Is Hakase All That It Is Cracked Up To Be?

[Algester]

I think this is no longer about the nibbage as Hakase uses other manufacturer nibs its only that Pilot supplies the nib but he also uses Sailor

I think this is now all about craftsmanship, material and user input than the nibbage

[Keyless Works]

It's just another pilot #15 nib tuned according to your writing style. You can buy an 823/743/845 and pay a nibmeister to do that.

 

Speaking for myself, I find $1000 a bit too much to pay for a Pilot #15 nib pen. So nope, definitely not something I would buy. At least use a #20 nib,

 

I would be surprised if Pilot sold #20 and #50 nibs to third parties. I agree with Algester than you are mostly paying for the craftsmanship of the body and individualization.

 

Obviously if you want the best writing nib for the lowest possible no hand turned Japanese pen is going to be a contender.

[RayJ]

Oh, okay. Namiki Yukari Royale comes at the price point of 128,000 yen with consumption tax paid from Japan. So I thought, Hakase starting from 150,000 yen should have a #20.

 

Anyway, nib for me is holds 80% importance in a pen and rest of aesthetics (simple looking, not gaudy or flashy like swirls or yellow colored pens). So I'll probably focus more on the nib. But I have to admit, that tortoiseshell pen does look very tempting.

[rwilsonedn]

Hmm ... according to the site, there are over 100 pens on order, and the waiting time is at least 12 months for a new order. So it is safe to say that at current prices, enough people think the pen is worth it to exceed the capacity of the craftsmen. In that sense, assuming that Hakase appeals to a knowledgeable market, and is not widely enough known to be a cult item, the pens clearly are worth a very high price to writers much more knowledgeable than I.

Whether an Hakase is worth it to me, or to you, is an entirely separate and more personal question. It is not worth it to me because the price is too large a portion of my discretionary income. That has nothing to do with how much I would love such a pen if, say, a relative were to give me one. The OP's question has many dimensions.

ron

[katanankes]

I am reviving this topic to ask a question to Hakase experts. Who is actually making the pens? Is Mr Tanaka featured in one documentary available on youtube still working? Is the new "boss", Ryo, making all the pens? Or are there more people involved?

[Mew]

I am reviving this topic to ask a question to Hakase experts. Who is actually making the pens? Is Mr Tanaka featured in one documentary available on youtube still working? Is the new "boss", Ryo, making all the pens? Or are there more people involved?

Mr. Tanaka retired a few years ago and now Yamamoto San makes all the pens. He does not take help (everything on the pen is made by him) from anyone except:

1. Calligraphy on the box is done by his mother

2. Urushi coating is done by someone not completely associated with the shop (third party)

3. Something I read on fountain pen network only, the tortoiseshell is wrapped around a ceramic rod by an expert, again external to the business.

[Earthdawn]

Mr. Tanaka retired a few years ago and now Yamamoto San makes all the pens. He does not take help (everything on the pen is made by him) from anyone except:

1. Calligraphy on the box is done by his mother

2. Urushi coating is done by someone not completely associated with the shop (third party)

3. Something I read on fountain pen network only, the tortoiseshell is wrapped around a ceramic rod by an expert, again external to the business.

 

 

Mew, do you know if San does the water buffalo inserts in the barrel and cap himself? Like the Jade Celluloid version.

 

Thanks for the very helpful info above.

[Mew]

 

 

Mew, do you know if San does the water buffalo inserts in the barrel and cap himself? Like the Jade Celluloid version.

 

Thanks for the very helpful info above.

Yes, they are done by him only.

 

I apologize for my late reply.