In January, after much contemplation, I purchased my first Japanese fountain pen: an old-style ribbed Naginata-Togi in green with a medium fine nib. I had heard that the Togi nib is unlike other Japanese nibs in that it is on the broad side; so after discussing my preferences with James at Peartree I settled on the medium fine. What a lushes nib it is and what a joy it is to use. I find the ribbed body of the pen very attractive and interesting and the green colour is superb. The "fit and finish" of the pen is flawless, a la my Lexus. Although it took me a while to decide to buy this pen I'm very glad I did.

I'm now on the prowl for another Japanese pen and was thinking of a Nakaya Piccolo writer (with a clip) in black urushi equipped with a broad nib. I've looked at their other models, but they seem too large, as I don't like a pen any bigger than a Pelikan M800. I've decided on black Urushi, as I don't want to spring for the extra US$110 for another colour. My standard Western nib is a medium and my understanding is that a Nakaya broad equates to a Western medium. Now that John Mottishaw is an agent for Nakaya I feel much more comfident about ordering one; I must confess that I had earlier decided not to order a Nakaya, as they had no agent in North America with whom I could talk. Any comments or observations would be appreciated. I've read three reviews on the Piccolo and all are favourable, but I'd like to hear from other owners. Just to add context, my favourite pens are: Bexley Americana, Bexley Fifth Anniversary in BCHR, Pelikan M800, Stipula Saturno and Paker Duofold Centennial, all of which have gold medium nibs.

I have a Piccolo Writer Kurotame Blackish Red and IMHO it is the best color combination. The cost difference between the regular black and this color was NOT $110. I purchased mine from Tay at Pensinasia and the service was outstanding. I requested my name in Kanji and that only cost $25.00 more. The pen is only 5.5 inches. The nib is a fine and writes between an extra fine and extra extra fine western. Feels great in my hand.

Keep in mind that the price difference is not just a "color" difference.

The Tame (eg Kuro-Tame) finish is a different Urushi finish to that of the Black / Roiro. The Roiro is essentially solid Black Urushi over Ebonite, and it will not change with time. The Tame finish has a solid Urushi colour over Ebonite (such as 'Shu' / Red), and this is then coated several times with a "Clear" (which starts of as brown or black) Urushi, which then becomes translucent over the passage of time.

The full-size Nakayas are not too big. I love mine and wholeheartedly reccomend them.

Is it correct to say that a broad Nakaya nib would be equal in width to my medium Bexley, M800, Stipula Saturno and Paker Duofold Centennial nibs? Also, are the full-size portable Nakaya's any bigger than an M800? I don't post my pens.

Not sure about the broad but my Fine writes like a Western Extra Fine.

Very useful dimensions, particularly for you, are available here.