Well, my new Nakaya arrived Saturday and I just got a chance to snap a few less-than-professional photos
Here's a shot of her resting on her pillow after the long trek from Tokyo.
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Here's a picture of her "tattoo"... the Kanji characters I had added. Someone who knows Kanji can post what the characters mean. I know what I asked for, but I want to make sure they mean what I think
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Here's a pic of the two-tone nib (complete with ink smudges - sorry!) and the Kanshitsu ("stone") finish grip section.
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Here she is again in front of her "crate"
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One last pic of her with her kimono:
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Now, it's time to do some writing.

Cheers (or should I say "Yoi ichinichi o"), Dean

That is a beautiful pen.

Very nice, a stunning looking pen. I hope you enjoy using it. Congrats.

That is a beautiful pen. What does Nakaya call that style and finish?

Thanks, I'm enjoying what little writing I've had a chance to do so far.

Jonro, It is a Urushi pen. It is a Cigar (no clip) style in the "Piccolo" size. The finish is Kuro-Tamenuri (blackish-red tamenuri). The Kanshitsu - or stone - finish on the grip section is an option.
The Piccolo is the only style available with the tapered vs. rounded ends. The Cigar style in the Piccolo is slighly shorter than the Writer model (with clip).

Cheers, Dean

Wow, Dean. What a beauty. Congrats!

FWIW, I like your photos.

Don

Congrats on the new Nakaya beauty. The duotone nib is so elegant and the kanji gives it a personal touch.
At this point I can only dream about Nakayas but I can live vicariously.

I believe the characters mean "life's savings"

Really, I don't know what they mean, but I would be interested in knowing how much that pretty little pen set you back. Just how do you plan on carrying that around with you? DId they forget to add the clip?

Congratulations. Such a pretty color, and an elegant shape. I'm not really into the chopstick rest though. Nor would I get one anytime soon.

"Promise."

Very nice pen. Perhaps you can tell us your writing experience with the pen. Is it is a M nib? and if the Kanshitsu adds to the feel of the pen?

Wow, very nice! The kanji word (two kanji's together) means "promise" in Japanese. Congrats!

EDIT: I just notice Renzhe had already got the word

Don, thanks for the comment on the photos. They actually turned out a little better than I thought they would. Just used a little nikon here at work - need some work on the glare but didn't feel like setting up a MacGyver light tent using toothpicks and Kleenex

Contravox, You might be right on the Kanji characters. With regard to price... let's just say it was more than a cup of espresso and less than an LE Montblanc... of course, I got a discount because of the missing clip .

Renzhe, the chopstick rest was a bit of an afterthought. With no clip on the pen, it's mostly a funtional thing, although it does add to the Japanese flair of the pen. I won't be carting the pillow to meetings with me, however.

Keng, my writing experience thus far has been good. It is a fine nib, not as flexible as the only other Japanese fine nib I have on my Vanishing Point. I don't know if I would call it a "nail" but it's not terribly flexible - which is good for me. It is smooth, but not what I would call "buttery". It's got a little bit of feedback that I want and expect from an F nib. I like a little bit of a drier writer because I write fairly small and don't like all of my loops filled in. I'm playing around a bit with writing angles and such to see what kind of tolerance the nib has. So far, it seems pretty tolerant of a decent range of pen and nib angles.

I will try to write a more comprehensive review after I put a few more miles on the nib. I would also like to try a converter full of a different ink to see how it behaves. I expect that it will be pretty friendly, but we'll see.

Cheers, Dean

Thanks Renzhe and Taki for the translation. I admit, I missed it in Renzhe's post as well. The word I asked for was "Commitment". There were a couple of different meanings for this, and thus different Kanji, so I guess the one I chose translates best to "promise". That's good.

Dean

Dean,

Commitment can be translated into several different Japanese words and some of them have slightly negative connotation. The one they chose is very nice one, I think

Taki,
That was one of the nice things about dealing with the folks at Nakaya. They e-mailed back to clarify which meaning I wanted and then they sent a .jpg of what the characters would look like. To me, that was nice. I mean, I knew I wanted that sentiment on the pen, but it was nice to be able to see and approve the characters to make sure they were aesthetically interesting and/or pleasing. I like that the translation resulted in a limited number of characters to keep with the simple, uncluttered look of the pen. Some of the other words resulted in six or seven characters which was not what I was looking for.

Thanks, Dean

That Kanshitsu grip section is excellent.

How is it to hang on to?

That is a very beautiful pen, congrats, not sure if it would be a good pen for me though - what are the specs, size and weight, just curious, whoops, there goes another cat...

The Kanshitsu grip is pleasant to use. It isn't rough in the slightest, it's burnished to a pretty smooth surface. It probably lends slightly more grip than the straight urushi, but not a lot. As shiny as the pen is, the urushi does not seem slippery, it seems to have a little resistance to it.
I have to admit, I was a little disappointed when I first uncapped the pen. The Kanshitsu appeared a little "plasticy" to me - at least as opposed to what I expected. The close-up shot above does a better job of showing the irregular nature of the urushi powder application used in Kanshitsu. It's growing on me now and I expect that as it ages, it's character will change and look less "artificial".
If I were to do it over again, I can't say at this point whether I would choose to have that treatment applied. I like that it adds a little more character, but the plain urushi is so pretty, it doesn't really need it. Totally a personal choice, but I wouldn't do it based only on grippability alone.

For reference, Phthalo has some beautiful pictures of a similar pen without the Kanshitsu grip. This might help you decide if it's something you would like. Do a search for "Nakaya" in the pen reviews section and look for her as the topic starter. I'm hoping she will pop in here when it's the right time in OZ to give her opinions as well.

Cheers, Dean

Shelley,
It really is a very light pen. From the Nakya web-site, here are the dimensions:
Weight w/ cap = 20g
Weight w/o cap = 15g
Length capped = 128mm
Length uncapped = 116mm
length posted = 160mm (I'm typically a cap-poster, but will forego that habit with this pen)
Max. diameter = 15mm

The section seems to be about the same diameter as my Peilkan 625 - don't know if that reference helps. It's not a skinny pen, but the grip isn't that big and the pen is so light, it is a very comfortable writer.

Hope that helps, Dean

The pen is lovely. Congrats.

I am saving for another Nakaya (I have only one). It will be my Christmas present this year. I am not sure the Piccolo size is for me as I usually like a larger pen. I like the finish, though. I already have a pen pillow, and I find it wonderfully practical as well as a nice aesthetic embellishment to my desk.

Frank,
Thanks. I may be saving for another Nakaya as well. There certainly are larger versions in their urushi lineup, if you are not averse to the rounded ends. Something is telling me that my next Japanese pen, other than possibly a Sailor Sapporo, will be a Maki-e. Those Danitrios that Kevin is tempting us with have me leaving a puddle on my keyboard

Let us know when you start deciding on your next pen. After all, one thing there just is not enough of on this board is temptation

Cheers, Dean

Dean,

The Chinese has another meaning for these characters:
http://hk.dictionary.yahoo.com/search.html?s=%AC%F9%A7%F4

約束

yue shu
ㄩㄝ ㄕㄨˋ

1.restraint; restriction; constraint; repression
2.to restrain; to restrict; to circumscribe; to repress; to hold in; to hold (or keep) sth. in check; to hem in; to tie down; to set measure to; to peg down; to bind sb. to

"約束"

Anyway, I have the same one as yours (in Black SF), it is a beautiful pen, exceptionally light & writes perfectly OFTB. There is something to say about a custom made pen...

Enjoy,
David

Dean, that is a very beautiful pen you got. And thanks for the personal comments on the Kanshitsu grip. I am seriously considering adding the Kanshitsu grip option to my next Nakaya purchase, and I've been going back and forth on this decision because of two concerns: whether the textured grip (1) might be too "rough" to use comfortably for an extended period of time and (2) will detract from the overall elegant beauty and smooth look of the urushi finish. Your personal observations really help. Thanks again.

Daniel

Very nice Nakaya!

It's actually very interesting for me to see a fresh Kuro-Tamenuri Piccolo. My Piccolo is 10 or so months old now, and the ends, cap lip, and grip section (non-kanshitsu) are getting brighter, plus the overall colour is slightly brighter too. I had forgotten how dark they are in the beginning. My Nakaya is always inked, and goes to work with me a couple of days a week.

My Piccolo has a regular EF nib - the regular nibs are quite firm. I refill my Platinum cartridges with a syringe, because the capacity is better. Also, the sound of the ball bearing inside the cartridge makes a nice echo and 'knocking' sound inside the ebonite barrel!

The kanshitsu grip is intriguing, but it's not something I would personally consider for any of my future Nakaya pens - to me, it gives quite a masculine look. However, maki-e grip sections are something else entirely...

Nakaya pens are something else... enjoy yours!


(My Piccolo review and photos are here: http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/in...owtopic=20884.)

Phthalo, you are so very good at on line photos , would you consider posting a photo of your piccalo as it is now? I for one would love to see it.

That's a very nice-looking pen, and I think the "rough" texture looks really neat.

That's a beaut, Dean! Hope you'll enjoy it!

It sounds as if you put a lot of thought into the choice, specifically with the Kanji. No need to go into personal details, but I'm presuming that this pen marks the occasion of something special in your life?

Frank: I took some photos the other day, but the lighting wasn't quite as I wanted. However, I'm expecting a second Nakaya in a couple of weeks, so FPN will no doubt be inundated with photos of my Kuro-Tame and "new arrival" then!

Oh great. Just what we need--more Japanese eye candy and bank account draining temptations.


Looking forward to seeing them, Laura--and a before/after of your Piccolo!

Very nice Piccolo. The Kanshitsu grip gives it a whole new personality.



I also have a Piccolo, and it fits nicely in one of the three slots of a Joon's carrying case. I really like the completely bare-bones design--the only downside, though, is that you have to grip the cap while you write for the first four months or so; then you may post the cap.

Congrats!

Beautiful pen...... nice photos & thank you for sharing!



I love my Cigar Piccolo with elastic SEF..

Have been tempted to order a special order Nakaya lately but just unwilling to pay import duty on it. Still trying to figure up a way to get round it. I absolutely enjoy my Nakaya at the mean time.

EnJOY!!!!!!

David,
Thanks. I didn't realize that the same (or similar characters) were used in Chinese. While the meaning of the script in Chinese was not what I intended, it might serve as a good reminder when I pass the veding machine...

Daniel,
As you probably gathered from my previous post, you certainly needn't worry about the Kanshitsu being rough, at least it doesn't feel so on my pen. As far as detracting from the elegant simplicity of the pen - I have to say I think it does detract a bit, only becausei t reduces the amount of bare urushi. I like the masculine look (as Laura puts it ) personally. After all, it's hidden under the cap most of the time.

Laura,
I'd love to see more pictures of what to expect from the kuro-tamenuri with regard to aging. I know the Nakaya website says to expect this, and I look forward to it with my pen. What kind of syringe to you use to refill the cartridges? I purchased an extra box, but will want to refill, possibly with some other inks. I agree with you about the look that the Kanshitsu lends to the pen. I can completely understand why it wouldn't appeal as much to a woman. I wonder if Nakaya offers a diamond-plate option for the grip (that reference may be lost on my friends from Australia as I don't know what it's called there).

Rroossinck,
I did put quite a bit of thought into the entire pen, which you're actually compelled to do by the ordering process. I hope to pass this pen down to my children one day and the Kanji charchters for "commitment" (to spouse, children, family) reflect a value I have and want to pass on to them.

Escribiente,
Is there something about the urushi that I missed with regard to posting after four months? I assume it is still a bit soft and susceptible to scratching... is that the case? I don't plan on posting the cap on this pen, but that would be good info.

thw,
mayve your pen could just "ride along" with one of Phthalo's Nakaya's. I'm sure the one that is on it's way won't be the last.

Thanks to everyone for the impressions and input.

Dean

Excellent, Dean! Thanks for the explanation! I'm looking forward to handing down a pen or three to my children someday.

Of course...we need to adopt them first...but at least I've got the plans for heirlooms down.

I think a pen is a great thing to hand down. I envy those who possess pens owned and used by their parents, grandparents, etc.. There's just something about a pen that you know was used in the past by someone you love. I think it evokes memories of that individual and/or inspires your imagination with regard to things that may have been written with that pen (love notes, notes to teachers, signing contracts, etc.).
Hey... I have two children... I can't very well have just one Nakaya to hand down now can I??

Cheers, and good luck with those adoptions!!

Dean

Thanks Dean. Right now, we're prayerfully considering Vietnam and Columbia for our adoptions. Our options are very limited these days, as my wife is an insulin-dependent diabetic. In fact, I'm not entirely sure that Columbia is a possibility either - they say "case by case."

In Nakaya's website, they show the Piccolo posted.


I asked if it's okay to post the cap, and I got the following reply:

Excellent information. Thanks.

Dean

Congratulations to another member of the Nakaya working group! Gorgeous pen! The Kanji script is a nice touch, IMHO.

Ojars,
Thanks. Just out of curiosity, have you seen much difference in the color of your blue Nakaya. I'm sure it's a little different than the blackish-red and reddish-red, but I'm wondering how the blue color changes, if at all.

By the way, as much as I love my new pen, I would consider a straight trade for that car in your avatar...

Cheers, Dean

Dean,

The blue color appears uniform on the pen. I have the impression the color has become deeper and darker in time. I'll try another photo, if I can get similar lighting conditions. Unfortunately, I did not take shots indoors when I first received the Nakaya long writer.

My Nakaya goes from 0-60 mph in less than 5 seconds and pulls more than 1g in a turn when properly mounted in the Lotus Elise. On the street Nakaya-Lotus gas mileage is about 27 mpg but much much less on a race track. I have no clue how many miles of writing I get per gallon of ink with the Nakaya!

Best regards,
John

Dean: The brightening process is subtle at first, but will then accelerate a little as time passes. I started to notice the pen was getting a bit brighter about two months ago. I can see that the cap and barrel are beginning to slowly clear - the underlying red body is more evident now. I don't expect it will really become quite different for another six months or so though.

It will be hard to show the effect in photos... because I did not take good photos in the beginning which I can use as a control. If I was smart, I would have setup the pen in a particular setting, and have been disciplined enough to shoot it every six months or so!

I have a Write-Fill syringe kit from Pear Tree Pens - a brilliant little product! The volume of the Platinum converter is around ~0.75ml, while the cartridges are ~1.15ml, so I'm happy to refill. Platinum Blue-Black is a wonderful ink colour on it's own, btw.

I was under the impression that the Tame-nuri finishes were more dynamic when compared to Kikyo / Arishu / Midori and Shu - these colours all brighten - but they do not transform as radically the Tame-nuri colours do. Those are made from colored urushi lacquer - not black urushi layered over red like the Kuro-Tamenuri.

Urushi lacquer 'clears' over time... so I am not sure that the Kikyo has darkened as John has indicated... However, my knowledge here is general - Kikyo may not be a straight colored urushi lacquer after all! (For example: The Shobu (Purple) is neither a colored urushi lacquer nor a layered finish.)

Laura,
Thanks for your observations. I think I'd better get out the camera and take some more pics. of this pen in better light. Then, I will have something to compare against in 3 mos., 6 mos. etc. I'm looking forward to seeing how the pen changes, but I hope it retains a fair amount of the dark character.

I think I'm going to have to run off and pay a visit to Pear Tree Pen. That syringe fill setup sounds like just what I need.

So, what are the details of the Nakaya that is on it's way to you... or is that a secret until it has it's debut on the pages of FPN?

Cheers, Dean

That is one sweet looking pen Very great looking nib too.

Dean: congratulations on your new gorgeous pen! I have been so tempted to order one of these myself but I am waiting for the D.C. show to see if there is something that will be able to tempt me in much the same way as I have been tempted by the Nakaya pens.
You wrote a great little review and your pictures are stunning!

Thanks to you all about the Urushi info. I have the Aka-Tamenuri in the largest possible size my hands could handle but I'm ok with it. Posting it would be ludicrous. The Urushi is soft but NOT slippery. Mine still holds the dark urushi -I've had it since about November but due to severe problems with the nib, stayed along time away from home (Richard Binder did a wonderful job).
I am seriously tempted in investing on another one, a smaller one. Piccolo is too small for me.

You will enjoy your pen! Its beauty lies on its simplicity.

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I did not know that. Partially because I used a Japanese dictionary to look up that compound, and partially because I am illiterate. At least it's on your pen and not on your skin!

Renzhe,
If I understand correctly, those are the Chinese characters that look similar to the Japanese Kanji characters I have on my pen. The translation of the Kanji on my pen = "Promise" or "Comittment" as in comittment to family, etc.

Someone correct me if I've interpreted that incorrectly. I wouldn't have chosen something so severe

Cheers, Dean

I am very impressed at how knowledgeable some of you folks are regading the urushi finishes. Your ability to set down the names fluently is beyond my ability. I must run to the Nakaya site for a refresher course every couple of days.

alvarez57, what size pen did you get? It looks great.

Frank,
I'm right there with ya' buddy. You get a little more familiar with the terms when you do the pre-purchase research and then through the ordering process, but I still have to run to the Nakaya web-site to check terms.
I've been looking at Danitrios as well and Winedoc's Marketplace offerings have me switching to their site frequently.

Gee, you'd think it's a foreign language or something...

But really, learning about fountain pens - their technology, terminology and history - has been a lot of fun. Now, adding the artistry element that is most common in the Japanese urushi and Maki-e pens kind of appeals to the left-side of my brian a little more. I'm kind of into more simple pens, and many of the urushi pens fit that bill while being very elegant and nice to look at. I'm finding that there are Maki-e pens out there as well that are understated, but still have some complex artwork on them that makes them special.

It's interesting to me to see the evolution (in the "change" sense, not necessarily in the "maturing" sense) I'm going through in my pen collecting. My interest started out with the more modern pens (VP, Pelikan, Graf Von Faber Castell), then moved to vintage Parkers ("51", and Vacumatics), and is now firmly in Japanese pens. Maybe it's just a desire to taste everything in the pen "buffet", but I can see myself coming back to the Japanese well frequently.

Cheers, Dean

Are all Nakaya feeds ebonite ?