Over the past century, fountain pen users have increasingly gravitated towards larger pens. This doesn’t mean that everyone prefers them, nor that larger models are a novel phenomenon. While this trend deserves its own discussion, the Pelikan M800 stands out as an essential model in the Souverän lineup. Its larger size and added weight contribute to its appeal for a broad swath of fountain pen users. It should come as no surprise then that this is where Pelikan concentrates many of their new releases. Their latest addition to the M800 line is the Cream Blue, unveiled late last year. Although there’s nothing revolutionary about it, the dark blue barrel and cream accents create an attractive package, and if you’re looking for an M800, it won’t disappoint. However, I can’t help but think about the untapped potential of this model. Read on for more of my thoughts on the M800 Cream Blue.
Appearance & Design –8/10
The pairing of dark blue resin with cream elements applied to the large form factor of the M800 gives this model a subtle, understated beauty
The M800 Cream Blue is packaged in Pelikan’s standard G30 gift box, devoid of any unique flourishes. The box opens with a magnetic closure, revealing a faux leather pen sleeve and some literature. Within the sleeve rests the pen. Though its design is simple, the packaging conveys a quality suitable for its price.
One of the main criticisms of Pelikan in recent years revolves around the refrain; “same pen, different color.” The Cream Blue plays into this but with a twist. It does offer a new combination of colored resins, but nothing we haven’t already seen in various incarnations from Pelikan. What stands out as unique is the fact that this is one of the few times that I can recall Pelikan using a light resin on an M800. We have had many examples from the M2xx and M6xx lines but not the M8xx. In fact, the only time I can recall a light resin being used on an M800 sized model was with the M924 White Tiger (2000). Of course, I’m deliberately excluding the M910 White Toledo which subsequently followed this model.
Rare instances of a light colored resin on an M800 sized model. Top: M800 Cream Blue (2024). Bottom: M924 White Tiger (2000)
The Cream Blue’s barrel is a dark, midnight blue with a matching blue ink view behind the section. The section, piston knob, and cap are made from cream-colored resin, which is lighter than the M200 Café Crème’s (2015) barrel. The colors complement each other well, and the cream tone with gold-plated trim adds warmth to the overall look. There are those who feel that Pelikan’s light cream and white resins cheapen the overall look of the pen but that is a matter of taste. The Cream Blue notwithstanding, I would argue that innovation hasn’t disappeared from Hannover. Models like the M600 Glauco Cambon (2023), M670 Warm Grey (2024), and M200 Orange Delight (2024) are examples of new techniques having been applied to tested designs.
How does the cream colored resin compare? Top to bottom: M200 Café Crème (2015), M800 Cream Blue (2024), and M205 White (2009)
Pelikan is no stranger to dark blue. Top to bottom: M800 Cream Blue (2024), M805 Dark Blue (2003), M800 Dark Blue Nord/LB (1995), and M817 Tiffany Atlas Cobalt Blue (1990)
The Cream Blue retains the traditional Souverän design featuring dual trim rings at the piston knob, dual cap bands, a single ring at the section, a gold-plated cap top, and a pelican’s beak clip. It is again worth noting that the redesigned single-piece trim construction seen in the last few years was not utilized here.
Click on a gallery image to enlarge
Construction & Quality – 9/10
The Cream Blue embodies the classic Souverän design with all of the quality and reliability that entails but the resin likes to show scratches
The M800 Cream Blue is well-made with durable materials. All of the parts fit together neatly without visible seams or the telltale marks of manufacturing. Over an extended period of time, the trim ring at the section might corrode due to repeated exposure to caustic ink. Proper pen hygiene can mitigate this issue and you should expect decades of worry free use. Also, lighter resin has a higher propensity to stain so careful ink selection and cleaning are advised. Even with the best of care, stains may be unavoidable.
The cap is able to be quickly removed and it posts securely to the back of the barrel. I would caution against jamming the cap onto the barrel as lighter colored resins are more prone to showing stress fractures that can develop over time. One thing that I have noticed is that the dark blue barrel tends to collect and show scratches a bit more freely than I have experienced with other models. That might be a consideration if you are hard on your pens.
Weight & Dimensions – 9/10
The Cream Blue features a set of dimensions preferred by many but not all pen lovers
The M800’s distinguishing feature is its size. The larger design and extra weight help reduce cramping and strain during long writing sessions, especially for those with bigger or arthritic hands. Since the early days of the Souverän, Pelikan has offered different sizes to accommodate a range of preferences, but not in this particular color scheme. The M800’s weight comes from its brass piston assembly, whereas the lower models use plastic. This makes the pen a touch back heavy, but not so much that it is unpleasant or poorly balanced.
The M800 is 5.59 in (14.2 cm) long when capped and 6.57 in (16.7 cm) when posted. It has a diameter of 0.52 in (1.3 cm) and weighs 0.99 oz (28.2 gm). The majority of pen cases will easily fit a pen of this size but shirt pockets are a bit hit and miss, depending on the brand. Still, the pen’s size travels well enough to make it a reliable companion.
Nib & Performance – 7/10
Old reliable returns so thrill seekers will need to look to a custom grind to get any excitement out of this nib
The Cream Blue features Pelikan’s standard nib options, including EF, F, M, and B widths, all with the typical scroll work and Pelikan logo stamped onto the 18C-750 gold. Rhodium plating gives the nib a two tone look. I chose a broad nib which typically puts down a wet, smooth line, great for showcasing any ink. Like many modern Pelikan pens, the nib is firm, without much flex or spring. Out of a desire to elevate the script that flows from the pen, I opted for a custom cursive italic grind performed by Fritz Schimpf.
Once you find the sweet spot of a CI nib, you can get pleasing variation with broad down strokes and thin cross strokes. I only regret that my style of handwriting doesn’t do it justice. As expected with quality custom work, my pen wrote well out of the box and was free of defects. Pelikan’s feed also does a great job at preventing the nib from drying out and ensures a steady ink flow. I do believe that Pelikan could enhance their factory offerings with more interesting nib options. Reviving the nibs from the 90s would be a great start. Back in 1994, they offered BB, 3B, OM, OB, OBB, and O3B nibs alongside the current choices. Re-introducing such variety might overcome the sales and marketing inertia caused by consumers wary of “same pen, different color.” As it stands, sourcing an older nib or obtaining a custom grind are currently the only ways to add a touch of character to your writing.
Filling & Maintenance – 9/10
The M800 is the gold standard of piston fillers in terms of filling and maintenance
The Cream Blue is a piston filler which means that it fills from an ink bottle. It has a maximum stated capacity of about 1.35mL. Like all Souverän pens, it requires minimal maintenance to remain in good working order. You might need to lubricate the piston assembly every few years depending on your habits. This is easy to do by simply removing the nib and adding a small drop of silicone grease inside the barrel. Although the piston assembly is threaded and can be removed from the barrel, if necessary, this is not considered a part of routine pen maintenance and should be avoided. Removing the piston assembly should only be done if there is a compelling reason to do so.
Cost & Value – 7/10
The Cream Blue’s pricing if fairly flat over the year prior but still quite expensive
The Cream Blue is quite expensive with a US MSRP of $840 and an average domestic retail price of $672. You can find it overseas for about €474.79 ($494.01) without VAT. That price is slightly less than the M800 Green Demonstrator from 2023, but it may not seem worth it for just another M800. If you find the color appealing, this model is as good as any other M8xx out there. However, with another M600 Art Collection release anticipated for later this year, it might be better to save for that instead.
Conclusion
The M800 Cream Blue wows when it comes to looks but is otherwise the same M800 that you know and love. The only compelling reason to get one is if you’re in love with the finish
M800 Cream Blue: 49/60 or 81.6%
The Cream Blue’s only unique feature is its color scheme, which alone may not justify the purchase. It is an attractive pen, and one of the very few instances of a lighter resin being incorporated into an M800. If you have been waiting for such an occurrence, now may be the time to act. That said, I wonder what small changes could have enhanced this pen further. More exotic nib choices strike me as perhaps the best opportunity for the company to explore. A good nib with character can really elevate the appearance of your writing.
Aesthetically, preferences vary, and the cream color will not appeal to everyone. Casting all of the resin parts in dark blue would have evoked memories of the M817 Tiffany Atlas Cobalt Blue (1990), M800 Dark Blue Nord/LB (1995), or the M805 Dark Blue (2003) so I do like the distinction here. A dark blue transparent resin, similar to the M425 Transparent Green (2005) could also have been interesting. Silver colored palladium plated trim might have complemented the coolness of the blue nicely. I hope the new owners can embrace a bit of the adventurous spirit Pelikan once had while still preserving the brand’s essence going forwards.
PROS
- The very dark blue and cream resin elements compliment and offset each other nicely
- There is a dedicated ink view window in a lovely shade of matching dark blue
- The cap post securely to the back of the barrel
- The feed helps the nib to put down a wet, juicy line and resists drying out
CONS
- The high price tag might be hard to justify for what is essentially a fresh coat of paint
- The lighter colored resin can be more prone to stains
- The trim ring at the section might corrode with time and exposure to caustic ink
- Nib widths continue to lack inspiration, depth, or character
A Look At The Pelikan M800 Cream Blue
Pelikan M800 Cream Blue Writing Sample
*The pen utilized for this reviewis my own from my personal collection and therefore the opinions expressed are also mine and free of any undue influence.
