Tibaldi Bononia vs Leonardo Furore: Two Italian Fountain Pens Compared

Introduction

Some fountain pen comparisons are forced; this one almost arranges itself. Put the Tibaldi Bononia and the Leonardo Furore side by side and the reason for the shootout is immediately obvious: both are made in Italy, both share fairly similar tapered shapes, and both cost roughly the same. The interesting part is how differently they feel once you start using them.

Two Italian Pens with Familiar Silhouettes

The two pens are almost the same size, with tapered caps and tapered barrels that make them look like cousins from a distance. The differences show up in the details: gold trim on the Tibaldi versus palladium trim on the Leonardo, different clip shapes, and genuinely different resin work. The Bononia’s martini olive material is glossy with real depth to it, and it is very attractive. The Furore, though, is hard to beat in this regard: the chatoyance in the resin is insane, with a shimmering depth that shifts as the pen moves in the light.

Nibs and Feeds: Ebonite versus ABS

Both pens use a number six nib, and the standard Furore comes with a steel nib just like the Bononia. The important difference sits underneath the nib: the Leonardo uses an ABS feed in this model, while the Tibaldi uses an ebonite feed. Ebonite has superior flow characteristics, and the Bononia’s feed delivers an exceptional flow. Having said that, the Leonardo’s nib and feed have caused no issues in use at all.

A word of caution on judging nibs directly: even two pens from the same brand with the same steel medium nib can feel noticeably different in smoothness, so nib comparisons are never a clean science. The goal here is the whole feeling of holding and using each pen. Note that the comparison unit of the Furore carries an upgraded gold nib, and gold nibs cost nearly as much as the pen itself, so configured that way the Leonardo becomes the more expensive of the two.

Sections and Handling

The Tibaldi has a fairly traditional section shape that tapers down and then flares out slightly. The Leonardo uses a section shape that is really only seen on Leonardo pens: it tapers down and then runs straight. That shape can look uncomfortable at first glance, but in practice both sections turn out to be very comfortable to hold.

Size and balance favor the Leonardo, at least for some hands. It has a touch more girth, which makes it feel bigger even though the actual size difference is nearly non-existent. The Tibaldi feels a little small unposted; it posts well, and posted it becomes a comfortable size, but unposted you notice the missing weight at the back and the pen feels very light and smaller than it is. Both pens can be posted if you prefer that style.

Filling and Threads: Small Details That Matter

Cartridge converter access is handled differently on each pen. On the Tibaldi you unscrew the section from the barrel in the traditional manner. On the Leonardo you can do the same, but the threads there are resin on resin, which is a real durability advantage. The Tibaldi’s threads are resin on metal, and that combination can strip over time, at which point the pen is essentially done.

The Leonardo has one more trick: a blind cap that opens to access the converter, letting you operate it as if the pen were piston-filled. It is a fun feature, even if not everyone will use it regularly, and it is nice to have the option. The Tibaldi cannot do this.

Writing Experience

The Bononia is a pleasant, pretty smooth writer, and especially comfortable when posted. Unposted it feels light and slightly small, though still entirely usable and attractive. The Furore, with its gold stub and Leonardo blue ink here, is also a very pleasant writer, and posted it feels better balanced, a bit bigger, which many hands will appreciate. Its steel nib version is also a genuinely nice writer, and a bit more affordable to buy.

The Final Verdict

If forced to pick one, the Leonardo wins. That slight additional girth makes a real difference, the straight section shape works better in the hand, and the resin-on-resin threads plus the blind cap converter trick add genuine practical appeal. Yours may differ, since these are personal preferences, but the Furore is also the more affordable option with a standard steel nib.

Conclusion

The Tibaldi Bononia brings gorgeous material, an ebonite feed with exceptional flow, and gold trim, but its resin-on-metal threads and smaller unposted feel give some pause. The Leonardo Furore counters with chatoyant resin, a comfortable straight section, resin-on-resin threads, a clever blind cap, and a lower starting price. For the full experience of holding and using each pen, the Leonardo takes this one, narrowly but deservedly.