I just purchased a NOS, 1911 large. It is pre-2006 (it has the anchor on the cap), with a 21k standard, medium nib. I have another one of these in fine/medium that is a treasure and I also dearly love this pen.

This is my first Sailor with a medium nib (I have EF, F, and MF Sailor's) and I didn't expect it to be so gushy. I have tried Waterman Blue-Black, Sailor Gentle Blue-Black (Cartridge), Noodler's Eel Blue, and Pelikan Royal Blue. The Pelikan ink seemed to "settle down" after some use and laid down a wet, but not too-wet (i.e., no bleeding and occasional feathering)...but only after some ink had gone from the converter. And, this is the case on Ampad Gold, heavy Italian journal paper, moleskin, tablet paper, and Miguel Ruis.

I love the pen and like the nice dark line I get. But, I would also like to reduce the flow and not have to "blot" to be able to turn a page. All of the references I have been able to find address the opposite problem, i.e., a dry pen. Does anyone have a suggestion of either a very, very dry ink to use, or maybe a way to slow the flow. Do I need to send it to an expert, or just learn to love the "wet?"

All ideas, suggestions, and opinions are certainly welcome!

Maybe you can contact Michael Masuyama, mikeitwork@gmail.com. Also, you can check out mikeitwork.com. Mr. Masuyama used to be with Sailor, and learned the nib craft directly from the Nagahara's. I am waiting for a new cursive Italic nib on a 1911 large Demo. Should arrive tomorrow.

I have the new large 1911 (no anchor) but it does have the Medium nib. It is a new pen and has only been inked once (Pelikan Brilliant Black) but I found it to be too much on the fine side for my liking and will fill it with something more free-flowing next time. I have only used two of the inks you mentioned (albeit in other pens,) the Noodler's and the Pelikan Royal Blue. But both are (IMHO) pretty "wet" inks - especially the Noodler's. I would try one of the Herbin inks. I have used several of them and the ones I have tried have all been on the dry side and well-behaved. The Pelikan Brilliant Black also produces a very fine line in my medium-nibbed 1911.

Thanks...these are great suggestions and I will definitely follow up.

I wonder if anyone has noticed a different in the nibs between the older 21K anchor types and the newer ones, including the two-tones on the Professional Gears?

I have a new style 1911 with Naginata Togi M/F nib. I had the same problem -- it seemed to gush ink. It also skipped sometimes on the down stroke. I tried all kinds of inks, but it still put down enough ink to leave pooling in the letters at the end of a stroke.

I finally decided that this was not right. I sent it to Michael (Mike it Work) to have it fixed of the skipping and gushing of ink. It took less than a week for Michael to work on it and I just got it back today. It works great now and writes like I think a Sailor nib should.

I would highly recommend sending it to Michael or to the US Sailor offices and get it writing like it should.

I've been in contact with Michael and will be sending him at least one pen. It turns out, this pen is new enough for an exchange with the Sailor distributor and I'm going to do that. However, I have one or two others that I'm sending to Michael.

It's good to get this feedback and recommendations!

Thanks, again.

Great! I sent Michael a new 1911 Demo with a Music Nib for him to make into a cursive italic. It is fantastic!!! I also sent him an inexpensive Pilot, and an inexpensive Parker, they write better than new now. My parker nib wasn't made properly and he fixed it for me so that now it is perfect. I know you will be happy with your pens when you get them back.