Why Do You Like Japanese Fountain Pens?

[Jezza]

The retail price of the Custom 92 in the U.S. (as well as France, apparently) is arguably a bit high, though if one compares it to similarly-sized piston fillers like the Pelikan M600 or even the M400 after the last price hike, I would say the Pilot is still in the ballpark. I don’t think you can really compare the 92 to Waterman, Parker, or even ST Dupont simply based on the difference in feel. Most of the latter manufactures have heavier brass/metal pens with various lacquers or plated precious metal coatings. The feel is completely different, not to mention the ink capacity. Of course, purchasing the Pilot directly from Japan can save one a considerable amount of money—at least, in the U.S.

Some of the Japanese pens I purchased because of their originality in terms of finish or materials. The Pilot Ichii and Custom Kaeda are gorgeous wooden-bodied pens with a unique feel. Similarly, I have several urushi lacquered and Maki-e fountain pens from Pilot and Platinum; again, there’s nothing really comparable from other non-Japanese manufacturers with the exception of ST Dupont’s Chinese lacquer.

I also happen to like the selection of nibs available on Japanese pens. Pilot makes regular stiffness, soft nibs, and the even softer “falcon” nibs. Sailor produces a mind-blowing array of unique nibs—I’m currently enjoying the Naginata Emperor Concord and the Cross Point. Last but not least, Pilot and Platinum produce triple-tined music nibs. Overall, I think there is simply a greater amount of variety in Japanese nibs. Parker used to have a huge range of nibs for the Duofold pens, but I think that pretty much went away.

[MYU]

One other thing I'd like to add, is that Japanese pen makers like Pilot, Sailor, and Platinum produced an enormous number of fountain pens intended for lasting through daily use for years at a stretch without problems. And this was started back in the days before ballpoints. So, there is such a rich used pen market for these brands. You can get a number of nice condition used examples for a lot less than newer pens. Most of my collection is like this, except for my modern day Vanishing Points and a Pilot Custom 845. Lastly, I also bought a few new $2 Sailor "disposable" fountain pens that have remarkably good steel nibs--the perfect travel pen when you don't want to risk loss or damage to a prized pen.

Edited February 15, 2013 by MYU

[nervium]

because they are cheap...

[Dillo]

Hi,

 

I often like how carefully made a lot of Japanese fountain pens are and how they can be very reliable. It's extremely rare that I have to send a Japanese pen back to get repaired. Some of my pens have been back to the manufacturer once to get broken parts replaced. I also like the fine nibs for note-taking.

 

Dillon

[ronw]

To me, Japanese fountain pens fall into two types

a. Art pens- think Maki-e, Royal Urushi, etc. Beautiful to look at, detailed craftsman ship, etc

 

and

 

b. Workhorse Pens (i.e. Sailor 1911, Platinum 3776, Pilot Customs)

These are all about the best nibs in a high quality, understated body

 

For me, I'm definitely camp B

 

I'm mostly in category B; I have a hard time paying for the art, even though I love it. My wife has a very nice maki-e pen, it's gorgeous, but I have yet to indulge and get one for myself. I presumably will enjoy if I ever get one, but I find myself concentrating on the nib, the section, the weight, etc. That's what's really important to me in a pen.

 

Even so, if I were to ever get an art pen, I have a short list of the ones I really like best. :-)

[collectorW]

I can't imagine picking any $1500 limited edition pen over an Ascending Dragon Nakaya!

 

Dan

I have a Heki Ascending Dragon and I certainly concur! I traded several Montblancs my boss had given me over successive Christmases for it and haven't given a backward look. My final nib on the Dragon is a Super Extra Fine and is perfect!

 

Sara

 

Wow Sara the heki AD is my all time ' fall in love ' pen .... are you not tired to see and willing to trade with me ??? :-)

[collectorW]

The retail price of the Custom 92 in the U.S. (as well as France, apparently) is arguably a bit high, though if one compares it to similarly-sized piston fillers like the Pelikan M600 or even the M400 after the last price hike, I would say the Pilot is still in the ballpark. I don’t think you can really compare the 92 to Waterman, Parker, or even ST Dupont simply based on the difference in feel. Most of the latter manufactures have heavier brass/metal pens with various lacquers or plated precious metal coatings. The feel is completely different, not to mention the ink capacity. Of course, purchasing the Pilot directly from Japan can save one a considerable amount of money—at least, in the U.S.

Some of the Japanese pens I purchased because of their originality in terms of finish or materials. The Pilot Ichii and Custom Kaeda are gorgeous wooden-bodied pens with a unique feel. Similarly, I have several urushi lacquered and Maki-e fountain pens from Pilot and Platinum; again, there’s nothing really comparable from other non-Japanese manufacturers with the exception of ST Dupont’s Chinese lacquer.

I also happen to like the selection of nibs available on Japanese pens. Pilot makes regular stiffness, soft nibs, and the even softer “falcon” nibs. Sailor produces a mind-blowing array of unique nibs—I’m currently enjoying the Naginata Emperor Concord and the Cross Point. Last but not least, Pilot and Platinum produce triple-tined music nibs. Overall, I think there is simply a greater amount of variety in Japanese nibs. Parker used to have a huge range of nibs for the Duofold pens, but I think that pretty much went away.

 

The Duponts lacquer is for me the worst ever ... i had 2 lighters with it and after a couple of months , they were ready to through them away ... quality is not even 1/10

maybe the pens are better ???

[raging.dragon]

The Duponts lacquer is for me the worst ever ... i had 2 lighters with it and after a couple of months , they were ready to through them away ... quality is not even 1/10

maybe the pens are better ???

 

On the other hand, I've seen posts about how well the Dupont lacquer lighters stand up to years or decades of regular use in pockets with keys, loose change, etc..