Noodler’s has a new Konrad Flex Pen, in solid black. It’s a classy alternative to the other swirly and demonstrator versions of this pen. But if you have been following Noodler’s pens for a while, then you remember that Noodler’s actually made a black Konrad already, in a rollerball and brush pen version. The Konrad flex has some subtle changes from these older pens though, and that’s what inspired me to do this post.

Noodler’s Konrad Flex Pen, in solid Black
Noodler’s Konrad Flex Pen, in solid black

So what’s the big deal about a black Noodler’s Konrad pen? We’ve seen them before, sort of. There are some differences, somewhat notable ones. The first change you can see before opening the pen. Just look at the back finial of the pen, and you’ll see that the silver trim ring from the original is now gone.

Noodler’s Black Konrads, old (bottom) and new (top).
I kind of liked the trim ring, but I understand why it’s gone. This is a consequence of a change to the piston mechanism as a whole, going to a blind cap design, which helps protect you from accidentally squirting ink on yourself when the pen is posted! There is also a change to the piston seal, for the better, going from a hard plastic to a double-o-ring. Here is the old piston mechanism below the new one:
Noodler’s Konrad piston mechanisms, old (bottom) and top (new).
And last but not least, my favorite change, a clear ink window! It was a little bit of a letdown to have such a nice black pen with a kind of yellowy-gross ink window, but I’m happy to say they’re clear now : )
Noodler’s black Konrad, yellow ink window and no blind cap on bottom (old), clear ink window and blind cap on top (new).

All of the changes you see here were made on all of the Noodler’s Konrad Flex pens, there’s nothing specific to this black on that’s different from any of the other Konrad Flexes. I just wanted to point out the changes between the old and new black Konrads, since I thought they might create a little confusion.

Of course, I can read your mind so I know you’re going to ask me about the Konrad rollerball and brush pens, where they went and when they’ll be back….well, they’re being redesigned and are no longer available, until…well, until they are again. I’d love to be more specific but Nathan Tardif has a lot of balls in the air, and this is one of them. All I know is that at some point in the future, we will see Konrad rollerball and brush pens again…..probably.

Write On,
Brian Goulet