Hi,

I'm thinking of getting a Sailor 1911 and understand that the nibs run finer than Euro nibs.

I've had a Pelikan 805 medium and a Viscont Van Gogh Fine (more a fine/medium) and liked both - which 1911 nib size would be closest to these?

Thanks

In general, and with the Sailors I've used, the nib size runs one smaller than the Western equivalent. So, for example, if you wanted something akin to your Pelikan medium, look for a Sailor broad. A Sailor medium should approximate the MF of the Visconti.

I have to agree with JJ. He sent me a 1911 in Medium and it writes like a fine. Its an amazing pen and I'm sure you will enjoy it.

Thanks both... I'l order one today.

The only caveat I'd put on what has been said, is that it is correct for standard Sailor nibs. If, however, you're considering a Naginata-Togi nib for your Sailor, I find they run broader than the standard European nib. I have a medium fine N-T nib in my Sailor and it is closer to a European broad than a European medium.

I just got a Naginatatogi M nib, and it also seems more like a European B nib. That was unexpected, and even more so to read that the M-F is also pretty broad.

At the other end of the spectrum, A friend just brought me back a Professional Gear with the Saibi togi nib. It's way too fine for my normal writing, but exactly what I need for writing furigana in my Japanese textbooks:-).

I've attached a comparison with my Mont Blanc EF, to illustrate just how fine the Sailor is.

Click to view attachment