Are the Kakimori Frost fountain pen and the Kakimori Aluminium fountain pen worth buying?

[mr T.]

Recently an online shop in my area started to sell Kakimori fountain pens. The shop started to sell the Kakimori Frost fountain pen and the Kakimori Aluminium. These pens are sold as "made in Japan" but also "with a nib and converter from Germany". The nib and converter are made by Schmidt. There seems to be not many reviews about these pens and the inks from Kakimori seems to be better known than their pens. Are these pens worth the money? How do these compare with comparable (in size and price) pens from TWSBI, Pilot, Platinum, Sailor or Caran d' Ache?

[a student]

On 10/20/2025 at 11:05 PM, mr T. said:

Recently an online shop in my area started to sell Kakimori fountain pens. The shop started to sell the Kakimori Frost fountain pen and the Kakimori Aluminium. These pens are sold as "made in Japan" but also "with a nib and converter from Germany". The nib and converter are made by Schmidt. There seems to be not many reviews about these pens and the inks from Kakimori seems to be better known than their pens. Are these pens worth the money? How do these compare with comparable (in size and price) pens from TWSBI, Pilot, Platinum, Sailor or Caran d' Ache?

 

I have some extremely limited knowledge about this brand. The inks it seemed to me are not well suited to fountain pens, though they also do bespoke inks to a desired colour, hue and shading. I did get their dip pen with a steel nib, and have just ordered an A5 notebook with a textile cover, because their paper has a reputation for displaying ink properties such as shading, sheen etc. 

 

I am not familiar with their fountain pens, generally in the more moderate price spectrum wit steel nibs, but some of the ballpens are handmade in wood (using Schmidt refills). 

 

My hunch is that the dip pen, the inks and paper appeal to a clientele interested in playing with inks in various ways - sketching, drawing and short notes - and in artisan products. 

[furiousmonad]

On 10/22/2025 at 2:07 PM, a student said:

 

I have some extremely limited knowledge about this brand. The inks it seemed to me are not well suited to fountain pens, though they also do bespoke inks to a desired colour, hue and shading. I did get their dip pen with a steel nib, and have just ordered an A5 notebook with a textile cover, because their paper has a reputation for displaying ink properties such as shading, sheen etc. 

 

I am not familiar with their fountain pens, generally in the more moderate price spectrum wit steel nibs, but some of the ballpens are handmade in wood (using Schmidt refills). 

 

My hunch is that the dip pen, the inks and paper appeal to a clientele interested in playing with inks in various ways - sketching, drawing and short notes - and in artisan products. 

I purchased a Kakimori Frost Fountain Pen in Amber with the Fine (0.5mm) nib in August 2025. I found the nib to be an excellent, if quite stiff, writer out of the box, though this may be due in part to the fact that St. Louis Art Supply (whom I purchased the pen from online) checks and tunes the nib on all pens over $25. In any case, the pen is well made and reliable. At just under $60 before shipping, it is perhaps on the higher end for a pen with its set of features, however, I think there are specific design considerations which may justify the price for some.

 

In short, the body of the pen is quite light and features no clip. It is also designed to be opened one-handed, which I can confirm is possible, though not so important to me. With this one, I think it almost certainly comes down to preference. For me, the pen is just a bit too light in the hand, so ultimately we don't get along, but I think it would be a great option for someone who likes a light, reliable, understated pen that won't break the bank. Just my $0.02

[mr T.]

22 hours ago, furiousmonad said:

I purchased a Kakimori Frost Fountain Pen in Amber with the Fine (0.5mm) nib in August 2025. I found the nib to be an excellent, if quite stiff, writer out of the box, though this may be due in part to the fact that St. Louis Art Supply (whom I purchased the pen from online) checks and tunes the nib on all pens over $25. In any case, the pen is well made and reliable. At just under $60 before shipping, it is perhaps on the higher end for a pen with its set of features, however, I think there are specific design considerations which may justify the price for some.

 

In short, the body of the pen is quite light and features no clip. It is also designed to be opened one-handed, which I can confirm is possible, though not so important to me. With this one, I think it almost certainly comes down to preference. For me, the pen is just a bit too light in the hand, so ultimately we don't get along, but I think it would be a great option for someone who likes a light, reliable, understated pen that won't break the bank. Just my $0.02

Thank you for your reply. Kakimori pens are not widely available where I live. The Frost will cost around €60,- and that is in my opinion not really a bargain for what is offered (basically a plastic pen, with standard a standard stainless steel nib). There are many interesting decent alternatives for the Frost that will cost the same or less (like the Pilot Prera, Sailor Profit jr, Platinum Balance or TWSBI Diamond 580). However, the design of the Frost is interesting and a (rebadged Schmidt?) converter is included. Does the Frost have a problem with evaporating ink or does it dry out quickly when it is capped and unused for some time? Many pens do unfortunately and it is rarely discussed in reviews.