Parker 51 Specials were the pen of the every day person. They were everything that a standard 51 was, but they had a more affordable steel nib. Octanium, we believe is the correct word they used...but still basically steel. Our vintage pen is in great condition. Its lustraloy cap is dent-free, and there is minimal wear on the hood and barrel of the pen. Its original aerometric filler is still in good shape. We flushed some stubborn blue out of it, but there might still be a trace. We love the way it writes a nice medium line. It is firm with a bit of genuine feedback, but we don't find it to be scratchy. 13.7cm capped.