Question about Urushi

[Greyfox]

I am tempted because of all the great things said here about urushi (and by all the great photos as well) to buy an usushi pen.

 

I do have some questions about the durability of such pens for day to day use.

 

I know about the issues of ultraviolet light exposure.

 

My questions were more around how well urushi pens stand up to daily use. Do they scratch easily? Do they chip easily? Are scratches easy to buff out?

 

In terms of the feel, I know that the urushi finish is very slick. How does this affect the grip? Does it make it difficult to hold the pen without slippage, particularly during a long writing session?

 

Thanks everyone for your input and feedback.

 

Greyfox

[Escribiente]

My questions were more around how well urushi pens stand up to daily use. Do they scratch easily? Do they chip easily? Are scratches easy to buff out?

That was my first concern when I ordered my first Nakaya. Their reply to my question about it was: "Urushi lacquer is heavy-duty even used for table wares. It is true, however, the Urushi is soft and delicate when freshly painted. After three to six months, it will become harder." I found in another website that Urushi was used to coat Samurai armors.

On the practical side, I would say that after writing the draft of a novel with an Urushi pen, I cannot see any scratches at all. In my experience, it's more resilient than plastic and celluloid.

 

In terms of the feel, I know that the urushi finish is very slick. How does this affect the grip? Does it make it difficult to hold the pen without slippage, particularly during a long writing session?

Urushi pens, which are made of ebonite, are on the light side, but well balanced. You can write for hours with them without feeling tired. I have written about three solid hours without the usual stiffness in the fingers that comes from using a pen that is too light or too heavy.

[MYU]

I agree -- once the Urushi has set, it's harder than your usual plastics commonly found on modern fountain pens. However, just like anything not made of scratch proof materials, it is best to exercise proper care. A lot of people use a "pen pouch" for their pen, not only to prevent errant scratches but to help protect the pen in general (especially when you're talking about high priced Nakaya and Danitrio urushi pens). There is something quite magical about some of the higher end urushi lacquered pens... they have become quite sought after and this will only increase as more people look to spending their disposable income on beautiful things.

[DrPJM1]

After 3 years of use, my Nakaya does not show any major signs of wear. The finish is beautiful, a deep pool of venous blood.

[Brian]

Having used a black and a vermillion namiki urushi royale in an office environment the finishes are indeed durable. The problem with sun and light exposure should not be a problem if you use a pen case and exercise normal care when carrying around in your pocket. I would never take one out into the field and expose it to unecessary risk. Otherwise you will have a pen that should outlast you.

[winedoc]

I use all my urushi and maki-e pens and some of them have accompanied me to many pen shows and they have stand up to these pretty well. Just because they look delicate, does not mean they are fragile :-)

 

Kevin

[alvarez57]

I have two Urushi: one Nakaya, the other DaniTrio. I always have them in a pen pouch and far from sunlight. I am extremely careful of my pens, but sometimes accidents do happen: I have some scratches on the resins and celluloids, but I have seen none in the Urushi ones, and they are daily users.

As said before, the pens are made on ebonite and you will be delightfully surprised to see how light they are. With the nibs, both pens perform very well; they are flexible but at the same time different: the Nakata/Nakaya elastic nib tends to have more spring to it. Needless to say, both are favorites.

Hope this helps.

Edited September 30, 2007 by alvarez57

[Phthalo]

I have less concern about my Nakaya than other other pen - my pen is a year old now, and if you put it beside a new Piccolo, I doubt very much if you could tell the difference. (But I'm going to test this theory when my second one arrives in a couple of weeks...

 

The surface looks impossibly smooth, but your fingers don't slip over it.

 

Buffing out scratches... you are not dealing with a mass-produced injection-molded piece of plastic. I would never put a polishing compound anywhere near my urushi pens.

Edited September 30, 2007 by Phthalo