Japanese Ebonite

[mikhasan]

What are the differences between ebonite made in Japan and elsewhere?

 

I learned that a pen using Indian ebonite I was planning to purchase will soon be available in Japanese ebonite for about $10 extra. I'm guessing the Japanese ebonite has less imperfections/impurities in the ebonite -- correct me if I'm wrong -- but I'm wondering if it's merely aesthetic or if the Japanese ebonite is otherwise superior; for example, less likely to discolor, more durable, less prone to cracking over time, etc. I read on the Eboya (=Nikko Ebonite) site that they are the only ones in Japan still producing ebonite (with only 2 other factories in Germany and I'm assuming a few in India outside of Japan), so I'm guessing the ebonite will be sourced from them. I have hitherto only purchased resin and celluloid pens and still have much to learn when it comes to ebonite. Any info or links to threads which discuss this would be greatly appreciated!

[hari317]

Thereis only one factory in India making ebonite rods for pens.

 

American art plastics is offering ebonite rods. Factory location I dont know.

 

Yes there are two known German factories.

 

Nikko in Japan.

 

There May be some in China.

 

Curious, Which Indian pen company are you talking about which will soon offer Japanese ebonite?

 

An Indian company called Lotus is already offering Nikko ebonite pens. I wrote a review recently.

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/333269-lotus-vamza-bamboo-pen-nikko-ebonite/

[mikhasan]

Thereis only one factory in India making ebonite rods for pens.

 

American art plastics is offering ebonite rods. Factory location I dont know.

 

Yes there are two known German factories.

 

Nikko in Japan.

 

There May be some in China.

 

Curious, Which Indian pen company are you talking about which will soon offer Japanese ebonite?

 

An Indian company called Lotus is already offering Nikko ebonite pens. I wrote a review recently.

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/333269-lotus-vamza-bamboo-pen-nikko-ebonite/

 

Thanks for the wealth of information, @hari317. I didn't realize there were ebonite factories other than the ones I mentioned.

To answer your question, it's Osprey (US company which makes some of their pens in India) and I heard they were going to start producing their Milano model in Japanese ebonite.

The Lotus pen you reviewed looks really nice!

 

Could you comment on some of the differences between Nikko ebonite and Indian ebonite? You seem to be an expert on the topic.

[hari317]

I had not heard of osprey pens before. Thank you. I looked them up and they feel very familiar.

 

If you ask me, the main difference is in color. Japanese and German ebonite comes in some shades and patterns not available on Indian ebonite at the moment. However that can change if there is demand.

 

From my experience, Indian ebonite is quite fade proof. I have been carrying some black ebonites for over an decade in the harsh Indian sun without detriment.

 

Indian rods of large diameter can have some blow hole inclusions. This used to be a major problem for pen makers. They had to carefully select good portions from the rods. I dont know the situation today.

 

For the end customer I feel go with what you like best, looks wise. Manufacturers warranty should take care of quality for you.

 

Best

Hari

[Uncial]

I've seen a few examples with a notable difference in lustre; not shimmery or sparkly though.

[mikhasan]

I had not heard of osprey pens before. Thank you. I looked them up and they feel very familiar.

 

If you ask me, the main difference is in color. Japanese and German ebonite comes in some shades and patterns not available on Indian ebonite at the moment. However that can change if there is demand.

 

From my experience, Indian ebonite is quite fade proof. I have been carrying some black ebonites for over an decade in the harsh Indian sun without detriment.

 

Indian rods of large diameter can have some blow hole inclusions. This used to be a major problem for pen makers. They had to carefully select good portions from the rods. I dont know the situation today.

 

For the end customer I feel go with what you like best, looks wise. Manufacturers warranty should take care of quality for you.

 

Best

Hari

Interesting -- so it is primarily an aesthetic difference. I'm going to be purchasing it in black ebonite, so it's nice to know that even the Indian ones don't have fading issues. Longevity and discoloration were my main concerns, but seeing how you haven't had any issues, maybe I'll simply opt for the Indian ebonite instead of waiting for the Japanese. But wow, 10+ years of Indian sun and no fading, huh. I guess I was being a bit paranoid about discoloration.

 

I've seen a few examples with a notable difference in lustre; not shimmery or sparkly though.

Thanks. So it is merely a difference in appearance, not so much in the physical properties/longevity.