I am always on the look-out for anything new in fountain pens on the high street. Today in John Lewis Brent Cross, my friendly pen-pusher showed me a new Cross pen and took a few off the rack in different colours.
This is a new version of the familiar Cross Bailey, but in plastic, rather than lacquered metal, to save weight and costs. It is £20.00 as opposed to about £50 for the full fat version.
I do not need any more fountain pens, particularly cartridge-converter pens, with medium, steel nibs. I have got that covered in my accumulation. Nevertheless, I was intrigued and excited at the prospect of a Cross pen for £20.00, with lifetime guarantee. I was also feeling a little virtuous having flushed and cleaned three of my eighteen currently inked pens in my pen cups earlier this morning.
The store had these in grey, white, turquoise and pink. I gather that there are also black and blue versions available. I liked the grey best and bought one. It is a lovely classic, battleship grey and a nice neutral colour which would suit a range of ink colours.
Leaving the shop, I couldn’t wait to open the packaging, have a closer look at the pen and ink it up. The nib looked to be in good shape. I have had mixed experiences with Cross steel nibs. Sometimes they are great, with even tines, and a good well-lubricated smooth ink flow; but at other times, you get a dry one and it can be hard to work on these stiff, steel nibs to improve flow. Another issue that I have had with Cross Baileys, is the stiffness of the caps. I have a shiny chrome Medalist, which was all but unusable because of the slipperiness of the finish and the difficulty in pulling the cap off.
Happily, today’s experience was entirely satisfactory. First impressions are that the pen appears to be the same size as a standard Bailey. There are no obvious shortcuts on the furnishings and you have a metal cap finial and a strong metal pocket clip. There is a wide cap band, for decoration and strength. The cap pulls off easily, with a sensible amount of force.
With cap removed, there are three metals rings on the pen. Particularly welcome in the Bailey, is the wide barrel and wide grip section, compared to, say the Cross Century II. There are no cap threads and no step from barrel to section.
Unscrewing the barrel, there was one Cross black cartridge included. The pen will require Cross’s proprietary cartridges or a Cross converter (not included). I found that the Bailey Light accepts the non-threaded converter (whereas the standard Bailey is threaded, to take Cross’s screw-in converters but accepts both types). Another difference from the standard Bailey, is that the Light has no production date code, a slight disappointment but hardly a problem. My standard Bailey is dated 0315 and the slippery Medalist, 1014.
Inserting the supplied black cartridge, I am glad to report that the pen soon started up and wrote smoothly, out of the box. A pleasant relief.
Size and weight.
The Bailey Light measures around 137mm closed, or 125mm open. Posted, it is around 152mm. The pen weighs a total of around 20g, comprised as to 13g for the uncapped pen and 7g for the cap.
Comparing the standard Bailey, at 30.5g, the Light is about one third lighter. The dimensions, capped or uncapped are about the same except that, when the cap is posted, the standard Bailey is 142mm and the Light is a centimetre longer, at 152mm.
Likes and dislikes.
Accepting that I have owned this pen for only a few hours, I am favourably impressed with it so far. I like the classic, vintagey grey colour. I like that it is a good sized pen and so comfortable in the hand. No annoying facets (Ah-hem, Lamy Safari). It is long enough for a quick note unposted but generally I prefer to use it posted. The cap posts deeply and securely. Being so light, but having a strong pocket clip, it is an ideal shirt pocket pen. The lifetime guarantee is a good thing, a sign that Cross is confident in its product. I don’t envisage having to make any claims under this and for £20.00 it would probably not be worth it, but it is nice to have.
The cap shuts snuggly, with minimal wobble. It looks to have some sort of inner cap or lining at the far end but I have not had the pen long enough to test for hard starts.
My only minor negatives are the absence of a production date code and the fact that threaded converters do not fit.
I prefer the feel of this pen to my old Cross Aventura, which had a shiny chrome section. I think I may find myself using it more than the standard Bailey, as a lightweight, pocket pen.
At the moment I am using the black cartridge and I have a few of these in stock but am looking forward to perhaps pairing the grey pen with a nice Burgundy, green or brown ink. At a pound a gram, I think this pen represents excellent value.
Fountain pen blog 
If it weren’t for the Cross cartridges, which can be hard to find if you don’t know where to look, this would sound like a great starter fountain pen, rivalling the Pilot MR/Metropolitan, Lamy Safari, and Pelikan Pellikano.
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Thanks. I was not aware that finding Cross cartridges was an issue. Cross pens seem to be everywhere. But they can be ordered online or else there is the converter option for bottled ink.
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hi, did you not have massive issues with the converter? it fits in the bottom half but then the top half wont screw back on! any thoughts?
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No I have not had any issues. I now have six of these pens (oops!) and have fitted a Cross converter in five of them. The other, I keep for use with Cross cartridges. The Cross Bailey Light accepts the push in converter, not the screw in version. I don’t quite understand why you are having a problem.
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I’m wondering if they changed the specs of the barrel in newer versions of this pen? I picked up the push converter (8751) and it doesn’t fit in the barrel. On Cross’s website, it says this pen takes the screw converter (8756) even though it doesn’t have threads for it. Maybe that converter is just shorter?
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I am not aware of any change to the specs. The pens are still quite new.
The first thing to ask is whether there is already a cartridge stuck in the barrel. If so, tap the barrel firmly against your hand to dislodge it.
The 8751 and 8756 converters are identical length.
I use the non threaded converters in my Bailey Lights.
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I tried and tried to get a cartridge out with tapping, no luck. So then I decided to try a drill bit and sure enough, ink came pouring out. I really have to wonder why it was packaged with a cartridge wedged up there. Especially when there was another cartridge already in the box; I had no idea one was up in the barrel. Anyway, 8751 works fine now!
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Great. I am pleased that this is solved! Another reader, Sara, had the same problem as you will see in the comments.
It can be a useful feature to have space for a spare cartridge inside the barrel but I do not do that with this pen, as the cartridge gets jammed inside and is hard to dislodge.
Enjoy your pen! I use one of these every day.
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I wonder if the problem is either that you are not using the right Cross converter or else that there is an obstruction in the barrel, such as a cartridge wedged in there.
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oh. my. god. i am so happy i left this commnt. i had no idea they jammed cartidges up there. now the converter fits and i am so happy. i am such a fan of this pen i was heartbroken not to use it with ink.
thank you so much!!! merry christmas
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Great to hear this outcome! Thank you for letting me know. Best wishes.
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Thank you for your blog, and your thoughts in particular on the Cross Bailey Light shared here.
My only experience with a fountain pen is the disposable Pilot Varsity. I’ve been using it at work, and the experience has made me interested in more fountain pen use. It seems to bring beauty and humanity, even if in a small way, to the inhuman tasks I’m required to perform at my job.
Economy of writing space is key for me in jotting notes or whatnot. While I generally like how the Varsity writes, the medium nib lines are too thick for what I’m doing. Do you have any thoughts on whether the Cross Bailey Light fine or extra fine nib might be a good solution?
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Hi John,
Thank you for visiting my blog and for your comments.
If you do not yet own any fountain pens, other than the disposable Pilot Varsity, then a whole world of pens awaits you! I do not know where you are based but if possible I would recommend that you visit a shop selling fountain pens to take a look at the range available and to get some ideas as to what you like. Certainly, if you find the nib of the Pilot Varsity to be too broad for you, then you may prefer a Fine or Extra Fine nib. However, these are harder to find and you may need to buy from an online seller where there is a choice of nib sizes.
What you decide to buy will depend upon your own personal preferences and your budget.
I am in London, UK and the Cross Bailey Lights that I have bought all have a Medium nib, which suits me. I have not seen them for sale with any other nib option.
For an “entry level” pen, priced up to £20.00 you might take a look at the Kaweco Perkeo, the Lamy Nexx, or the Faber-Castell Grip. Again, they are mostly sold in stores with the Medium nib but you can sometimes find a Kaweco Perkeo with a Fine nib.
There are lots of matters to consider when chosing your first pen, but the best advice I think would be to visit a good stationery shop and get some advice in person.
Good luck!
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Very helpful advice – thanks so much!
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Another suggestion is to try theTWSBI Eco which is available with a Fine nib and great value.
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Hi, Thank you for the wonderful write-up. I will be buying this pen soon. Purchasing this converter can be an issue as it isn’t readily available. Could you kindly share the model number or link for the same converter? Thanks
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Hi Ron,
Thanks for your enquiry and kind comments.
The Cross Bailey Light takes the push-in converter, Cross model number 8751. This converter does not have screw threads. The ink reservoir is green or clear.
(For completeness, the other type of converter is model number 8756, which has screw threads and is orange or amber or smoke grey).
To confuse matters, the Cross Bailey Light may also accept the screw fit converter too but it will NOT screw in securely as the Cross Bailey Light does not have screw threads.
I am a big fan of the Cross Bailey Light. I use them regularly at home and at work. I have bought them in bricks and mortar stores where I can try to examine the nib through the packaging first. I now have six of these pens and all of them write well.
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Hello, Thank you for such a well informed review and comparison.
I am looking to buy the standard Cross Bailey Black Lacquer Fountain Pen , is there any incident of the black paint wear off with time?
Please let me know, planing to buy one.
Thank you and Regards
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Thankyou. I have not had any wear on mine…it still looks like new, although it has not had any rough treatment. I am not aware of these pens suffering from brassing.
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I have one (and really like it) – But I read that “Cross Bailey” took the screw in/threaded converters! Not realising that CB “Light” was different. It doesn’t screw in but does seem to push in and I’ve got it inked and working. So far no mishaps. It’s confusing for Cross to say that the push-in converters are ONLY for Townsend models!
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I agree, the whole issue of having different converters for different Cross pens is confusing.
On the plus side, the Cross Bailey Light is proving to be very enjoyable and reliable. I use one every day in my office.
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Yes , mine (teal/turquoise) is always inked (now Diamine Pelham Blue) and is wonderfully reliable/easy and “just right” even though by far cheapest I’ve ever bought. I’ve spent >5 years collecting and fiddling with 20-30 vintage pens (love them) but so many can be unpredictable and a wee bit of a hassle – even if good examples. Fortunately all liquidatable£! if a change of direction is desired. The endless hobby! Tough decisions though…
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Hmm…Pelham blue sounds a good choice for the turquoise CBL. I was so taken with these pens that I soon bought one in each of the six colours. I keep the black one for black cartridges, but the rest have push in converters: the Royal blue for Serenity blue, the white for Salix iron gall ink.
Having a collection of vintage pens sounds an excellent passtime, great for de-stressing. One of my favourites is a Montblanc 12, which is a slim, semi hooded piston filler with a broad stub nib. Think I will go fill it today!
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Just noticed… new colours launched – burgundy, black and amber with gold trims! And still nearly free ££….
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Thankyou. I have not seen those yet.
I am still making good use of mine, since writing this post.
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Hi came across this post as looking to replace my misplaced Bailey medallist upset about it. I love my fountain pens, would you recommend the light instead? Due to wrist tendinitis I do require wide barrel for better grip. Look forward to your recommendation and many of the pens are out ifvstock 9n Cross web site. Many thanks
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Yes, I would recommend the Bailey Light. It is a platic version of the Bailey and I find it comfortable.
If you want a wider barrel then I also recommend the Cross Peerless although it is obviously a lot more expensive.
The Diplomat Excellence is another very comfortable pen.
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Just bought one of the new Bailey Light colours: dark shiny green with gold trim. Superb! Astounding value and certainly doesn’t feel/look anything like a £20 pen – by a country, nautical or any other mile!!!
Interestingly – the (online) UK retailer sent the screw-in converter as “correct” one and it works fine even though it just pushes in: the screw threads don’t seem to engage with anything.
First casualty of post-transition Brexit period: I live in Italy now so £5 postage (normal, fine) …. and Euro 14 import duty. (Ouch). Won’t be doing that again in a hurry.
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I have seen the recent colours…the green and the burgundy versions looked tempting! It is good that threaded converters also fit in but as the collar on the Bailey Light is not threaded I have used the non threaded converters in mine.
Ouch…sorry to hear of the import duty.
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I appreciate the review, thank you. I’ve not tried Cross, but I’m very tempted to pull the trigger on the regular Bailey. I’m hesitating because of the cap wobble you mention, especially having seen a YouTube video and forum post mentioning the same thing. How minimal is it ? I mean, does it make a noise for instance ?
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This review was about the Bailey Light, not the regular Bailey.
I have since acquired six Bailey Lights. The fit and finish has been very satisfactory – especially for a £20 pen. They have now introduced some new colours.
I really would not worry about the degree of cap wobble. A worse problem is an over -stiff cap, which has stopped me using the Cross Bailey Medalist.
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Hello, I am totally new to this so hope that you can help. I recently purchased two Bailey Light pens. I also purchased screw in converters as stated on the Cross UK website and they physically don’t fit in my pens no matter how hard I try.
I contacted Cross UK who told me that the converter should fit and suggested that I contact the seller and try to return them rather than taking some responsibility for their error.
Any advice would be gratefully welcomed.
Thank you.
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Hi Alma. Do you mean that you cannot push the converter onto the nib/grip section of the pen? Or do you mean that you cannot then screw the pen barrel back on? If it is the latter, then the problem may be that you already have a new spare cartridge stuck in the barrel. Try to dislodge this by tapping the open end of the barrel on your hand. Once it falls out you should be fine. Let me know!
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Hi again,
Apologies for the delay in getting back to you. Your comment on the spare cartridge in the barrel was spot on although I do not understand why they would do this as there was plenty of space in the box.
I will be keeping the 8756 converter that I have opened but will be swapping out the other unit for an 8751.
Thanks again for the advice.
Alma
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Just to add, the Cross Bailey Light can use either the Cross screw in converter or the Cross push in converter. It can also use Cross cartridges and the barrel has space for a cartridge plus one spare. Some people do not realise that a spare cartridge has got itself wedged in there. It needs to be removed before using a converter.
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Hi Alma,
Have you resolved the problem that you were having with your new Cross Bailey Lights? Please let me know the outcome.
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Hello! Just received my Cross Bailey light fountain pen. Also bought cross screw in converter 8756, and they don’t work together. Could you please advise me which converter will go this fountain pen? Thanks 🙂
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The Cross Bailey Light does not have screw-threads inside, to use with the Cross screw-in converter 8756. However, you can still use it. Just push it in.
Cross also make a non-threaded converter, 8751. I use these with my Cross Bailey Lights. But both converters are the same size and both can be used with the Cross Bailey Light.
Just make sure that your pen does not already have a spare cartridge stuck inside the barrel, as there will be no room for the converter! The Cross Bailey Light has space in the barrel to use with a Cross cartridge plus a spare, but people often unpack the new pen without realising that there is a spare cartridge wedged at the back of the barrel.
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