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Sailor Reglus Red (Fine) Fountain Pen Review (With Pictures)


Aurko

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Sailor Reglus Fountain Pen Review:

 

A Lengthy-ish Introduction:

 

The Sailor Reglus was my first "expensive" fountain pen, i.e., my first fountain pen over 100 dollars. I bought it at the Fountain Pen Hospital, and I wasn't sure what I wanted, but the friendly folks at FPH recommended the Reglus to me based on my criteria (relatively light, very fine, very smooth and under $125). Before, I had used some low end Pilots here and there, and I liked them well enough. However, when I got my first Reglus I was blown away. At the time it completely changed what a fountain pen could be. I admired the sleek looks, the industrial yet classic design, and the quality of the nib (very, very, very smooth with a touch of feedback). However, I lost my first Sailor Reglus a few years back, and I took it as an opportunity to try other pens.

 

In the following years, I've played around with higher end Sailor pens, Pelikan pens, Visconti, Montblanc, higher end Pilots, etc. and then expanded to play around with many vintage pens. I've developed a better idea of what I like and dislike in a pen, and I found a personal favourite with my higher end Sailor pens, Pilot pens, vintage Sheaffer pens (and flexy Waterman and Eversharp pens too).

 

A few days ago, I went to the Fountain Pen Hospital for their annual Pen Expo, and at the Sailor counter, I saw yet another Reglus. Not the Pearlescent black, like I had, but a bright cheery red, and I figured I'd give it a go. Spoiler for the rest of the review: I loved the feel of the nib. On an impulse, I bought it simply because I missed my old one that much. I didn't even ask for a new one from the box. I wanted the tester specifically. So, this is me revisiting an old favourite and seeing how it stands up to my tastes and usage now. I hope it's informative, and that people consider this underrated jewel of a pen a little more.

 

1. First Impressions/Packaging: 6/10

 

When I first got the Reglus, it stunned me. The pen box, the lining, etc. I liked the simplicity of the box, the Sailor logo on it. The packaging felt high quality. While I still think the packaging is high quality, I now think it's to be expected of a pen in this price range. It still struck me as a little above average since the box was not excessively large, nor was it gaudy. I like it well enough, and I think it's tastefully done. I didn't really bother taking pictures of the box.

 

Of course, if you consider my first impressions to be what I thought of it in the store, then just look at the next section.

 

2. Appearance and Design: 9/10

 

As far as Sailor goes, I think this is one of their most original pens. I love the look. It's sleek and streamlined, and the capt trim reminds me of a gear. The end of the pen is pearlescent black, and that accents the cheerfully red body fairly well. The clip is reminiscent of a dagger or blade of some kind, and the cap has a Sailor anchor on it. It looks nice, and well made, and feels that way too. It has a modern look, and that's a little unusual as far the normal Sailor line up goes. The nib is a little plain, but charming for what it is. The section is pretty long, and the step in the section is pretty unobtrusive (but it is high enough that I don't think anyone would have to hold it there). The pen says "Sailor" and "Since 1911" on the section band/step, in fairly small print. I appreciate that it's understated.

 

Pictures:

 

15972914312_6258a82eda_c.jpgDSCF7628 by makey95, on Flickr

The pen, capped.

 

15351305654_11547fc0e2_c.jpgDSCF7629 by makey95, on Flickr

The Pearlescent End

 

15353955753_80582071b5_c.jpgDSCF7631 by makey95, on Flickr

The Dagger Clip

 

15786282960_6a17b845c0_c.jpgDSCF7634 by makey95, on Flickr

Sailor

 

15787842957_c04ccb3990_c.jpgDSCF7636 by makey95, on Flickr

Since 1911

 

15351988344_8a066d8272_c.jpgDSCF7643 by makey95, on Flickr

Cap Anchor

 

3. Weight and Dimensions: 7/10

 

I feel a little conflicted on this one; while I like the balance on this pen very much (the cap posts deeply), and it's a good length for my massive hands, the section is just a little too narrow. Someone with smaller hands than me would probably find it far more usable for extended writing sessions. As it is, while it's comfortable for general writing, taking notes in class, sketching, etc., when I try to journal for extended periods of time without stopping, it gets a little too narrow. The 1911 Standard, which is just a little thicker is perfect for me (I dislike pens that are too thick for extended writing too!).

 

Capped, the pen measures around 5.5 inches, and posted it is around 5.75 inches.

 

Pictures:

 

15788693187_e6687b811d_c.jpgDSCF7645 by makey95, on Flickr

The pen capped

 

15972439611_e9b54f51e3_c.jpgDSCF7647 by makey95, on Flickr

The pen posted

 

4. Filling and Maintenance: 7/10

 

The pen is a proprietary cartridge converter, with nothing special about it. It holds about .6-.7mL of ink, if I recall. The pen and converter do get bonus points for being easily taken apart, and for filling from the breather hole. I don't have much else to say about it, except that the capacity isn't the best, but I don't mind that. I prefer C/C pens anyway, and I like switching inks. The only other complaint that I have is that the converter seats rather deeply, so you don't have too much space to see how much ink exactly is left.

 

Picture:

 

15974411945_dcc6243a41_c.jpgDSCF7648 by makey95, on Flickr

Notice how deeply the converter is seated

 

5. Nib and Performance: 10/10

 

The nib is Rhodium plated steel, as far as I know, and as with every Sailor nib that I have tried, it writes wonderfully and reliably. The nib is relatively plain, but not ugly. I don't like the R imposed on the anchor (I would have preferred just the anchor), but I don't mind it as much attention to it as I thought I would. The nib never skipped, and the feed always kept up with a consistent flow. This nib does fairly well compared to my other regularly used pens, and is on par with the 1911 Standard nib, only a tad drier and with a touch more feedback. The nib feels very precise, and controlled, and I have been using it regularly when I don't want to carry some of my pricier pens (e.g. work, tutoring, etc.). It's definitely a Japanese fine. I can't praise Sailor nibs enough for having, in my opinion, the perfect balance between smoothness and feedback, so as to be velvet like on the paper.

 

Pictures:

 

15786280570_e3c90d92de_c.jpgDSCF7638 by makey95, on Flickr

The Nib

 

15948010406_7c4110ca32_c.jpgDSCF7640 by makey95, on Flickr

Writing Sample; Pardon the hasty handwriting! I went for a Christmas theme with the red and pine green

 

6. Cost and Value: 10/10 OR 7/10

 

Why two ratings? Well, you can buy this pen from Japan, or in America. The Japanese price would be around 60-70 dollars, and the American price is around 112 dollars (almost double!). At the Japanese price, I think it's pretty much a steal. The pen is high quality, reliable, and just overall a fantastic EDC. At the U.S. price, it's more expensive than buying a Sailor 1911 from Japan, which makes things a little murky. On one hand, the nib is comparable to the 1911 nibs in quality, but it's a little thinner, and the nib has just a touch more feedback (and though Sailor gold nibs are fairly stiff, the steel is even stiffer, so less of a cushioned effect). If you like pens on the thinner side, and don't mind a nail (which only adds to how precise this pen is), then the pen would still be worth it, but there are many other serious contenders. This includes but is not limited to Sailor 1911s, Pelikan M200s, Lamy 2000s etc.

 

That said, there is a reason why I got this pen at the U.S. price. Of course I want to see more Sailors in the U.S., and that means supporting Sailor in this country. Secondly, I honestly think the pen is worth the U.S. price. Thirdly, the fact that it is a snap cap makes it pretty convenient for EDC situations, and finally, I think that despite the steel nib, it writes better than many gold nibs I have used (many falsely equate gold with better quality than steel).

 

7. Recommended? YES

 

I highly recommend this pen. It feels well made, it writes well, it looks great, and it just works. At the Japanese price, it's a steal, and even with the U.S. price, I would say it's worth it. It's an underrated gem that I think more people should consider, and I hope this review convinces more people to give it a shot, especially since I don't see much about it online.

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Nice review and very nice photos. The Reglus was my first $100 pen as well, an orange, fine. And fine it is. I have encountered nothing that can draw a hairline like the Reglus.

 

I also find that it makes me write small(er) as the line is so fine. When I write at my regular speed and size, the ink flow doesn't like it, hence, my writing smaller and more deliberately.

 

It's great for detail on drawings and as mentioned, you can write just as small as ever you can with it and it will be legible. Initially, I didn't know what to make of it. I felt somehow disappointed. Nowadays, interestingly, it's always inked and I use it quite a bit. It fills an important slot for me, particularly with drawing.

 

I'm not quite sure, but the cap top logo anchor on mine is chrome or the design is chromed with a black background. I forget which. Good looking pen, for sure.

Edited by foamy
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Very nice review!! I've been considering pulling the trigger on a Sailor for a while now, and this was one of the pens I've been considering buying. However, over $100 for a steel nib seems a bit overpriced. But I've never tried a Sailor nib before, so maybe that will change my mind!!

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Nice review and very nice photos. The Reglus was my first $100 pen as well, an orange, fine. And fine it is. I have encountered nothing that can draw a hairline like the Reglus.

 

I also find that it makes me write small(er) as the line is so fine. When I write at my regular speed and size, the ink flow doesn't like it, hence, my writing smaller and more deliberately.

 

It's great for detail on drawings and as mentioned, you can write just as small as ever you can with it and it will be legible. Initially, I didn't know what to make of it. I felt somehow disappointed. Nowadays, interestingly, it's always inked and I use it quite a bit. It fills an important slot for me, particularly with drawing.

 

I'm not quite sure, but the cap top logo anchor on mine is chrome or the design is chromed with a black background. I forget which. Good looking pen, for sure.

 

Oh, the anchor on mine is chrome as well, but it didn't show up very well! I haven't had any issues writing large with the Reglus, but perhaps I don't write quite as fast as you. My Reglus writes moderately wetly, and that manages to keep up without skipping even when I make fast, long, lines.

 

 

Very nice review!! I've been considering pulling the trigger on a Sailor for a while now, and this was one of the pens I've been considering buying. However, over $100 for a steel nib seems a bit overpriced. But I've never tried a Sailor nib before, so maybe that will change my mind!!

Over $100 may seem like a bit much for a steel nib, but honestly it's better than many gold nibs I've used. If you like fine nibs, you may like the Reglus very much. Steel doesn't necessarily mean low quality, but companies often put more work into a gold nib than a steel nib which may further that impression.

 

Also, you can get the Reglus for around 60 dollars from Japan or ebay. I really enjoy the nib on this pen and I'm willing to pay the full U.S. price personally, but you can try it for cheaper. Once again, the section may be a bit too thin for some people with large hands, but the nib truly is on par with many gold nibs out there in my opinion.

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  • 8 months later...

Tempting, this pen.... One of the nices looking pens out there imho.

 

A grey, or a black, or a blue.... Hmmmm....

Edited by AndyYNWA

YNWA - JFT97

 

Instagram: inkyandy

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  • 2 years later...

Doesn’t it have 21k gold nib? The description on cultpens says so. May be two versions? But price is the same

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