Pilot/Namiki Vanishing Point

[junkinduck]

Got this last week and am really enjoying it.

[Abraxel]

How is writing with that? I've never used one, but for some reason it looks less pleasurable to write with than a pen with a fully exposed nib, maybe because (from pictures) it seems like it'd be a really hard, inflexible nib? I'm not very experienced with fountain pens, so I'm legitimately curious, not criticizing.

[junkinduck]

It is really nice to use. I have run two cartridges of ink through it and it is doing great. The nip retracts up into the pen so it can be used with one hand. It writes smooth with no pressure needed and makes a good line. the only thing I regret is going with the medium nib over the fine. I may order a fine in the near future. It takes a little time to get the hang of the pocket clip being on the business end of the pen. If you buy I had a reall good experence with Richard Binder at richardspens.com. He tests all of the pens he sells.

Don

[jockeys]

How is writing with that? I've never used one, but for some reason it looks less pleasurable to write with than a pen with a fully exposed nib, maybe because (from pictures) it seems like it'd be a really hard, inflexible nib? I'm not very experienced with fountain pens, so I'm legitimately curious, not criticizing.

actually, the nib is incredibly flexible. Mine is one of the Japanese units (18k nib vs. 14k) blue carbonesque with a medium nib. it is very flexy, the line more than doubles in width when you push it.

in retrospect, i should have gotten a fine nib, the medium lays down a very bold, wet line. the pen is super handy, and is nearly always with me. i keep mine loaded with noodler's lexington grey bulletproof, the pen writes superbly with it.

a lot of people complain about the clip, but i really like it, it helps me index the pen without looking. it's a love it or hate it kind of thing, some people have hands that work with it and some don't.

[Tony Miller]

I've had one of these as well with the fine point and loved the one handed operation. Much easier to use on the go than a conventional one where you need to unscrew the cap each time. The pocket clip on these can be an issue for some depending on the grip you use as it may wind up right under the fingers.

Last week I bought a Nakaya Cigar Long with red/black Urushi finish over ebonite. Expensive yes, but one I have lusted after for a year. In addition to my strop business I deal in vinatge pens, slide rules and manual typewriters as a hobby and always get to try some unique examples.

Tony

[maplemaker]

It is really nice to use. I have run two cartridges of ink through it and it is doing great. The nip retracts up into the pen so it can be used with one hand. It writes smooth with no pressure needed and makes a good line. the only thing I regret is going with the medium nib over the fine. I may order a fine in the near future. It takes a little time to get the hang of the pocket clip being on the business end of the pen. If you buy I had a reall good experence with Richard Binder at richardspens.com. He tests all of the pens he sells.

Don

I always take a fine nib. Can't stand the ink flow out of anything larger. I write really small, though. Have you seen the new Delta Dolce with the piston fill? I have the Dolce oversize and love how smooth it is on anything I've put it to, and am seriously contemplating saving the pennies for this new one.

[maplemaker]

How is writing with that? I've never used one, but for some reason it looks less pleasurable to write with than a pen with a fully exposed nib, maybe because (from pictures) it seems like it'd be a really hard, inflexible nib? I'm not very experienced with fountain pens, so I'm legitimately curious, not criticizing.

Fountain pens, with a good nib and ink, are like butter. No pressure on the hand, just glide over the paper and let the ink do its thing. In fact, it's just like stropping... weight of the pen only. You can change angles of hold for different lines or types of paper, but it's just smooth, smooth writing regardless.

[Abraxel]

Oh no, now you guys have me shopping for fountain pens again... I was able to stave that obsession off about 8 months ago when I found SRP and got interested in razors (kinda like the way they treated morphine addiction with heroin), and now I think I'm gonna have to pick up a nice pen pretty soon.

I should start being a responsible, thrifty student, but at least I limit myself to buying things that are legitimately awesome: in the past month a new computer, skydiving class, new razor, and shortly a new strop and SCUBA trip... but I digress. That's a nice pen! I want one!

[zenshaver]

It is a nice pen. I recently converted over to a rollerball pen for work. I write a lot. This fountain pen sure would be a nice at home pen.

[maplemaker]

Oh no, now you guys have me shopping for fountain pens again...

Whoops. Sorry. I'm to the point now that I'm going to start turning my own, just to cut down on expenses. It's almost to the point of that, or find a way to pay for pens and alimony at the same time.