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  1. 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!
  2. Hey fellow FPNers, I recently got into 3D printing and have started designing my own things to be printed and one of them has been a pen holder. I thought I would share it with you guys as you would appreciate this. Notice I've populated the holder with a pen each of the "big 3" of Japanese fountain pen companies, can you name all the pens? (bonus points if you can name the 4th fountain pen in the picture, though it is hard to tell because of the photo quality) It's not exactly a traditional katana holder design, as they usually don't have as many bridging ribs or an ornamental top but I thought I would take some artistic/engineering licence with it. It is designed to be modular, so that I can add or take away or add as many spots for holding pens as needed as they just slot into each other. I currently only have green plastic at home to use but I was thinking or reprinting it at my uni's printers in brown or black and colouring into the text in with a metallic gold marker. What colour do you think would look best? The characters on top are not actually Japanese (though it would be interesting for someone to tell me what it could be translated from if it were read as kanji) but my Chinese name, I thought it would give it a bit more of an eastern/oriental look to it.
  3. Hi Everyone, Does anyone know anything about this pen, it does not show up on the Japanese pens list. It's a Japanese eyedropper with Bunshodo Pen stamped on the barrel. The nib says Stenographer, in the world, pointed hardest, Platinum <15>. Interestingly the nib says Platinum, is this an old Platinum pen? Or just the nib? The clip looks like an old Pilot clip but is not stamped Pilot. This is a good size pen as compared to my Sailor Pro-Gear. Any information would be appreciated. Pen_Padawan
  4. Hi Everyone, I have a vintage japanese eyedropper with no name but trying to learn more about it. There is no company markings but the nib says, Special, hardest point, 3 A. The clip is rather unique and so is the cap band. This pen is on the small size as compared to my Sailor Pro-Gear. Any information or similar pens in your collection would be appreciated. Pen_Padawan
  5. Vintagepens

    "carving" Brand Fountain Pens

    Over the years I've run across a handful of vintage Japanese pens bearing the Carving name. I can find no reference to it in any of the books I have consulted, nor does there seem to be any relevant mentions in this forum. Does anyone out there know more about the Carving company?
  6. Dear FPN, I am trying to learn more about this pen stamped Koshin. It is a Japanese eyedropper with sealing rod. The barrel is marked: Koshin / Made in Japan. The nib is marked: Warranted / Hardest / Iridium / <1> / Special / Pen. Interestlingly the section on this pen is in two pieces. Any information on this mystery pen would be appreciated. Pen_Padawan
  7. Hi FPN, I am trying to find some history on this pen stamped Bunmeisha. It is a Japanese eyedropper with sealing rod. The barrel is marked Bunmeisha / Tokyo. The barrel is black lacquer. The nib is stamped: Special's / Zion Yiu / Hardest / Iridiumpen / -3-. I did not see Bunmeisha under the topic: Pen Manufacturers Current and Past, so does anyone know anything about this pen? Thanks in advance for the education. Pen_Padawan
  8. InkyAddiction

    Your Favorite Japanese Inks?

    Hello FPN. My first post here, and a bit of a crosspost from /r/fountainpens, but I figured I would tap your infinite wisdom while I can! I'm currently in Japan, and have picked up quite a few inks so far: Iroshizuku Tsuki-YoBung Box Sapphire "First Love"Bung Box Kabayaki Hamanako EelCustom Green Sailor ink for Morita Pen Shop in OsakaSailor Maruzen Eternal BlueKWZ Ink IG TurquoiseKobe Ink #6 BordeauxKobe Ink #44 Seaside HomeSailor Jently Yama-DoriANYWAYS, while my wallet is crying no, my fountain pens are crying yes, so I'm turning to you guys: If you were in Japan right now, what inks(obviously ones that I haven't gotten yet) would you get/recommend. Would love to hear your guy's opinions! Side note, Iroshizuku is so(relatively) crazy cheap here! Like $14 a bottle.
  9. Hi All, First time posting on here. I have recently become fascinated with the fountain pen and paper realm. Curious if anyone has seen my dream notebook? !!WANTED!! B5 Threadbound Hardcover 90+ sheets FP Friendly paper (obvious no?) Dot Grid Multiple ribbons Numbered pages 81 - 100 gsm 10-20 perforated pages If not? How do I find a manufacturer to create this unicorn notebook? I appreciate all your advice in advance. Best, Oscar
  10. http://i.imgur.com/R9qfTpB.jpg *I apologize for the poor quality iPhone photos taken in my poorly-lit apartment -- I'll borrow a dSLR to get some decent ones before I do a full review. After 13 months my Hakase is finally here! Since I ordered it last December, I've been anxiously awaiting this little ebonite barrel with a cocobolo shell. My model is called CW15C, which stands for cocobolo wood, large size nib, flat-top and solid 14kt pyramid barrel stopper band (no plating here!) For those unfamiliar with Hakase, I'd highly recommend watching the Masters of Fountain Pen series video on Harumi Tanaka. The current craftsman of Hakase is Ryo Yamamoto but he builds pens using the same techniques as Harumi Tanaka, who retired 6 or 7 years ago. Since I ordered it last December, I've been anxiously awaiting this little ebonite barrel with a cocobolo shell. I was so excited to receive it when I checked the tracking to find it was out for delivery yesterday but I wasn't home to sign for it. Today, in between appointments, I rushed to the post office, where I almost had to leave before getting my package so I wouldn't be late to class. Not entirely relevant, but I think some FP-users might appreciate this: On Tuesdays, the novelist Salman Rushdie is my professor and I think he's an FP user! Today, he was holding on to what looked like a vintage vest pen. I didn't see him uncap it but I'm fairly certain it was a vintage FP. I'm going to have to ask him about it next week, if he brings the same pen. http://i.imgur.com/6fGCwto.jpg Arrived in the pretty wrapping paper. http://i.imgur.com/kcO9APs.jpg The nibs on the large size Hakase pens are #15 size Pilot nibs, with the Hakase double-nib logo embossed on it. Similar to the nib on the Custom 823, Custom 845 and several other pens. The smaller Hakase pens use either a #10 Pilot nib or a Sailor nib. http://i.imgur.com/U2we1XT.jpg Box is just like the pawlonia wood boxes used for Nakaya and Danitrio pens. The calligraphy on the box is supposedly done by Ryo's mother. http://i.imgur.com/iQPsQOL.jpg The pen came with a Con-70 converter and was wrapped in very delicate tissue paper. http://i.imgur.com/tj4Fzak.jpg Not sure how many leads the cap has but at least one of them causes the grain to line up when capped. I know Hakase does the same pattern matching on their clipped pens, so the finial of the wood or ebonite matches that of the main part of the cap. The wood has an oil/wax finish and feels wonderful to the touch. The cocobolo blank Ryo chose is incredibly beautiful with a gorgeous grain pattern. http://i.imgur.com/CneyRtV.jpg Nib is about equal to a #6 size nib. From top: Danitrio Mikado, Edison Pearl, Hakase CW15C, Hooligan kingwood/titanium pen. http://i.imgur.com/nXjS9Ei.jpg From top: Danitrio Mikado, Eboya Kyouka (medium-size), Hakase CW15C, Hooligan kingwood/titanium pen, Edison Pearl. Now to ink this up ....
  11. I am relatively new to the fountianpenworld and I've been lurking in the low range section for quite a while and I decided to step up get some mid range fountain pens. I got most of my pens from Goulet but my biggest problem with Goulet is that Im not in amerika Im actually not even in the Eu, I live in switzerland which makes the shipping costs a real pain in the ass (last itme I paid 30US Dollar for the shipping) I decided to get a Pilot Custom 74 and a Stella 90s thats when I discovered Japan import via Amazon. The pens sold on Amazon are really way cheaper for me than buying them from Goulet I got my Custom 74 from a Japanese seller JSUBCULTURE it arrived today it didnt come with the original packaging nor the con 70 but it seems legit. I bought it for less than half the price i would pay at Goulets or any other American retailer. I was wondering what is your go-to-seller for japanese fountain pens if you're on a budget?
  12. As per the request of Sailor Kenshin, a review of Noodler's Squeteague - on Rhodia dotPad N°16 paper - with a TWSBI Diamond 580, medium nib - from a 2 ml sample Moderate shading: Noodler's Black < Noodler's 54th Massachusetts < Noodler's Squeteague < Noodler's Navajo Turquoise front: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7311/8975678076_e79efb00dc_o.jpg Noodler's Squeteague by jakoblwells, on Flickr back: http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5326/8975704972_9a0d4c4e11_c.jpg Noodler's Squeteague [back] by jakoblwells, on Flickr rough draft, front: http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3705/8977234977_1fc5cb4758_o.jpg Noodler's Squeteague, rough draft by jakoblwells, on Flickr rough draft, back: http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2854/8978428820_07de65b6fe_o.jpg Noodler's Squeteague, rough draft [back] by jakoblwells, on Flickr
  13. We are glad to announce two Namiki Yukari fountain pens will also launch this upcoming November 2016. Discover the new Namiki Yukari Milky Way and Namiki Yukari Shooting Stars! Namiki Yukari Milky Way This fountain pen is inspired by the mythical and mysterious Milky Way giving a touch of modernity to a refined design that will make the writer dream. On the barrel we can find the Lyra constellation, which is located on the northern hemisphere and dominated by the bright Vega. The cap shows the Aquila constellation and its main star Altair, which are located near the celestial equator. Hira Maki-e gold powder streaks, are scattered elegantly around the pens black urushi lacquer body representing how the Milky Way crosses the night sky. The Shu-kanshitsu Maki-e technique sprinkles dry vermilion lacquer particles enhancing the design. Stars are represented by small gold, silver and mother of pearl circles finely cut in shellfish using the Raden technique. The amazing shades they feature are achieved due to a very special technique: Fuse-zaishikim. This technique colors the back of the shell pieces to be encrusted so that the color combines by transparency with its iridescent aspect. Namiki Shooting Stars Your wishes will have more chances of being fulfilled with this amazing Yukari dedicated to shooting stars. This fountain pen features two innovative techniques, added to the usual Maki-e. The planets in the galaxy are created by using inlays of small gold, silver and mother pearl circles. This last ones are finely cut in shellfish using the Raden technique. The Fuse-zaishiki technique, which we explained on the Namiki Yukari Milky Way, is also used to give these pieces their amazing shades. The bright trails of shootings stars are skillfully designed by trajectories of silver flakes due to Gin-birame, the second innovative technique. Both fountain pens will be available this upcoming November. For further information, or pre-orders do not hesitate to contact us via info@iguanasell.com Enjoy a sneak-peak at these amazing novelties below!
  14. Pencilcaseblog

    Pilot Justus 95 Review

    -This review is an adapted version of the one that can be found on my personal blog (www.pencilcaseblog.com). Visit my blog for more pictures, a copy of the written review and of course many other pen, pencil, paper and ink reviews. Enjoy the review! (Pilot Justus 95 review: http://www.pencilcaseblog.com/2014/10/pilot-justus-95.html )- The Pilot Justus 95 is what looks like a pretty simple, typical Japanese fountain pen. The design can be found -more or less- on a couple of other Japanese pens, such as the Sailor Pro-Gear. Or at least, that's what it looks like at first! Take a closer look, and you'll see that this Japanese beauty is far from mainstream! Not only are there a few design elements that really stand out, what's found under the cap is like nothing I've seen before! The overall shape is pretty much exactly the same as the previously mentioned Sailor Pro-gear. But the barrel and cap feature a very nice, classic-looking engraved pattern, something you'd expect on a vintage pen. The pattern is fairly subtle, you won't notice it from afar, but look closely and you'll see how intricate the line pattern is! The Justus is a pretty big pen, coming close to what I would call oversized! The nib is very narrow, but long, I guess it can be categorised as a number six size. It's also quite a well-weighted pen, though this time it's not the cap that takes care of the weight. The section seems to be the heaviest part, it has metal threads, so I guess most of it is metal, with a resin layer on top. The weighted section makes it very well-balanced, even when posted (which makes it ridiculously long) it stays perfectly balanced and very comfortable to use! The Justus is incredibly well-built and feels very solid. I know this sounds vague, but some resin pens feel brittle and cheap. This one definitely doesn't! I couldn't find any seams at all, which deserves a thumbs up! Yay! I really like the design of this pen, I actually even like the gold trims (Which I normally never do!). The pen has a retro feeling to it, due to the engraved barrel and cap, so the gold accents fit the overall style perfectly! But enough about the design, because let's face it: you won't buy this one for the looks! The main attraction is the 14k gold adjustable nib. The general principle is to have a nib that acts both as a non-flex and as a semi-flex writer. The desired effect is created by twisting the ring in the grip section to the left or the right. The small clip-like piece of metal will either extend or retract into the section. In extended position, it pushes down on the tines of the nib, giving it a bit more rigidity. On paper, it all looks very promising. But you shouldn't expect a whole lot of difference between the two options. In fact, there's no real difference at all! The semi-flex nib doesn't actually get stiffer, it just requires a bit more pressure to flex. The writing performance does change ever so slightly though, mainly the flow is affected. It writes a hair wetter when in 'flex mode', which also results in a slightly thicker line width (even without any pressure! You can probably see the difference in the written review, where the first few lines of the 'overall' paragraph are written in 'flex mode') In flex mode, you can get quite a decent amount of line width variation, however in my eyes the Pilot Falcon (Another pen that can be considered semi-flex) has a bit more springyness to it. Other than that, the nib is very enjoyable to write with, it's smooth, though with a noticeable amount of feedback. The flow is excellent, not as wet as I expected, but still capable of keeping up with ease. It never skipped or had a hard start. The line width of the medium nib seems to be comparable to western mediums, maybe even a hair thicker at times ( probably because of the soft nib). I might have preferred a fine nib because it would most likely show more line width variation, but I really can't complain as this medium performs extremely well! Is this a pen you should get? Yes! Pilot managed to deliver a very nice, extremely well-built pen with an equally nice and interesting nib. If you have the 300 Euros/ 315 USDollars to spend, this is a great way to enlighten your wallet! Dries ThePencilCaseBlog http://www.pencilcaseblog.com
  15. In 1911, Mr. Kyugoro Sakata, an engineer from Hiroshima in Japan, was introduced to the fountain pen. Mr. Sakata was so intrigued by the design and function of the pen he decided to begin a company to craft the finest writing instruments in the world. In honor of his British friend, he chose to name the company Sailor Pen. The Sailor Pen Company has maintained this heritage of quality and technical perfection over the years. Apart from offering very well made pens, the company has employed an ink master - pure genius who's managed to create greates fountain pen inks ever (it's my opinion not validated by research but shared by many of us). I would guess that during the years Sailor created approximately 600-800 inks (most of them under other names). One of internatioonally available line of Sailor inks is Sailor Jentle line. At the moment we have two of them. The new one reintroduces colors that were missed by hundreds of geeks. I'vwe bought full line of new Jentle inks and I'll review them all in following weeks. The inks are: Chu-shu Fuji-musume Irori Kin-mokusei Rikyu-cha Sakura-mori Waka-uguisu Yuki-akari Today I'll say few words about the tink I enjot due to its freshness Fuji-musume Fuji-musume means ("Wisteria Maiden"), is a famous classical dance out of the Kabuki theater in Japan. It was first performed in 1826 as one of a set of five dances. The figure of the wisteria maiden first came from the town of Otsu on the shores of Lake Biwa, where folk art called Otsu-e were sold as souvenirs. The wisteria maiden was the most famous of them. Sailor Fuji-musume is a light pastel violet that I strongly dislike. Maybe it's not an affront to the eyes but this color wasn't made for me. In terms of wrtiting performance Fuji-musume won't disappoint almost anyone unless water resistance is of importance for you. In this case you won't be pleased. After a while in water the text simply disappears. It was very easy to clean from TWSBI. Drops of ink on kitchen towel Color ID Color range Tomoe River, Kaweco AL Sport, broad nib Leuchtturm1917, Kaweco AL Sport, broad nib Kokuyo Campus Myo, TWSBI 580, stub 1,1 No-name notebook, TWSBI 580, stub 1,1 Midori MD, Kaweco Sport, B Oxford Optic, Twsbi 580, stub 1,1 Water resistance
  16. The 2016 new Namiki Emperor Maki-e Maneki-Neko is now available! The Limited Edition is decorated by Masaru Hayashi, a Japanese artisan, using the Maki-e technique. On the decorations we can find a Maneki-neko, a dressed cat with a lifted paw which symbolizes fortune, good luck and is used as a talisman to keep houses safe. This symbol is created using the Taka Maki-e technique. The fountain pen also features other symbols such as a Senryo-bako, which was used for many years to store gold coins, a mallet of luck and a pine, bamboo and plum tree. All of these figures which adorn the cat's background are created using the Togidashi Maki-e technique. A finish in golden lavish gives the final touch to this amazing masterpiece. With only 99 pieces worldwide, this fountain pen has a 18K solid gold nib available in F, M and B nibs. The fountain pen comes in a Limited Edition packaging replicating the original Senryo-nako. This gift box includes a Limited Edition numbered plate, shaped as one of the golden coins drawn on the fountain pen and a Oh-iri-bukuro with a five-yen coin. Lastly, the trees which were drawn on the fountain pen's body are also featured in the ink bottle's cap. Be the first to order your fountain pen by sending an email to info@iguanasell.com Enjoy some pictures of this masterpiece below!
  17. Hello fellow FPN members!! After getting a few nice pens (pilot c74, platinum 3776, Laban Mento with Pendleton Nib...) I've decided to delve into a pen that really connects with me. I love Japanese pens as they seem to all be made entirely in-house and I love pens that are completely unique. I remember finding out that Bock and Yowo nibs were almost exclusively the nibs used in the West and my idea of Western pens falling a bit because of it. Don't get me wrong; they make great nibs! However, I'd like something a bit more... unique. So, I've narrowed my listings down to some insane grail pens that I absolutely want. They vary quite a bit in price but I'd like your opinion on what I should get. What I want is something with a soft nib, a very smooth writing experience and easily transportable to college. Because I will be bringing them to school, it would be nice to have a cheaper pen but I won't complain too much if it ends up being more expensive. I'd like to stay within a budget of $1600. Here are my favorite findings: Aurora Optima Auroloide ($495) Pelikan M800 ($609) Visconti Homo Sapiens London Fog ($796) Sailor King of Pen Pro Gear ($816) Danitrio Densho Shu-dame ($1040) Nakaya Decapod twist w/ 'sm' Two-Tone nib and Elastic Finishing ($1050) Namiki Yukari Royale Vermillion Urushi ($1200) I really love two-tone, beautiful and intricate nibs! Maybe even more than how the pen body itself looks at times Thanks for all further feedback!
  18. Uncial

    Translation

    臆 病 者
  19. I'm thinking of making some Tomoe River pads and/or notebooks? What would you like to see here in the UK and in Europe. Open to suggestion. A4? A5? Pads? Bound notepad? Let me know your thoughts..
  20. Eboya Kyouka, medium-size, Ink-stop filling mechanism So I’ve had my Eboya Kyouka for about a month now and figured it was time for a review. http://i.imgur.com/G9TUbRj.jpg http://i.imgur.com/D5PtVBn.jpg I first learned about Eboya fountain pens earlier this year, when it was announced that John Mottishaw would be carrying them on his site. Though Eboya has been making pens for several years now, up until this point, they have only sold pen in Japan, outside of the occasional foreign pen show. http://i.imgur.com/BmQsYSr.jpg The logo machine-engraved into the barrel. The first thing that struck me about Eboya was the unique designs they have. Their designs, like the Kyouka and bamboo-like Ricchiku, aren’t found often in modern pen companies. My own pen tastes lean towards the simple: clipless, minimal or nonexistent trim, flat-tops, monochromatic nibs. The Kyouka immediately grabbed my interest. http://i.imgur.com/mSTlCPC.jpg Comparison with other pens. From top: Lamy Safari, Lamy 2000, Eboya Kyouka (medium-size), Pilot Vanishing Point. http://i.imgur.com/St1cu50.jpg The ink-stop mechanism's sealing rod is visible when the barrel is unscrewed. After a few weeks of trying to find more information about Eboya and review of their pens and largely not succeeding, I decided to pull the trigger on a Kyouka from Nibs.com. Since my specific choice wasn’t in stock with them, it had to be a special-order. I was told it’d be 4-6 months but could be longer. It took 7 months. The ordering process was smooth, and Nibs.com packaged it perfectly. http://i.imgur.com/Zu1soqW.jpg Ebonite feed. Aside from the unique designs Eboya has available, the other interesting aspect of their fountain pens is the range of filling-systems they offer. In addition to the typical cartridge-converter, you can order your pen as a button-filler or a Japanese eyedropper (eyedropper with shut-off valve). I chose the Japanese eyedropper for my pen. http://i.imgur.com/i1gLp8w.jpg Comparison with other pens. From top: Nakaya Piccolo, Romillo Eo #9, Shawn Newton Orville (medium-size), Eboya (medium-size), Edison Pearl, Danitrio Flat-Top Mikado. http://i.imgur.com/8ZCs9a4.jpg Blind cap unscrewed. Japanese eyedroppers are presently made only by three companies Danitrio, Namiki, and Eboya. Eboya offers the filling system at a much lower price than the other two manufacturers. The system has an internal reservoir, with a sealing rod running through it. When the blind cap is screwed on, the sealing rod prevents ink from going to the feed. When the blind cap is unscrewed slightly, ink can flow properly. In my experience owning two Japanese eyedropper pens (a Danitrio Mikado and this Eboya Kyouka), it’s a wonderful system with a huge ink capacity and virtually leak-proof. I’m definitely a fan. Diagram of Eboya Japanese eyedropper system. http://imgur.com/Dlcu3sR In the top, the blind cap is unscrewed, allowing ink to flow to the feed. In the pen under that, the blind cap is screwed on, resulting the in sealing rod cutting off ink flow. http://i.imgur.com/dgaNBe9.jpg Ink-stop mechanism. Kanesaki handcrafts all Eboya pens out of ebonite. Eboya is a subsidiary of Nikko-Ebonite, the only ebonite manufacturer in Japan that supplies most of the major Japanese pen companies with ebonite as well as custom penmakers around the world. The pens are available in numerous mottled ebonites and a couple rippled ebonite patterns. http://i.imgur.com/LqgPGyE.jpg Ink-stop mechanism and inside of the section. My pen is in a red/black mottled ebonite in the Kyouka model. It’s a somewhat softened flat-top at both ends with part of the blind cap narrowing to facilitate posting. While the pen does post very securely, and the ebonite cap is light enough to not make the pen back-heavy, it felt overly long to me when posted. I always used the pen the the unposted position, which is my prefered way to write. http://i.imgur.com/nNdTe2a.jpg Sealing rod which has just had silicone grease applied to it. The Kyouka model’s design is based off a classic pen: Onoto The Pen. The design was hugely influential on vintage Japanese pen companies. Onoto the Pen http://i.imgur.com/k7hvvWv.jpg Does the design look familiar? http://i.imgur.com/IykN4S8.jpg Eboya nib next to Lamy Safari nib. Each pen comes in 2 or 3 different sizes, each with a nib whose physical size corresponds to the pen. My pen is a medium-size Kyouka with a 14kt Bock 220 nib (a little smaller than a typical #6, which is included on the large-size pens). It’s really great that Eboya offers pens across the size range and offers the filling systems they do. For those interested in a small- or medium-size pen with a Japanese eyedropper filling system, Eboya is the only modern option as the Danitrio and Namiki eyedropper pens are MB 149-size at their smallest. http://i.imgur.com/9jVK8lT.jpg Eboya and Danitrio Flat-Top Mikado: two Japanese eyedroppers with their blind caps unscrewed. In the hand, the pen is lightweight and very comfortable. Nibs.com lists the weight of the complete pen as 22 grams. With its ebonite construction and absence of heavy parts, one can write with it for hours without tiring. http://i.imgur.com/MZCdnMd.jpg Comparison with other pens: Romillo Eo #9, Edison Pearl, Shawn Newton custom, Eboya Kyouka (medium-size). All Eboya pens come with 14kt gold nibs made by Bock. The nib writes wonderfully — wet, smooth with a touch of feedback — but aesthetically it would look nicer to have Eboya engraved on the nib rather than the Bock logo. They have done an awesome job machine-engraving the barrel of the pen; it seems it wouldn’t have been too difficult to engrave the nib too. In any case, it’s not a deal breaker for me, by any means, but I do hope that in the future they’ll switch to blank nibs that they engrave themselves. Eboya nib http://i.imgur.com/050bqAQ.jpg The books in the background, by the way, are I Lost My Love in Baghdad by Michael Hastings and War by Sebastian Junger. The feed is made of ebonite. It is very attractive and works perfectly. I don’t think they could have done a better job on that. Being 14kt, the nib is slightly springy but giving it a little pressure increases ink flow more than it spreads the tines. I expect the large-size pens to be more springy due to the larger nibs. Writing sample http://i.imgur.com/PrRbOmY.jpg I’ve been very pleased with my Eboya. I absolutely plan to get another one in the future (probably a large-size Hakobune with a special-order #8-size nib), and highly recommend Eboya to anyone interested in their designs or a more moderately-priced and/or moderately-sized Japanese eyedropper.
  21. My wife and I paid our monthly visit to our favorite Japanese resale shop on Rizal Avenue in downtown Manila ("the armpit of the city", as one poet-friend picturesquely calls it), and I found a couple of very nice wooden boxes (selling for about $3-$5) which I've repurposed for my pens and inks: The second box came with built-in dividers so it seemed a natural home for inks: Not bad for less than $10, plus the pen tray, one of which I still thankfully had lying around.
  22. The Eboya arrived today! Here's some quick pictures; I'll do a full review after a few weeks of use. Eboya Kyouka with some popular pens http://i.imgur.com/4snnu6i.jpg Eboya medium-size nib and Lamy Safari nib http://i.imgur.com/xbMFKnB.jpg Eboya logo machine engraved into the barrel http://i.imgur.com/cdxEGwJ.jpg Eboya ebonite feed, which I assume is made in-house. It looks really cool! http://i.imgur.com/GbeW1qE.jpg Eboya nib/section and ink-stop mechanism. http://i.imgur.com/St1cu50.jpg I've filled it up with Sailor Miruai. It takes over 3ml of ink. Nibs.com lists 4ml as being the capacity, which is probably right. I didn't fill it all the way. I ordered it with a medium nib, and asked Mottishaw to tune it for generous ink flow. It's very smooth! Really light pen, too, and comfortable in the hand. For those looking for a Japanese eyedropper that isn't the size of a Mikado/Genkai or Namiki Emperor, I think Eboya is a great option.
  23. Hello everyone! I bought a Platinum Century 3776 in a medium nib and I am really liking the size of the nib. I found it to be much finer than my other japanese mediums though, such as the Pilot Metropolitan and the Pilot Kakuno. I also quite like the nib on Hero 616. However, I found the Century 3776 nib to be a bit toothy for my liking, while my 616 is fairly smooth I would say. How do the fine Pilot fine nibs compare? I was thinking of buying a Metropolitan in a fine nib but just wanted to check in, before I regret a purchase that will simply lie on my desk!
  24. There is a wise catch-phrase coined by the seminal 90s British sitcom Spaced. "Skip to the end." And so I will: This is the single best pen I have ever owned, ever held, ever used. It is so good that it has made me believe - maybe just a little bit - in the old, oft-told myth of The One Pen. There. Good. I uttered the sacrilegious words. Now that they are free and I am free too we can backtrack a bit (as I take a deep breath) and I can attempt to explain how this little cylinder of rosewood, ebonite and gold caused the furnaces of hell to freeze to ice. As some of you will remember, this is not my first Hakase. The first - a rather fetching buffalo horn torpedo - confused initially, before wrapping its tentacles firmly around my heart. This pen too came as something of a shock (no, slow down - I am getting ahead of myself), but even then there were no, even fleeting, feelings of disappointment. I had long wanted a wooden pen and after being gently guided through the options by Hakase's Mr. Ryo Yamamoto, I slowly narrowed my choices to the shape (flat-top), size (large) and wood (rosewood). I paid my deposit and began my wait. The photographs I recieved from Mr. Yamamoto in answer to my questions - 1. l-r: buffalo horn torpedo, RW15C, RW10C; 2. l-r: ebony, rosewood, cocobolo http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8245/8453562872_0895dd1ae4_c.jpg http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8374/8454014328_d5e5fd7e28_c.jpg The pen arrived with little fanfare as all Hakases do: a small wooden box wrapped in the company's steel-grey wrapping paper. Open the paper, pull the lid off the perfectly-fitting box and there was the pen. It was, and is, absolutely gorgeous. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5332/9291677875_14717ca64c_c.jpg http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3742/9294461724_e30aaa18ab_c.jpg http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5451/9291690423_71cb73d81f_c.jpg The shape is highly unusual but deceptively simple - a large cap worked to a slightly conical summit allied to a voluptuous barrel that narrows to an abrupt end (where the signature Hakase production date is carved into the wood). This allows the cap to post comfortably and securely. The pen, though large, is light and comfortable, and is is perfectly balance whether the cap is posted or not. Only the gold roll-stopper breaks the clean, unadorned lines. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3669/9294417512_51ffeb0247_c.jpg Although the pen is exactly what I expected, some details still manage to surprised. Google translate being what it is, I intended to ask Mr. Yamamoto how one could possibly fill, empty, clean and care for a pen constructed entirely from wood but could not reduce the question to sufficiently simple syntax. Not that it would have been necessary, for the apparently wooden section turned out to be the most glorious, warm, sensual ebonite, polished to a lustre that would make even the old vintage gods of yore weep. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7322/9294426386_d224a96b57_c.jpg The wood itself as I wished: it smells deep and sweet and organic and is pockmarked with veins and crevices and seams. It feels as I expected the buffalo horn to feel: rough and intimate; perfectly flawed as only a once-living, experiencing thing can be. It has been masterfully worked, from the hand-carved threads that screw on and off with the faint rubbing sound of rope being fed through an old loom, to the nearly imperceptible join where the cap's hollow section and rounded top meet. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2831/9291638983_01167814e7_c.jpg The furniture is as to be expected of Hakase: solid, hand-beaten 14k gold. I understand from Mr. Yamamoto that white gold and sterling silver are now options but I cannot think of a single Hakase model that would benefit from a more monochromatic palette. As my buffalo pen had a circular nipple roll-stopper, I chose a pyramid for variety, and I am glad I did for it seems to catch the light and gleam in a more three-dimensional, more dramatic, way. Hugged lovingly within its trough, the band is neither loose nor tight and I find myself absentmindedly rotating it around the barrel as one would a wedding-ring on a fleshy finger: smooth as olive oil and hypnotically satisfying. Reassuring even. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3686/9291648137_16a2a0c5f8_c.jpg Nib, converter, feed: all Pilot. Off-the-shelf, yes, but of the highest quality nonetheless and perfectly integrated. For this pen I requested a fine nib and once again Hakase delivered. It is without a shadow of a doubt the single best nib for me and my illegibly cramped style of writing that I have ever used. Even by Japanese standards its line is fine, but it is so consistent and predictable, so smooth and forgiving of angle and pressure, that I have not been able to put it down. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7351/9291640201_2457222466_c.jpg http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7309/9291637557_c24549a04a_c.jpg http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2840/9299899748_67982fbe0e_c.jpg I have an obsessive methodology that governs my writing. Ever since I began work on the second first draft of Unpublished Novel #1 ™ I have changed both pen and ink every day. This was not only an excuse to amass and horde, it had at its root a practical purpose. Not all writing days are created equal, and altering the visible signature simplifies the thankless transcribing process months later. General rule: if a colour (day) begins eloquently, it will most likely remain eloquent. If not, skip ahead to the next colour (day) and fill in the blanks later. This simple regimen has remained unbroken for nearly five years, through two and a half novels and countless edits and rewrites. Until now. Since I received this pen, held it in my hands and first filled it with Iroshizuku Shin Kai, I have used no other. This is not out of necessity - I am not currently travelling (even then I carry between three and seven pens) and I have over a hundred pens and probably a good deal more inks easily to hand. No. I have, quite simply, not wished to use another pen. Size comparison - MB149, RW15C, Buffalo Horn Torpedo http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7382/9294428972_69eaea5cae_c.jpg To add insult to injury, the price is also shockingly resonable. No, you're right - calling a pen that retails for ¥162,000 (~$1,600) good value is a sure sign of insanity, but stay with me. First, because of the lack of embellishments (read: gold), this pen is several magnitudes cheaper than most of Hakase's creations. Then, when we remove immediate family from the contest and look at alternatives based upon price, all are big brand variations on a mass produced theme. And so the question becomes: would you rather pay for a fancy finish (raden on an M1000 for instance), elaborate gratuitous embellishments (MB POA 4810s, themselves 30%+ more expensive), or a unique, handmade product of singular skill and obsession where your fingers can sense the love and attention in every touch? Before we reach the foregone conclusion, allow me a brief addendum, for I bought a Hakase case with my pen and must include at least a mention in this review. Outsourced to these people, it is constructed of the most beautiful fragrant leather and is crafted as immaculately (and with the same methods, last and all) as hand-made shoes. Although I ordered it as a separate entity, it has been custom-made (without me asking) to fit this pen and this pen only. There is no strip for a clip (visible on the website here), and a little hole has been cut at exactly the height of the roll-stopper. It holds my pen, and my pen only, perfectly and it is impossible to appropriately describe how lovely it feels to have the pyramid slide into place and to see it poking out through its rabbit-hole into the light. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3767/9294445330_4ee178e111_c.jpg http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5460/9291636735_d11edc8c2c_c.jpg But forgive my brief digression, for now we've returned full-circle back to where we began. This is the single best pen I have ever owned, held or used. It is so good that it has made me believe, maybe just a little bit, in the old myth of The One Pen. Perhaps now you will understand why.
  25. Hello everyone, I am a new FPN member so please excuse me for any FPN faux pas I may commit . I stumbled across the site yamadapen.com today while looking for a Visconti Wall Street. I have been looking for a decently priced Wall Street for ages now and I came across this site but their prices seem much too good to be true ( ex. on the Wall Street it's around $160 USD). I was wondering if anyone had used or even heard of the site before or if you believe these pens are Chinese fakes. The site is in Japanese however if you put the link into Google Translate and select Japanese to English that will do the trick. Any information would help! Thanks everyone. PS I'm not sure if this is the right area to post this so please excuse me again. Sorry just realized this is definitely not the right area to post this





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