Platinum F Nib Vs Pilot F Nib

[wyldphyre]

I spent some time searching this forum but couldn't find a definitive answer, so I have some questions for those of you who are wise in the ways of Japanese pens.

 

 

I'm thinking of getting a Platinum 3776 Century Bourgogne several months from now (once my savings are replenished from recent pen splurges), but my experience with Japanese brands is limited to Pilot at this stage. I like the look of this pen and I've read that the Platinum nibs are pretty good, so I'm thinking this could be a pen that I'd enjoy. My only concerns are really related to the nib width at this stage.

 

So, here are the questions I'm hoping someone can answer for me:

 

1. How does the width of Platinum F nibs compare to Pilot F nibs? (one of my favourite nibs so far is the F nib on a Pilot Prera. Awesome width and pretty smooth)
    
   
2. Do the Platinum nibs tend to be smoother/rougher than Pilot at the same size/width? (I'm not looking for butter smooth, mostly just curious on this one)
    
   
3. Are Platinum's 14k gold nibs stiff or springy? (I'm fairly happy with nails so far. I've got a Pilot Heritage 91 with an FM nib that is just a little too wide/springy for my liking, and I don't want to get stuck with the gold nib on the Platinum being too wide for me)
    
   
4. Is there perhaps a cheap Platinum pen that I could get that would give me a good idea of what the experience of using a Platinum 3776 Century with an F nib would be like?
   

 

Bonus karma points if you can point me at (or provide) a sample of this pen next to a Pilot F nib. :clap1:

 

Thank you greatly in advance for any advice you can provide.

 

Cheers

[Pen2009]

Platinum's F nibs are known for smoothness with sufficient ink flow. The nib is stiff as that is how its 14K gold nibs are designed.

 

Pilot have different nib sizes and there are difference in how each type of nib performs and feels in your hand.

Edited August 22, 2012 by Pen2009

[jde]

They are very different nibs, IMHO. The Platinum is smooth, but it is not Pilot smooth. The Platinum has a "feel" of the paper when you write with it, and it may be wetter than what you are used to. Your basic Platinum #3776 14K F nib is not flexible (again IMHO). Yeah, it's stiff. And it's my favorite nib, just because it has a little personality when writing. You might try obtaining a used 3776 to try out.

Edited August 22, 2012 by jde

[XiaoMG]

Might be worth noting that newer 3776s (Century, Bourgogne, etc.) are wider and a bit wetter than the earlier models of 3776. I agree that they are stiff and are less smooth than Pilot's nibs on the whole. They also have less tipping in the fine nibs. I smoothed mine a bit and now it's a rather nice writer by my standards.

[wyldphyre]

Thanks for the replies so far.

 

@jde Is the extra "feel" you're describing a result of being less smooth than a Pilot nib, or something else? I've only been using fountain pens since the start of the year so I'm still not sure how to map some of the terms people use (feedback, tooth etc) into my experiences with my various pens. I figure I've probably experienced these things, but not sure which is which

 

@XiaoMG Sounds like I may need to try to get my hands on a 3776 if possible so I can have an idea what I'll be getting

[jde]

@wyldphre not less smooth, just different kind of smooth. The Platinum has some feedback... you feel it on the paper. It is not scratchy. Some people don't like it. Me, I do. For me, a standard Pilot F is kinda (forgive me) boring. You have to try it to understand. Kind regards...

 

 

 

[wyldphyre]

@wyldphre not less smooth, just different kind of smooth. The Platinum has some feedback... you feel it on the paper. It is not scratchy. Some people don't like it. Me, I do. For me, a standard Pilot F is kinda (forgive me) boring. You have to try it to understand. Kind regards...

 

Ok. A different kind of smooth sounds fine by me. Some of the fine nibs I have already have more "feel" (for lack of a better term) than my Pilot nib and I still enjoy them, so based on what you are describing I don't think I'd dislike the nib on the Platinum.

 

Now that you've gone and called the Pilot F boring, I think I may be heading in that direction as well. It's still one of my favourites, but I've got a couple other nibs the same size with more feel to them and I think my preferences may be starting to lean in that direction. Now that I've noticed it I'll have to do some experimentation.

 

Cheers

Edited August 23, 2012 by wyldphyre

[XiaoMG]

Ok. A different kind of smooth sounds fine by me. Some of the fine nibs I have already have more "feel" (for lack of a better term) than my Pilot nib and I still enjoy them, so based on what you are describing I don't think I'd dislike the nib on the Platinum.

 

Not that you've gone and called the Pilot F boring, I think I may be heading in that direction as well. It's still one of my favourites, but I've got a couple other nibs the same size with more feel to them and I think my preferences may be starting to lean in that direction. Now that I've noticed it I'll have to do some experimentation.

 

Cheers

Despite the rationalizations of some, the feeling can accurately be called less smooth. Some people like less smooth, and you may grow to like it or prefer it. Some Pilots are a little unsmooth too, and according to some, that is intentional. However, you don't need to pretend something is what it isn't just so you can enjoy it in mixed company. The popular term for unsmooth "feel" is "feedback", which is a deterrent to those of us who actually like really smooth ("boring" or "lifeless" or "slippery" according to those who like to justify their preferences that way) nibs. Everyone advertises their nibs as smooth, even when they're not, and sometimes only in response to inquiry will you hear something like, "it is very smooth with a slight feedback." I felt cheated on a number of occasions, even by well-regarded nib grinders, when I received nibs that were more "interesting". Not scratchy by most definitions, but I would not call them smooth, unless the only definition of "smooth" involved not noticeably tearing the paper, which is a very low standard indeed.

 

You might well like the Platinum. They are smooth in the way lemons are sweet, but they are consistent and pretty reliable, and can be adjusted or smoothed without too much trouble if your preferences change.

Edited August 23, 2012 by XiaoMG

[wyldphyre]

Despite the rationalizations of some, the feeling can accurately be called less smooth. Some people like less smooth, and you may grow to like it or prefer it. Some Pilots are a little unsmooth too, and according to some, that is intentional. However, you don't need to pretend something is what it isn't just so you can enjoy it in mixed company. The popular term for unsmooth "feel" is "feedback", which is a deterrent to those of us who actually like really smooth ("boring" or "lifeless" or "slippery" according to those who like to justify their preferences that way) nibs. Everyone advertises their nibs as smooth, even when they're not, and sometimes only in response to inquiry will you hear something like, "it is very smooth with a slight feedback." I felt cheated on a number of occasions, even by well-regarded nib grinders, when I received nibs that were more "interesting". Not scratchy by most definitions, but I would not call them smooth, unless the only definition of "smooth" involved not noticeably tearing the paper, which is a very low standard indeed.

 

You might well like the Platinum. They are smooth in the way lemons are sweet, but they are consistent and pretty reliable, and can be adjusted or smoothed without too much trouble if your preferences change.

 

I'm definitely not a fan of pens that are so smooth they just skate across the page. My writing seems to need something to help me keep the nib under control. I'm feeling optimistic about the Platinum now.

[jde]

@wyldphyre Do let us know how you experience the nib when you finally try a Platinum. Thank you for being good humored, too, about my Pilot comment. The difficulty sometimes is that we 'cheerlead' too frequently, and some are disappointed when they follow the pack. We all have to make our own assessment as best we can. It is not easy for those of us without pen stores or shows to frequent, and thus we rely upon the forum to help us sort it out!

 

Cheers and kind regards...

Edited August 23, 2012 by jde

[wyldphyre]

@wyldphyre Do let us know how you experience the nib when you finally try a Platinum. Thank you for being good humored, too, about my Pilot comment. The difficulty sometimes is that we 'cheerlead' too frequently, and some are disappointed when they follow the pack. We all have to make our own assessment as best we can. It is not easy for those of us without pen stores or shows to frequent, and thus we rely upon the forum to help us sort it out!

 

Cheers and kind regards...

 

I suspect it's going to be several months before I get my hands on Platinum, but I'll definitely try to remember to add my experiences to this topic. As for your comment, I came looking for information, so any feedback is good at this stage. :ltcapd:

 

Cheers

[Jezza]

Tough question: Platinum nibs are typically finer than Pilot. In fact, there's a nib chart on nibs.com that claims a Platinum fine measures approximately 0.28mm while the Pilot measures 0.35. Owning both, I can tell you the Platinum is definitely finer. Pilot nibs--at least, the 5 fines I own (2 Custom 823's, 1 Custom 742, 1 Makie, and 1 Custom 74) are much drier than my Platinum fines. Consequently, my Platinums often feel smoother because there is more ink lubricating the tip.

Edited September 2, 2012 by Jezza

[wyldphyre]

Tough question: Platinum nibs are typically finer than Pilot. In fact, there's a nib chart on nibs.com that claims a Platinum fine measures approximately 0.28mm while the Pilot measures 0.35. Owning both, I can tell you the Platinum is definitely finer. Pilot nibs--at least, the 5 fines I own (2 Custom 823's, 1 Custom 742, 1 Makie, and 1 Custom 74) are much drier than my Platinum fines. Consequently, my Platinums often feel smoother because there is more ink lubricating the tip.

 

Hmmm. Interesting. Thanks for pointing out that chart on nibs.com Jezza . I think I may have seen it in the past, but it's hard to keep track of all this information at times.

 

Based on that chart I guess I'd still want to go with the F nib on the Platinum. The M seems like it would be a bit thicker than I'd prefer.

 

If you happen to have your Platinum and one or more of the Pilot's inked at the moment, could I trouble you for a quick sample to show the difference?

 

Cheers

[khoss712]

I'd have to agree with your feelings on the Pilot Prera. Very smooth and fine. It didn't handle the carbon black inks all that well, though (Platinum Carbon Black and Sailor nano Black). Not so great with Noodlers Bulletproof Black either. Everything else was really good, particularly when you consider the price. Stepping up to a 3776 series is a different league, certainly in price. They are extremely reliable pens, write the first time always and you can leave them alone for long periods without drying out.

I've used several Platinums recently, the "Standard", a relatively cheap pen from Jetpens, the ubiquitous Preppy, A Maki-e and a 3776 ribbed. As I mostly draw, smoothness and control are important, i.e., a relatively stiff nib. Despite what everyone says and the nib charts show, I've found Platinum nibs to run on the wide side so far. The extra fines though have been great. As I've started to travel a good deal, I've had to rely on cartridges and Sailor and Platinum are the only manufacturers that I know of with waterproof ink (needed for my type of art). Thus the concentration on those brands.

I would go for the 3776 but only from a vendor that would exchange it for an extra fine if you need it. My current everyday pen is the 3776 ribbed (I like a snap cap). Best pen I've ever owned in terms of control, smoothness and reliability. Now if all I did with a pen is write, I don't know. Good luck.

[wyldphyre]

I'd have to agree with your feelings on the Pilot Prera. Very smooth and fine. It didn't handle the carbon black inks all that well, though (Platinum Carbon Black and Sailor nano Black). Not so great with Noodlers Bulletproof Black either. Everything else was really good, particularly when you consider the price. Stepping up to a 3776 series is a different league, certainly in price. They are extremely reliable pens, write the first time always and you can leave them alone for long periods without drying out.

I've used several Platinums recently, the "Standard", a relatively cheap pen from Jetpens, the ubiquitous Preppy, A Maki-e and a 3776 ribbed. As I mostly draw, smoothness and control are important, i.e., a relatively stiff nib. Despite what everyone says and the nib charts show, I've found Platinum nibs to run on the wide side so far. The extra fines though have been great. As I've started to travel a good deal, I've had to rely on cartridges and Sailor and Platinum are the only manufacturers that I know of with waterproof ink (needed for my type of art). Thus the concentration on those brands.

I would go for the 3776 but only from a vendor that would exchange it for an extra fine if you need it. My current everyday pen is the 3776 ribbed (I like a snap cap). Best pen I've ever owned in terms of control, smoothness and reliability. Now if all I did with a pen is write, I don't know. Good luck.

 

Thanks for your input. The very first fountain pen I had was a Preppy, and now that you mentioned it I found it to be a bit on the wide side as well. I had the 03 , which is as small as they go, and it seemed very wide on certain papers because of how much ink went down. It was ok on good paper but tended to be bad on cheap paper. At the time I put it down to the type of ink that the Preppy came with. Since I won't be using the Paltinum ink in the 3776 I'm hoping that won't be an issue.

 

With regards to getting it through someone who will switch it for another nib size, I think I'm going to be pretty much out of luck in that department. I'm in Australia so I'll be ordering from overseas, either someone in the US or, more likely at this stage because it's cheaper, one of the Japanese retailers. I don't even know of somewhere in Australia that carries this pen and even if I found someone the price would probably be $100+ more than from a US seller.

[khoss712]

I'd have to agree with your feelings on the Pilot Prera. Very smooth and fine. It didn't handle the carbon black inks all that well, though (Platinum Carbon Black and Sailor nano Black). Not so great with Noodlers Bulletproof Black either. Everything else was really good, particularly when you consider the price. Stepping up to a 3776 series is a different league, certainly in price. They are extremely reliable pens, write the first time always and you can leave them alone for long periods without drying out.

I've used several Platinums recently, the "Standard", a relatively cheap pen from Jetpens, the ubiquitous Preppy, A Maki-e and a 3776 ribbed. As I mostly draw, smoothness and control are important, i.e., a relatively stiff nib. Despite what everyone says and the nib charts show, I've found Platinum nibs to run on the wide side so far. The extra fines though have been great. As I've started to travel a good deal, I've had to rely on cartridges and Sailor and Platinum are the only manufacturers that I know of with waterproof ink (needed for my type of art). Thus the concentration on those brands.

I would go for the 3776 but only from a vendor that would exchange it for an extra fine if you need it. My current everyday pen is the 3776 ribbed (I like a snap cap). Best pen I've ever owned in terms of control, smoothness and reliability. Now if all I did with a pen is write, I don't know. Good luck.

 

Thanks for your input. The very first fountain pen I had was a Preppy, and now that you mentioned it I found it to be a bit on the wide side as well. I had the 03 , which is as small as they go, and it seemed very wide on certain papers because of how much ink went down. It was ok on good paper but tended to be bad on cheap paper. At the time I put it down to the type of ink that the Preppy came with. Since I won't be using the Paltinum ink in the 3776 I'm hoping that won't be an issue.

 

With regards to getting it through someone who will switch it for another nib size, I think I'm going to be pretty much out of luck in that department. I'm in Australia so I'll be ordering from overseas, either someone in the US or, more likely at this stage because it's cheaper, one of the Japanese retailers. I don't even know of somewhere in Australia that carries this pen and even if I found someone the price would probably be $100+ more than from a US seller.

I would look at nibs.com then. See if they ship to Australia. Send them a sample of your handwriting, specifying the paper and leave it to them.

[wyldphyre]

I would look at nibs.com then. See if they ship to Australia. Send them a sample of your handwriting, specifying the paper and leave it to them.

 

That's not a bad idea. Drawback is it will cost a lot more than going via a Japanese dealer. I'll keep it in mind though, so thanks.

[tacitus]

Dear all,

I basically agree to you.

Here are my impressions based on my own pens.

Nib width: Platinum 3776 gathered (the first model)< Platinum 3776 Century <Pilot 823

(my hand writing is not a good sample)

Flow: Platinum 3776 gathered< Platinum 3776 Century< Pilot 823

Touch: Platinum crisp but smooth vs. Pilot springy and smooth

 

I think that Platinum 3776 Century F nib is well-balanced (smooth and fine enough), and considering its price (it is one third of Pilot 823 in Japan), it is a good bargain.

Tacitus

Edited September 6, 2012 by tacitus

[quoctp]

I spent some time searching this forum but couldn't find a definitive answer, so I have some questions for those of you who are wise in the ways of Japanese pens.

 

 

I'm thinking of getting a Platinum 3776 Century Bourgogne several months from now (once my savings are replenished from recent pen splurges), but my experience with Japanese brands is limited to Pilot at this stage. I like the look of this pen and I've read that the Platinum nibs are pretty good, so I'm thinking this could be a pen that I'd enjoy. My only concerns are really related to the nib width at this stage.

 

So, here are the questions I'm hoping someone can answer for me:

 

1. How does the width of Platinum F nibs compare to Pilot F nibs? (one of my favourite nibs so far is the F nib on a Pilot Prera. Awesome width and pretty smooth)
    
   
2. Do the Platinum nibs tend to be smoother/rougher than Pilot at the same size/width? (I'm not looking for butter smooth, mostly just curious on this one)
    
   
3. Are Platinum's 14k gold nibs stiff or springy? (I'm fairly happy with nails so far. I've got a Pilot Heritage 91 with an FM nib that is just a little too wide/springy for my liking, and I don't want to get stuck with the gold nib on the Platinum being too wide for me)
    
   
4. Is there perhaps a cheap Platinum pen that I could get that would give me a good idea of what the experience of using a Platinum 3776 Century with an F nib would be like?
   

 

Bonus karma points if you can point me at (or provide) a sample of this pen next to a Pilot F nib. :clap1:

 

Thank you greatly in advance for any advice you can provide.

 

Cheers

 

You can order one of the older model (but NOS) platinum from speerbob on eBay for about U.S. $16.00. It does not come with the converter but there is an adapter for International cartridge. The nib is fine but writes well with a good amount of feedback.

[wyldphyre]

You can order one of the older model (but NOS) platinum from speerbob on eBay for about U.S. $16.00. It does not come with the converter but there is an adapter for International cartridge. The nib is fine but writes well with a good amount of feedback.

 

I've just ordered a cheap one with an F nib. Hopefully that will give me a ball park feel for what the more expensive pen would be like. Thanks.