Here is a question for Pilot/ Namiki aficionados:

In the world of Japanese nibs, I prefer Namiki to Sailor. However, I have yet to find a "normal" Pilot/Namiki pen, that is neither Maki-e nor a VP, but a more or less classic black and chrome pen with a gold nib. I do not like the Pilot Knight, and I cannot use the Bamboo, because its section threads hurt my hand.

My favourite Namiki writers are my two "Nippon Art" pens, "Courtesan" and "Mount Fuji with Fishing Boat"
http://www.pensinasia.com/nippon_art_court..._fp__namiki.htm
http://www.pensinasia.com/nippon_art_makie..._fp__namiki.htm

Not only do these pens have some of the best nibs I own, but I love the design, look and feel of the body as well. I would love to have a pen that is just like these, only without maki-e and with chrome rather than gold trim.

Does anybody know if such a model ever existed on the market or perhaps even exists now in Japan? Sailor uses the 1911 as the base model for many of their maki-e lines, so it only makes sense that Namiki used an existing model as well. However, with Namiki I've never seen this particular model anywhere except as a base for maki-e pens, and I can't even search for it without knowing the model name. Any information would be greatly appreciated!


QM2

QM2, you should check out this site (Link Here) and the main page here. I think you would be interested in the Pilot Custom series. This is where I get most of my pilot pens. I personally have my eyes set on the Black Quattro 89 in Fine and the Custom 743 with a FA nib. Hope it helps!

Also check with Richie at www.cyberpens.uk.com. Email him-his on-line prices aren't always his best price. I got my 743 with FA nib from him.

Think it might work better at http://www.cyberpens.co.uk/

Donnie

I have a custom 742 from website sited by Immoteus. I have a double broad and it is great. It is similar in size to my Namiki maki-e (small size). This seller is also on ebay as engeika and sells these, if you have patience, with different nib sizes.

I've been looking just for the same thing, but I don't it's in production. The Custom 742 and 743 probably come close, in terms of design, and overall performance. But I finally decided to get a Custom 845, which is an ebonite pen coated with urushi. The experience has been amazing--one of the most accurate and reliable nibs out of the box.

Thank you for the links. I've been to the Ujuku website before, but somehow forgot about it entirely. What a great online shop, with excellent prices.

I love the look of many of the Customs, especially the Custom 845. But do you happen to know whether they have alternative versions with chrome/silver/platinum-color trim? Don't want to offend yellow-gold-lovers, but I just hate the look of yellow gold on pens. On the maki-e models sometimes it's tolerable because it seems to fit the motif, but otherwise I could never enjoy using a gold-trim pen : (

But this website is tempting me to add more Hira Makie FK-3000P's to my collection! The Pine Tree, the Hagi and the Ume have been on my list for some time... I'll never get sick of this particular model, the nib absolutely glides while making a fine, delicate, gorgeous line...

It's called Mont Blanc-itis Kidding of course, but some of them do remind me of 146s and 149s. However, my ideal pen is a silver trim 845 with a #15 FA Nib.

So the 845 does exist with silver trim, or are you speaking hypothetically?

"Montblanc-itis" -- that's a nice one : )

Hypothetically... unfortunately

i went to the site provided by Immoteus and found a pen called Houou. This pen looks like a phoenix to me but I can't find a translation for houou. Does anyone know if this is a phoenix or not?

http://ujuku.jpn.ph/Kaimono/pen/FK-5MP.htm

Houou = Phoenix or Pope (But judging by the feathers I'm leaning towards phoenix)

Thank you

Houou in this case is phoenix.

鳳凰 - phoenix

法王 - Pope

I've bought several pens from him on Ebay. Email him about the nib size. He's been very accommodating as far as changing the nib sizes most of the time. For some reason, he won't swap colors, but he will swap nibs. His shipping is incredibly fast. He also sells different brands as japan_antique.

Hi, are you sure that japan_antique is the same guy as Ujuku? I was under the impression that japan_antique is Engeika (another seller of japanese pens on eBay).

So the 845 has an 18k #15 nib, and the 742 has a 14k #15 nib. The obvious question then is how easy is it to change nibs for this series? (So that one could have an FA nib in the 845?

(I'm honestly not sure why I'd want either, but it doesn't stop me from wanting, does it?)

I think you're refering to the 743 not the 742 (742 is fitted with a #10 nib). And it should be pretty easy to swap out, just switch the nib and pen grip. I did it with my 742 and Bamboo and made a "Custom Bamboo (FA)."

Right, I meant 743, sorry. Cool to know that, though honestly I'd rather have one of the colors available on the 742 or 743 (e.g. buy a black 742 or 743 FA, get a red one with a regular nib, swap nibs, sell black one).

Ujuku's ebay ID is ujuku123. japan_antique is a different seller.

So, do I understand it correctly that Pilot/Namiki simply does NOT make any of the standard models discussed here with chrome/silver trim?

That is correct. However, Sailor Profit (1911) does.

I know, I have one : )
In my original post, I was wondering if there was something equivalent, only from Namiki -- because I like their nibs better. Oh well, I guess the answer is simply "No". I am surprised though, that Pilot/Namiki does not make these sleek black models in versions with chrome trim.

Sorry, I overlooked that part

This might be a long shot (and possibly blasphemy) but have you tried to install a Pilot pen grip onto a 1911 body?

What an exhilarating thought...

No, no I haven't.

Unfortunately I cannot afford to buy two pens at the moment just to make my dream Japanese writer (would I call it Silot?.. Palor?..) But I would love to instigate someone else here to do it! Any takers?

Of course, the normal person's alternative would be to buy the Custom with gold trim, and have it replated in platinum. There were several posts here earlier, naming the craftsman who offers this service...


Wow... am still dizzy from your suggestion!
QM2

PS: If I were to do this, it would be with the Professional or Sapporo, rather than the 1911 or Profit. The "bloated flattop" design of the Professional/Sapporo is one of the most attractive pen-bodies I have seen, it appeals to me infinitely more than the MB-channeling torpedo shape. Also, I just love it how the flat top makes it possible to display the anchor logo -- it looks so beautiful...

I noticed now Platinum offers black with Rhodium trim 3776, though it's more of a torpedo shape. I wonder why Pilot has not caught on that trend.

http://www.platinum-pen.co.jp/products/fou...efountain6.html

EDIT: I forgot about Custom Legance. Not a regular Custom seriese, but it comes in black marble with rhodium trim. For some reason it's hard to find a good photo of this pen. I used to have a blue one, and the color was much more vibrant than the photo on Pilot site.

http://www.pilot.co.jp/products/pen/founta...ance/index.html

As someone who spent a considerable amount of money to have a pen replated (like you, I dislike gold trim), I can assure you that "normal" in this case is a very relative term :-). I could have bought a very nice pen for the amount I spent. I still think it was worth it, though. The person to contact is Daniel kirchheimer. Best,
David