Sailor Kop Ebonite Vs. Nakaya Neo Standard Vs. Platinum Izumo

[Betweenthelines]

3 beautiful Japanese ebonite pens, one wallet.

 

Here are my thoughts so far:

 

KOP ebonite (engeika):

+ larger size pen (good for my big hands)

+ big, supposedly superior springy nib

- not urushi

- higher price (than the Izumo)

 

Nakaya Neo (kuro tame, nibs.com):

+ beautiful urushi

+ Mottishaw tune/grind

- smaller pen? and nib (than KOP)

- higher price (than Izumo)

 

Platinum Izumo (engeika, aka tame):

+ beautiful urushi

+ killer price ($200 less than the other two)

- smaller nib (than KOP)

- standard platinum (untuned) nib

 

 

Thoughts?

Edited December 3, 2016 by Betweenthelines

[zchen]

I have all 3 as well, though I have to say my least favorite thing out of all three is the plated trim ring on the bottom of the section of the Izumo for longevity concerns, I've had Platinum Presidents pass through my hands with some corrosion to that ring. Looks wise I also think that trim ring is a needless addition to the Tame-Nuri finish.

 

If I were forced to sell them I think the first to go would be the Neo Standard (too many turns to open the cap, I also prefer the Naka-Ai and Cigar in shape), then the Izumo, and then the KOP (I enjoy this nib the most out of the 3).

Edited December 3, 2016 by zchen

[Pendel]

I would check with Engeika. Last time I asked he did not have KOP or Izumo's at the killer prices of the past (still listed on the site).

You can get an Izumo for the mid-$400's from the Japanese sellers on eBay, but I do not think KOP is accessible at prices similar to Engeika's (not sure).

I have several Nakayas (not Neo), two ebonite KOPs (from Engeika back when he was still reliable) and a tame Izumo.

I would echo zchen's assessment, and would add that the Izumos are mighty comfortable to write with, and KOP have the better nibs by far.

 

:-)

[rafapa]

Do you know if the poor's msn KOP ( aka resin version) has the same nib as the ebonite one?

Thanks

[zchen]

Yes the resin KOP has same nib and section as the Ebonite version.

[VivienR]

Personally I better like the KOP Standard (aka resin) version. Started rolling my eyes on an Izumo, but the simple Platinum President nib is a no go for me, despite that the rest of the pen is beautiful. Sailor nibs are appealing me better.

[Betweenthelines]

Thanks guys, I won an auction for an ebonite and rhodium KOP for a great price (new). Looking forward to it!

 

I should also mention Taizo (engeika) has no KOPs in stock.

Edited December 12, 2016 by Betweenthelines