the standard M1000 line. I think it likely boils down to sales. It’s not a pen that everybody can use comfortably and it’s at the high end of the scale in terms of pricing which is a turn off for a lot of people. I think that’s why we don’t see more come to that line other than these ultra limited editions.
Like yourself and others here, the harlequin pattern came to mind when I saw the promotional photos, and could not see how Pelikan’s rationale of endlessness fed into this design. In having said that, this design is a departure from the previous vertical design scheme- and I’ll need to congratulate Pelikan for that. I was a tad worried Pelikan might run out if Raden design ideas after the White Ray. What I also like with the Red Infinity is that the piston knob is lacquered, unlike previous years’ releases; as without the lacquered piston knob, it’ll look jarring.
I am still still quite conflicted on whether the Red Infinity should be added into my flock, as I’m not a big fan of the chess board / harlequin pattern. I might end up skipping this year’s Raden release.
I would have liked the section to be done just like the piston knob but that’s just me. Pelikan seems to have a mold and they really struggle to break out of that mold so anything beyond the expected is appreciated by me, even if it sometimes falls flat.
Not a fan of the design. Like you, I think the Green Ray and White Ray are fantastic looking pens. The Red Infinity looks so “busy,” and they they added sparkles, as if the raden needed extra glitter. Well, it’s all way out of my price range anyways.
So hard to top the White Ray and Green Ray. I think love it or not, this one bests neither of those models.
A pen is like a good friend. And if it likes you too, it can really help you write!
Very true Pedro, very true.
Thanks for sharing the news. Wat a beautifull pen.
Im however very disappointed about the nib quality of Pelikan these days. Especially about the M1000.
It isn’t what it used to be, that is for sure but I still find the factory nibs mostly serviceable. Rare to get a horrible lemon these days though that surely happens from time to time. Just my experience.
Well, even if the design is a bit flashy on this one, I may or may not have found a retailer with a special relationship with Pelikan, who is able to sell me the last one he will be able to secure from Pelikan at a special pre-order price of 1200$. I’m torn whether I should rock it as a daily writer or let it sit in his box for a few years and then sell it… It would be my first pelikan above a M805 in price, but I guess I’d be crazy to pass on this opportunity.
That price is impossible to pass up. That pen could theoretically sell for twice that now and who knows in the future. I certainly doubt money would ever be lost with such a purchase. I occasionally get good deals on these pens but that is far better than I’ve ever seen and truly hard to believe. I say go for it if you got it to spend. And, personally, I would absolutely use it. That’s what these pens were made for.
Hi.
Unfortunately I did not find out how I could delete my comment.
The retailer made a pricing mistake, but he did not even correct me when I mentioned it to him on the phone… I only found out about the mistake after he secured one for me and sent me a purchase link.
It was silly of me to believe it was real, but I’ve heard of Italian and Japanese retailers selling pens at purchase cost before.
Alas, it did sound too good to be true. Easy come, easy go…