Platinum Izumo Vs Nakaya

[wolavers]

Hi everyone,

 

I'm currently thinking about buying either a Platinum Izumo or getting my first Nakaya (perhaps a Neo Standard). Having looked up what I think might be every review online of both lines/ pens, I feel like I'm in no better place to make a decision. And, being that no one near me stocks either of these models, I'm unable to try these in person and will have to purchase online (likely without the ability to return after inking, I suspect).

 

So I was wondering what are people's thoughts here?

 

I like the shape of the Izumo more. It's streamlined and interesting, while the Nakayas seem a little plainer. On the other hand, Nakaya's red urushi lacquer looks more striking. I suspect maybe there's a bit of Nakaya hype, although I also recognize that can add to the fun of owning something special.

 

The one thing holding me back is the writing experience. Some reviews I've read online say that the Izuomo and Nakayas are basically the same in terms of writing experience. One reviewer said Nakayas are springier, softer, and more unique, where as the Izumo is nothing more than serviceable (good flow, but nothing unique). I'm a little hesitant about that since, some other pens I've bought, such as the Parker 51, were also described as basic and uninteresting in terms of writing experience, and I regret buying one (I was enamored with the design and history, but the 51 writing experience leaves me cold).

 

Does anyone have experience with the Izumo or any Nakaya pens? Thoughts on which is better?

[zaddick]

What Nakaya model are you considering and what nib width? That might help provide more specific feedback.

[wolavers]

What Nakaya model are you considering and what nib width? That might help provide more specific feedback.

 

I was thinking of the Neo Standard in medium or fine? Also the Izumo in either medium or fine. But I saw the Nakayas come in soft and elastic nib options, which seem to potentially have more interesting writing experiences.

 

The only thing is that I'm not writing on the best paper. This is mostly for basic notebooks, not Rhodia or Clairfontaine. It's not the worst paper, it's 60# and reasonably nice, but it's not the best. I'm worried about bleeding and feathering.

 

Some reviewers say the Izumo is very stiff and, often, boring. So I'm mostly worried about that. I don't know if Nakaya soft or medium will lay down too much ink for my kind of paper, but I'm also a little concerned about buying an expensive pen and being underwhelmed by the nib

[Uncial]

The 'soft' and 'elastic' nibs are not 'flexible'. They won't give any line variation at all but they do feel very springy. Some Nakaya nibs (but certainly not all) can be a little ink stingey and the Izumo's I've tried have all been firehoses (not sure if that is representative of them or not)

If you like a nib with significant feedback go with the Nakaya

If you prefer a smoother nib, go with the Izumo.

[Andrea_R]

bare on mind both platinum and nakaya are basically the same nib. The Nakaya nib tho will be handchecked before leaving Nakaya and adjusted to your need both if youa re ordering directly from Nakaya in Japan or if you are ordering from Mottishaw shop, Jessica oen of the two resident nibmesiter did a fantastic job on mine.

 

I have a Nakaya sporting a soft nib and the only difference with my 3776 is that is a tad wetter.

[Andrea_R]

If you like a nib with significant feedback go with the Nakaya

If you prefer a smoother nib, go with the Izumo.

I strongly disagree with this, nibs are the same.

[OmegaMountain]

Both use Platinum nibs - Nakaya the 3776 nib and the Izumo the President. There're not as many options on the President nib and the likes of Classic Fountain Pens can't do as many modifications to them because they're 18K vs the 14K Nakaya nibs. I have owned a Naka-Ai and handled an Izumo and I think the overall feel and finish of the Nakaya is better. The Izumo is by no means a bad pen, however. If you've used a 3776, you have used the same nib as a Nakaya though Nakaya supposedly tunes the nibs themselves and they are branded differently. I have used a SF and it's not as soft as you might think. Has a bit of spring but not significantly softer than the EF Platinum I have now. As far as elastic, I can't comment beyond the fact that it's a modification that Nakaya dealers make to the nib, I believe. It's been described as more of a paintbrush feel from what I have read. For my money, I would buy a Nakaya though I have been sorely tempted by several Izumos over the past couple years.

Edited May 11, 2019 by OmegaMountain

[sandy101]

I have the red Izumo - with a broad nib. I also have a couple of meduim Platinims (century and modern make-i)

 

The broad 18K nib has no flex in it. It lays down a smooth and consistent line. The 18K nib is softer than a 14K nib. What you are getting though is an ebonite pen - with a beautiful urushu finish. Writing with it is a very tactile experience. Ebonite is a light material and warms to the touch of your hand. I've only used Platinum's ink in it, but I've had no trouble with the pen or feed. It writes well - you don't get the flourish of a fancy nib, but you will get something that produces a consistent line.

 

In comparison, the medium nibs on my Century and Modern make-i have a little tooth to them when writing - not unpleasant - it is just the nib gripping the paper.

Of the three pens, the most exciting nib is on the modern make-i, because it does have a slight springiness to it. So, if you want a pen with an exciting nib - go for the modern make-i range.

[sandy101]

I strongly disagree with this, nibs are the same.

 

They are not the same. The Izumo has an 18K nib, the Nakaya and Century #3776 have 14K nibs.

[whichwatch]

I'm not sure where you are located, but if you get to a pen show where nibs.com has a table, they bring Nakaya testers with all their nib sizes and treatments so you can experiment and find the one that is just right for you. As far as I know, they attend the LA Show and possibly San Francisco but you can check directly with them.

 

I set up and sell my extra Nakayas at two shows per year, but also bring them to a number of other shows for people to see. I currently have 18 available in a variety of models, finishes, and nibs. If our paths cross at a show I would be happy to let you try writing with various Nakaya nibs so you can pick one that is right for you. I also have one Izumo that you can compare them to.

[wolavers]

bare on mind both platinum and nakaya are basically the same nib. The Nakaya nib tho will be handchecked before leaving Nakaya and adjusted to your need both if youa re ordering directly from Nakaya in Japan or if you are ordering from Mottishaw shop, Jessica oen of the two resident nibmesiter did a fantastic job on mine.

 

I have a Nakaya sporting a soft nib and the only difference with my 3776 is that is a tad wetter.

 

Thanks for the info!

 

Am I correct in thinking that this hand checking and modification process isn't that different from just sending a 3776 nib to a nibmeister? I assume each nibmeister does his or her own thing a little differently, but is that basically correct?

 

I guess what I'm wondering is: the Nakayas I'm looking at are about $800. The sell seems to be the workmanship (hand turned barrel and urushi lacquer), the hand checked and hand tuned 3776 nib, and the story behind the company.

 

But if it's just a standard 3776 nib, hand tuned in a way that's not particularly any better than a nibmeister elsewhere, and you can get the urushi lacquered, hand turned pens elsewhere for $400+, is the premium just the romanticism of Nakaya?

 

(Not saying this dismissively, as I'm perfectly fine with buying things because they feel special, even if they're technically comparable to more affordable makes. Just trying to get a better impression of what I would be buying).

 

 

Both use Platinum nibs - Nakaya the 3776 nib and the Izumo the President. There're not as many options on the President nib and the likes of Classic Fountain Pens can't do as many modifications to them because they're 18K vs the 14K Nakaya nibs. I have owned a Naka-Ai and handled an Izumo and I think the overall feel and finish of the Nakaya is better. The Izumo is by no means a bad pen, however. If you've used a 3776, you have used the same nib as a Nakaya though Nakaya supposedly tunes the nibs themselves and they are branded differently. I have used a SF and it's not as soft as you might think. Has a bit of spring but not significantly softer than the EF Platinum I have now. As far as elastic, I can't comment beyond the fact that it's a modification that Nakaya dealers make to the nib, I believe. It's been described as more of a paintbrush feel from what I have read. For my money, I would buy a Nakaya though I have been sorely tempted by several Izumos over the past couple years.

 

Is there a reason why you can't do as many modifications on an 18K nib? Is it because it's a softer metal?

 

Also, is there a reason why you would go with Nakaya over the Izumo?

 

This morning, I was kind of flip flopping on it. I like the shape of the Izumo better when capped, but not sure I want that big of a pen. The Neo Standard seems like something I can take with me outside without it attracting too much attention.

 

 

I'm not sure where you are located, but if you get to a pen show where nibs.com has a table, they bring Nakaya testers with all their nib sizes and treatments so you can experiment and find the one that is just right for you. As far as I know, they attend the LA Show and possibly San Francisco but you can check directly with them.

 

I set up and sell my extra Nakayas at two shows per year, but also bring them to a number of other shows for people to see. I currently have 18 available in a variety of models, finishes, and nibs. If our paths cross at a show I would be happy to let you try writing with various Nakaya nibs so you can pick one that is right for you. I also have one Izumo that you can compare them to.

 

 

Thanks! I ended up watching a 45 minute video on what to expect from pen shows after reading your comment (the video was by Matt over at The Pen Habit). They look really fun. I might have to attend one this year.

[OmegaMountain]

Is there a reason why you can't do as many modifications on an 18K nib? Is it because it's a softer metal?

 

 

 

Also, is there a reason why you would go with Nakaya over the Izumo?

 

 

 

This morning, I was kind of flip flopping on it. I like the shape of the Izumo better when capped, but not sure I want that big of a pen. The Neo Standard seems like something I can take with me outside without it attracting too much attention.

Yes - 14k nibs will return to shape more readily instead of having memory and/or springing. I think Nakaya pens just feel more hand worked and better finished. The Izumo feels more like a factory pen. I'm not sure if that makes sense. The Izumo is large and oddly shaped but still beautiful. None of these pens are going to attract attention. They don't display the Montblanc star so nobody will recognize them.

[wolavers]

Yes - 14k nibs will return to shape more readily instead of having memory and/or springing. I think Nakaya pens just feel more hand worked and better finished. The Izumo feels more like a factory pen. I'm not sure if that makes sense. The Izumo is large and oddly shaped but still beautiful. None of these pens are going to attract attention. They don't display the Montblanc star so nobody will recognize them.

 

Ah, that makes sense (regading 18K vs 14K)

 

Do you happen to know if the Izumo, in fact, has less handwork than the Nakayas? Aside from the Dorsal Fins, which seem to require more complex lacquering, are the basic aka tamenuri finishes comparable? Is the Izumo a hand turned body? Or is there something else that makes it feel more factory made?

[OmegaMountain]

 

Ah, that makes sense (regading 18K vs 14K)

 

Do you happen to know if the Izumo, in fact, has less handwork than the Nakayas? Aside from the Dorsal Fins, which seem to require more complex lacquering, are the basic aka tamenuri finishes comparable? Is the Izumo a hand turned body? Or is there something else that makes it feel more factory made?

The section is more basic vs the finishing (if you don't get a metal thread model) of the Nakayas. I don't know if there is any difference in how the pens are finished - it's more just a subjective feeling that the Nakaya is a little better polished. The Izumo is a great pen and feels good in the hand. Ultimately, it's probably personal preference, availability and price that are probably the main separators. The makie-e Izumos like the Byakudan is intriguing for the price.

[wolavers]

The section is more basic vs the finishing (if you don't get a metal thread model) of the Nakayas. I don't know if there is any difference in how the pens are finished - it's more just a subjective feeling that the Nakaya is a little better polished. The Izumo is a great pen and feels good in the hand. Ultimately, it's probably personal preference, availability and price that are probably the main separators. The makie-e Izumos like the Byakudan is intriguing for the price.

 

Thanks! Was disappointed to see they're now doing metal threads as well, but maybe I can request the older design.

[Uncial]

The Nakaya pens have the appearance of the urushi having been applied by hand and have a more transparent aspect but the Izumo (like the Sailor finish) looks too even and may be applied by spraying.if you like the more uneven finish then you'll find that with Nakaya. The Izumo will be very precise, so ultimately it would come down to personal preference.

[OmegaMountain]

 

Thanks! Was disappointed to see they're now doing metal threads as well, but maybe I can request the older design.

They still sell both ebonite and metal thread section versions. The metal thread ones are just a bit cheaper.

[biancitwo]

One of my Nakayas has metal threads. Do not discount the beauty, workmanship and satisfaction in a metal thread Nakaya. It is a superb pen. You cannot go wrong with a Nakaya, regardless of the threads.

[dms525]

I have ... I think ... seven Nakayas and one Izumo. I would get the Izumo, if you have limited funds. It is difficult to get only one Nakaya.

 

David

[biancitwo]

I have ... I think ... seven Nakayas and one Izumo. I would get the Izumo, if you have limited funds. It is difficult to get only one Nakaya.

 

David

True. I ordered one Nakaya. Felt guilty till I received it. Loved it, and immediately began plans for a second. Got my second in April, and look forward to a third. It is apparently impossible to be satisfied with only one Nakaya.