Dorsal Fin Version 1, Ao-Tamenuri

[mk2579]

Here is a quick review of my new Nakaya Dorsal Fin 1, Ao-tamenuri.

 

Having managed to escape both 2016 and 2017 without a single Nakaya purchase, I was not so lucky in 2018. I bought two Nakaya’s in a frenzy in early February. I was idly browsing the nibs.com website one day when I stumbled upon my grail pen…the Nakaya Dorsal Fin Version 1...and in the discontinued Ao-tamenuri finish! I have been drooling over this pen since 2014. I knew I had to pounce and didn’t have much time to consider nib options. I quickly opted for a ruthenium- plated Broad Stub. I clicked the buy button and waited.

After a few back and forths with Classic Fountain Pens about the approximate colour of the Ao on the Dorsal Fin (I was worried it might be green vs teal blue), both pens were shipped within a few days. My Nakaya arrived about a week later. Here is the Dorsal Fin Version 1 in Ao-tamenuri…

Very stealthy looking and shark-like. I’m glad I departed from the gold- colour nib and went Ruthinium this time. The shape of the Dorsal Fin 1 is actually much less pronounced in person than in pictures I have seen. It actually looks very similar to my Ao-tamenuri 17mm Portable. *I noticed Nakaya have started calling the 17mm Portable as the Portable “Thick”. I’m not sure thats really selling the design

Here is a picture of the pen capped. The Ao-tamenuri colour is perfect, that cool teal that makes you think of deep Japanese waters. The fin allows for a nice sliver of Ao finish to come through. Here it is capped, lounging on another sea creature…

In addition to the sharks fin, the other differentiator between the 17mm and the Dorsal Fin 1 is the tapered barrel and pointy end. If it wasn’t for the Fin in the cap, it could actually pass for a beefed up Naka-Ai. Now there’s an idea…

Here it is from the rear…

Nib:

I asked for a hybrid cursive italic/ stub for my Dorsal Fin 1. I had selected the cursive italic, and then elaborated in the “additional comments” section that I wanted it as smooth as a stub. Basically a stub but with a thinner cross stroke. I opted for a “Medium to Heavy” ink flow, then specified 8/10. I’m not sure if that is “Medium- Heavy” or “Heavy”. All I know is I did not want “dry”.

Here is a close up of the Ruthinium- plated Broad nib…

Here is a moody picture…

Verdict:

I am extremely happy with this Dorsal Fin Version 1. The Ao-tamenuri finish is exactly as I like it and the barrel is nice and fat and comfortable to write with. Do I wish I got the Dorsal Fin Version 2 instead? Well aside from it not being available and (ahem) more expensive, I quite like the shape of the Dorsal Fin 1 in the Ao-finish, as it more closely resembles a shark. A very expensive Japanese shark. Which is cool. The Version 1 model’s single fin curves outwards like a fat shark fin, whereas the version 2’s double fin model curves inwards to more resemble a Katana, or Japanese sword. The benefit of the 2-fin model however, is you get an extra slice of Ao on the barrel. I may well be tempted by one of these in the future, if it magically appeared at nibs.com, Aesthetic Bay…but hopefully not this year as my pen budget is well and truly spent.

The only slightly negative thing I would say about this pen is the cap is much lighter than I expected. It’s much lighter than the 17mm and its shorter too. That seems strange as the Fin is created by adding multiple layers of urushi. I believe this process takes about 6 months to achieve. I would have thought all that urushi would add some weight. To me it seems like it has less urushi on the cap than on the barrel. But I could be imagining things. I will try to get some weight measurements. The nib is perfect with a good flow and the requested additional smoothness to the cursive italic Broad. The ruthenium-plating looks great.

All in all, a grail achieved. I will not be parting with this pen I think, ever

Edited March 15, 2018 by kunju123

[jameslly]

Thank you for the review. Dorsal Fin V2 Purple is on my next purchase list. Being that I like thick pens, Only 17mm and Dorsal Fins interest me from Nakaya. I have 17mm Cigar and it is in my daily rotation.

 

Although I like Nakaya pens very much, I do have to say that their nibs are not as good as Sailor and Namiki. I tried M and B but I didn't like either of them. My 17mm has Soft M & Flex & Elastic. Had to change its nib 3 times to settle. The next purchase will have the Nakaya Music nib. I'm hoping I'll like it...

[GardenWeasel]

Wonderful review and an absolutely gorgeous pen! Thank you for posting!

[Drawing61]

Beautiful pen. So happy it met your expectations.

[a m a r g o]

 

Ao-tamenuri!

 

 

Ao-tamenuri!

 

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[mk2579]

GardenWeasel"

 

Thank u for reading!

[mk2579]

Beautiful pen. So happy it met your expectations.

Yes I was worried about this one given the price is really at top end of my budget, but it all worked out in the end.

[mk2579]

 

Ao-tamenuri!

 

 

Ao-tamenuri!

 

...

Yes I wholeheartedly agree!