Nakaya Long Piccolo Vs. Naka-Ai

[geoduc]

I know there's at least a couple FPN members who own both models, so I'm curious as to whether there's any significant difference in the feel or balance of these pens. Do you prefer one over the other or is the feel in the hand similar?

 

Thanks!

[ethernautrix]

Both of mine are with Ernest Shin getting maki-e "tattoos."

 

I'll be able to tell you in a couple of weeks.

 

Maybe the comparison will be difficult, cos one has a ruthenium-plated M (ru-M) nib and the other has a standard M nib, and I already know that I much prefer the former and want to change the standard M nib (probably to a ru-F).

 

But for comfort and balance in the hand?

 

As I recall... no, I'll wait until I get them back instead of depending on memory.

 

HURRY, NAKAYAS, HURRY!

 

:-)

Edited December 2, 2012 by ethernautrix

[geoduc]

Both of mine are with Ernest Shin getting maki-e "tattoos."

 

I'll be able to tell you in a couple of weeks.

 

Maybe the comparison will be difficult, cos one has a ruthenium-plated M (ru-M) nib and the other has a standard M nib, and I already know that I much prefer the former and want to change the standard M nib (probably to a ru-F).

 

But for comfort and balance in the hand?

 

As I recall... no, I'll wait until I get them back instead of depending on memory.

 

HURRY, NAKAYAS, HURRY!

 

:-)

 

Thanks, Lisa. I'll await your report.

 

Ignore the nibs if you can; I'm only interested in the body of the pen. Wait, that doesn't sound right...

 

Some photos of Ernest's craftsmanship would be appreciated as well ;-)

[PatientType]

Both of mine are with Ernest Shin getting maki-e "tattoos."

 

 

What are pen tattoos? Can Nakayas be decorated after they're made?

Edited December 2, 2012 by PatientType

[dweit]

Both of mine are with Ernest Shin getting maki-e "tattoos."

 

I'll be able to tell you in a couple of weeks.

 

Maybe the comparison will be difficult, cos one has a ruthenium-plated M (ru-M) nib and the other has a standard M nib, and I already know that I much prefer the former and want to change the standard M nib (probably to a ru-F).

 

 

Hi Ethernautrix,

Are you saying that the ruthenium plated nib has a different feel/writing characteristic then the standard nib? I thought the plating was just a visual difference, to allow matching of the nib color to trim color, but I guess it would make sense that the plating could maybe add some stiffness to the nib? What is it you prefer about the ruthenium-plated nib?

[ethernautrix]

Both of mine are with Ernest Shin getting maki-e "tattoos."

 

I'll be able to tell you in a couple of weeks.

 

Maybe the comparison will be difficult, cos one has a ruthenium-plated M (ru-M) nib and the other has a standard M nib, and I already know that I much prefer the former and want to change the standard M nib (probably to a ru-F).

 

 

Hi Ethernautrix,

Are you saying that the ruthenium plated nib has a different feel/writing characteristic then the standard nib? I thought the plating was just a visual difference, to allow matching of the nib color to trim color, but I guess it would make sense that the plating could maybe add some stiffness to the nib? What is it you prefer about the ruthenium-plated nib?

 

These pens returned last Friday, and I'll have to upload a couple of photos (note to self: upload some photos! Sheesh.).

 

Yes. The ruthenium-plated nib is smoother and stiffer, so I prefer that; also, the color. I prefer the silver to gold

 

Yesterday, my brother's girlfriend, who used to use fountain pens when she was in school, tried both of these Nakayas, having no knowledge of them or preconceived opinions. She said that the ru-M was smoother than the M. She didn't really care for the standard M.

 

 

[dweit]

Both of mine are with Ernest Shin getting maki-e "tattoos."

 

I'll be able to tell you in a couple of weeks.

 

Maybe the comparison will be difficult, cos one has a ruthenium-plated M (ru-M) nib and the other has a standard M nib, and I already know that I much prefer the former and want to change the standard M nib (probably to a ru-F).

 

 

Hi Ethernautrix,

Are you saying that the ruthenium plated nib has a different feel/writing characteristic then the standard nib? I thought the plating was just a visual difference, to allow matching of the nib color to trim color, but I guess it would make sense that the plating could maybe add some stiffness to the nib? What is it you prefer about the ruthenium-plated nib?

 

These pens returned last Friday, and I'll have to upload a couple of photos (note to self: upload some photos! Sheesh.).

 

Yes. The ruthenium-plated nib is smoother and stiffer, so I prefer that; also, the color. I prefer the silver to gold

 

Yesterday, my brother's girlfriend, who used to use fountain pens when she was in school, tried both of these Nakayas, having no knowledge of them or preconceived opinions. She said that the ru-M was smoother than the M. She didn't really care for the standard M.

 

Interesting. Thanks for the info. I have a Naka-ai (unpolished Shu) with the standard medium, and do find it a touch soft. I am a lefty and usually do better with a stiffer nib. Gotta think about this abit, I guess.

Looking forward to your pictures!

[Painterspal]

I have both. The pens are a similar length and share the same section, so feel quite similar in the hand. However, the barrel of the long piccolo is obviously more substantial and does slightly affect the balance and feel of the pen, although I wouldn't say it's very noticeable.

 

I'll have a better look when I get home and b will report back.

[geoduc]

I have both. The pens are a similar length and share the same section, so feel quite similar in the hand. However, the barrel of the long piccolo is obviously more substantial and does slightly affect the balance and feel of the pen, although I wouldn't say it's very noticeable.

 

I'll have a better look when I get home and b will report back.

 

Thanks, Painterspal. That's the type of information I'm looking for.

[Painterspal]

My mind was playing tricks with me. The pens are virtually the same length when capped (to within 2mm). However, their proportions are different. The long Piccolo has a longer cap and shorter barrel. Uncapped it is shorter by about 8mm and consequently looks a little more stocky. However, my impression that the fatter barrel of the Piccolo made it heavier is correct. Although it is a little shorter than the Naka-ai, the Piccolo is 2g heavier - 20g against 18g uncapped. There's a lot of ebonite in that barrel and it reinforces the workmanlike quality of the pen.

 

Needless to say, both are very nice in the hand.

[geoduc]

My mind was playing tricks with me. The pens are virtually the same length when capped (to within 2mm). However, their proportions are different. The long Piccolo has a longer cap and shorter barrel. Uncapped it is shorter by about 8mm and consequently looks a little more stocky. However, my impression that the fatter barrel of the Piccolo made it heavier is correct. Although it is a little shorter than the Naka-ai, the Piccolo is 2g heavier - 20g against 18g uncapped. There's a lot of ebonite in that barrel and it reinforces the workmanlike quality of the pen.

 

Needless to say, both are very nice in the hand.

 

I appreciate the information. I'd like to own both models some day, but I think the Naka-ai will suffice for the time being. Time to start saving for another pen.