Cross ATX reviewed by K.C.

So, I bought the Matte Chrome version, which is a nice matte silver color. It is a fairly hefty pen, as it sports an all-metal construction. (Please see the Fountain Pen Hospital website for pics; they go a long way.) The pen comes in a slightly rounded rectangular green box, a slight variation on the typical Cross box.

Dimensions (approximate):
Capped - 5.5 in (13.8 cm)
Uncapped - 5 in (12.7 cm)
Posted - 5 5/8 in (14.3 cm)
Width at widest point - 1/2 in (1.2 cm)
Nib length - 5/8 in (1.7 cm)
End of clip to end of barrel - 3 3/8 in (8.5 cm)
(yeah, the numbers don't convert evenly - so there!)

The pen is tapered at both ends, and sort of resembles a bulked-up Parker 45. It is streamlined. The clip is chrome, and fits over the top of the cap, fixed with a black jewel (the typical black dot at the top of the Cross pens). The cap is push-on, and fits with a nice click.

The section is chrome. Yes, it accumulates a few fingerprints. I haven't written with it for long periods, but it's been comfortable for short scribbles. The pen its comfortably in my hand. It feels good both posted and unposted.

The nib is steel, and firm. There practically is no line variation, but the nib is wonderfully smooth, and the ink flows well. I have been using Platinum blue-black. It starts up after sitting around for a while. BTW, I purchased a fine nib. The cardboard sleeve indicates that the pen is assembled in the US, using US and Japanese parts, so I am assuming that this is a Namiki nib. The nib runs somewhere between fine and XF, more towards fine.

The pen apparently does not come with a converter. I went back to the store, and the owner rummaged through the other boxes, but couldn't find any, so he finally cannibalized a radiance for me. The pen does come with 2 Cross cartridges.

Overall, the fit and finish are great, and the pen writes well, if not expressively. My only complaint is the lack of a converter.

Submit your own review -- email it to jmorgan@gmail.com