Editing Lamy Safari (section)

== Different Generations of the Lamy Safari ==

=== First generation ===
Launched in 1980, these were available in a textured finish with three colour options: Terracotta orange, Savannah green, and Charcoal black. The easiest way to identify the pen is by the lack of an imprint at the bottom of the barrel. Another minor detail that differentiates it from future generations is the hexagonal cap nut; the flat edges can be observed if one shines a light into the cap. The pen was designed for cartridges or the old-style metal squeeze bar converter, so there are only two wide slots at the threaded end of the section. The old-style converters were likely included with the pen in some markets and sold separately in others.<ref name="haywoody">[http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/90367-lamy-safari/ Lamy Safari Post by Haywoody], on Fountainpennetwork.com</ref>

=== Second generation ===
These appeared sometime in the mid-1980s. The "W. Germany" imprint was added to the bottom of the barrel. The inner cap was redesigned (as the early material deteriorated quite easily) and the cap nut was altered to a round shape. Further colours were added, including white, red, yellow, and blue. Most of these colours were only offered with a smooth texture. The charcoal remained textured, whilst the white was produced in both textured and smooth variants. Rumours exist of a smooth charcoal model, though it remains largely unverified. The Terracotta and Savannah models were discontinued.<ref name="haywoody" />

=== Third generation ===
These emerged around 1990 or 1991. Two primary changes occurred in this iteration: the barrel imprint was updated to "Germany" following reunification, and additional slots were added to the section to accept the snaps on the plastic piston converter. Colours remained largely consistent with the previous generation, though the textured white disappeared and the first demonstrator model was introduced. The demonstrator might be considered the first "LE" (Limited Edition) Safari. Around the mid-1990s, they were sold in select markets, though it is unclear if they ever appeared as a regular catalogue item.<ref name="haywoody" />

=== Fourth generation ===
This significant revision occurred in the mid-to-late 1990s. The clip, nib, and feed remained identical, but all other components were redesigned. The Lamy logo and nib size were added to the nib via laser-etching. The barrel was transitioned from a single part to two. The cap and cap ring were amalgamated into one piece. The cap assembly was redesigned to snap together, effectively eliminating the machined top screw and cap nut. It is highly probable this redesign was executed as a cost-saving measure; the retail price of these pens has changed very little in nearly 30 years, and this redesign allowed Lamy to lower manufacturing costs. The total number of parts was reduced from 14 to 11, eliminating two costly machined parts without compromising the aesthetic or qualitative integrity of the pen. The original white pen was retired, a textured grey was introduced, and numerous LE colours subsequently followed. The demonstrator existed in this generation as well, though it was phased out upon the introduction of the Vista.<ref name="haywoody" /> This generation is designed to function alongside the Z28 converter.<ref name="z28">[https://unsharpen.com/which-lamy-fountain-pen-converter-do-i-want/ Lamy Fountain Pen Converters] Unsharpen Blog</ref>