Stunning simplicity: Lamy 2000 Taxus ballpoint pen review

This pen has THE LOOKS. A very close relative of the more easily recognized Lamy 2000 Makrolon ballpoint, the Lamy 2000 Taxus features a hardwood body rather than a resin one. With considerably more heft than the Makrolon version (35 g vs. 16 g), the Taxus is well-balanced and substantial—smooth and classic in both looks and feel. Available in two versions—light Yew wood and dark Grenadilla (African Blackwood)—both are beautiful in their own way. In pictures, the Blackwood version looks very similar to its Makrolon sibling, but in person, the differences are more apparent.

Makrolon 2000 (top) vs. Blackwood 2000 (bottom)

Both Yew and Blackwood are moisture-resistant, dense, and fine-grained—thus, durable—and have been used to make everything from crossbows to musical instruments to fine furniture. That’s exactly what this Lamy 2000 Taxus Blackwood feels like—fine, heirloom-quality furniture. The wood is rich and dark, and expertly finished. Satin palladium-plated trim complements both the light and dark wood options, though I think it looks particularly striking against the dark body of this Blackwood version.

There’s not a single misstep in the design of this pen, nor in the execution of the design. Tolerances are extremely tight. There’s not a single gap, jiggle, wiggle, or rattle. Solid wood. Solid pen.

Easily activated with one hand, the spring-loaded clip provides just the right amount of grip for a pocket or pen case. The brushed knock feels as solid as the rest of the pen and provides the user with a satisfying click when deploying the writing tip. Branding is tastefully understated with just the word ‘LAMY‘ visible on the trim below the knock. The country of origin — GERMANY — is stamped into the underside of the clip—a nice little hidden detail. Everything about the Taxus exudes attention to detail and thoughtful design.

So it’s a well-made, great looking pen, but how does it write? That counts, too, doesn’t it?! The Lamy Taxus takes the “Giant” M16 refill—available in black, blue, and red, in fine, medium, and broad points, and in green in medium only. I can’t vouch for the other colours, but the medium black refill included with the pen is quite smooth and sufficiently dark.

I’m still holding out hope that Lamy develops their own super-dark hybrid ink (hint, hint!), but until they do, I’m quite satisfied with the waterproof, oil-based ink in the M16 refill. I used to find Lamy ballpoint refills to be annoyingly draggy, but that’s no longer true. The pen moves as quickly as my thoughts.

As far as downsides go, I can think of only one. Because of the satiny smoothness of the wood, and the curve of the body, I do find the Taxus to be a little on the slippery side. My fingers tend to slide towards the tip of the pen as I write which requires me to adjust my grip every now and then. This is not a huge issue, in my opinion, but is worth mentioning.

Though I’m more likely to reach for a gel or fountain pen than a ballpoint, the Lamy 2000 Taxus is a ballpoint that could make me change that behaviour. Well-designed and beautifully executed, the Lamy 2000 Taxus is elegant in a very quiet and classic way. Though maybe not as well known as the more familiar Makrolon version, this pen’s heft, balance, looks, and smooth writing experience make it a pen to consider if you’re looking to elevate your ballpoint pen game. It is simply stunning.