Pilot (Namiki) Falcon Fine Vs Extra Fine

[Stowford]

Hi All,

 

I've been wanting to get a Pilot (was Namiki) Falcon for some time and it looks like that time is now approaching. However, I'm torn between the fine and extra fine. I'd be very grateful if those of you in the know could give me your experiences with either and your recommendations or preferences with the nib choice.

[FoszFay]

I don't think there is much difference between Pilot's 'F' and 'EF', but if your going to be using it solely as a flexy, fun pen, I'd get the EF. The thinner the thin strokes, the better flexible-cursive writing looks.

 

Tom.

[Pens Woods]

Hi Stowford,

 

I have the Namiki Falcon SF (soft fine). I like the way it writes with the semi-flex capability. I have tried to measure the down stroke with no pressure applied and estimate the line width to be between 0.3 and 0.4 mm wide. I have no experience with the XF nib. Hope this was helpful.

 

Pete

[BillZ]

Just remember that Japanese Fine nibs tend to be like European EF. Ijust drew a line with my Falcon S-F and also one with a Pelikan EF and they were real close.

[AZBennett]

I can only comment on Pilot nibs as they relate to the Vanishing Point, bit there is a quite noticeable difference between the F and EF on the VP. Enough that it surprised me. And the EF truly makes that pen a workhorse as it maximizes the minimal ink capacity.

[cpmcnamara]

There is a difference for me. I own an ef, f, and m. Ef is very fine and a bit drier. I love it for sketching but not for writing. The f is the best balance - I sketch and write with it (definitely my edc falcon). I prefer writing with the smoother medium the most. Goulet pens has a comparison of the lines. Also, Ef does have the most line variation but most people that go after the falcon for line variation are disappointed - I love the accuracy and springiness of the nib.

 

So basically it comes down to what you want to use it for. If you are taking lots of notes, go for the fine. If you are looking for detail work or purely art, the Ef might be your best bet.

 

If I only had one, I'd go with a fine. But I like having one tool for everything.

Edited October 14, 2014 by cpmcnamara

[yannori]

The EF is a bit on the dry side for my tastes. I love my Pilot Falcon in Fine. Just the right amount of flex for me to play with and plenty of juicy wet ink flow. However, if you're really looking for some stunning line variation, get the Pilot Falcon with a Spencerian modification from Mr. Mottishaw at www.nibs.com (http://www.nibs.com/spencerian-customization.htm)

[chas0039]

The Pilot standard for XF is .2mm. Only Platinum has a thinner nib. I really like XF on everything non

Japanese and I would not choose this nib. Especially when there is the temptation to flex. It would be way to easy to bend and destroy.

[oshizemi]

If you like thin lines go with the XF, but they tend to run on the drier and scratchy side. I have a Platinum #3776 Century in F and XF, the F is much smoother and wetter. The XF writes tiny and makes very VERY thin lines but tends to catch on the page. I can write on less than great paper with it though, without bleedthrough.

 

No experience with the Namiki Falcon personally though. Sorry. But I hear Japanese nibs tend to be thinner than Western/European nibs.

[Algester]

I dunno but the nib on my Custom Heritage 91 SM is very close to M from Lamy... so I don't say they are finer... which may also apply to the elabo/falcon if not why not just save up more and get yourself a Custom 742 or heritage 912 Falcon nib which should be in the 200USD range if the exchange rate is right at a 100:1

Edited October 15, 2014 by Algester

[Ernest]

 

[Stowford]

Ernest, I think you just sold me there. Awesome photo! Thanks.

Edited October 15, 2014 by Stowford