I'm torn between two Nakaya pens: the black Urushi portable writer (with clip) or the tortoiseshell celluloid; I had earlier thought of the Piccolo in black Urushi, but haven't warmed to it. I'm leaning towards the black Urushi portable writer, as I think this could be the quintessential Japanese pen. I also like its simple, dignified looks, again, very Japanese. On the other hand I find the tortoiseshell celluloid to be very attractive looking, but I can buy other pens makes in tortoise although not necessarily celluloid; I already own a Bexley Sheherazade (piston-filler) in tortoise plastic and it's a lovely pen. Is there anything special or unique about the Nakaya tortoiseshell that should make me favour it over the black Urushi portable? One aspect of the Urushi portable that concerns me is the step down from the barrel to the section. The only other Japanese pen I own is a Sailor green ribbed Naginata-Togi, which I really enjoy using. I would like to add another Japanese pen to my accumulation and it must be a good writer. So, which will it be? No, I won't buy both.

The Nakaya Tortoise celluloid is identical to the Platinum 3776 Tortoise celluloid. They are made from a rolled sheet thus have a "seam" running lengthwise. I had both pens and kept the Nakaya fot its springy medium nib.

I later bought a reddish-black tamenuri that has become a regular in my rotation: the size is perfect, the material is beautiful and feels warm, and the nibs are wonderful. My only regret is that it has a clip.

I have a Decapod and a Piccolo, and I would favor the urushi models over the celluloid, for the simple fact they are quite a bit more unique. They are also more expensive, especially if you adding in some of the options.

Their celluloid models are very nice, but as DRPMJ1 said, they can be had via a Platinum model, and there really is no difference.

All have the same nibs, so the asthetics will be the deciding factor.

I would also lean toward the urushi for similar reasons to those listed above.