Need A Recommendation Between Pilot, Twsbi, Platinum And Sailor

[httpmom]

If you buy from Japan you can get a Custom 74 or 3776 for barely anything more than a TWSBI. The difference in writing experience between a Pilot or Platinum and a TWSBI is rather dramatic in my opinion.

+1 the TWSBI vs. the Japanese pens is a no-brainer, especially if you purchase directly from Japan. that is of course if you are inclined to Japanese pens, as it seems is the OP. The Pelican is very nice but an all together different sort of pen. Not really comparable to a Japanese pen.

[Kataphract]

Well, yes, I'd call it a no brainer. At $50 vs. $150-$160, my advice would be the Twsbi, though an EF, not the F, since that's more a match in width to the Japanese pens. At gray market prices, it's more a matter of taste on the Japanese pens - I'd go with the 3776 Bourgogne or Chartres Blue, but I think any of the pens are pretty good.

[sandy101]

I have Platinum pens, and they are good - I'm sure the Pilot & Sailor will work just as well.

 

However, if you want a 0.5mm line, then that is the medium nib the platinum preppy comes with. - so if you get a pen with a fine nib, you might end up with a nib that isn't wide enough for you.

 

I would humbly suggest trying the cheaper platinum preppy, platinum plasir or pilot 78G, or seeing if you can borrow someone else's pen to try the nib out for size. Far better to do that than blow a hundred bucks and find out that it's not what you wanted anyway.

[grainweevil]

 

The main reason I bought a VP was, precisely, because of it's convenience and one-handed operation. The width it puts down doesn't bother me much but, like you said, I wasn't expecting that width from a Japanese Medium, especially after using the MR's Medium nib. Still, it does write smooth and it puts down a nice amount of ink. I just wanted to try something different, but you are right; a Fine VP (preferrably the matte black version) is also on my radar! As you guys can probably tell, the FP bug has bitten me quite badly... : )

 

Ah well, I was hoping to save you from the bug, but clearly too late! Can't fault your choice of the #3776; I have, um, more than one...