Pilot Ecrino

[HDoug]

As far as I can tell, the Pilot Ecrino is a discontinued model, but I had been eyeing the $45 clearance price at World Lux for a while. Don't know why except it seemed to me to be an inexpensive way to get another Pilot nib. I've found that Pilot and I have the same idea of how fine a Fine nib should be, which is Extra Fine. (Actually, I think it should be called Very Fine, or VF, or use the convention of Broad nibs and call if an FF for double fine.)

 

Anyway, when a poster here informed us that World Lux was giving an extra 15% off everything (Feb 29, Leap Day only), and throwing in free shipping, that brought it down to $38. How could I not make the purchase? I don't need another pen, but I was thinking it would be a good one to give away. Now, of course, I want to keep it...

 

http://homepage.mac.com/hdougmatsuoka/images/pen/Ecrino.jpg

 

I was expecting a small pen, but it's actually between the length of a Pelikan M200 and M600 -- closer to the M600 but narrower than both. Very nice looking, conventional design pen. Smooth deep blue plastic, flat ends, ringed here and there and labeled "Ecrino." How can I describe this pen? Well, it's very ecrino. Actually, there is no such word as Ecrino except in reference to this pen, so it may as well do, but to me it sounds like something that has to be surgically removed if your tummy starts hurting too much.

 

I loaded up the supplied converter with Sailor Jentle Blue-Black assuming that a Japanese ink would be able to play well with a Japanese pen. Yes! And the fine was indeed and extra fine, and a very smooth one out of the box -- as smooth as the EF nibs I have from Richard Binder.

 

http://homepage.mac.com/hdougmatsuoka/images/pen/EcrinoNib.JPG

 

So my $38 bought me a good looking, slim, light, smooth writing fountain pen with exactly the kind of nib I like. Makes me feel like a smart guy.

 

Doug

Edited March 16, 2008 by HDoug

[BobR]

Well Doug, you ARE a smart guy for buying such a great pen and giving us a review. I've had one of these stashed away for over a year now without inking it (too many other pens) and this gives me the incentive to try it out. I'm always jealous of your writing in the backgrounds of your pictures.

[griffin2020]

Is there a code to get the discount at World Lux? I was just on the site, had to dig to find the pen, and it goes into the cart at $45 + shipping. I know, it is still a "cheap" price, but anything that can save makes the wife even happier (since she cannot fathom why I even need more than one pen, do not even get into FPs).

[HDoug]

Is there a code to get the discount at World Lux? I was just on the site, had to dig to find the pen, and it goes into the cart at $45 + shipping. I know, it is still a "cheap" price, but anything that can save makes the wife even happier (since she cannot fathom why I even need more than one pen, do not even get into FPs).

 

Oh sorry -- it was a Leap Day only sale. I amended my review with that info...

 

Doug

 

[smithno]

I have several inexpensive Pilot pens and have developed a great liking for their nibs!

[elena]

Am glad you got a good deal, and for such a nice looking pen. When I saw the post about the sale, I went to the website, but because we are 3-4 hours behind in time, Leap Day was over.

 

Great handwriting!

 

[girlieg33k]

Great review, Doug! I have 5 of these pens and discovered them on World Lux's site over a year ago. I have the blue version in all the nibs available: F, M, and B. I have the red version in F and M. At that price, I had to get the two colours available (at the time), and of course in various nibs. I love these pens! They were already on clearance when I got them -- but you scored with the Leap Day sale. Yay!

[garyc]

Amazon.com are showing these for $35, no idea what the shipping is, as they (reseller is the same people - World Lux) won't ship outside the US. Google also showed up Ross pens (first time I've encountered that site, but been going a while by the look) who have a Navy blue for $40 inc S/H. One ebay hopeful is looking to sell a pen+ball+pencil set for $125 or best offer. Seems like you lucky guys is .com land should grab 'em while you can at $35.

 

Still waiting for my Bamboo to show up ...

[griffin2020]

I got mine today from World Lux. I immediately inked it up with PR Orange Crush. I think that I need to put a more freely flowing ink in (maybe Supershow Electric Blue. I am in awe of the fineness of the point on this pen.

 

 

[Margana]

Can anyone compare the Ecrino to the Prera?

[oakm]

I love the pictures you have provided here. You really make me feel like I need to get a bottle of Sailor Jentle Blue-Black for my Ecrino experience to be complete.