Battle Of The Customs - Hakase Vs Romillo Vs Nakaya

[mongrelnomad]

So, after individually reviewing two of my three Hakases (buffalo horn and rosewood), my Romillo Nervión and my custom Nakaya, I feel it is time to draw together some disparate threads.

 

For many, the prospect of a fully custom pen is both alluring and daunting. With so many options the process seems fraught with danger, and the reassurance of an off-the-peg alternative, liberally reviewed and photographed here on the forum, turns the 'maybe' into an eternal 'maybe next time'. So here I will attempt to remove the mystery from the process, to shine a light on these three well-known if enigmatic makers, and to give a holistic and subjective overview of the process and the final pens. Maybe then I will help push a few of you over the edge into the abyss.

 

Romillo Nervión, custom Nakaya, Hakase Rosewood, Hakase Buffalo Horn

Communication:

 

A friendly and knowledgeable contact is crucial, both in easing anxiety and assuring that there are no misunderstandings along the (sometimes long) way. Yet, oddly, it is the experience with the most scope for error that has proven to be the most rewarding, and then by a large margin.

 

Hakase is a tiny company located in Tottori, a middling city in the north of Honshu, Japan's main island. If I say that its locale is known only for its pears and a sand dune, perhaps you will understand how remote Hakase is. Mr. Ryo Yamamoto is the proprietor and, now that his father and patron has retired, also the maker of Hakase's pens. From what I understand, he speaks little-to-no English, and yet...

 

My three experiences with Hakase have been absolutely without flaw. Mr. Yamamoto's infinite patience, his pride in his products, and his devotion to his customers, has shone through in every interaction, no matter how minor. Questions were answered almost instantaneously (via Google Translate but, miraculously, still comprehensible), often including comparative photos of great skill, as well as personal guidance and impressions of the options under consideration. The little questionnaire (filled out once and then kept on file for future reference) asked for certain writing specifics and preferences, as well as a writing sample, and was always mailed back anew upon receipt of an order with an exact to-scale picture of the expected pen. Ryo even allowed my second pen to jump the queue to ensure it arrived in time for my birthday...

 

Aftercare has also been sublime: a new nib was ground for me to match my pen (as each pen is constructed entirely by hand, it was necessary to send it back in its entirety to ensure a clean marriage between section and barrel); turnaround from Israel to Japan and back again was barely three weeks.

 

I have had less contact with Álvaro Romillo at Romillo, but so far the signs have been good. eMails were usually promptly serviced (with a few lapses), and answers have been friendly, open and comprehensive, though they lack the overwhelming thoroughness of Mr. Yamamoto at Hakase.

 

So where does this leave Nakaya? Not very high, unfortunately. I have had several experiences with Nakaya, both personally and through Classic Fountain Pens in California. Whereas Hakase exemplifies that friendlier nature of the Japanese national personality, Nakaya inhabits the realms of the introverted side. Even as a repeat customer, several exploratory communications with the company in Tokyo were politely rebuffed; a request for more details about the urushi craftsmen in Wajima (a town I was to visit as my latest pen was being produced) was ignored. It is no coincidence, therefore, that upon undertaking a custom design, I chose CFP to act as middle-man.

 

Romillo size 9, Nakaya ruthenium plated F, Hakase F, Hakase F

Scope for Customisation:

 

I suppose this is the most important issue, for what is the definition of a 'custom' pen? Of the three, only Romillo is entirely made by hand, the other two relying on certain parts sourced from other manufacturers. Needless to say, this limits their creative scope somewhat.

 

On considering a Romillo, I asked Álvaro what existed within the realms of possibility. His answer: the daunting "anything". I am not sure this was meant literally (I doubt I could order a telescoping piston without footing the bill for the necessary R&D upfront), but in dimensions and furniture, it seems that anything goes. He was even open to custom end-buttons, clips and nib engravings too, although strangely not to any material bar ebonite. A celluloid model has just been added to Romillo's website, so perhaps that is about to change...

 

Nib, feed and filling aside, Hakase have been more than willing to alter their signature pens. Mix-and-match details from their plethora of designs, as well as a (new) choice of 14k golds or sterling silver, all to create your pen, then have Mr. Yamamoto tailor the dimensions and details to suit your taste. Materials are limited to those traditionally utilised by Hakase, but the canvas proves vast: celluloid, ebonite, various exotic woods, buffalo horn and even turtle-shell for those more adventurous, and possessed of deep pockets.

 

With Nakaya, alterations are limited to the surface: the garnish rather than the meat. One must first choose a basic design from those already offered by Nakaya (or, as in my case, allow them to suggest one), and then work from there. Even then, there are seemingly arbitrary limitations: a request to include western text on the pen was quietly refused, as was a second nib and section. Pedantic and pointless, especially when undertaking such a project at such an expense.

 

 

'Specialness':

 

You can find my thoughts elsewhere, but it goes without saying that one orders a custom pen for something more than brand image. More, even, than objective attributes. A handmade pen should sing in an ineffable manner alien to an object spat out by machine. It should not necessarily be without flaw, but those flaws must be evidence of the divine fallibility of man rather than lax quality control or the inadequacy of design.

 

It is here that the Nakaya absolutely fails. It is a beautiful pen, a fantastic pen even and, imbued with so much personal resonance, I love it dearly. But it is a (relatively) mass-produced product with very beautiful embellishments. I do not pick it up and feel it was made for me, that it embodies some indelible connection between the craftsman and I. I do with the other two. Even the nib: yes, it is a good nib. Great even. But it is the work of John Mottishaw and is comparable to any of the other Nakayas or Platinums that I own, all on off-the-shelf pens and no poorer for it.

 

The Romillo is the complete antithesis. It would not exist were it not for me, and everything about it screams 'anachronism' in the manner of an heirloom film camera or a car with a manual transmission. It is the very definition of what a custom pen should be - not a single part outsourced or produced by robot, and that nib is quite simply a marvel of character and grace. How a cottage manufacturer on Europe's periphery can do what the big boys cannot is beyond me, and for many that nib and that nib alone will pronounce the Nervión the absolute and uncontested winner here. I would not argue with that conclusion...

 

But it is not mine. In my humble eyes, Hakase is the master of the custom pen. Everything, from the communication to the ordering to the blissful agony of the wait is exactly what I want the experience to be. The choice of materials and styles is comprehensive, and the skill exhibited in the manufacture (the threads are cut by hand!) is peerless. Yes, for some Hakases will forever be hobbled by the Pilot nib, feed and filler, yet the proof is in the writing and Ryo Yamamoto has still succeeded in translating my desires into nib form (three times on three separate pens) better than any nibmeister, let alone manufacturer. Yes, other Pilots in my collection may share the 'same' size 15 nib, but none dream to compare upon the page.

 

I am happy to own all three and would consider none a mistake. But were I to only have one, there would be absolutely no doubt: Mr Yamamoto and Hakase would be the one to receive my only order.

Edited September 15, 2014 by mongrelnomad

[Keyless Works]

Thanks for the comparison! What nib sizes do you have on your Hakase and about them makes them superior?

[mongrelnomad]

Thanks for the comparison! What nib sizes do you have on your Hakase and about them makes them superior?

3 Fs and an F-stub. Smoothness, predictability, reliability, consistency... the full whack. There are limits, though: I am a fan of firm nibs, and if you are eager for flex, you'll have to look elsewhere...

Edited September 14, 2014 by mongrelnomad

[Algester]

I remember once Hakase was open to the nibs though but that would mean you have to give them the nibs... so once other Hakases actually sport Platinum, Sailor and Pilot nib and feeds... but I think that was before Ryo's father retired but I'm not entirely sure about this story there are other custom pens I think in Japan but according to Virtu's videos excluding Nakaya you have 3-4 more companies that make and sell their pens Hakase included

and yes I have been eying on a cocobolo Hakase... but I do not have the funds to get one... HAHAHAHAHA

Edited September 14, 2014 by Algester

[mongrelnomad]

I remember once Hakase was open to the nibs though but that would mean you have to give them the nibs... so once other Hakases actually sport Platinum, Sailor and Pilot nib and feeds... but I think that was before Ryo's father retired but I'm not entirely sure about this story there are other custom pens I think in Japan but according to Virtu's videos excluding Nakaya you have 3-4 more companies that make and sell their pens Hakase included

and yes I have been eying on a cocobolo Hakase... but I do not have the funds to get one... HAHAHAHAHA

 

I knew that Hakase used Sailor nibs and feeds in the past, but I did not know that they would use any supplied by the customer.

 

Of other Japanese custom makers, I have been interested in Ohashi-do (who use Sailor, I believe), but unfortunately, having no online presence, it is impossible for 'gaijin' to order or purchase without visiting their premises, or a pen-show, in Japan...

[risingsun]

Great post. I really enjoyed reading your objective review.

[Algester]

 

I knew that Hakase used Sailor nibs and feeds in the past, but I did not know that they would use any supplied by the customer.

 

Of other Japanese custom makers, I have been interested in Ohashi-do (who use Sailor, I believe), but unfortunately, having no online presence, it is impossible for 'gaijin' to order or purchase without visiting their premises, or a pen-show, in Japan...

clearly I'm all to aware with the usual "gaijin" problems

[playtime]

oh the agony! what's one to do after such a review? A Romillo #9 semi flex nib with a Hakase body???

 

thanks for sharing your experiences - now which one to buy???

[Mardi13]

As someone new to all of these brands I'd appreciate some sort of ballpark price range. I have bought what must be "low-end" custom pens from makers here, and they were all in the same range.mi have a feeling I need to multiply those prices to a factor of ten for these pens, but I'd like to know anyway.

 

And along the same thought line...do you feel any trepidation using/carrying pens that cost so much?

 

Thanks, I really enjoyed the reviews.

[PabloAU]

I totally read the title as "Battle to get these through customs"

 

A great comparison of what could be a daunting process. I've never bought a custom pen, but this review makes me want to jump in!

 

It may be the fact that there are some super-glossy pens sharing the photos, but I'd expected the ebonite of the Romillo to take more of a polish. It looks matte or softly textured in the pics. Is this the case in the flesh? Did you ask for this finish, or is it just the nature of the material?

[Diderot]

Good review - thanks for making the effort.

[ajoffe]

All are beautiful pens. Use them well and thanks for sharing.

[Sketch and Doodle]

As someone new to all of these brands I'd appreciate some sort of ballpark price range. I have bought what must be "low-end" custom pens from makers here, and they were all in the same range.mi have a feeling I need to multiply those prices to a factor of ten for these pens, but I'd like to know anyway.

 

And along the same thought line...do you feel any trepidation using/carrying pens that cost so much?

 

Thanks, I really enjoyed the reviews.

I believe they are around 2K. Although I do not know about custom Maki-e Nakaya.

Edited September 16, 2014 by Sketch and Doodle

[Sketch and Doodle]

"So, after individually reviewing two of my three Hakases (buffalo horn and rosewood), my Romillo Nervión and my custom Nakaya, I feel it is time to draw together some disparate threads."

 

Mongrelnomad! Thank you for the review again.

 

 

 

[mrchan]

Once again, great review and comparison with well taken pics. You're becoming quite the reviewing demon!

[mongrelnomad]

As someone new to all of these brands I'd appreciate some sort of ballpark price range. I have bought what must be "low-end" custom pens from makers here, and they were all in the same range.mi have a feeling I need to multiply those prices to a factor of ten for these pens, but I'd like to know anyway.

 

And along the same thought line...do you feel any trepidation using/carrying pens that cost so much?

 

I won't go into the specifics of each pen's cost (suffice to say that more details are available on the brands' comprehensive websites), other than to say that it is possible to pick up a custom pen from each starting at about $1,000. That cost will change depending on furniture, material, size and/or intricacy of decoration.

 

I totally read the title as "Battle to get these through customs"

 

A great comparison of what could be a daunting process. I've never bought a custom pen, but this review makes me want to jump in!

 

It may be the fact that there are some super-glossy pens sharing the photos, but I'd expected the ebonite of the Romillo to take more of a polish. It looks matte or softly textured in the pics. Is this the case in the flesh? Did you ask for this finish, or is it just the nature of the material?

 

This finish is as the Romillo arrived - I too was (and remain) disappointed by the finish. It is simply not as glossy as the ebonite parts of the Hakase.

 

"So, after individually reviewing two of my three Hakases (buffalo horn and rosewood), my Romillo Nervión and my custom Nakaya, I feel it is time to draw together some disparate threads."

 

Mongrelnomad! Thank you for the review again.

 

 

 

 

My pleasure! Glad you enjoyed them...

 

Once again, great review and comparison with well taken pics. You're becoming quite the reviewing demon!

 

Oh shucks...

[Algester]

I have been thinking Cocobolo or African Ebony Hakase... AHHH... I'm still looking at pen turners on this forums... welp...

[Mardi13]

"I won't go into the specifics of each pen's cost (suffice to say that more details are available on the brands' comprehensive websites), other than to say that it is possible to pick up a custom pen from each starting at about $1,000. That cost will change depending on furniture, material, size and/or intricacy of decoration."

 

Thanks, mongrelnomad. I did look at the websites but could not always find price info. That's about what I thought.

 

And I'm still interested in possible concerns about carrying? Although you had one in a backpack...?

Edited September 19, 2014 by Mardi13

[mongrelnomad]

"I won't go into the specifics of each pen's cost (suffice to say that more details are available on the brands' comprehensive websites), other than to say that it is possible to pick up a custom pen from each starting at about $1,000. That cost will change depending on furniture, material, size and/or intricacy of decoration."

 

Thanks, mongrelnomad. I did look at the websites but could not always find price info. That's about what I thought.

 

And I'm still interested in possible concerns about carrying? Although you had one in a backpack...?

I've had them all in backpack! (though usually in a Sage Brown, Visconti or Faber Castell case)... None are any more or less delicate than any other, more common, pen...

[mirosc]

Thank you for the wonderful insights (I really like it how you put your words; if my English were only that good!)

 

Even if I love admire the nib and like the shapes I'm hesitating to buy from Romillo because I don't trust those ebonite pens - I'm always afraid that after 15/20 years discoloration has started and the colors fade. Don't you worry about that?