I've been kicking around the idea of buying a Pilot Silvern in the Ishidatami (cobblestone) pattern or maybe the Koshi (cisele) pattern. I like the look of the pen, I like the Pilot inlaid nibs, and I like the patterns. I once had one of the Namiki sterling art pens, though- same model but with a dragon engraving. Unfortunately, I remember that whenever I posted the cap it made a tiny scratch in the barrel. Over the course of use it added up and I didn't like that at all. I need to post when I write, though, especially with the smaller Japanese pens.

Is there anyone out there that has one of these Silvern pens? Does the patterns make them more resistant to scratching, or does it at least make it tougher to tell? The polished metal really showed everything. I'd love to hear some experiences with these...

Never post any silver pen! There are few, if any, Japanese pens designed for posting. Even on patterned pens a posting ring eventually becomes evident.

stan

I post the cap on all of my silver pens, and have been doing so for years. On a pen with a cisele pattern, like a Parker 75 or Sonnet, or any number of Pilots, you can't tell at all. I also post all of my CP pens, and you can't tell at all. If there are any marks, they're very well disguised by the engraving. That being said, I avoid silver pens with a smooth or polished finish. I guess the question with the Silvern is when the cap is posted, does it touch the polished bit or the engraved bit?

The Silvern pen looks like it might be more vulnerable to posting scratches. At least, from what I can tell in the photos. I haven't seen one first hand. I too post my Cisele patterned pens, to include a Pilot Custom. I do it very gently though and that seems to avoid noticeable surface scratches. I even inspected with a loupe to be sure.

Sure wish I'd read this a month ago, before taking my Sailor Sterling 1911 to work and using it posted.

So, did anyone else know that you can use micromesh sanding paper at ultra high grit size to smooth out sterling silver? Now that I know not to post it again, I may clean it up and use it un-posted in the future.

-George