Hello, I'm new to this forum and have recently been rebitten by the FP bug.

I have used FPs a fair amount over the years; Using a FP was a requirement in school (I'm no spring chicken) but I have been more off than on FPs over the years due mainly to using what I surmise as mediocre scratchy pens.

I recently had occasion to try a Waterman Phileas and was impressed by the smooth feel and flow characteristics of the pen. The only downside was the "broad" look and feel to what was supposed to be a medium nib. This opinion seems to be borne out by others in this forum.

Based upon some reviews of the Nakimi/Pilot Knight I decided to give it a try. I loved it. It is the smoothest and best writing FP that I have used. With this great experience I thought that I should try a "good" pen (expensive?) and based upon a number of reviews decided on a Sailor Executive Gear with a medium nib. This is basically the successor to the 1911. I was expecting one of the smoothest nibs available.

I received this just recently and with great expectations tried it out only to be incredibly disappointed. The "lowly" Knight felt like a much better pen. The Knight was smoother. The Sailor felt scratchy. I thought that the problem might be me so I tried different positions, angles and pressure (normally, I have a light touch), but to no avail; no matter what I did the Knight felt better.

The pens were purchased on-line from a reputable dealer and I have two weeks to decide what to do with the Sailor. I'm considering sending it back for a refund and then purchase the same or different from a nib-meister like Mr. Mottishaw over at Classic Fountain Pens Inc. and then atleast he could fix it if there was a problem.

Has anyone had a similar experience with Sailor? What about suggestions for a pen in the same price range. I'm looking for smoothness primarily and a pen that can support fast writing for notes.

Thanks in advance

I can't speak to the Prof. Gear. I have a 1911 which has the absolute best nib of the modern pens I have. Sailor has great quality control. Maybe you got one that slipped by. I would send it back to the retailor for an exchange and mention what you dislike about the nib. If I got two in a row like that from sailor I would go to a meister. I couldn't see that happening as Sailr nibs are so consistantly good. Life is too short to settle for less than perfect nibs.

I'd definitely send it back for a nib swap, but I wouldn't jump ship on Sailor just yet. Their nibs are normally wonderful, supposedly among the very best right out of the box. Both of mine are quite nice (full size 1911 and Pro Gear, both with medium nibs).

All the Sailor 1911 and 1911M nibs (over half a dozen, from XF through Broad) that I've tried have been noticeably smoother than the four Pilot Knights that I've had. I'd definitely send the pen back.

Thanks for the input. The pens going back and I'll try another!