Edelberg DPAF Fountain Pen and Rollerball Set: Carbon Fiber Done Right

Introduction

The Edelberg Digital Past Analog Futures (DPAF) set is the first product of the Digital Past Analog Futures project from a small Hungarian pen company. It is a classically shaped pen available in both rollerball and fountain pen form, intended for everyday use, and it arrives with a clever twist: you can swap the fountain pen section for rollerball tips and write with your own fountain pen ink on the go.

At 283 euros for the fountain pen and rollerball set, it is not inexpensive. But between the carbon fiber construction, a genuinely good writing experience, and some refreshingly practical packaging choices, there is a lot to like here for the right buyer.

Who This Product Is For

The DPAF suits everyday writers who want a compact, well-made pen that can handle both bottled ink and quick rollerball convenience. The carbon fiber and metal construction gives it a slightly technical, engineering-flavoured aesthetic, and the ability to convert between writing styles makes it especially appealing for people who carry one pen everywhere and want flexibility without carrying a second pen.

First Impressions and Design

The main material is 3k twill carbon fiber for the cap and barrel, reinforced with a thin metal core for added durability. It is not a huge pen; alongside common models it sits comfortably in the mid-size range, fitting the hand nicely without looking oversized. The balance is pleasant and it is comfortable in hand for longer writing sessions.

Design details are thoughtfully handled. There is a small indented center band on the barrel, a black end piece, and a finial carrying the brand logo. The grey clip is very snug and holds the pen securely in a pocket. Uncapped, the section is a comfortable resin with a chrome fitting ahead of it. An o-ring seals the opening, so nothing rattles inside and everything feels secure and easy to maintain.

The nib is a Schmidt iridium point, and this unit is the broad size. The step between the section and the barrel exists but is small enough not to be noticeable in use. The pen can post, though posted it looks quite long, so most writers will probably prefer it unposted.

Packaging: A Refreshingly Sensible Approach

One of the most interesting decisions here is the packaging itself. The standard packaging is a simple stamped box with a 3D printed divider, and you can pay for upgraded packaging if you want it. Inside the standard box you get the pen, a small leather pouch, two blue and one black ink cartridge, three cartridges total, rollerball tips in your chosen size, a converter already installed in the pen, and a small certificate. It is simple and functional, though moving fully to cardboard would make it even more environmentally friendly.

The upgraded packaging costs 25 euros and adds a glossy cardboard sleeve and a leathery box made of recyclable PVC, available in brown or black. Everything inside is the same, just presented more elaborately. The idea that you only pay for premium packaging if you actually want it feels like a sensible direction for the industry.

Writing Performance: Fountain Pen

The broad Schmidt nib is the standout of this set. These nibs have a strong reputation, and this one lived up to it: it handled a wide variety of inks and papers without issue and kept performing well over time. Ink flow is medium wet, roughly a six or seven out of ten, and the nib writes smoothly on its own with a pleasant, comfortable feel. Applying a little pressure produces a wetter line, and the nib even handles light double-broad pressure reasonably well, though that should not be a regular habit.

The section is on the slimmer side. It is not uncomfortably skinny, but if you are particularly sensitive to slim sections, that is worth noting. Tested with a dark teal ink that complements the carbon fiber nicely, it proved to be a genuinely smooth, pleasant writer.

Writing Performance: Rollerball

The convertible rollerball design is the feature that sets this set apart. You simply unscrew the nib unit, pop out the converter, screw the rollerball section in, and put the converter back. It takes seconds and works with fountain pen ink, giving you a way to enjoy your favorite inks in a rollerball format that is easy to carry and easy to change on the go.

The set includes both a 0.5 mm and a 0.7 mm tip, and both feel like true to their markings. The 0.5 mm is smooth with noticeable feedback, while the 0.7 mm is the smoother of the two. All rollerballs of this type are slightly sensitive to hand oils, which is a minor maintenance note rather than a dealbreaker. In practice, the rollerball tips proved so appealing that they saw more use than the fountain pen itself, which is high praise for a convertible design.

Buying Advice

At 283 euros, the DPAF set is a considered purchase, and part of the pricing reflects the realities of small-scale manufacturing in Hungary. The value case is strongest if the convertible rollerball concept genuinely fits how you write: one pen body, your own fountain pen ink, and the option of a smooth 0.5 or 0.7 mm tip whenever you want it. If you prefer oversized pens or very firm spring in a nib, check the dimensions before buying, but for everyday writing and ink flexibility, this set earns its place.

Conclusion

The Edelberg DPAF set combines carbon fiber construction, a secure and comfortable design, an excellent Schmidt nib, and a genuinely useful convertible rollerball system in a compact everyday pen. The simple packaging approach, with optional upgrades, is a welcome change of pace. It is not cheap, but it is a thoughtful, well-executed pen set that rewards writers who value flexibility and quality in one package.