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It took me some time to finish this comparison but here it is. Not flawless, not pefect, but it has plenty of colors to see. To be honest I've never been violet fan. I always liked dark purples but disliked most of violets. It's hanged with time. At the moment I'm quite keen on these hues. I've included 60-63 inks here (the number differs on different papers, I didn't have enough samples of some inks, I've forgotten about one or two inks and haven't included them everywhere). There are some odd-looking inks here that aren't violet/purple like KWZI Blue L51 (I just had a small sample so I included it here). Kung Te-Cheng, Potassium, Purpillusion are more blue than purple. Alt-Bordeaux and Deepwater Obsession can be regarded as burgundy but as I'm not planning (yet) to compare burgunds / bordeaux I've included them here as well. I need to thank Cyber6 here for A LOT of samples. You trully are Ink Smuggler Extraordinaire Ink Splashes http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/674/D57Iib.jpg http://imageshack.com/a/img911/9309/XMowa7.jpg http://imageshack.com/a/img905/9462/Dzf3fY.jpg http://imageshack.com/a/img537/121/srURhs.jpg http://imageshack.com/a/img901/3985/xcEDod.jpg http://imageshack.com/a/img537/4492/NtfODA.jpg http://imageshack.com/a/img538/2685/q8cIq7.jpg http://imageshack.com/a/img673/1967/EnAfQy.jpg http://imageshack.com/a/img674/4319/WdEf3j.jpg http://imageshack.com/a/img631/7922/1S4blW.jpg http://imageshack.com/a/img673/9114/raVPLz.jpg http://imageshack.com/a/img674/3466/vK8xaM.jpg http://imageshack.com/a/img538/7629/ivb3lB.jpg http://imageshack.com/a/img538/2456/dhwe19.jpg http://imageshack.com/a/img745/7901/pw9g05.jpg http://imageshack.com/a/img674/6609/m4k036.jpg GEMS (they were cut from photos taken on a sunny day, you may find the colors bizarre but I like to show them this way even though most of the times we're not writing in a direct sunlight) http://imageshack.com/a/img910/3417/UZX0cP.jpg http://imageshack.com/a/img674/7610/4sDPbR.jpg http://imageshack.com/a/img538/8730/osVcHA.jpg http://imageshack.com/a/img912/9997/NAgsqc.jpg

Hi, I'd like to present the comparison of 20 grey inks. To be honest, I don't like grey and I don't use it. I don't own a single bottle of grey ink Yet I've managed to gather quite a lot of samples and decided to make some use of them. I've made long introduction to this comparison on polish fountain pen forum but here I'll keep it simple and just say one thing: enjoy One note: my sample of GREY FLANNEL was contaminated. I decided to leave this but just skip this ink. It's not how it really looks like. If you like this comparison feel free to comment or to indicate your favourite greys. ALL WRITTEN SAMPLES ARE MADE WITH PILOT 78G WITH BROAD NIB INK SPLASHES http://imageshack.com/a/img674/1338/wgRutR.jpg http://imageshack.com/a/img673/3771/Gbwu2G.jpg http://imageshack.com/a/img661/6152/X8CPNA.jpg http://imageshack.com/a/img674/353/v7FP4f.jpg http://imageshack.com/a/img674/2434/aWPg6u.jpg COLOR "GEMS" CUT FROM THE SWAB PHOTO http://imageshack.com/a/img536/1733/iDKbvl.jpg http://imageshack.com/a/img910/2241/Q0D85y.jpg SWABS http://imageshack.com/a/img631/5290/fAsx5H.jpg http://imageshack.com/a/img540/381/v7punf.jpg http://imageshack.com/a/img536/2843/gQJuWx.jpg

What is this pen? What is the brand / producer / origin? What model is this? This is a pen given to me by my father in early 80-ties. I used it for a couple of years as my every day pen. I cannot identify the producer nor the model. Must be produced somewhere in 1970-ties ot late 1960-ties? Much likely to be from China ? Maybe Japan? Maybe someone is able to read the signature on the nib?

Sailor Chalana- the cutest little pen! Hello folks, I got this tiny pen a while back, and as I couldn´t find many review of it I decided to make one. So, bit of history first ( mine, not the pen´s ): The first time I saw one of these was at Fountain Pen Hospital, in NYC. I thought it was really cute, but such was the amount of pen porn around I barely gave it a second glance. Months later, I saw it online again and found myself gazing longingly at it. After a long period of indecisiveness, I ended up buying it from Nibs.com. Customs took their usual month+ to release it, and it was finally in my hands!!. Packing: Small cardboard box, with “Chalana” written on. Meh. But inside was a nice pen pouch, in what appears to be real leather! Nice… Also containing a booklet, and some minuscule cartdriges. And the pen. Appearance and design: 5/5 First thing I noticed! It´s TINY!! Then I looked at the nice barleycorn finish, the clip, and the engravings on the cap band : “Sailor Japan Founded 1911”. Very precise, lovely texture. Funny, reminds me a lot of a Sheaffer Targa I once saw with the same finish. So, I pop up the cap and THAT´S SUCH A CUTIE LITTLE NIB!!! Arram. Yep, the nib is minuscule, and soooo cute. But the proportions are quite interesting, actually. On the nib has some engravings… I think… wait, lemme get my loupe. Ah, it says “Sailor-18k-1-750” I suppose the one stands for the size of the nib, and the 750…damned if I know. Here´s the Chalana and a Pelikan M200. Look at the Pelikan nib, it looks like Godzilla besides the Chalana nib!! Filling system: 4/5 The tiniest converter or the minuscule cartridge. Made especially for this pen. Don´t know how much ink they hold, but has gotta be less than 0,5 ml. Nib: 5/5 I can´t really say how it feels out of the box because I had Mr Mottishaw adjust it for me for extra smoothnes, moderate flow. And that precisely what I got, nearly buttersmooth, a bit of feedback, great flow. The guy is a ninja. But not quite X-F, more like a Japanese F. The reverse side is a XXF, a bit scratchy but quite usable. Writing experience: 3/5 Well, there´s the rub. Although the pen is really cute, and the nib is very smooth, it´s just too small and thin to write with. Feels like I am writing with a needle. It just disappears in my hand. Closing comments: 17/20 The Sailor Chalana retails for 170-180 dollars, almost the same as a 1911. For that value you get a lovely, cute pen; that writes very well, but it´s not an everyday writer. I have the impression it was never meant for that, can´t help but think it derived from a drunken bet of the top brass of Sailor: “Ogey, Nagahara-san, if I drink this whooole pint of sake while standing on one leg, you´ll make the tiniest pen in history!!!” Hope you enjoyed it!! Please, any comments or critics are welcome!! Best regards; TJP

Here is a link to the official English website for this new line of pens: https://tuzu-en.sailor.co.jp/ This looks like a LAMY Safari/entry-level pen competitor, with some extra functionality to stand above its competition. What do you think about it? Would you get one to try it out? Apparently will appear on store shelves sometime in April this year.

I have seven Sailor pens. I love using them. I have three with steel nibs: a fude ProFit Junior +10 a MF 1911 Compass. a gold plated F Sailor Shikiori Tsukuyo no Minamo Shimoyo I have three with a 14K gold nib: a black lacquer F Sailor ProFit. a MF Sailor Shikiori Fairy Tale Orihime (Vega) a black lacquer M Sailor Pro Gear Slim I also have a 21K gold nib model the EF Wicked Witch of the West 1911L I’ve written nine journals with them since last year alone, so I use them a lot. The problem is with the 14K black Sailor ProFit model. No matter how much I use pen flush or break the nib in through use, it gouges and scrapes the paper surface. It picks up paper fibers and becomes a brush all the time. I've been told that Sailor gold nib pens write “buttery”, but they are patterned after dip pens, so they make a scritchy sound on paper. Since I do art with dip pens, I love this tactile feedback. My 21K EF Witch writes smoothly as does my gold plated F Shimoyo. They’re a joy to write with, but not the ProFit. It even writes thinner than the EF. What can I do to fix this on my end? Is this a common difference between 14K nibs and 21K ones? How do I send this in to Sailor to get the nib repaired or replaced? Thanks for your friendly suggestions.

Sailor Storia Mix Red Many thanks @Lithium466 for the sample. Sailor Storia series are 8 pigment inks, made by Sailor. Sailor has another Storia series, making this line up quite confusing Photo courtesy of Sailor website While this ink looks like eye searing red nail polish in the vial, in reality it's some sort of watermelon red Shading is high especially on Japanese paper. Ink is excellent on copy paper, good lubrication and high shading on Japanese paper. In washes it’s watermelon pink/ red. Chroma: Writing Samples: As the ink was well lubricated and wet, I create a “Japanese” Ef by reverse writing. Photo: Note the contrast between the ink in the pen and its real colour. Comparison: Water test: Left side 10 seconds under running water. Sample was written with glass nib. So amount of ink is more than a normal nib. Art Work: The name of the ink, reminded me of the ancient Fire temples in the Middle East. Note how the ink misses the fire element. The paper is A4 size, absorbent paper. GvFC Lapis Lazuli Noodler's Apache Sunset Büroservice Bergmann IG red Here is a different take on Fabriano water-colour paper. Note the color change. The paper is a 1/4 th of the above paper, to give you a hint of contrast. Here I used: Noodler's Lexington Gray (brush pen) and R&K sketchInk Marlene + Klara mix. · Pens used: Lamy (Reverse Ef /EF/F/M/B, BB), Noodler’s Nib creaper. · What I liked: Behaviour. Even though it's not my colour, I enjoyed mixing it with oranges and other red to create the fire element. · What I did not like: I’m not a fan of bright red colours. · What some might not like: It’s a pigment ink. · Shading: Massive · Ghosting: None. · Bleed through: None · Flow Rate: Wet · Lubrication: Very good. · Nib Dry-out: Did not notice. · Start-up: Good · Saturation: Pastel · Shading Potential: Excellent · Sheen: No. · Spread / Feathering / Woolly Line: Did not notice. · Nib Creep / “Crud”: Did not notice. · Staining (pen): Yes. · Clogging: Did not notice. · Cleaning: It’s a red pigment ink, so don't expect it to clean easily · Water resistance: Excellent · Availability: 20 ml bottles. Please don't hesitate to share your experience, writing samples or any other comments. The more the merrier

I have Sailor 1911 L Sailor Compass aka Profit Junior Platinum 3776 Century Platinum President Pilot 74 Pilot 78g Muji pen

The King is here! I planned to purchase my second grail in June but opportunity presented itself, so here he is. My KOP has an M nib which seems a bit thinner than the M of my Pilot Custom 823 (my 1st grail). It has the 'Sailor feedback' but does not compromise smoothness. My Pilot Custom 823 seems to be slightly smoother but I prefer having some feedback whilst still maintaining smoothness. The nib of the king is bouncier than my Sailor 1911S without feeling bouncy 😱. It can make a slight line thickness variation but not a flex level of course. Though this is a big pen, it feels more comfortable in my hand compared to my 823 and 1911S. I felt the same with my Jinhao 9019 and JD Metal Big Pen. I am so elated with this purchase. Cheers

This is an old pen from the 1990's that is new to me. Condition is outstanding. The workmanship is really beyond. This is a Sailor Long Profit model, likely from the Koshyu Shitsugei series. It is called the 清照 - "Kiyoteru" or "Seiteru". The totally amazing maki-e work was evidently done by Otomaru Koda, the inventor of the choshitsu engraved lacquer technique used on the pen, and a National Treasure. The urushi is composed of many thick layers that is carved down to reveal concentric multi-colored layers. The carving is deep, it can be seen and felt. It is beautiful to say the least. The pen next to the Sailor is a Wancher Dream Pen in midori urushi. IMG_5022 by Ja Ja, on Flickr IMG_5023 by Ja Ja, on Flickr IMG_5026 by Ja Ja, on Flickr Also pictured is my Danitrio with kamakura-bori carving. Compared to the Sailor the carving on the Danitrio is simple. IMG_5025 by Ja Ja, on Flickr IMG_5024 by Ja Ja, on Flickr The nib was made by Nagahara Sr. It is his invention, the naginata-togi with emperor overfeed. The nib is perfect, sublime. Perfect writing with typical feedback. IMG_5036 by Ja Ja, on Flickr Packaging is a Paulowina wood box typical of Japanese craft items. IMG_5031 by Ja Ja, on Flickr

I recently purchased my first Sailor pen from Bungubox and it came with a wonderful, pigmented black ink they make with Sailor called “Eternal Music”. I love the flow, water resistance and lack of feathering with this ink but I also like sketching with a brown or sepia ink. This raises two questions for me: 1) Does Sailor make a sepia or brown pigmented ink with some decent water resistance? 2) Will using my current DeAtramentis Document Sepia void the Sailor warranty? I’m less concerned about the second question since it is the Japanese warranty which might be challenging to deal with if there is a problem anyway. However, I am a little concerned because I have read reports of some inks damaging the black ion plating on pens like mine. Thanks for any insights you may have.

Hello everyone, I just had to share how I feel about this pen. ------------- Disclaimer: I'm by no means an expert or connoisseur in fountain pens. My knowledge and experience with them have been quite limited.I don't have much idea on how to write a pen review properly. It may lack many parts, may even be a complete nonsense.I'm not so strong in writing in English, at times I may not be able to express myself well enough.------------- Sailor HighAce Neo Fountain Pen, Blue, Fine. I love this pen. I love how light it feels in the hand, how easy it is to manipulate it. It is not tiring to write with it at all. I like how its nib has some sort of pressure on the paper which feels firm but smooth, not scratchy. I like the little heart shaped hole on the nib. I personally like that it does not have indentations for placing fingers on the grip section, as I like to reverse write or even oblique write (is this even a thing?) quite often. Also, I believe the bottom end of the barrel is designed specifically to be able to post very securely, which is something I'd never seen before. It may be an extremely affordable pen, a beginner pen, a student pen. All those kinda apply to me anyways. Among my steel nib pens (Lamy Safari, Faber Castell OpArt, Pelikan Pelikano Up, Kaweco Perkeo, Pilot Metropolitan), This one is hands down my favourite. Thanks for reading!

Hi there! There’s a local pen show happening in a few days and I want to hear some thoughts. I have been wanting the Sailor KOP Ebonite for two years now and I wonder if it’s worth getting. Will the ebonite body last for a long time (with proper care of course)? I’m afraid that the ebonite might easily discolor or lose its shine (one of the main reasons why I like it) after a year or so and that it might be too fragile. Or perhaps I should go for an acrylic version? On the other hand, my ultimate grail is the Montblanc Great Characters Enzo Ferrari. But it’s a bit far from my budget right now so I need to wait for a few months if that’s the better buy. As much as I want both, I will only be settling for one pen in the near future as I want to focusing on other things. So KOP or MB Great Characters? Let me know your thoughts!

http://kobe-nagasawa.co.jp/system/wp-content/uploads/tcd-w/kobe-1.jpg http://imageshack.com/a/img903/6787/QslPHK.jpg Kobe (神戸市 Kōbe-shi) is the sixth-largest city in Japan and is the capital city of Hyōgo Prefecture. It is located on the southern side of the main island of Honshū, on the north shore of Osaka Bayand about 30 km (19 mi) west of Osaka. With a population around 1.5 million, the city is part of the Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe metropolitan area along with Osaka and Kyoto. Its name comes from "kanbe" (神戸), an archaic title for supporters of the city's Ikuta Shrine. Kobe became one of Japan's 17 designated cities in 1956. Kobe is famous for its shirines and nioce architecture but among fountain pen and ink afficionados the name Kobe cause increased heart-rate. The city is a home of Nagasawa-Kobe stationery shop that offers incredible lione of more than fifty inks made by Sailor. http://imageshack.com/a/img908/7578/dtzhVS.jpg https://kobe-nagasawa.co.jp/ My master - plan is to prepare comparison of full line of Nagasawa-Kobe inks. Not an easy task as they're not the most obtainable inks on the market, but hopefully I'll manage to do it At the moment Nagasawa-Kobe offers 52 inks: Rokko GreenPier BlueOld Foreigner Ward SepiaKitano Foreigners Residence RedEast Asia BlackKobe BordeauxKaikyo BlueArima AmberSuma PurpleMikage GreyIkuta OrangeOkamoto PinkNunobiki EmeraldMaya LapisMaiko GreenNada BrownShioya BlueSannomiya PanseMinatogawa LimeMotomachi RougeTaisanji YellowShinkaichi GoldNagata BlueNakayamate BlackTarumi ApricotWadamisaki BlueKounan MaroonSuzuran GreenSuma Kaihin BlueOoji CherryKaigan Stone GreyTamon Purple GreyRikyuu Moon YellowSourakuen Tea GreenSuwayama Leaf GreenSakaemachi IndigoMinatojima Island BlueKitanozaka Night BlueKobe BrickSumiyoshi BrownSuma Rikyu RoseRokko Island SkyGakuen Toshi Fresh GreenSumaura Seaside BlueHashibuse Silhouette GreenNagisa Museum GreyAoya Cascade GreenSuidousuji Marchais BlueKitano Olive GreenKyo-machi Legend BlueKano-cho Midnight Shioya Vintage Sepia Mmg112 has sent me some crazy amount of samples of different inks and guess what? Nagasawa some Kobe inks were among the samples. Thank you mmg112! Let's take a look at no 3 Old Foreigner Ward Sepia. The color is stunning. Yes, I know, sometimes it may look almost as blacj but when can I say. Strong, earthy browns witg great lubtication are my thing. This ink rocks! I need a bottle. Ink Splash http://imageshack.com/a/img911/4071/QmxYss.jpg Drops of ink on kitchen towel http://imageshack.com/a/img903/7187/EbkK2v.jpg Software ID http://imageshack.com/a/img633/4782/lyG6AE.jpg Color range http://imageshack.com/a/img633/6979/q2kphT.jpg Tomoe River, Kaweco Classic Sport, B http://imageshack.com/a/img907/2512/Lqe3rh.jpg http://imageshack.com/a/img907/1154/59nK0a.jpg http://imageshack.com/a/img903/8300/axjPQY.jpg Leuchturm 1917, Kaweco Classic Sport, B http://imageshack.com/a/img910/4338/0EjfyX.jpg http://imageshack.com/a/img905/3758/OM1HnJ.jpg http://imageshack.com/a/img908/606/FJu6uO.jpg Rhodia, Gama Airborne, F/M nib http://imageshack.com/a/img903/5935/Jg5NJV.jpg http://imageshack.com/a/img908/1899/DAk5fg.jpg Lyreco budget notebook 60 g, Gama Airborne, F/M nib http://imageshack.com/a/img908/6541/HZ5Hfs.jpg http://imageshack.com/a/img905/6976/pKmfjE.jpg http://imageshack.com/a/img633/5930/KSjfpv.jpg Oxford, Hero 5028, stub 1,9 http://imageshack.com/a/img907/7273/LJ6Vsy.jpg Water resistance (30 seconds under current water) http://imageshack.com/a/img907/1121/tSpQut.jpg

Sailor 1911 Realo Maroon 21K EF ~ In the area where I work and live, the leading stationery retailer is Eslite Spectrum, located in the Hi-Tech Park district, at the MixC World shopping mall. A bookstore based in Taiwan, their local outlet has a Writer’s Boutique where a wide variety of fountain pens and inks are displayed. Several Japanese fountain pens purchased there have been excellent writers. Their selection of inks offers the variety I’d previously lacked. Among other brands they stock Sailor products which are attractively presented for the consideration of potential buyers. For over half a year within the Sailor display I admired a sleek pen with an ink window. As it happened, the staff was fairly unfamiliar with that particular model. Low-key investigation revealed that it was a 1911 Realo with a 21K F nib. I asked if there was any possibility of ordering the same model with an EF nib, as in 2020 I’m adding EF nibs for detailed sketching, note-taking and writing. The manager indicated that EF nibs were not among those which might be ordered. Despite that information, my interest in the pen persisted. When I mentioned my interest in a Sailor 1911 Realo 21K EF nib to an overseas friend, I learned that one such pen was available in his area. The surprise was that the pen itself was maroon, rather than the black which I had been admiring in Eslite Spectrum. It was an easy decision. The pen was ordered with careful arrangements made to safely ship it to me. After a number of weeks it arrived undamaged, thanks to the sturdy packaging. The pen wrote well from first inking with Herbin Rouge Grenat, an ink I had on hand but had never used. The 21K Extra Fine nib is less stiff than I’d expected. It’s highly responsive to subtle changes in finger motion. I tend to write with a fairly light touch, so the nib is well-suited to my needs. A set of images follows which shows the unboxing and details of the pen. In this case a few comparison images are included showing a Montblanc 146 Special Edition Petit Prince and Planet EF pen. As the two models share certain characteristics, it seemed appropriate to photograph them together. Tom K. As Delivered Grey Wrapping Sturdy Box North America Limited Warranty 1911 Realo MN EF Newly Arrived and Opened Dark Tones Fully Opened Pen Revealed Prior to Handling Soft Grey Maroon 1911 Realo 1911 Realo Maroon EF Uncapped H-EF Side-by-Side Two EF Nibs Both Uncapped Nib Engraving

I recently picked up a Sailor Compass 1911 to round out an order, as well as satisfy curiosity about the shape/form factor of an actual Sailor 1911. Based on various reviews I've read and seen, I was prepared to be disappointed by the feel of the nib of the Compass. When I got the pen and inked it up with some Robert Oster Green Lady, I was very very surprised while trying it out on Rhodia and Tamoe River. It was was quieter, smoother, and had less feedback than all my other pens: Pilot Explorer (F); Platinum Preppy (EF) and (F); TWSBI 580 (EF), Eco (EF), Go (1.1 Stub); Lamy Vista (EF). The only pen that was smoother was my Platinum Preppy (M). It was only when I tested on regular paper -- 18 lbs laser paper -- that the Compass fell to the bottom of the heap exhibiting the often described pencil on paper feel. Did I just get lucky with this particular pen's nib and ink combination? Or is my grip or writing style just well suited for this pen? Or do I simply just not have enough experience yet being only about a month into this hobby?

I picked up this apparently NOS Sailor pocket pen in a Japanese auction recently. It still has a sticker on it for 1000 yen, so I suspect that the nib is not gold, but rather steel. The only markings on the nib are the word "Sailor" and a small round logo of sorts. I've seen some pictures of similar nibs which are stamped 14k or the like, but where such stamping would be on this nib is obscured by the section, and I'm not keen on removing the nib from the section to find out. (Though if it is not too hard to remove and then replace the nib without messing things up, instructions on how to do so would be appreciated). In any case, any help with an id and/or a determination of the nib material would be greatly appreciated. Apologies for the poor photo quality. Hopefully it is good enough for this purpose.

Sailor is my favorite pen and I've owned quite a few over 20 years. I just purchased a Pro Gear 21K medium. The nib is marked "M" and not "H-M". In comparing it with the same model (different color) purchased in 2012, I find nib differences that, to me, are not acceptable. The line width has jumped from 0.28 mm to 0.41mm, that is, it has become "Western". Flow is inferior, with ink pooling at the bottom of letters and it writes poorly, with bleeding & feathering, on papers not designed for fountain pens. It is no longer an EDC. Worst of all, it does not have that precision feel, sharp imprint, and tactile feedback that we Sailor aficionados love. It writes like any one of the acceptable $60 pens I've owned. I contacted Sailor. They verified they are changing their nomenclature but have not made any other changes. I returned the pen for a refund. Maybe I got a rare defective nib. If I buy one of these new Sailors, I'll make sure it is easily returnable. For those who complained that Sailors are scratchy, this may be the one you like. There is a great YouTube post comparing Sailor 14K and 21K nibs. The author shows that all write about the same width and ink flow with the exception of M, where the 21K nib is much wider that the 14K equivalent,

Have the opportunity to get this pen SH... Nearly unused. I have some smaller sailors pro gear and other similar pens pilot VP, 74, 912 etc, lamy 2000 SS. I love the sailor nibs but the question is about Urushi Lacquer on this pen and how hardy it is regarding wear etc. Pens normally in case or inside book I'm using ... It's a big purchase so want to make sure and be warned of any issues. Thanks

Hello, I have this sailor WG pocket fountain pen. Nib is amazing! But the section is rusted through. Does anyone here have a section that I can buy? Any ideas are welcome. Thank you!

The Chinkin process sounds rather simple but there is no room for error in carving the surface material. An appropriate design for the lacquered object is initially sketched. Then the artist ‘carves’ the urushi surface with special chisels and carving tools. Next, urushi is rubbed just into the lines and dots as adhesion and sprinkled with gold foils, powders, or colored pigments, and finally polished by washi, a japanese traditional paper. The Sailor Chinkin Bumbeblee limited edition is created by Chinkin artist Misato Tsukada. Only 28 pcs for the world. If you are interested #3/28 can be yours. https://www.sakurafountainpengallery.com/en

I've never seen this fountain pen in person, first hand. I saw it appear on-line only once. It was in a small sale that Stan used to run of vintage fountain pens... and Laura (Phthalo) managed to buy it. Those two embedded photos on the right were lifted from her old blog. I'm curious if anyone here has ever seen one in the wild, or owns one. I've been looking on auction sites for years... and have still yet to spot it.

Greetings! I am looking for tips from the experts here. Which fountain pens, other than Sailor, will a Sailor 14K nib (could be from PGS or 1911 Regular) fit into? I know for sure that it fits a Sheaffer Pop. But I don’t like the Sheaffer Pop and wish to put the nib into another pen. I had the TWSBI Diamond Mini or the Vac mini in my mind but not sure if it’s going to be compatible. Would anyone know? Ideally a short pen that can house the Sailor nib would be great. Thanks for any info on this. Cheers! Mukherji.

Sailor hocoro Dip Pen For quick testing of fountain pen inks, a dip pen is a useful tool. I like the convenience it provides: dip it in the ink bottle, write a quick line. Then rinse under the water faucet and you're done. For the past year or so I’ve been using a Pilot iro-utsushi dip pen. That works well, but it doesn’t have a feed to function as an ink reservoir. So it’s only good for writing a few words. Recently I came across the Sailor hocoro dip pen (at stiloestile.it) : same concept, but this dip pen comes with a feed. It looked like a better alternative, so I decided to give it a try. The Sailor hocoro dip pen is basically a nib attached to a holder so you can write with it. The nibs can be bought separately, and come in different sizes (fine, a couple of stubs, fude). All nib units can be bought separately for about 10 EUR. Nib + holder come at about 15 EUR. Really affordable. The hocoro nib holder has two interesting features: It has a flattened surface on one side, which functions as a built-in roll-stop. A small but well-thought out detail. One side of the holder functions as a nib container. You can “cap” the nib in it so that it is protected. When you want to write with the dip pen, you pull out the nib, reverse it and plug it into the holder. Works really well. The biggest plus of this little dip pen is the integrated feed which serves as an ink reservoir (the F-nib comes without a feed, but the latter can be purchased separately. Broader nibs come standard with a feed). Because of this integrated feed, it’s possible to write a couple of lines without redipping the pen into the ink. Quite convenient, and ideal for a quick note without having to fill a full pen. I got me the hocoro dip pen with a “fude” nib. This looked like an interesting nib choice, and it really is! Depending on the angle you write, you can go from a fine to a very very broad line. Ideal for calligraphy fans. But also really nice when testing a new ink. The included packaging is simple piece of carton, with the instructions printed on it. One look at these, and you know how the pen works. I took a quick photo, and then got rid of it. As a dip pen, this Sailor hocoro works as advertised. It’s no beauty queen, but due to the integrated feed it is a really functional instrument. For testing inks it is an order of magnitude better than a glass dip pen. I also prefer it over the much better looking Pilot iru-utsushi. If you’re looking for a cheap dip pen for quick ink testing, you can’t go much better than this. And I can really recommend the “fude” nib which provides tons of line variation. Check it out…

Does anyone know how to dismantle the Sailor King of pen cap ? there is ink trapped in the inner plastic cap and and i cant remove it, it seems to be screwed in place with a spring behind it to keep the nib from drying !