Request for a Comparison Review of Conid Regular vs. Kyuseido Kakari! :)

[Vermonter]

Hello Everyone,

 

I own a Conid Regular demonstrator (pictured), which I've completely fallen in love with. The gold nib is soft and flexy and very wet, and the ink capacity means I'm not constantly refilling. I'm thinking about buying a second Conid so I can have a second nib size, or a Kyuseido Kakari as an alternative.

 

Does anyone have both of these pens, and would you be willing to make a comparison review? 

 

Thank you!

:0)

 

Paul

[sirgilbert357]

I do not have either pen, but I've written with a Conid a few times. They are fantastic and I can see why you would want another. However, I think you would find more fulfillment in having one pen from each brand, but that's just me. Also, consider buying just an additional nib unit from Conid, if possible.

 

Having said that, are Conid even actually selling pens again? If they aren't readily available, the choice is even easier...buy the Kyuseido.

 

The only con with the Kyuseido in my brief review of their website is the lack of a clip on the pen cap. If that doesn't bother you, go for it. I bought a pen once that lacked a clip and despite loving it, couldn't deal with it and had to sell it. YMMV.

[Vermonter]

Hello @sirgilbert357! Yep, Conid is selling again. Though I sent in an inquiry and got the impression they may be concentrating on the bigger Kingsize, which are too large for me. 
 

I do agree about lack of clip. I prefer clips so the caps don’t roll around, but I’m OK either way. Just curious about the experience of the Japanese pens in comparison. 

[Lemon328i]

I have 2 Conids (an original demo flattop & a slimline) and recently got a Gravitas version Kakari that I put one of Ian Schon's excellent Mono nibs on.

 

They are the epitome of precision craftsmanship with modern materials, but despite sounding similar in principle, are actually quite different.  The Kakari can disengage from the piston head anywhere in the barrel which is a neat way to have smaller fills than 4ml and reduce air void. It lacks the "pre-chamber" that Conid has. I have both the Kakari and the Conid Slimline in everyday use and they are just about the "perfect" fountain pen. I slightly prefer the Kakari because of the Monoc Nib and the lack of a clip (I use a Yellow Birch Outfitter pocket organizer and clip less is just a bit easier)

[mulrich]

On 5/9/2024 at 9:06 AM, Vermonter said:

Hello @sirgilbert357! Yep, Conid is selling again. Though I sent in an inquiry and got the impression they may be concentrating on the bigger Kingsize, which are too large for me. 

I think they now sell through Penworld. Releases happen every couple month and in limited batches. They’ve done a few different models this way and I haven’t seen any schedule for what’s coming next. They also don’t come up on the used market very often so best of luck to whomever is looking for one. 

[Vermonter]

@Lemon328i

 

Thank you for the great review.

 

 

Sounds great! — think I'm going to pick up a Kakari when they restock the ti-silver or black color. Actually, the Conid pre-chamber is the only thing I don't love about the pen. It's very cool, but I can't really see the utility of it for daily writing. 

 

Can you please tell me more about your Monoc nib experience? I watched the video on the Schon site. What makes it special to write with?

 

 

Thank you!!!

 

Paul

[mulrich]

2 hours ago, Vermonter said:

@Lemon328i

Sounds great! — think I'm going to pick up a Kakari when they restock the ti-silver or black color.

Do you know how often they restock?

[Vermonter]

6 hours ago, mulrich said:

Do you know how often they restock?

 

I wrote to the company, and Cy (the owner) told me they are expecting a restock soon!

[Lemon328i]

The Monoc Nib is much more stiff than other nibs with the unique design. It feels like writing with a graphite pencil which is perfect for my taste. I also really appreciate the engineering that goes into it.

 

Try it at a pen show!

[Vermonter]

Good idea!

[Ali Hobbies]

I have really enjoyed my Monoc nib as well. Don’t own anything quite like it and the writing experience is unique. In my case it is a medium nib that is stiff but very wet and smooth.