Leonardo x Stilo e Stile Momento Zero Micarta: A Limited Edition Fountain Pen in an Unusual Material

Introduction

Stilo e Stile, the Italian retailer with a strong track record of limited edition collaborations, has once again partnered with Leonardo. After the Momento Zero Cometa, this new release takes a very different direction: a Momento Zero built from Micarta, produced in a limited run of 223 units and sold exclusively through the Stilo e Stile website and Rome retail location.

Material: What Is Micarta?

Micarta is made from canvas layers soaked in resin, baked, and pressed into rods. It is not a material commonly used for pens, which is part of its appeal. The look and patterning vary slightly from pen to pen, so each example carries its own subtle personality, and over the years the material may change color slightly from light exposure or the oils in your hand, though that is not guaranteed.

One practical caveat: depending on the manufacturer, there is a potential risk of staining if the section comes into contact with ink. This pen arrives with two solutions for that, covered below.

Parts and Features

The cap comes to a rounded cone point that transitions into Leonardo’s standard wheeled clip. All trim is silver, and while the clip is a bit stiff, the wheel accommodates materials of varying thicknesses well. On the back of the cap, laser engraving shows the collaboration branding and the limited edition number; the black lettering stands out sharply against the Micarta.

There is a step-down transition from cap to barrel that is slightly more apparent when the cap is removed, a mild aesthetic quibble rather than a serious flaw. The cap twists off with a single rotation, and unlike some historical Micarta pens that suffered thread deterioration, Leonardo has chosen reliable metal threads working with a plastic inner cap, so no Micarta is exposed on either side of the threads. The pen is on the lighter side, the Micarta feels soft and slightly warm in hand, and the cap posts securely without upsetting the balance, though it looks best used unposted.

The Section and Stain Protection

The pen ships with a stainless steel number six nib available in 13 different options, or a 14 karat gold nib in seven options, feeding through a standard plastic feed. The section begins with a flare, angles up to the metal threads, which are not sharp or uncomfortable if your grip rests on them, then steps up to the barrel.

Because the Micarta section is potentially susceptible to ink staining, two thoughtful accessories are included. First, a replacement resin section, useful if you prefer to ink the pen by dipping the nib. Second, a small tube that affixes to the end of the converter, long enough to accommodate ink bottles of varying sizes. The practical approach: fill the converter with ink, attach the tube to prime the section, and keep the Micarta section dry. It works very well and is a genuinely handy tool to have in any pen kit.

Pricing and Availability

This is a cartridge converter pen accepting standard international cartridges, and a Leonardo branded screw-in converter is included. It is limited to 223 units and sold only through Stilo e Stile. The stainless steel version is priced at $175, with the gold nib option costing more. Given the limited quantities, earlier rather than later is the sensible approach if this one interests you.

Measurements, Comparisons and Writing Sample

The pen is long enough to use comfortably unposted, and it sits alongside other Micarta pens nicely, each showing how varied the material can look depending on the maker. Compared with Leonardo’s standard Momento Zero and Cometa, this version forgoes the usual bands, giving it a cleaner, more modern profile.

In use, the medium stainless steel nib performs very nicely. Ink flow is decent, and while you should not expect much line variation, the feed keeps up very well during fast writing. Reverse writing is a little spotty and slightly scratchy, which is worth noting if that matters to your style. Paired with Stilo e Stile’s Roman Centurion Red ink, the result is a pleasant, lightly shaded writing experience.

Conclusion

The Leonardo x Stilo e Stile Momento Zero Micarta is another successful limited edition from a collaboration that keeps producing interesting pens. It is well constructed, made from a genuinely unusual material, thoughtfully accessorized with the spare section and converter tube, and priced reasonably at $175 with the steel nib. If the unique look of Micarta appeals to you, quantities are limited and it is likely to sell out.