Murex

Pen review. Pilot Murex (MR, model MR-500SS)

1. Introduction. General impression. (8.5/10)
After the success of the all steel pocket pen Myu-701, Pilot decided to create a full sized pen in the same fashion with the goal of comfort in mind. Such is the Pilot Murex, in production between 1977 and 1983 (according to Russ Stutler) or starting in 1972 (according to Masamichi Sunami).

This is a well known pen that follows the trend initiated by Parker with the short lived Parker T-1. Interestingly enough, Parker followed up this idea in 1978 with the model Falcon 50—this time in steel instead of in titanium.

So, this Pilot Murex is an all–steel pen with the nib perfectly integrated in the grip section—they are the same piece of metal. The only contrasting elements in the pen are the black plastic feed and the black accents on the clip.

It is unavoidable to compare this pen to its immediate predecessor the Myu-701. The Murex lacks the overall cleanliness of lines and shows many more rough angles.


2. Design. (8.5/10)
This is a well made pen. It has a number of details that make it comfortable in the hand. The gripping section, for instance, has some grooves to reduce the slippery feeling of stainless steel. The cap attaches firmly to the section with a set of spring-loaded protrusions inserted in the section. Posted, the cap and the barrel fit tightly, making the set comfortable to write.

The spring-loaded protrusions inserted in the section to attach the cap when the pen is closed. The gripping grooves are also visible.

The black accented clip. It is loaded with a spring.

The clip is probably the least appealing feature on this pen. Very square, it looks like it had just been glued to the cap, with little if any intention to integrate both elements smoothly. Quite a paradox in a pen where nib and section show the ultimate integration. Anyway, the clip is not totally awful and this design allows to be spring loaded.

The company name and the pen model are engraved on the cap.

3. Design, size, weight. (7.5/10)
Despite being an all metal pen, it does not feel heavy. Its 21 grams are correctly balanced and writing is comfortable either posted or unposted. Perhaps it is marginally better unposted.

Size-wise, there is not much to add. This pen is average in size. Its only problem might be on its diameter—thicker would make it more comfortable to write.

These are the physical dimensions:
Diameter: 10.5 mm.
Length capped: 132 mm.
Length uncapped: 117 mm.
Length posted: 142 mm.
Weight: 21 g.


4. Nib writing and performance. (8.0/10)
This pen has a stainless steel F nib. Few examples of this pen can be seen with an M nib.

This is a smooth, albeit dry, nib to write with. And being as rigid as a nail, not much ink flow is needed. No line variation at all, of course.

All in all, a pleasant, if boring, writer.


5. Filling system. (8.5/10)
Being Pilot, both proprietary cartridges and converters can be used. Only the CON-20, aerometric, fits in. This converter does not allow checking the remaining ink in the pen.

As an all metal pen, this pen is not suitable for conversion into an eye-dropper.


6. Cost and value. (6.0/10)
The Murex pen, as well as its older cousin the Myu-701, is becoming popular and basic market laws are making both of them quite expensive.

The appeal of this pen lies mainly on the looks. Therefore, the question of how much is worth becomes very personal. The nib, nice as it is, is nothing special—just a smooth rigid nail with correct ink flow.

All in all, I give this pen low marks on this section based not on the performance and looks –I do like this pen— but on the present price.


7. Conclusion. (47/60 = 78/100)
This is a correct pen with a very nice design. It performs very well but without much excitement or character.

The lower scores come in the actual value given the current market conditions, which is alien to the pen or to the manufacturer.

(Pilot Murex – Pilot black, cartridge)

Bruno Taut
(Inagi, July 13 2010)
[labels: Pilot, Parker]