My work for the past few years required alot of meetings and note taking. My rotation included my 3 Pelikan M400's, my 3 Parker "51"s, a few other assorted pens, plus my Mustard Yellow VP.

I am working in a different position in the company which requires daily paperwork, with lots of numbers. The cap was constantly coming on and off my pens. I tended to grab the VP more and more, for its ease of use, and convenience.

For X-mas I received the Parker Sonnet Cisele, and soon grew to love the size and weight of the pen. I saw pics of the Sonnet with the Crocodile Vermeil finish and had to have one. When it arrived I was amazed at is awesome finish. What a stunning pen. I then touched it and it was all over. Although the pen is great to look at, the shiny finish gets smudged very easily and I was constantly trying to keep it looking good. I knew I would never use it, so I decided to return the pen.

Since I had a nice credit from the Crocodile, it was just $19 more to get the Namiki VP in the Raden finish.

I think this is my perfect pen. Besides the fact that it is amazing to look at, the VP has pretty much taken over as my work pen. I am sure the Raden is a pen that I will never be leaving the house without.

Huge Kudos to Pilot/Namiki for making a very useful and beautiful pen

Now I just need to order some of Richards Nib units. I'm dying to try a Cursive Italic.

I LOVE MY NEW PEN.......

Congrats and welcome to the club, bobioden!

When I got my first VP (a black Carbonesque back in 2000), I had considered the Raden at the time but felt it looked a little "gaudy" and overpriced. Years later, seeing all of the glowing reviews on FPN and awesome photos posted by members, I decided to take a chance and I sure am happy I did. I find the abalone shell fragments are so artfully done.

Although I was told the Namiki stamped nibs are the same as the Pilot nibs, I really believe they are different--I can feel not only a difference in flex, but line width (for same nib size). I find mine writes very smoothly, with just enough feedback for good control.

What nib size did you get? I got a medium, but the seller also gave me a fine point thrown in with the package. I expected the medium to be thick, like on my other VP, but I was pleased to see it writes just the way I'd like it to. I may also get a Binder nib at some point as well. That's the beauty of these pens--easy nib swapping at will!

Enjoy your new beauty.

Congrats on your new Raden!! I don't think I need any more VP's but if I were to get one more that would be it. Wish they make Raden decimo

hafta admit, those sparklies make for a pretty pen

d

David,
I must agree with you. I have this pen and it is one gorgeous pen and wonderful writer!

I love my VP Raden's looks, and when I get a nib that suits me, will love the way it writes, too. I find VP nibs to be wide for their size. I think I'll go for an EF when I get around to ordering one.

As I've said before, the only thing I don't like about VPs in general is the clip placement. My husband removed the clip from my pen, so that's not a problem any more, but I won't buy any more VPs for that reason.

Debbie