The Pilot Pluminix
A great little number
Two days ago, I recieved from CasmiUK a Pilot Pluminix, which was in fact an extremely thoughtful gift. She gave it to me saying "I have ten, so take it - you'll enjoy it!" and boy was she right - Thanks, Casmi! I got my long-time dream pen (a 51 flighter)three days ago, and I have found myself choosing the Pluminix over it for the last two days! After such a good impression, I had to review it.
Design: The concept is as an inexpensive italic-nibbed pen. We're talking rock-bottom price, as FPs go, but don't mistake "inexpensive" for "cheap" - the quality is all there. The feed really delivers, and the nib works very nicely - more on those later. It looks cool! The screw cap has no clip, but has two fins for screwing - like a wing nut, which to be honest makes sense for the pen.
It has a triangular grip, which could be a problem for some and is equally useful for others. The grip has the benefit of defaulting the angle to 45 degrees (for italics) without effort; however, it does make the 30 degree gothic angle (for instance) more difficult (or at least irregular). The length of the pen (120mm capped, not much different uncapped) is just about correct for my hand - any shorter, and it'd be too short. Posting makes it more comfortable, but isn't necessary.
The Nib: The nib is steel, and italic. Mine is a Medium, but it is smaller than the Vector Fine.
It has a bit of give, and the point is ever so slightly rounded; These mean two things: One, it's not very crisp, so is very easy to use; Two, it is very responsive to pressure, which is very useful indeed.
The feed: It's a typically dry Pilot feed, but that's fine - just like the VP. No blobs, no nib creep. Just a bit of skipping, but a soapy wash should sort that out.
The filler: Unfortunately, you're stuck with international short cartridges. This pen is mini; it doesn't even fit a long cartridge, let alone any converter. The good news is, you now have a pen in which to use the Diamine sample packs! One of those packs will last you eighteen fills of colourful inks from my favourite ink company, which I don't think I would have used otherwise.
Now, that's a bit of commentary, but it's a calligrapher's nib, right? So, what can it do?
Well, the pressure-sensitivity and rounded nib mean it can scribe any line from a mere flick to a proper millimetre-weight trunk. This makes it great fun to use! You can ornament very effectively - it really is almost as good as a dip-pen. Here is a shot of some quick scrawling - I'm afraid my calligraphy's not very good yet, but I do try.
And here's some detail in the text - note the comparitive range of sizes and the macro shot against the ruler, which is marked in mm. I can use it to write as fine as my hand will allow, and still get line variation.
All in all, I love this little pen. It's a real charmer, and it's a crying shame it's no longer in production, because it's a simple truth that everyone should always have one in their pocket in case they need to write blackletter graffito on anything while they're out. It's that versatile.