As a longtime fountain pen enthusiast, I’ve seen my fair share of Pelikan M8xx variants over the years. The M800 is celebrated for its size and reliability, earning a loyal following. Pelikan rarely surprises me anymore—but three weeks ago (9/4/25), the announcement of the M805 Metal Sleeve stopped me mid-scroll. This isn’t just another colorway or trim swap-it brings something distinctly new to the table. Featuring a metal overlay on the barrel with a laser cut design, the pen signals Pelikan’s willingness to experiment while preserving the essence of the M8xx series. The look immediately reminds me of my all-time favorite Pelikan, the Spirit of Gaudi (2002). The Metal Sleeve feels both familiar and refreshingly different-a compelling combination for collectors. The new M805 is expected to launch in October, with pre-orders already open.
Pelikan frames the Metal Sleeve as more than just a design tweak, calling it a fusion of “precision and aesthetics,” noting:
“At the core of the M805 Metal Sleeve is a polished black acrylic barrel, expertly fitted with a laser-cut silver metal sleeve. This intricately patterned overlay delivers an exceptional contrast of surfaces—smooth acrylic and detailed metal—giving the pen a bold, geometric look and a unique tactile experience. It’s a statement piece with a modern, industrial edge, designed to stand out.”
Outside of the Toledo series, metal overlays are uncommon in Pelikan’s lineup. Geometric patterns, however, are more familiar-think of the M215 series or the more recent Metal Striped models.
The M805 Metal Sleeve’s defining feature is its silver-colored sleeve, laser cut with rhombi that overlay a black resin barrel. The rhombi’s borders are thicker at the ends and taper toward the center, creating visual depth. Because the sleeve is separate from the barrel, the pen should offer a tactile feel. Pelikan has not disclosed the specific metal used, but it is unlikely to be a precious material. The cap, section, underlying barrel, and piston knob are cast in a black resin, and a dark translucent ink view window sits behind the section, though it is hard to identify in the pre-production photos. The trim follows classic M805 styling: two rings on the piston knob, a single ring at the section, dual cap bands, a pelican’s-beak clip, and a plated cap top. Traditionally, M805 furniture has been palladium-plated, giving it the signature silver tone.
What remains unclear is how the new design affects the pen’s dimensions and weight. A standard M805 measures 5.55 inches (14.09 cm) in length and 0.53 inches (13.5 mm) in diameter. I’d expect a slightly larger diameter here, with a weight similar to the Metal Striped Black/Blue models (around 1.31 ounces / 37.13 gm). Ink capacity should remain roughly 1.35mL. The nib is made from 18C-750 gold, rhodium plated, and available in EF, F, M, and B widths.
For now, there are no plans for a matching ballpoint or rollerball for those who fondly remember Pelikan pen sets. U.S. retail pricing is expected to be around $875.
So many emotions come with this release-where to begin? I welcome any spark of creativity from Pelikan, even when it risks missing the mark. After years of “same pen, different color” releases like the M815 Metal Striped, M670 Warm Gray, and M600 Art Collection show an attempt at innovation without abandoning a core aesthetic. Not every experiment succeeds, but I applaud the effort as much as the product itself.
Some collectors will argue that Pelikan has lost its way with a design like this. I see it differently. After near a century in the pen business, change isn’t just inevitable, it’s necessary. Adaptation is essential for survival, and I’d like to believe the company can stay true to its soul while still meeting the moment.
Personally, I don’t usually favor the cold, industrial style of repeating geometric patterns, though I’ve long hoped for a Gaudi-inspired metal sleeve (ideally over a demonstrator rather than an opaque barrel). There was a time when metal overlays conveyed luxury and craftsmanship; I’m not sure that association holds today. I do wonder about the durability of the sleeve and whether its pattern might trap dust or ink-but only time will tell. Based on pre-production photos alone, this is a model I like but don’t yet love. Still, the Metal Sleeve could be a foundation for even more exciting future designs.
Would you welcome more bold overlays from Pelikan, or do you prefer the brand’s classic restraint? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Where are you now buying your pens from?
Really haven’t bought any as I’m trying to back off some given how expensive things are becoming. Got hit with some unwanted fees lately. I’m on hiatus with Fritz-Schimpf and just looking around for the best prices. Really haven’t settled on a new source.
My feelings pretty much echo yours. Whether or not to acquire? I’ll have to see and feel the pen to decide.
Agreed. This is one that’s likely best seen and held prior to any purchase decision.
I don’t find the metal sleeve design attractive at all, certainly not compared to the beauty of the Gaudi. OTOH, I was fortunate to pick up one of the Rudi Rother M600s at the Dallas Pen Show this afternoon. De gustibus non disputandem est.
I’m happy to report that there are huge crowds at the Dallas Show, including young families with children. This is a good sign for our hobby.
The Gaudi’s sleeve is smooth and flowing, almost organic. This is very industrial with what appears to be sharp edges and strong lines. Definitely in different leagues. Glad to hear that Dallas was hopping.
Great to see new designs coming from Pelikan. I have way too many in my collection that look the same.
For sure. There has been a lot of “same pen, different color.” That’s what I like about some of the variety that we are seeing be injected into the mix now.
One thing I love about my Gaudi is the almost organic smoothness of the overlay. I will need to feel the ergonomics of the new metal sleeve overlay before pulling the trigger. My concern is whether the edges of the overlay, which does appear to be on the thick side, will be uncomfortable. The added heft on my favourite M800/805 platform is indeed welcome. I only wish the Art series was executed in the M800 size!
I think this will be the opposite of the Gaudi in that respect. The close up photos look to me to show more sharp and severe features. That would make sense with laser engraving.
I like that Pelikan is doing new things! Of course, when you do something new, you’ll not please everyone.
To me, this was a missed opportunity: if the pen were a grey demonstrator, it would be a winner and I’d be all over it (even though I do not favor the cold geometric design, as you put it). Over an opaque body? Pass.
But, again, they are finally trying something different. Now if only they would get rid of the section ring…
I would love an overlay over a demonstrator, though perhaps not this pattern. Hopefully they might try again. I think that section ring his here to stay.
I don’t think the barrel diameter has changed–otherwise the cap and section would have required a redesign/retooling, which is unlikely.
I agree that a completely transparent barrel (or a whole transparent pen, maybe in dark green?) would have been terrific (or, at least, better).
I’m not sure about the cold, geometric pattern, though. The Gaudi was in another league, with its organic pattern and rounded off edges everywhere. It looked gloriously 3D. Here, the laser-cutting technique looks a bit… cheap. But it’s hard to judge from the pictures (it seems to be the very same flat-looking pen photoshopped against different backgrounds).
I’m curious about this because I’m sure that they did not retool a piston assembly to fit a smaller diameter barrel which means then, to keep the same diameter overall, they would have had to take some plastic off the resin barrel. That would make me concerned about durability if true. Can’t wait to see one and figure out how it all compares. I really wish Pelikan would get new marketing people. These photos with a pen superimposed on different fake backgrounds really looks cheap and unprofessional. In today’s day and age, they come off as amateurish at best.
Probably the sleeve has the same thickness of the cellulose binde it replaces (which in turn is just a layer over the “true” plastic cylinder that contains the piston). Also note that all pens, from the 200 up to the M1000, have the same piston chamber dimensions (and therefore barrel ink capacity–the slightly more overall ink capacity of the larger pens is probably due to larger section inner diameter/section length and bigger feeds). So an M800 pen has a lot of thickness to be used for fancy overlays anyway.
(The only exception being the M300, which has a shorter barrel and probably smaller inner diameter, but that lovely little pen is no longer produced).
(Actually, according to https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/143813-m400-ink-capacity/, they seem to have slightly different piston strokes, but the same piston bore).
You are likely correct. I suppose the trade off with lost thickness in the resin is made up for by the strength imparted by a metal sleeve.
Well, according to an hands-on video from Appelboom, the whole barrel is indeed transparent… and the pen looks much nicer than in Pelikan’s pictures!
That was a pleasant surprise indeed. I’m much more excited for this pen now than I was. This just goes to show what a somewhat substandard job Pelikan does of marketing the features of their pens.
Probably very much in the minority here, but I really am not a huge fan of this pen. Never have been a big fan of overlay pens, both modern and vintage. In fact, my interests are centered toward vintage pens, mainly because of the old nibs. I find that most are much more expressive than the modern nibs. I do like the style of some of Pelikan’s contemporary pens. My question is, how do they write?
Aside, I’m glad to hear that the Dallas Pen show is hosting large crowds. My old friend Pete Kirby has poured his heart and soul into this show, and I’m really happy that it is a looking to be a success. Sorry to digress from the subject.
I don’t think that is a minority opinion at all. I’ve seen a lot of mixed reactions to date.
Your comment below summed it up nicely:
“…attempt at innovation without abandoning a core aesthetic…”
Whenever one has a long-established and successful brand, it is a huge challenge to innovate and evolve amidst changing market contexts (so one doesn’t become irrelevant), while also not forgetting what created the brand in the first place (so as not to abandon hard-acquired brand identity).
I think this kind of innovation is sorely needed at Pelikan, and not every attempt at a new product is going to please everyone or be a great market success, but I hope the innovation continues.
At the same time we see these new designs, it is comforting to see the Classic and Souverän lines continue to uphold tradition.
I hope a balance between tradition and innovation will keep the Pelikan brand alive and well for years to come.
I don’t envy those that have to maintain that balance. I really wish I understood their design process better and what goes into it and what market research their decisions derive from. I think that would be very insightful.
I like it. (Alas, the M800 is too large for me.) I agree that more organic shapes would be an interesting direction for future overlays. I do wonder how it feels in the hand–how comfortable it is to hold.
I’m worried that the edges of the rhombi may be sharp but we will have to wait and see.
Thank you for this article. The pen is interesting because it is a bit different from the previous ones. But I strongly and clearly prefer Gaudi …
I’d think you were crazy if you didn’t, lol.
I like the look overall. If the black & silver does well I presume we’ll see other color combinations like red or blue resin with gold overlay, etc.
The naming is what I find less impressive. While it follows their previous pattern from stripes & rings, calling it Metal Sleeve doesn’t do anything to sell or describe the depth you note the metalwork has. That’s where I wish Pelkan would be more creative and less rigid or literal.
I do agree that a more creative marketing strategy with both naming and photos would be well placed.
This one probably would be a non starter for me. While I like vintage metal pens, I never was a big fan of overlays.
I think if done well, they can be compelling. I think with a company like Pelikan who hasn’t really employed overlays historically, their selective use can be to good effect if done well.
I guess I am among the few, but I think this is the best M8XX in a long time. I regret buying so many of the boring variations like Stone Garden and Renaissance Brown.
I wouldn’t call the Stone Garden or the Renaissance Brown boring per se but your point is well taken. This is definitely a different direction for the model and I really love the creativity behind it.