I've been using the m605 pelikan for a few months now, and it's honestly changed the way I think about daily writers. If you've spent any time looking into fountain pens, you know the name Pelikan carries a lot of weight, but finding the right "size" in their Souverän lineup can be a bit of a headache. You've got the small M400, the massive M1000, and the heavy M800. For me, the M605 is that sweet spot that people often overlook, and I think it deserves a lot more credit than it gets.
Why the size is just right
One of the first things you notice when you pick up the m605 pelikan is that it doesn't feel like a toy, but it won't tire out your hand during a long journaling session either. It's what I like to call the "Goldilocks" pen. The M400 always felt a bit too dainty for my hands, almost like I was holding a golf pencil, while the M800—as much as I love its brass piston—can feel a bit back-heavy after twenty minutes of writing.
The M605 is made mostly of high-quality resin, which keeps it incredibly light. You can post the cap (sticking it on the back) or leave it off, and the balance remains pretty much perfect. I usually write unposted, and the pen just sits naturally in the webbing of my hand. It's wide enough to prevent cramping but slim enough to fit into the pen loop of almost any notebook I own.
That smooth piston mechanism
You can't really talk about a m605 pelikan without mentioning the piston filling system. Pelikan basically invented the modern version of this, and they've perfected it over the last century. There's something incredibly satisfying about twisting that end knob and watching the ink get sucked up into the barrel.
Unlike cheaper pens that use converters, which usually hold a tiny amount of ink, the M605 has a massive internal reservoir. If you're a student or someone who takes a lot of notes at work, you won't find yourself running dry in the middle of a meeting. Plus, the action is buttery smooth. There's no grinding or resistance; it just glides. It's one of those mechanical things that feels high-end every time you use it.
Seeing your ink levels
Depending on which finish you get, many of these pens have a translucent quality. On the classic blue-stripe or the black-and-silver versions, you can usually hold the pen up to a light and see exactly how much ink is left. It's a small detail, but it beats having to unscrew the whole pen just to see if you're about to run out. It gives you that peace of mind when you're heading out for the day.
Choosing between gold and silver trim
The "5" at the end of M605 is actually a code. In Pelikan-speak, the M600 comes with gold trim, while the m605 pelikan features rhodium-plated silver trim. Personally, I think the silver looks way more modern and professional. Gold can sometimes feel a bit "old school" or formal, whereas the silver trim on a deep black or blue barrel feels sleek and understated.
I've found that the silver trim is also a bit more versatile when it comes to matching. It looks great whether you're wearing a suit or just sitting in a coffee shop in a hoodie. It doesn't scream "expensive luxury item," but if someone knows what they're looking at, they'll recognize the quality immediately.
How the nib actually writes
Let's get into the heart of the pen: the nib. The m605 pelikan comes with a 14k gold nib that's been rhodium-plated to match the trim. Now, if you've never written with a Pelikan before, you need to know one thing: they write wet.
Pelikan nibs are notorious for being broader than their official sizing suggests. If you usually buy a "Fine" in a Japanese brand like Pilot or Sailor, a Pelikan "Extra Fine" will probably still feel a bit wider than what you're used to. But man, is it smooth. It feels like writing with a stick of butter on a hot pan. There's almost no "feedback" (that scratchy pencil-like feeling), which makes it a joy for fast note-taking.
Is it flexible?
I wouldn't call the M605 nib flexible, but it's definitely bouncy. Because it's 14k gold, it has a bit of "give" to it. It cushions your stroke, making the writing experience feel soft rather than rigid. It's not meant for fancy calligraphy or huge line variation, but for everyday writing, it's about as comfortable as it gets.
Aesthetics and the "Stresemann" look
While the blue-striped version is the icon, many people go for the m605 pelikan in the "Stresemann" finish—which is a series of grey stripes named after a German chancellor. It is stunningly beautiful in a quiet, sophisticated way. The way the light catches the stripes makes the pen look like it's made of silk or expensive suit fabric.
But even the standard black version has a deep, "piano finish" luster that looks like it belongs on a high-end instrument. The clip is shaped like a pelikan's beak, which is a quirky touch that adds some character to an otherwise very serious-looking tool. It's a sturdy clip, too; it won't lose its spring after being clipped to your pocket a few times.
Maintenance and longevity
One of the reasons I recommend the m605 pelikan to people looking to step up their collection is that these things are built like tanks. If you take decent care of it, this is a pen you can pass down to your kids. The resin is tough, the plating doesn't flake off easily, and the piston seal is designed to last for decades.
Cleaning it is also pretty straightforward. Because the nib unit actually unscrews from the section, you can flush out the barrel and the nib separately. This is a lifesaver if you like to switch ink colors often. You don't have to spend an hour flushing water through the piston; you just unscrew the nib, rinse everything out, and you're good to go.
Is it worth the investment?
I'm not going to sugarcoat it—the m605 pelikan isn't exactly cheap. It sits in that "luxury" bracket where you're paying for the gold nib, the German engineering, and the brand history. However, I've bought plenty of pens in the $50 to $100 range that I ended up stopping using after a month because they felt scratchy or the ink flow was inconsistent.
With the M605, you're paying for reliability. It starts writing the second the nib touches the paper, even if it's been sitting capped for a week. It doesn't leak in my pocket, and it doesn't feel flimsy. When you calculate the "cost per use" over several years, it actually starts to look like a pretty good deal.
Final thoughts
If you want a pen that feels significant but remains practical for everyday life, the m605 pelikan is a fantastic choice. It bridges the gap between a workhorse and a collector's item. It's elegant without being flashy, and the writing experience is consistently top-tier.
Whether you're a seasoned fountain pen enthusiast or someone looking for their first "forever" pen, I don't think you can go wrong here. Just remember that Pelikans run wide, so maybe go one size down on the nib if you have small handwriting. Other than that, just fill it up with your favorite ink and enjoy the ride. It's a classic for a reason, and after using it daily, I totally get why people are so obsessed with them.