Danitrio Takumi Raw Ebonite

[MYU]

Danitrio Takumi Raw Ebonite

 

Introduction

I had been lusting after a raw ebonite pen for some time, but there were two things holding me back:

1) Finding one on sale, and 2) Deciding on the pen size.

 

Danitrio offers a number of different pen sizes. Here is a small chart to give you an idea of how they compare:

 

SizeCap Len.Cap Dia.Barrel Len.Barrel Dia.Cap Closed

Genkai75 mm20 mm152 mm18 mm173 mm

Mikado73 mm20 mm140 mm19 mm163 mm

Densho68 mm17 mm133 mm15 mm150 mm

Takumi68 mm18 mm130 mm16 mm147 mm

Hanryo65 mm15 mm125 mm13.5 mm142 mm

 

Judging from other pens I have that are on the large side, I wasn't sure if I'd be happy with a Mikado... perhaps it might be too big. The Densho seemed to be a little more my speed, but still--I wasn't totally sure about it. The Takumi would be slightly larger than my Delta Maasai, both in length and width, so I felt that this would be the best size for me. Winedoc offered up another sale and THIS time I was lucky enough to spot it before all the pens were gone (a typical winedoc Danitrio sale problem!) and get a Takumi. I wanted to get a polished ebonite version, but all he had left were raw ones. Yet, I'm VERY glad I got a raw one.

______________________________________________________________________

1. First Impressions (08/10) – The pen comes in an unbranded plain wooden box, one I've seen commonly used with other pens. It wasn't made for this pen, as it didn't quite fit in the cutouts. But hey--I do not plan to leave this pen in a box, so this was not something I was concerned about. Winedoc included his usual business card, personally addressed. Incidentally, his service is impeccable. Never hesitate buying from him. So, I open the box and there's this deep rich black pen with the DANITRIO embossed chrome clip (I love this combination, much more than black and gold). It's all very understated, until...

   http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t154/MYU701/pens/Danitrio/Danitrio_Takumi_RawEbonite_capped.jpg

   (Note: this is the same pen, just taken at different distances. I probably should have included another pen for comparison.)

   …

2. Appearance & Design (09/10) – This pen is formidable in the hand. It's not the biggest size around, but it feels substantial. The raw ebonite does have a smooth matte finish, and if you rub it with the oils in your skin, it takes on a nice luster. Not polished, yet not flat matte black. Maybe satin? Whatever the case, I love this look. It also has that classic ebonite smell to it, while not being overbearing. The clip is cut directly into the ebonite cap and is rather stiff. My clip was slightly out of alignment, but I was able to bend it to a near perfect position. The threading is very smooth and feels solid. It does take a full 4 turns to remove the cap, and 6 turns to remove the section from the barrel, which is quite a bit more than I'm used to. But in a way, I like it... it adds to the solid feel of the pen. The good thing is that the threads are very tight, so it is unlikely you'll touch them while writing. NOTE: The design of the cap does not permit it to be posted to the barrel. However, the barrel is long enough that posting is not required--the pen feels fine without the cap.

   http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t154/MYU701/pens/Danitrio/Danitrio_Takumi_RawEbonite_thicknes.jpg

   …

3. Weight & Dimensions (10/10) – It looks heavy, but thankfully due to the ebonite construction it is lighter than it looks. It's probably one of the better weighted pens for the size that I now own. The ebonite is quite thick, too. Talk about a sturdy feel! Dimensions are shown in the table above, although my pen is actually closer to 148mm in length.

   …

4. Nib & Performance (08/10) – The nib is the classic Danitrio two-tone 18kt flame stamped type. Mine is a smooth flexible fine... I'd say it's more of a semi-flex nib, though. If you write with light pressure, you get a nice fine line. However, with a little more pressure, the ink flow increases and a denser line is achieved (perhaps more pressure would result in a thicker line). I believe the feed is also made of ebonite. It is nicely designed, with an interesting beveled cut to it. I do enjoy the nib... it's not the best I've had but certainly better than IPG. I think as I used it more, I'll become more accustomed to its characteristics.

   http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t154/MYU701/pens/Danitrio/Danitrio_Takumi_RawEbonite_nib2.jpg

   http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t154/MYU701/pens/Danitrio/Danitrio_Takumi_RawEbonite_nib1.jpg

   http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t154/MYU701/pens/Danitrio/Danitrio_Takumi_RawEbonite_feed.jpg

   http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t154/MYU701/pens/Danitrio/Danitrio_Takumi_RawEbonite_writing.jpg

   (I should probably have said "nice contrast", as the semi-flex allows line density change more than line width variations.)

   …

5. Filling System (09/10) – I've always wanted an eye dropper, but unfortunately the Takumi size only comes with a cartridge converter filling mechanism. Thankfully, it works very well. The included "Trio" converter holds as much ink as a Parker or Waterman piston converter. The design of the pen can accommodate conversion to an ED style filling system (remove the converter and install an O-ring). Some people have reported good success doing this, despite the lack of a shutoff valve.

   http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t154/MYU701/pens/Danitrio/Danitrio_Takumi_RawEbonite_uncapped.jpg

   …

6. Cost & Value (09/10) – I don't recall the original MSRP on these... but I suspect it's somewhere in the mid 200's. I got mine on sale and consider it a very good value. These Danitrio ebonite pens are extremely well made.

   …

7. Conclusion (Final score [54]: 9) – I'm very impressed with Danitrio. I wasn't all that enamored with the Cum Laude that I purchased a couple of years ago, as the threading was very rough and usage nor lubrication made it any better. But on these raw ebonite pens, the threading is excellent. I tend to post my pens and at first I was dismayed I couldn't do it with this Takumi, but in actuality the length would be too unwieldy. I've now become accustomed to using unposted and it's great. If the Maki-e pens use the same ebonite and thickness, I'm definitely going to get one at some point. I really don't like large pens that are super light... but the Takumi raw ebonite is beautifully weighted. And last but not least, Winedoc is a real pleasure to deal with.

   …

Edited March 6, 2009 by MYU

[hari317]

Thank you Gary for a detailed review. Looking at the section threads, I think it may be possible to use this pen as ED as well, without the flow control valve of course. Can you post some pictures of the ebonite feeder too, just for my curiosity, only if possible. Also is there a white rhodium patch on the NI in DANITRIO imprint on the nib?

 

Regards,

Hari

 

[MYU]

Hi Hari,

 

Yes, it could be used as an ED given the thorough threading, but without a shutoff valve I'd be leery. Also, I don't know if the inside of the barrel is machined... if rough, it would be a nightmare trying to clean it out. Good point about the feed--I should have photographed it. It's actually very nicely done and wicks away moisture very easily. There isn't a white patch on the "NI"... that's just a trick of the light combined with a little tarnish. Remember, those nibs shots are extreme magnification.

~Gary

 

Thank you Gary for a detailed review. Looking at the section threads, I think it may be possible to use this pen as ED as well, without the flow control valve of course. Can you post some pictures of the ebonite feeder too, just for my curiosity, only if possible. Also is there a white rhodium patch on the NI in DANITRIO imprint on the nib?

 

Regards,

Hari

[OboeJuan]

Hi Hari,

 

Yes, it could be used as an ED given the thorough threading, but without a shutoff valve I'd be leery. Also, I don't know if the inside of the barrel is machined... if rough, it would be a nightmare trying to clean it out.

 

 

 

Hi. I just thought that I would comment on the ED thing. I got my Octagon last week (also not an ED) but Kevin sent me an o ring for it (I am sure you can get them at the hardware store) and I have been using it as an ED ever since. No problems with leaking and the line is a bit wetter than it was in the converter. Very much to my taste. I thought that it might leave ink in the cap but so far, nothing. I have also cleaned it out and changed the ink a couple of times and it is no more difficult than the Densho and Mikado. I don't think the innards of the Densho and Mikado are smoothed or anything. Try it. You might like it. I certainly favour the increased ink capacity.

 

Oh. Nice review!

 

Kathryn

 

 

[FrankB]

Thank you for a good review.

 

I am a serious fan of the raw ebonite Dani pens. I have four in various sizes, and I swear by them. They all write excellently, and I have had zero problems with any of them. I sincerely hope the raw ebonite series makes a come back.

 

I am glad you like your Takumi. If your experience is like mine, the pen will grow on you.

[Doug C]

I have been thinking that a Takumi might be my third Dani. Neither of mine have a clip, and it would be nice to have one to carry in my pocket.

 

It would be great if someone would post a picture of a Takumi along side a Densho and/or a Mikado.

 

 

Great looking pen........

[ianmedium]

I really like the simplicity of this pen, the raw ebonite is really really lovely! I agree with others, It would be great to have more raw ebonite pens, it is a really lovely material!

[QM2]

Yay, I am so glad that you finally have a Danitrio!

 

I have the same Mutant Cucumber, only with the flexi nib reground to a .28mm.

 

The combination of the large size, the raw ebonite texture, and the curved section, make this an extremely comfortable pen to use for long writing sessions.

 

Enjoy!

QM2

 

http://queenmargot.com/dani_raw2.jpg

 

http://queenmargot.com/dani_raw5.jpg

[MYU]

Thanks, QM2 -- never thought of one of these as a cucumber... certainly would be mutant as there's no trace of green in mine. Nice shots with that green (cashmere?) sweater background.

 

Wow, 0.28mm is extremely small. Who did the work for you? I'm addicted to fine stubs... and I'm very tempted to get this one reground at some point. I'm going to give it some more time before I do it, though, as I should keep some diversity in my nib range.

[devjeethensh]

SUPERB !!! (review and writing sample)

 

I would like to share that my Raw Ebonite DENSHO is on it's way to me(first Dani) and i am having sleepless nights . I had a difficult time deciding between the Takumi and Densho and eventually pulled the trigger for Densho because of it's unique ED filler system , which has a valve which can act both as an Shutoff Valve as well as a Flow Regulation valve . From your pictures , i find that the converter is perhaps one of the biggest i have seen and thus even Dani's CC filler pens will have a generous capacity (plus the option of checking ink level) .

 

Can anybody confirm if the size of nib on Densho is same as the Takumi . Also , can somebody post or point me towards a Flexy Fine nib writing sample.

Thanks , in advance.

 

regards,

 

Dev

Edited March 6, 2009 by MYU
remove full quotation

[QM2]

Thanks, QM2 -- never thought of one of these as a cucumber... certainly would be mutant as there's no trace of green in mine. Nice shots with that green (cashmere?) sweater background.

 

Wow, 0.28mm is extremely small. Who did the work for you? I'm addicted to fine stubs... and I'm very tempted to get this one reground at some point. I'm going to give it some more time before I do it, though, as I should keep some diversity in my nib range.

 

plain old merino wool sweater from Benetton I am afraid : ) I liked the texture of it next to the ebonite.

 

Richard Binder reground this nib about a year and a half ago. The combination of the flex and the "Accountant" point make the nib perfect for writing lenghty notes at work; while the ergonomics of the pen itself prevent hand fatigue.

 

 

[gyrosan]

Lovely review, MYU. Thank you very much!

 

Regards,

gyrosan

[katfisch]

Why is it, when I look at this gorgeous pen, I get an irresistible urge to go bowling???

Bizarre.

[GeeTee]

Great review. I have exactly the same pen and i feel the same way about it. Although its a big pen it seems to be the perfect size. The nib is wondeful but it would be nice if it was a little finer.

[Heirphoto]

I did a quick web search for these but am having trouble finding a dealer online. Any suggestions?

 

 

Tony

[jlepens]

I did a quick web search for these but am having trouble finding a dealer online. Any suggestions?

 

 

Tony

 

 

PM Winedoc here. He is the dealer er... representative of Danitrio.

[Doug C]

I would like to share that my Raw Ebonite DENSHO is on it's way to me(first Dani) and i am having sleepless nights . I had a difficult time deciding between the Takumi and Densho and eventually pulled the trigger for Densho because of it's unique ED filler system , which has a valve which can act both as an Shutoff Valve as well as a Flow Regulation valve . From your pictures , i find that the converter is perhaps one of the biggest i have seen and thus even Dani's CC filler pens will have a generous capacity (plus the option of checking ink level) .

 

Can anybody confirm if the size of nib on Densho is same as the Takumi . Also , can somebody post or point me towards a Flexy Fine nib writing sample.

Thanks , in advance.

 

regards,

 

Dev

Dev,

I'll let others speak to this as far as their experiences go, but with regard to the ED shutoff valve ((I used to have a Densho, and now have a Mikado (also have a Mae West but that is CC)), mine is not quite as adjustable as it sounds. It is not like opening your kitchen faucet, and making it either a flood or a trickle.

 

The fine I have is pretty much a fine no matter what. It is just a little wetter full open. I don't believe there is currently a Dani that will give you the needlepoint line that a Nakaya will. On the flip side, to me the Dani's have more character.

 

My Mikado fine (not a soft fine) still has a bit of flex, but is not tough to use.

 

I just now realized that while there are many people on FPN that have said they don't like the feel of a Pelikan 1000 due to the size of its nib, I have never seen a Mikado/Genkai owner mention this.

Edited March 6, 2009 by MYU

[mava]

Congrats on a lovely workhorse with the classic Danitrio pedigree. Great review MYU!

[devjeethensh]

Dev,

I'll let others speak to this as far as their experiences go, but with regard to the ED shutoff valve ((I used to have a Densho, and now have a Mikado (also have a Mae West but that is CC)), mine is not quite as adjustable as it sounds. It is not like opening your kitchen faucet, and making it either a flood or a trickle.

 

The fine I have is pretty much a fine no matter what. It is just a little wetter full open. I don't believe there is currently a Dani that will give you the needlepoint line that a Nakaya will. On the flip side, to me the Dani's have more character.

 

My Mikado fine (not a soft fine) still has a bit of flex, but is not tough to use.

 

I just now realized that while there are many people on FPN that have said they don't like the feel of a Pelikan 1000 due to the size of its nib, I have never seen a Mikado/Genkai owner mention this.

 

Thanks for the clarification . It tells me that the valve is more of a Safety Shutoff valve than a Flow regulation valve and i think that's what it was primarily designed for . This would be my first Dani and judging by their popularity i am very excited .

 

I think the Densho nib is smaller than the one used on Takumi , Mikado and Genkai . Please correct me if i am wrong.

 

regards,

 

Dev

Edited March 6, 2009 by devjeethensh

[mava]

I think the Densho nib is smaller than the one used on Takumi , Mikado and Genkai . Please correct me if i am wrong.

 

regards,

 

Dev[/b]

 

The Densho nib is the same as the Takumi and Octagon. Mikado and Genkai use an even larger nib.