Hi folks,

I've been using my raw ebonite Densho for a while now and I really love it. I have the EF flex nib and I ended up accidentally springing the tines (not too badly, I'm glad to say) after the pen initially laid down a really really wet line out of the box and I had to push harder to get any line variation. My effort to bend the tines back into proper shape hugely reduced the ink flow to a level that I'm now quite happy with.

Now, on to what I want to ask you:

How do the rest of you find the ink flow on this pen? Too heavy? Too light? And the nib? Mine seems to be almost Naginata-style (narrow downstroke, broad across; not round) - this seems to be a strange and somewhat contrary style when it comes to flex. What do you think?

Also, I find the grip section on this pen to be strangely thick; my Pilot 823 is nearly as long as the Densho and has a thinner section (and, to me, a much more comfortable one). What are your thoughts on it?

I don't mean to diminish a pen I love and one that I think has a good deal of character, but I'm just curious to know the concensus.

Best,
Summer Greer

Summer, I think our responses to any particular pen are subjective and highly individual. First off, if you have sprung the tines, I would suggest you contact the seller or a nib meister to see about getting the nib back in working order. If there are any particular characteristics of the nib you want altered, this would be the appropriate time to ask for the chnages.

I have a raw ebonite Densho with a stub nib. I find the pen very comfortable to hold at the section, and I am very happy with the weight and balance of the pen. I use mine unposted. The fit and finish are very good,and I have not had a single techical problem with my pen since I got it. I love the warm feel of the raw ebonite.

My nib has an excellent ink flow, perhaps an 8/10, and gives a modest line variation. The nib has worked out of the box. I have used only J. Herbin and Pelikan inks in it thus far, and they have all flowed very well. My nib is not a flex, yet it has a degree of spring that I find comfortable and fun to use.

All told, I think I would give my Densho a 9/10 or a 9.5/10 rating. I love it. It inspired me to buy and try a Takumi, which I also rate in the same rank with the Densho. Thus far, I am a pretty happy Danitrio customer.

I, too, have the Raw Ebonite Densho and find the flow very wet. I'm using Supershow Blue in it and it flows well. I am very familiar with VINTAGE FLEX NIBS on several old pens so I was excited about ordering the fine flex.
I do believe it takes awhile to figure out the parameters of what you can do with this flex nib. I make my downstrokes with more pressure and let off on the upstrokes, just as on a vintage pen and get good line variation.
It also makes a great signature pen.....but for regular writing, one can just use regular pressure at all times.

I was thinking about using a drier ink such as Apache Sunset to see if it would be a tad drier, but I'm satisfied with the Supershow blue....it is a spectacular color coming out!

I may have to try the extra fine flex to see how that works, but next time I'll go for the smaller size since this big Densho is not REALLY suited for pocket carry.....except on my dress oxford shirts that are able to hold it upright. I carry it in the case I got from Kevin and like that best.....so I could have done without the clip.

My raw ebonite Densho writes wet with its broad nib. I have tried to slow the flow, but always end up strangling the pen. Its well worth trying Noodlers Eternal Black. This improved my raw ebonite Mikado no end.