Noted! I’d love to do more like this and I will…it just takes a lot more time than you’d think, so they’ll be a little fewer and farther between but I promise I’ll do more like it. -Brian G
@@Gouletpens mate the fact that you actually replied and took this as a positive feedback and actually agree that this video was just like the old school vids highlights how amazing your company is. Really nice of you to reply :)
@@Eclipxed Thanks for replying to my reply, ha. I really do enjoy making "deep dive" videos like this, I always have. Part of the challenge of growing as a company and doing this now 13ish years is I have a lot of other responsibilities too...so while it's harder to make deep videos like this one and they'll be fewer and farther between than they were in the early Goulet Pens days, I still enjoy them and they're still bringing you and others value, so I'll do them as I'm able :) -Brian G
If you don’t do the videos people like me want, we just don’t watch. I stopped watching you because it was just silly stuff. I’m just checking in to see if you have changed. From Oklahoma.
This was just the bit of input I needed to push me over the buying edge (again). What a great company that provides a ton of rich content and products for us “analog” and paper & pen folks, and truly creative and talented folks. Goulet Pen Co. and the UA-cam content is such a welcome respite from the digital life so many of us live! I have been so inspired since 2018 watching all the “Fountain Pen 101” and other content. In addition to all the UA-cam content, the web site and comparison guides for nibs, pens, and inks are an amazing service to pen enthusiasts. Pens (so far): Jinhao x750; Pilot Metropolitan; Pilot Prera; Platinum Preppy; Sailor Pro Gear…. And now just ordered my 2nd Sailor - A Sailor 1911s with some accessories. Watching out the window for the delivery truck for my beautifully and carefully packed pen and ink!! And can’t wait to get to a pen show and meet the Goulet team someday. 😊 Write On!!
The predecessor of the medium 1911 and PG was the Sailor Magellan which had the same 14 kt nibs. Some years ago when there was still a New York City pen show, Sailor had Mr. Nagahara, the designer of the nibs present and doing nib adjustments live at the show. I had a Magellan with a broad nib which I brought to him. I wanted it just a bit narrower. He had me write for a bit while he observed and then made some adjustments. We repeated this a few times. Needless to say, I still have and treasure this nib and it is without question one of the best two or three nibs I own (some of the other contenders being nibs that went through a similar process with Richard Binder). Other medium 14kt and 21kt nibs I own were all great writers, even without adjustment, but that one pen is really special.
After hearing you guys rave about Sailor pens for the longest time, I finally bought my first Sailor: a 1911 Pro Gear with 21K nib. I have never been so happy to listen to Goulet's recommendations! It's easily my favorite pen in my collection, largely because of that amazing nib. It satisfies as many of the senses as it's possible for a nib to satisfy: the colors and etching are beautiful to the eyes, as is the line it puts down; the feel of it gliding across the paper is awesome, but I also recommend running your fingers over it before inking; it even sounds right, with just the right toothiness. If you could smell or taste a nib, I'll bet it would taste like filet mignon! Not that this is directly relevant to the nib, but the pen itself has just the right solidity for the elegant and finely-crafted nib. It is essentially as close to a perfect experience as one can find, at least at the upper reaches of my budget!
I'm thrilled you're so happy with it! Pens are subjective of course, and we all have our preferences so I try not to make too many promises or declarative statements, but you're not alone in really appreciating Sailor's pens and nibs. A company like this isn't around for 100+ years and still relevant today without a solid reputation. -Brian G
I'd like to mention that I avoided Sailor for a long time due to so many comments about how feedbacky their nibs are. When I finally got one, I couldn't believe how smooth it was. Now I'm a Sailor Boi.
Haha, yeah things like feedback are really subjective. Some people think they're perfect, others thing they're too toothy...personally I don't think they're but so toothy but I usually try to over-index a bit on the feedback when I talk about them in videos, because I'd rather people go in knowing that's a possible reaction they might have, sort of setting an expectation more on the toothy end of the spectrum. People are rarely upset when a nib is slightly smoother than they hoped, but if it's toothier than they hoped it can be disappointing. For some, the super bouncy/smooth nibs on a brand like Pilot become (in their mind) the norm/ideal, and anything less/different can seem disappointing. I personally used to feel more this way, but have learned to come around and appreciate a bit more feedback in my nibs without feeling like something's wrong. It's literally just how some brands do them. -Brian G
@@Gouletpens beginning to think it’s just me but my Platinum 3776 EF nib puts down a line width equivalent to my Sailor/Pilot F nibs and likewise my Platinum 3776 UEF nib puts down a line equivalent to my Sailor/Pilot EF nibs: please tell me I’m not imagining this! - vid with all 3 brands would be great:)
I love your videos. You are always straight to the point and easy to understand, thorough with no fussing about with unnecessary chit chat. I like that. I find I get so much information and you have a good voice to listen to. Thankyou for the time and effort.
@@friscodog …Cool to hear that. For me, it’s too close to call between the two. I love both the gold and steel nibs from Aurora and Sailor. The only nib size I haven’t tried from either brand is the EF. I will make a few other points: I’m not a big fan of Sailor’s F nib, although I absolutely love ALL their other nibs, especially the Medium, which is arguably their consistently best nib, all round. Sailor’s 21k gold nibs are to die for. Sublime writers, truly. Aurora’s F gold nib (whether 14k or 18k) is probably the best ‘fine’ nib, in my experience. Also, Aurora’s specialty nibs like their factory stubs, italics and the Goccia nib (Aurora’s own zoom nib) are absolutely stellar. As pretty and desirable as so many Sailor and Aurora pens undoubtedly are, I just think their nibs alone quite justify the prices and make their pens totally worth it (to me).
I find the compass nib to be a bit bland, if I'm honest. I like the pens and their functionality. And while I don't hate or even mildly dislike them, I don't exactly like them as I wish I did. I'll have to get a nibmiester to make a tiny custom grind on them. My 1911s is absolutely blissful, though.
@@yrknutzreek ..I can relate. I really like the Compass pen. But I have commented elsewhere that I found the MF nib (on three different pens) to be a bit too dry and a little too feedback-y than usual and what I’d expect from a Sailor nib. The nib writes very consistently but could be so much nicer. Ditto with the flat top shaped Sailor Lecoule which uses the same MF steel nib as the Compass.
@@sajjadhusain4146 I'm happy with the flow be abused I use my two for aggressive inks, but I just wish the feedback had a bit more character to it as opposed to a bland, uninteresting feeling. They'd be better than most steel nibs if they were.
Very worthwhile demo of the various Sailor nibs. The writing samples in the video are more expansive than those found in the nib nook. Would it be possible to showcase all 7 side-by-side to enable a direct comparison? Thanks!
Very good and greatly appreciated review of most of the Sailor Nibs -- thank you, Brian! I very much like _hearing_ your "take" on the various grinds as you demonstrate them. As nice and informative as your Nib Nook comparisons are, I find hearing your additional insights point out the nuances better. Nicely done!
Was always hesitant to buy a Sailor and now that I own a Pro Gear EF I'm so happy: never had a better nib that writes so fine, perfect for me and my handwriting 😍 Great Video!
Thank you for this Brian. This helped me decide that the music nib is not the stub for me. I received my Knight to E4 yesterday in a medium and it feels wonderful. Sailor’s nibs are so smooth and a pleasure to write with.
@Mr Cat..I have sixteen Sailor pens (mainly gold and a few steel nibs), in all their nib sizes, except the EF. And I sometimes think Sailor’s 21k M/H-M (both medium) nibs are arguably their best. And this is despite my love for the medium-fine, broad, music, zoom and naginata. The only Sailor nib that was a let-down for me is the 14k Fine nib on one of my two Pro Gear Slim pens. It feels somewhat scratchy and too dry.
@@mrcat3493 ..Oh well, that makes the two of us with the same complaint. I’m considering doing the same. I’d hate to ruin the nib doing any tweaking myself. Not on a Sailor pen.
I love the feel of Sailor nibs on most papers. That slight bit of feedback it gives reminds me of a nice graphite pencil when I use my medium fine nibs. My favorite model is definitely the 1911S and was finally able to get one (wicked witch) a couple months ago, a pen I had coveted for some time. Just a beautiful pen! I also love the smaller Pro Gear slims and the more inexpensive compass pens. All have been great with no issues. My daily pen is a Shikiori and while I have other brand favorites, Sailor is at the top for me!
That's awesome! Thanks so much for sharing. I think a graphite pencil is a perfect way to describe the feel of these nibs, especially the 14k. -Brian G
I agree with a previous comment, I love this type of video & if you can make more of these-I would certainly appreciate this type of video/information!
While I remain a devoted Lamy enthusiast, I must acknowledge that Sailor and Pilot pens offer a writing experience that is unparalleled in terms of smoothness and precision. These Japanese brands have elevated the fountain pen game to new heights. Ultimately, the choice between Lamy, Sailor, and Pilot depends on personal preferences, but one cannot deny the remarkable qualities that Sailor and Pilot pens bring to the table. So, if you're on the hunt for a top-notch fountain pen experience, it may be worth exploring the world of Japanese pens.
This was a very informative and wonderful video. I found it perfect timing also, as I am looking at Sailor pens for my next purchase. I love the "friday video", but these type videos are great, also.
Awesome! That's exactly what I was hoping to help with. What'll be the real test is if/when you do get one, if my guidance here turns out to be helpful with pen-in-hand! -Brian G
I love my 21k music nib, I don't try to flex it, but It does give a thinner horizontal line then vertical and I can reverse and write feed side up and get a thin line if I need that for space. It also handles the glitter from my Golden Beryl ink well!
1:16 Sailor is consistent with what nibs they put on what pens, ha! I remember seeing an image that looked like some sort of gargantuan ancient alchemical chart where you could work out what nib sizes, gold content, plating colours, stampings and grinds were available on what pens.
More than a half-century of fp writing (writing, not playing) has taught me that I'm very happy with a good steel nib, particularly in the finer nib widths. However, I also enjoy firm/rigid nibs because they handle various types of paper--cheap, expensive, yuppie/artisan--better than floppier nibs. But--it's a different world today where most fp's are used to play instead of work, and I've found the Sailor Compass is definitely on the lower end of steel nibs. Great video, though, and fun to watch all that flexing...
This guy loves vintage, the 'real' Esterbrook nibs, when there were 28 nib choices in the forties and fifties for their fp's. So many millions were made that it's still very easy on EBay to buy them new at inexpensive prices! No manufacturer, regardless of all the posturing and urushi-mess, offers anything like it today. I love the Jowo nibs that are being used on the TWSBI fp's, particularly their ultra-smooth 1.1 stub but I have all of them--remember, the Diamond 580 and some of the others have interchangeable nibs, available very inexpensively on Goulet. I like the Conklin 'modern' pens, because today they also have the Jowo superb nibs, including that terrific stub, and like the TWSBI, are very reasonably priced. Stay away from the Crescent Filler if you plan to do serious writing; doesn't hold much ink. Hard to beat the nib quality for price today of the Platinum Preppy, the Lamy Safari or the Waterman Phileas/Kultur. For many, many years I had to use fp's that could make copies on either carbon paper or later, NCR paper. These floppy gold nibs won't cut it; the only one I remember being strong enough were the gold Sheaffer's 'Triumph' nibs introduced in the forties, because they were conical and very very strong. They later brought them out in steel; I bought steel ones and used them through a decade of college. Peyton Pens online still actually has NOS ones for around $50-75! Best wishes from the Houston area.
@@sorinatodiresei550 I did, above. For me, the Jowo nibs at Goulet are superb--just make certain you're paying for the nib, not some silly fashion statement.
@@sorinatodiresei550 Just don't be seduced by the idea that gold/alloy nibs will improve your writing experience; they won't, particularly if you expect your pens to earn their keep. Like a slutty woman, pouring on more jewelry won't raise the standard. Like expensive clothes on a Kardashian, all the money spent on fancy finishes on fp's will not make them any better in function than more 'pedestrian' finishes. And, other than fountain pen lovers and certain social climbers, never buy a fountain pen to impress others. Like expensive mechanical watches, of which I own many, no one will notice other than to think you're insecure and pretentious...
I rencently purchased a vintage Sheaffer Imperial to remind me of the old high school good times. After this video, I compared it with Sailor 21k medium. I loved the Sheaffer up until it compared with the Sailor. This is when you realize how much progress has been made in fountain pens !
Well, your Sheaffer has its own appeal, especially being vintage. But yeah, these are some fairly different pens and I can see why you'd appreciate your 21k m ;) -Brian G
I've just tried Sailor Music and Sailor Zoom nibs. These nibs are wonderful! To me, the ZOOM nib is perfect. Thanks for this complete review on Sailor's nibs.
Wish I would've seen this before getting my Sailor 1911L Wicked Witch of the West Music! That's why I'm having skipping and hard start issues! Awesome video, Mr. Goulet!
Finally! I love having such a good discussion oriented "deep dive" into these pens. I think this is the kind of detail I like to see. :-) That being said, I want to say that the Zoom grind is becoming more mainstream now, though I think that Sailor probably is the cause for this. Lamy makes a "Kanji" nib that behaves like this, and I believe Montblanc is also releasing such a nib for their Calligraphy line. Scribo and Santini both make Zoom style nibs. Scribo calls their the 52 Deg. nib, and Santini calls theirs the Chinese Calligraphy nib. Both are ground like a Zoom nib.
I found that even normal Sailor M nib have that zoom "feature. Both my Pro Gear and Pro Gear KOP write broader at a lower angle and finer at a higher angle.
That’s cool that they’re available elsewhere, though I don’t know that I’d quite call them mainstream, they’re still going to be a pretty obscure nib size to find. They’re not practical for everyone, but they are pretty darn cool -Brian G
@@Gouletpens I'd go so far as to say that most people who are using Western style scripts won't find them particularly practical, and most Eastern script writers tend to find finer nib grades more practical than achieving the widest range of variety in stroke width for that script. But they are very cool, and I want one, regardless.;-)
@@ctsealteam6 I believe that Sailor and a few other companies are known for grinding their nibs with more of a "foot" than other nibs. This leads to that extra bit of feedback on the edges, but also means that you can achieve insane levels of the "feels" at the right angle. I think this also tends to create the zoom effect to a lesser or greater degree on most of the nibs that have that, though much less pronounced.
Isn't that Lucky Charm gorgeous? i'm a blue fanboi for sure, but probably my next closest fav color is a teal like on Lucky Charm (especially with the translucence) -Brian G
This video is terrific. It answered most of my questions about Sailor nibs. The one that was not answered is about the King of Pen nibs. They are huge, but are they springy like the 21 K nibs on Pro Gears? Are the KIP nibs gushers like a Pelikan M1000 nib? Do they have more spring than a 21 K Pro Gear nib? Those are questions that I still have.
Another useful video, Brian. Thank you. I like Sailor nibs. Even with Sailor's nib selection, I gravitate toward the B nib in both the 1911L and KoP models. The slim and mini models are far too small for me to use. I have a 1911L with a music nib. I have had it for about six weeks now, and I am still working to master it. You are right that it is not a standard stub or Cursive Italic nib. I have been writing with FP's for over 60 years, but I cannot get the hang of holding that music nib in any consistent way. When I can find a good price on a Sailor with a zoom nib, I will give it a try. I do not expect much success, but I want to at least try one.
Sailor Compass Calligraphy Fountain Pen - HighAce Neo (1.0mm 1.5mm and the 2.0mm version I own) $20 or less to purchase, but I absolutely love this little gem for its line variation. Goes from its stated 2.0 mm line width down to very nice hairline. I've got a range of 'nicer' fountain pens with various nib qualities that I also enjoy, but this one has earned its place amongst my most frequently picked up pens.
Sailor is one of the most beautiful pen nib out there and i really want to try them but ive seen people seeing cracks on there sailor so im a bit scared and the pen at that price point but im eyeing a pen thats coming soon in your website for my first sailor im new to foutain pen so im just learning as much as i can before getting one
Thank you for this video! I really appreciate it. I am thinking of rewarding myself with a Sailor pen, and I plan to watch this video at least a couple more times before ordering -- but I think I'm most open to a medium fine nib.
Very detailed analysis of nib never seen anywhere else. I wish you had branch in UK as well where I can visit your shop. But obviously this is a silly wish. Brian had real knowledge of fountain pens perhaps PHD level. Thanks for the explanation of different nibs characteristics for sailors. I wonder if you had similar episode for pelikan as well.
The KoP’s nib is total nirvana. To me, that nib makes an already great pen truly the King of pens. And I’m not taking only about the nib’s appearance but the breathtaking way it writes.
Brian, As usual, a very good video. Also note, the Osprey line of pens, do offers a Zoom nib that is interchangeable with most #6 nibs. It is also made of steel not with gold. I found it to be very similar style of writing as a typical fudi nib. One thing about the zoom, i find that it physically looks much better than a fudi. To me a fudi looks like a nib that has been bent out of shape.
my favourite nib is my Sailor ProGear 21k EF: two tone rhodium & gold - this is fp perfection imho:) - writes beautifully, I use it with GvFC cobalt blue: which is just perfect:); thanks for this, Brian:)
these broader nibs scare me to death(as my small handwriting would turn into an unreadable puddle), but they do look good fun and the ink shows all it’s qualities - one of my favourite inks is Sailor manyo nekoyanagi which looks like a light lilac when I use one of my EF nibs, but on one of these music nibs it would show it’s true character!; thanks for this:)
I use the Extra Fine in my Hobonichi Weeks. It's not my favorite for general writing, but for the purpose of writing in the tiny little squares, it's perfect.
thank you Brian! I have multiple 1911L in the Medium fine Nibs. One of them leans more on the fine side compared to my others Medium Fine one's, (same ink). Have you experienced a similar situation?
Brian, I’m an old fountain pen lover having collected pens from the 1800s through modern times. And before I continue, please accept my compliments on this recent video (Sailor Nibs - Demo and Overview) you’ve made. I think that I’ve had at least one discussion on nib interchangeability with you or one of your employees and was disappointed to discover that many of the Japanese nibs had no interchanges ability with the bodies. As an example of what I have always loved was the interchangeability of the old and new Pelikan parts. I always liked the flexibility of the very old Pelikan nibs and how I could interchange them with the newer models because of their threaded design (which I have done on occasion), and the same (except for age) of the Aurora brand. I would love to see some kind of explanation of what Japanese pen nibs/bodies interchangeability since I don’t want to experiment and break something beyond repair. Is that something you could document in a video? Tom KC3QAC
Thank you for posing this video. I only write with Platinum (a 14k vintage) EF, and a Pilot Kakuno EF. Was planning to get a Pilot Decimo next week, but maybe I should wait and save up for a Sailor in EF? Thoughts?
Hey - thanks so much for this video! I had it in my "Watch Later" list for when I had half an hour to spend watching nib comparisons 😅. Absolutely worth the watch - I can read about the differences, look at static shots of writing samples side-by-side, but it's not the same as seeing a systematic demo of each of the nibs as they're used, with the UX commentary in real time. Conclusion? I "need" a Sailor Zoom nib!! Now, which pen do I get it on..... 🖋️🖋️🖋️🤔
As a beginner: What would you say are the best pens for getting line variation? Definitely looking at flexes, and maybe even music nibs, for writing fiction... Currently looking at the Falcon, hoping for smooth feel and lots of line variation.
Do any of you know if 1911 standard (Compass) nibs are interchangeable with other Sailor fountain pens? I love doodling with my super fun Sailor Fude De Mannen fountain pen. A very helpful comment on Amazon said that the nib is interchangeable with 1911 standard and Young Profit, so I’ve fitted my 55 degrees Fude nib onto a 1911 Compass body and it’s the best thing ever (I might be biased because this is my first fountain pen. 😅) I want to know if there are other options available to fit this nib! The customization is so much fun!
Excellent presentation! But I have to correct one thing. For a given tip/nib size, there can be significant variation from one nib to another. They're all excellent, world class nibs, but the differences from nib to nib are immediately evident. I have all the tip sizes, except the broad and the music nib (the Zoom is broad enough for me!), some more than once. For example, looking at the M nib on the 1911L, Pro Gear Classic, and Realo, I have one that has a round tip, two that have noticeable bevel grinds (like a miniature Naginata Togi grind), and two that have a flat, but non-bevel grind. All but one are reasonably rigid, but one is soft to the point of being almost semi-flex. The black ion nib (on my Blackout) is smoother, when compared to the others, and the feedback is more muted. I also have a fine black ion nib (on my Imperial Black) and it shares the smoothness and "muffled" characteristic of the medium. I have pretty good sampling within my collection, but I also compared with a friend's collection and we found such variations within his collection and when comparing our two collections. Personally, I love this. Every Sailor is unique and when I buy two pens with the same nib size, I don't feel like I'm being redundant. It's fine by me that there are some that I prefer over others. The variety more than makes up for it.
Thanks so much for bringing this up because this has also been my experience with Sailor nibs, but I rarely see people mention this variability. I guess it's understandable because most people don't buy multiples of the same nib so it's harder for them to do direct comparisons. Like you though, I've noticed variation on the shape of the grind. I have one medium nib that has a distinct bevel shape that favors Asian characters and another medium nib that is more traditionally round. And then I have a bunch of MF nibs where the level of feedback varies a great deal; they're all good writers, but some are delightfully tactile and feedbacky, while others are almost smooth like other brands. In fact, I've come to buy multiples of the nib/pen combinations I like for this reason because it's a little like the lottery what exact kind of nib you get. Each nib has its own character, and this can be fun or frustrating depending on what you were looking for. Whereas with Pilot pens (for example), there's just much more consistency in the nibs you get. And I think this is also why reviews for Sailor pens can come across as schizophrenic--some people warn about the feedback, but others will jump in and say their nib is super smooth. It's almost as if we need a separate "feedback" spectrum scale for individual nibs because I imagine there are people out there who would love to trade a smooth Sailor nib for a more feedbacky nib, and vice versa.
When using testers at the store, the music nib spoke to me, but finally after buying one, it doesn't seem as smooth or wet as I remember, any suggestions? Also need to note that I'm a lefty side writer. Maybe I just need to try a steeper angle?
Excellent presentation. I like Sailor nibs. Consistently smooth and well made. Yes there is a lot of feedback but it does lessen with more use. The choices of nibs is fantastic. The only wish I have is that they put out a soft fine nib. Pilot has a fabulous SF nib. I think they are missing a great opportunity. The one thing that has always concerned me with Sailor and other Japanese manufacturers is that you cannot swap nibs. With Sailor, an authorized retailer can do it for you (special tool?). But for Pilot and Platinum, there is no option. You have to buy another pen. Why can't they offer a design that allows you to do it at home?
Absoultely agree. This lack of the option of swapping nibs yourself, in pens by all three major Japanese pen brands is something that is quite annoying and inexplicable. It really needs to change.
*You might also consider doing more of these older style videos with just you as the presenter--you are the best one to do these shows.* *The longer format shows are much better.*
I honestly think that the qualities of and the pleasures of writing with Sailor’s gold nibs ultimately justify the somewhat steep pricing of their pens. The nibs are quite unique and outstanding.
Really enjoy this video, I own two Pro Gear Slim Four Seasons (Yukitsubaki & Haruzora) for two years now with medium fine nibs and I have to say, I have really enjoyed them. Tried them with different papers and inks and they're definitely solid pens. It's great to really see the different nib sizes and the explanations.
Excellent evaluation. Thanks for putting this together. I’m still on the fence of choosing xf-f-mf nib. Guess I’ll have to wait for a pen show to try them out.
I find the MF nib quite pleasant to write with. Personally, I have found this size nib on my Sailor Shikiori even slightly thinner than the Medium nibs on my Pilot Prera and Pilot Metropolitan pens.
@@kina7128 ..I have four Sailor M-F nibs (three steel, one gold). It does write a thin line, but also quite wetter than you’d expect. And very smooth, crisp and precise. It’s trademark Sailor really. But I think the medium-fine nib especially nails it. I like it a lot.
@@sajjadhusain4146 Yes, my Sailor pen never leaves the house, I keep it only for my personal journalling. I love the colour too, it is the jade colour called Dragon Den. A lovely, feminine pen IMO.
Very useful. My 21k Pro Gear large with a medium nib is the only pen out of 50ish that makes Tsuyu Kusa go from "wimp" to "holly cow": Brian is not kidding when he mentions wetness.
This feels like the old Goulet videos. More of this please.
Noted! I’d love to do more like this and I will…it just takes a lot more time than you’d think, so they’ll be a little fewer and farther between but I promise I’ll do more like it. -Brian G
@@Gouletpens mate the fact that you actually replied and took this as a positive feedback and actually agree that this video was just like the old school vids highlights how amazing your company is. Really nice of you to reply :)
@@Eclipxed Thanks for replying to my reply, ha. I really do enjoy making "deep dive" videos like this, I always have. Part of the challenge of growing as a company and doing this now 13ish years is I have a lot of other responsibilities too...so while it's harder to make deep videos like this one and they'll be fewer and farther between than they were in the early Goulet Pens days, I still enjoy them and they're still bringing you and others value, so I'll do them as I'm able :) -Brian G
what happened to that guy?
If you don’t do the videos people like me want, we just don’t watch. I stopped watching you because it was just silly stuff. I’m just checking in to see if you have changed. From Oklahoma.
This was just the bit of input I needed to push me over the buying edge (again). What a great company that provides a ton of rich content and products for us “analog” and paper & pen folks, and truly creative and talented folks.
Goulet Pen Co. and the UA-cam content is such a welcome respite from the digital life so many of us live!
I have been so inspired since 2018 watching all the “Fountain Pen 101” and other content. In addition to all the UA-cam content, the web site and comparison guides for nibs, pens, and inks are an amazing service to pen enthusiasts.
Pens (so far): Jinhao x750; Pilot Metropolitan; Pilot Prera; Platinum Preppy; Sailor Pro Gear…. And now just ordered my 2nd Sailor - A Sailor 1911s with some accessories. Watching out the window for the delivery truck for my beautifully and carefully packed pen and ink!!
And can’t wait to get to a pen show and meet the Goulet team someday. 😊
Write On!!
The predecessor of the medium 1911 and PG was the Sailor Magellan which had the same 14 kt nibs. Some years ago when there was still a New York City pen show, Sailor had Mr. Nagahara, the designer of the nibs present and doing nib adjustments live at the show. I had a Magellan with a broad nib which I brought to him. I wanted it just a bit narrower. He had me write for a bit while he observed and then made some adjustments. We repeated this a few times. Needless to say, I still have and treasure this nib and it is without question one of the best two or three nibs I own (some of the other contenders being nibs that went through a similar process with Richard Binder). Other medium 14kt and 21kt nibs I own were all great writers, even without adjustment, but that one pen is really special.
wow the medium fine looks absolutely stunning
After hearing you guys rave about Sailor pens for the longest time, I finally bought my first Sailor: a 1911 Pro Gear with 21K nib. I have never been so happy to listen to Goulet's recommendations! It's easily my favorite pen in my collection, largely because of that amazing nib. It satisfies as many of the senses as it's possible for a nib to satisfy: the colors and etching are beautiful to the eyes, as is the line it puts down; the feel of it gliding across the paper is awesome, but I also recommend running your fingers over it before inking; it even sounds right, with just the right toothiness. If you could smell or taste a nib, I'll bet it would taste like filet mignon!
Not that this is directly relevant to the nib, but the pen itself has just the right solidity for the elegant and finely-crafted nib. It is essentially as close to a perfect experience as one can find, at least at the upper reaches of my budget!
I'm thrilled you're so happy with it! Pens are subjective of course, and we all have our preferences so I try not to make too many promises or declarative statements, but you're not alone in really appreciating Sailor's pens and nibs. A company like this isn't around for 100+ years and still relevant today without a solid reputation. -Brian G
I'd like to mention that I avoided Sailor for a long time due to so many comments about how feedbacky their nibs are. When I finally got one, I couldn't believe how smooth it was. Now I'm a Sailor Boi.
Haha, yeah things like feedback are really subjective. Some people think they're perfect, others thing they're too toothy...personally I don't think they're but so toothy but I usually try to over-index a bit on the feedback when I talk about them in videos, because I'd rather people go in knowing that's a possible reaction they might have, sort of setting an expectation more on the toothy end of the spectrum. People are rarely upset when a nib is slightly smoother than they hoped, but if it's toothier than they hoped it can be disappointing. For some, the super bouncy/smooth nibs on a brand like Pilot become (in their mind) the norm/ideal, and anything less/different can seem disappointing. I personally used to feel more this way, but have learned to come around and appreciate a bit more feedback in my nibs without feeling like something's wrong. It's literally just how some brands do them. -Brian G
What grind do you use?
@@sporkconsumer9051 I have most: EF, F MF, M, B, Fude, and Zoom. Today my favorites are the Fude and Zoom.
@@ichirofakename thanks!
Could you do a Pilot Vs. Platinum Vs. Sailor nibs? The battle of the Japanese nibs :P
Wow, yeah that’s a great idea. Lemme give that one some thought. That’s gonna be tough, it’s a LOT of nibs to cover! -Brian G
@@Gouletpens beginning to think it’s just me but my Platinum 3776 EF nib puts down a line width equivalent to my Sailor/Pilot F nibs and likewise my Platinum 3776 UEF nib puts down a line equivalent to my Sailor/Pilot EF nibs: please tell me I’m not imagining this! - vid with all 3 brands would be great:)
@@Gouletpens Sweet :)
I love your videos. You are always straight to the point and easy to understand, thorough with no fussing about with unnecessary chit chat. I like that. I find I get so much information and you have a good voice to listen to. Thankyou for the time and effort.
Sailor’s, along with Aurora’s, are consistently the best gold (and steel) nibs in the business. In my experience, and not-so-humble opinion, anyway. 🙂
Love my Aurora, as well. They are easily my second-favorite, right after Sailor.
@@friscodog …Cool to hear that. For me, it’s too close to call between the two. I love both the gold and steel nibs from Aurora and Sailor. The only nib size I haven’t tried from either brand is the EF. I will make a few other points: I’m not a big fan of Sailor’s F nib, although I absolutely love ALL their other nibs, especially the Medium, which is arguably their consistently best nib, all round. Sailor’s 21k gold nibs are to die for. Sublime writers, truly.
Aurora’s F gold nib (whether 14k or 18k) is probably the best ‘fine’ nib, in my experience. Also, Aurora’s specialty nibs like their factory stubs, italics and the Goccia nib (Aurora’s own zoom nib) are absolutely stellar. As pretty and desirable as so many Sailor and Aurora pens undoubtedly are, I just think their nibs alone quite justify the prices and make their pens totally worth it (to me).
I find the compass nib to be a bit bland, if I'm honest. I like the pens and their functionality. And while I don't hate or even mildly dislike them, I don't exactly like them as I wish I did. I'll have to get a nibmiester to make a tiny custom grind on them. My 1911s is absolutely blissful, though.
@@yrknutzreek ..I can relate. I really like the Compass pen. But I have commented elsewhere that I found the MF nib (on three different pens) to be a bit too dry and a little too feedback-y than usual and what I’d expect from a Sailor nib. The nib writes very consistently but could be so much nicer. Ditto with the flat top shaped Sailor Lecoule which uses the same MF steel nib as the Compass.
@@sajjadhusain4146 I'm happy with the flow be abused I use my two for aggressive inks, but I just wish the feedback had a bit more character to it as opposed to a bland, uninteresting feeling. They'd be better than most steel nibs if they were.
Love that you used Manyo Konagi forthe samples. Such a great blue! And lovely to see Brian return to demonstration videos :)
I’m very fond of Sailor’s inks. I have many different ones already. And the Manyo line is one that I haven’t anything off yet.
This is exactly the information I was looking for. Thank you for being so comprehensive and clear!
Very worthwhile demo of the various Sailor nibs. The writing samples in the video are more expansive than those found in the nib nook. Would it be possible to showcase all 7 side-by-side to enable a direct comparison? Thanks!
Very good and greatly appreciated review of most of the Sailor Nibs -- thank you, Brian!
I very much like _hearing_ your "take" on the various grinds as you demonstrate them. As nice and informative as your Nib Nook comparisons are, I find hearing your additional insights point out the nuances better. Nicely done!
Was always hesitant to buy a Sailor and now that I own a Pro Gear EF I'm so happy: never had a better nib that writes so fine, perfect for me and my handwriting 😍 Great Video!
Wow! Super helpful video! I've wondered about the Zoom nib for a long time, now I understand. More like this, pleez!
Thank you for this Brian. This helped me decide that the music nib is not the stub for me. I received my Knight to E4 yesterday in a medium and it feels wonderful. Sailor’s nibs are so smooth and a pleasure to write with.
@Mr Cat..I have sixteen Sailor pens (mainly gold and a few steel nibs), in all their nib sizes, except the EF. And I sometimes think Sailor’s 21k M/H-M (both medium) nibs are arguably their best. And this is despite my love for the medium-fine, broad, music, zoom and naginata. The only Sailor nib that was a let-down for me is the 14k Fine nib on one of my two Pro Gear Slim pens. It feels somewhat scratchy and too dry.
@@sajjadhusain4146 I have a pro gear large with a fine that is scratchy. I may end up sending it to a nibsmith.
@@mrcat3493 ..Oh well, that makes the two of us with the same complaint. I’m considering doing the same. I’d hate to ruin the nib doing any tweaking myself. Not on a Sailor pen.
I love the feel of Sailor nibs on most papers. That slight bit of feedback it gives reminds me of a nice graphite pencil when I use my medium fine nibs. My favorite model is definitely the 1911S and was finally able to get one (wicked witch) a couple months ago, a pen I had coveted for some time. Just a beautiful pen! I also love the smaller Pro Gear slims and the more inexpensive compass pens. All have been great with no issues. My daily pen is a Shikiori and while I have other brand favorites, Sailor is at the top for me!
That's awesome! Thanks so much for sharing. I think a graphite pencil is a perfect way to describe the feel of these nibs, especially the 14k. -Brian G
Great! I ordered my first Sailor, from Goulet Pens of course, expecting delivery on Saturday.
Yay! Thanks for choosing us! - Drew
@@Gouletpens You’re welcome! I placed another Goulet order yesterday as well. ❤️
I agree with a previous comment, I love this type of video & if you can make more of these-I would certainly appreciate this type of video/information!
I think Goulet should have graduation sales too, next year I am graduating and thinking of buying either a MB or Urushi!
One of these videos for each brand? would be awesome!
While I remain a devoted Lamy enthusiast, I must acknowledge that Sailor and Pilot pens offer a writing experience that is unparalleled in terms of smoothness and precision. These Japanese brands have elevated the fountain pen game to new heights. Ultimately, the choice between Lamy, Sailor, and Pilot depends on personal preferences, but one cannot deny the remarkable qualities that Sailor and Pilot pens bring to the table. So, if you're on the hunt for a top-notch fountain pen experience, it may be worth exploring the world of Japanese pens.
This was a very informative and wonderful video. I found it perfect timing also, as I am looking at Sailor pens for my next purchase. I love the "friday video", but these type videos are great, also.
Awesome! That's exactly what I was hoping to help with. What'll be the real test is if/when you do get one, if my guidance here turns out to be helpful with pen-in-hand! -Brian G
This information is pure gold. (Haha!) Excellent mix of subjective experience and objective data. Thanks, Brian!
I love my 21k music nib, I don't try to flex it, but It does give a thinner horizontal line then vertical and I can reverse and write feed side up and get a thin line if I need that for space. It also handles the glitter from my Golden Beryl ink well!
A fantastic resource. Thank you for taking the time to do this for us.
You're very welcome! -Brian G
My zoom writes like a smooth Fine upside down too. I often flip it to write text when drawing.
1:16 Sailor is consistent with what nibs they put on what pens, ha! I remember seeing an image that looked like some sort of gargantuan ancient alchemical chart where you could work out what nib sizes, gold content, plating colours, stampings and grinds were available on what pens.
Very informative and educational. Really appreciate videos like this with great, substantive content.
More than a half-century of fp writing (writing, not playing) has taught me that I'm very happy with a good steel nib, particularly in the finer nib widths. However, I also enjoy firm/rigid nibs because they handle various types of paper--cheap, expensive, yuppie/artisan--better than floppier nibs. But--it's a different world today where most fp's are used to play instead of work, and I've found the Sailor Compass is definitely on the lower end of steel nibs. Great video, though, and fun to watch all that flexing...
can you recommend some of the better steel nibs?
This guy loves vintage, the 'real' Esterbrook nibs, when there were 28 nib choices in the forties and fifties for their fp's. So many millions were made that it's still very easy on EBay to buy them new at inexpensive prices! No manufacturer, regardless of all the posturing and urushi-mess, offers anything like it today. I love the Jowo nibs that are being used on the TWSBI fp's, particularly their ultra-smooth 1.1 stub but I have all of them--remember, the Diamond 580 and some of the others have interchangeable nibs, available very inexpensively on Goulet. I like the Conklin 'modern' pens, because today they also have the Jowo superb nibs, including that terrific stub, and like the TWSBI, are very reasonably priced. Stay away from the Crescent Filler if you plan to do serious writing; doesn't hold much ink. Hard to beat the nib quality for price today of the Platinum Preppy, the Lamy Safari or the Waterman Phileas/Kultur. For many, many years I had to use fp's that could make copies on either carbon paper or later, NCR paper. These floppy gold nibs won't cut it; the only one I remember being strong enough were the gold Sheaffer's 'Triumph' nibs introduced in the forties, because they were conical and very very strong. They later brought them out in steel; I bought steel ones and used them through a decade of college. Peyton Pens online still actually has NOS ones for around $50-75! Best wishes from the Houston area.
@@sorinatodiresei550 I did, above. For me, the Jowo nibs at Goulet are superb--just make certain you're paying for the nib, not some silly fashion statement.
Thank you for your answer!
@@sorinatodiresei550 Just don't be seduced by the idea that gold/alloy nibs will improve your writing experience; they won't, particularly if you expect your pens to earn their keep. Like a slutty woman, pouring on more jewelry won't raise the standard. Like expensive clothes on a Kardashian, all the money spent on fancy finishes on fp's will not make them any better in function than more 'pedestrian' finishes. And, other than fountain pen lovers and certain social climbers, never buy a fountain pen to impress others. Like expensive mechanical watches, of which I own many, no one will notice other than to think you're insecure and pretentious...
Great video. Thank you.
What's the pretty magenta-and-teal pen at 0:04? Thanks! :)
Verrrry useful dive. Maybe close to too much, but an exceptional investigation of nib types and usability. Thank you.
More of this please!! I LOVED this!
Admire the amount of control angle vs pressure you exhibit. Thank you.
I rencently purchased a vintage Sheaffer Imperial to remind me of the old high school good times. After this video, I compared it with Sailor 21k medium. I loved the Sheaffer up until it compared with the Sailor. This is when you realize how much progress has been made in fountain pens !
Well, your Sheaffer has its own appeal, especially being vintage. But yeah, these are some fairly different pens and I can see why you'd appreciate your 21k m ;) -Brian G
I have a couple of Sailors and note that the medium is surprisingly more wet and wide than I expected. Looking forward to try a medium-fine soon.
I've just tried Sailor Music and Sailor Zoom nibs. These nibs are wonderful! To me, the ZOOM nib is perfect. Thanks for this complete review on Sailor's nibs.
Wish I would've seen this before getting my Sailor 1911L Wicked Witch of the West Music! That's why I'm having skipping and hard start issues! Awesome video, Mr. Goulet!
THANKYOU for this video. I had recently gotten a sailor music nib and was having trouble with inkflow. Now I know it was just my writing angle!
What a great comprehensive video! Thanks Brian
Finally! I love having such a good discussion oriented "deep dive" into these pens. I think this is the kind of detail I like to see. :-)
That being said, I want to say that the Zoom grind is becoming more mainstream now, though I think that Sailor probably is the cause for this. Lamy makes a "Kanji" nib that behaves like this, and I believe Montblanc is also releasing such a nib for their Calligraphy line. Scribo and Santini both make Zoom style nibs. Scribo calls their the 52 Deg. nib, and Santini calls theirs the Chinese Calligraphy nib. Both are ground like a Zoom nib.
I found that even normal Sailor M nib have that zoom "feature. Both my Pro Gear and Pro Gear KOP write broader at a lower angle and finer at a higher angle.
That’s cool that they’re available elsewhere, though I don’t know that I’d quite call them mainstream, they’re still going to be a pretty obscure nib size to find. They’re not practical for everyone, but they are pretty darn cool -Brian G
@@Gouletpens I'd go so far as to say that most people who are using Western style scripts won't find them particularly practical, and most Eastern script writers tend to find finer nib grades more practical than achieving the widest range of variety in stroke width for that script. But they are very cool, and I want one, regardless.;-)
@@ctsealteam6 I believe that Sailor and a few other companies are known for grinding their nibs with more of a "foot" than other nibs. This leads to that extra bit of feedback on the edges, but also means that you can achieve insane levels of the "feels" at the right angle. I think this also tends to create the zoom effect to a lesser or greater degree on most of the nibs that have that, though much less pronounced.
These are some of my very favorite nibs. I have a Pro Gear Imperial Black and a King of Pens Lucky Charm (both medium). So good...
Isn't that Lucky Charm gorgeous? i'm a blue fanboi for sure, but probably my next closest fav color is a teal like on Lucky Charm (especially with the translucence) -Brian G
This video is terrific. It answered most of my questions about Sailor nibs. The one that was not answered is about the King of Pen nibs. They are huge, but are they springy like the 21 K nibs on Pro Gears? Are the KIP nibs gushers like a Pelikan M1000 nib? Do they have more spring than a 21 K Pro Gear nib? Those are questions that I still have.
Another useful video, Brian. Thank you.
I like Sailor nibs. Even with Sailor's nib selection, I gravitate toward the B nib in both the 1911L and KoP models. The slim and mini models are far too small for me to use. I have a 1911L with a music nib. I have had it for about six weeks now, and I am still working to master it. You are right that it is not a standard stub or Cursive Italic nib. I have been writing with FP's for over 60 years, but I cannot get the hang of holding that music nib in any consistent way. When I can find a good price on a Sailor with a zoom nib, I will give it a try. I do not expect much success, but I want to at least try one.
Got my 1911s APLFM, broad, and I put noodler's golden brown in it. It's beautiful and I love it.
Is it possible to have a list of other popular pens which are compatible with Sailor nibs?
Sailor Compass Calligraphy Fountain Pen - HighAce Neo (1.0mm 1.5mm and the 2.0mm version I own)
$20 or less to purchase, but I absolutely love this little gem for its line variation. Goes from its stated 2.0 mm line width down to very nice hairline.
I've got a range of 'nicer' fountain pens with various nib qualities that I also enjoy, but this one has earned its place amongst my most frequently picked up pens.
21k gold and extra-fine nib sounds good together. Looks very pointy and shiny in a way.
Sailor is one of the most beautiful pen nib out there and i really want to try them but ive seen people seeing cracks on there sailor so im a bit scared and the pen at that price point but im eyeing a pen thats coming soon in your website for my first sailor im new to foutain pen so im just learning as much as i can before getting one
Over 40 Sailor pens, no cracks over here....
Oh wow thanks for that
3:49 what is the pen you are using ? Bye great video.
Maybe the Sailor Pro Gear in Northern Lights Purple. Check it out on their site.
I think the footage at 8:22 is upside down 😦 I was extremely disoriented for a second, ha. But very helpful video!! 💜 thanks for everything you do
Sir.. please review the pelikan nibs
Smooth. Nuff said. M600 and M800 are stiff. A bit of bounce in M1000
Thank you for this video! I really appreciate it. I am thinking of rewarding myself with a Sailor pen, and I plan to watch this video at least a couple more times before ordering -- but I think I'm most open to a medium fine nib.
Very detailed analysis of nib never seen anywhere else. I wish you had branch in UK as well where I can visit your shop. But obviously this is a silly wish.
Brian had real knowledge of fountain pens perhaps PHD level. Thanks for the explanation of different nibs characteristics for sailors. I wonder if you had similar episode for pelikan as well.
Beautifully explained
I wish I could create a "franken-pen" and put my Sailor KOP nib on my Custom 823. That KOP nib with the ink capacity of the 823 would be heaven
The KoP’s nib is total nirvana. To me, that nib makes an already great pen truly the King of pens. And I’m not taking only about the nib’s appearance but the breathtaking way it writes.
Brian,
As usual, a very good video.
Also note, the Osprey line of pens, do offers a Zoom nib that is interchangeable with most #6 nibs. It is also made of steel not with gold.
I found it to be very similar style of writing as a typical fudi nib.
One thing about the zoom, i find that it physically looks much better than a fudi. To me a fudi looks like a nib that has been bent out of shape.
fude. btw.
Well done. You are always so interesting and you do so well making excellent videos
my favourite nib is my Sailor ProGear 21k EF: two tone rhodium & gold - this is fp perfection imho:) - writes beautifully, I use it with GvFC cobalt blue: which is just perfect:); thanks for this, Brian:)
these broader nibs scare me to death(as my small handwriting would turn into an unreadable puddle), but they do look good fun and the ink shows all it’s qualities - one of my favourite inks is Sailor manyo nekoyanagi which looks like a light lilac when I use one of my EF nibs, but on one of these music nibs it would show it’s true character!; thanks for this:)
I use the Extra Fine in my Hobonichi Weeks. It's not my favorite for general writing, but for the purpose of writing in the tiny little squares, it's perfect.
Love that last nib, I draw and use both small details and broad coverage so that looks like a pretty fun nib to use when drawing (:
thank you Brian! I have multiple 1911L in the Medium fine Nibs. One of them leans more on the fine side compared to my others Medium Fine one's, (same ink). Have you experienced a similar situation?
Fantastic information and video. Thanks very much!
Brian, I’m an old fountain pen lover having collected pens from the 1800s through modern times. And before I continue, please accept my compliments on this recent video (Sailor Nibs - Demo and Overview) you’ve made. I think that I’ve had at least one discussion on nib interchangeability with you or one of your employees and was disappointed to discover that many of the Japanese nibs had no interchanges ability with the bodies. As an example of what I have always loved was the interchangeability of the old and new Pelikan parts. I always liked the flexibility of the very old Pelikan nibs and how I could interchange them with the newer models because of their threaded design (which I have done on occasion), and the same (except for age) of the Aurora brand. I would love to see some kind of explanation of what Japanese pen nibs/bodies interchangeability since I don’t want to experiment and break something beyond repair. Is that something you could document in a video? Tom KC3QAC
That was a good one!
Nice episode.
Can you review the sailor promenade fountain pen. And make a comparison among promenade vs 1911 vs pro gear.
Thanks for doing this Brian. Very interesting. BLESSINGS
Recently I've been thinking about picking up my first Sailor, so this video really came at the perfect time 😎
You should. Once you go Sailor, there’s no going back! 🙂
I hope this helps give you a little better understanding of the nibs now! -Brian G
Thank you for posing this video. I only write with Platinum (a 14k vintage) EF, and a Pilot Kakuno EF. Was planning to get a Pilot Decimo next week, but maybe I should wait and save up for a Sailor in EF? Thoughts?
Hey - thanks so much for this video! I had it in my "Watch Later" list for when I had half an hour to spend watching nib comparisons 😅. Absolutely worth the watch - I can read about the differences, look at static shots of writing samples side-by-side, but it's not the same as seeing a systematic demo of each of the nibs as they're used, with the UX commentary in real time. Conclusion? I "need" a Sailor Zoom nib!! Now, which pen do I get it on..... 🖋️🖋️🖋️🤔
I like the Sailor nibs and pens. Though I like a lot of pens including the Lamy's too.
Thanks Brian this was a really helpful video
Need this on pilot nibs between the #10 & #15
My F 10 and 15 differ a lot from each other
As a beginner: What would you say are the best pens for getting line variation? Definitely looking at flexes, and maybe even music nibs, for writing fiction... Currently looking at the Falcon, hoping for smooth feel and lots of line variation.
Do any of you know if 1911 standard (Compass) nibs are interchangeable with other Sailor fountain pens?
I love doodling with my super fun Sailor Fude De Mannen fountain pen. A very helpful comment on Amazon said that the nib is interchangeable with 1911 standard and Young Profit, so I’ve fitted my 55 degrees Fude nib onto a 1911 Compass body and it’s the best thing ever (I might be biased because this is my first fountain pen. 😅) I want to know if there are other options available to fit this nib! The customization is so much fun!
Excellent presentation! But I have to correct one thing. For a given tip/nib size, there can be significant variation from one nib to another. They're all excellent, world class nibs, but the differences from nib to nib are immediately evident. I have all the tip sizes, except the broad and the music nib (the Zoom is broad enough for me!), some more than once. For example, looking at the M nib on the 1911L, Pro Gear Classic, and Realo, I have one that has a round tip, two that have noticeable bevel grinds (like a miniature Naginata Togi grind), and two that have a flat, but non-bevel grind. All but one are reasonably rigid, but one is soft to the point of being almost semi-flex. The black ion nib (on my Blackout) is smoother, when compared to the others, and the feedback is more muted. I also have a fine black ion nib (on my Imperial Black) and it shares the smoothness and "muffled" characteristic of the medium. I have pretty good sampling within my collection, but I also compared with a friend's collection and we found such variations within his collection and when comparing our two collections. Personally, I love this. Every Sailor is unique and when I buy two pens with the same nib size, I don't feel like I'm being redundant. It's fine by me that there are some that I prefer over others. The variety more than makes up for it.
Thanks so much for bringing this up because this has also been my experience with Sailor nibs, but I rarely see people mention this variability. I guess it's understandable because most people don't buy multiples of the same nib so it's harder for them to do direct comparisons. Like you though, I've noticed variation on the shape of the grind. I have one medium nib that has a distinct bevel shape that favors Asian characters and another medium nib that is more traditionally round. And then I have a bunch of MF nibs where the level of feedback varies a great deal; they're all good writers, but some are delightfully tactile and feedbacky, while others are almost smooth like other brands. In fact, I've come to buy multiples of the nib/pen combinations I like for this reason because it's a little like the lottery what exact kind of nib you get. Each nib has its own character, and this can be fun or frustrating depending on what you were looking for. Whereas with Pilot pens (for example), there's just much more consistency in the nibs you get. And I think this is also why reviews for Sailor pens can come across as schizophrenic--some people warn about the feedback, but others will jump in and say their nib is super smooth. It's almost as if we need a separate "feedback" spectrum scale for individual nibs because I imagine there are people out there who would love to trade a smooth Sailor nib for a more feedbacky nib, and vice versa.
Are sailor nibs available for purchase for replacement on the pens?
Does sailor gold nibs lose its shine over a period of time??
When using testers at the store, the music nib spoke to me, but finally after buying one, it doesn't seem as smooth or wet as I remember, any suggestions? Also need to note that I'm a lefty side writer. Maybe I just need to try a steeper angle?
how does the zoom nib write reversed?
❤thank you for the great information
Absolutely great video. Best explanation about Sailor nibs that I have heard👍
Excellent presentation. I like Sailor nibs. Consistently smooth and well made. Yes there is a lot of feedback but it does lessen with more use.
The choices of nibs is fantastic. The only wish I have is that they put out a soft fine nib. Pilot has a fabulous SF nib. I think they are missing a great opportunity.
The one thing that has always concerned me with Sailor and other Japanese manufacturers is that you cannot swap nibs. With Sailor, an authorized retailer can do it for you (special tool?). But for Pilot and Platinum, there is no option. You have to buy another pen. Why can't they offer a design that allows you to do it at home?
Absoultely agree. This lack of the option of swapping nibs yourself, in pens by all three major Japanese pen brands is something that is quite annoying and inexplicable. It really needs to change.
I have a Sailor 1911 pro fit zoom. Are there any other nibs that work well on this fountain pen?
What's the difference between a Sailor nib marked M & one marked M M on the side of the nib?
Do the gold nibs last long?
1911 Broad is what I’ll want. thanks!
*Very good, thank you.* *You might consider upgrading to at least 1440p, or 4K.*
*You might also consider doing more of these older style videos with just you as the presenter--you are the best one to do these shows.* *The longer format shows are much better.*
Great comparison! Now if only the larger sized Sailors weren't as expensive as they are... but I guess the great quality nib work comes with a price.
I honestly think that the qualities of and the pleasures of writing with Sailor’s gold nibs ultimately justify the somewhat steep pricing of their pens. The nibs are quite unique and outstanding.
I think the large jump in price from the 1911L to the KoP is price gouging. You have to pay an extra premium for the very biggest and very best.
@@ichirofakename Wait till you see the 'basic' Namiki Emperor. KoP looks cheap.
@@1968gadgetyo Secretly I want a Nakaya Desk Pen. Tell no one.
@@ichirofakename your secret is safe with us.
Really enjoy this video, I own two Pro Gear Slim Four Seasons (Yukitsubaki & Haruzora) for two years now with medium fine nibs and I have to say, I have really enjoyed them. Tried them with different papers and inks and they're definitely solid pens. It's great to really see the different nib sizes and the explanations.
Excellent evaluation. Thanks for putting this together. I’m still on the fence of choosing xf-f-mf nib. Guess I’ll have to wait for a pen show to try them out.
You will see, judge and choose for yourself, of course. But I reckon the M-F is a particularly sweet nib.
I find the MF nib quite pleasant to write with. Personally, I have found this size nib on my Sailor Shikiori even slightly thinner than the Medium nibs on my Pilot Prera and Pilot Metropolitan pens.
@@kina7128 ..I have four Sailor M-F nibs (three steel, one gold). It does write a thin line, but also quite wetter than you’d expect. And very smooth, crisp and precise. It’s trademark Sailor really. But I think the medium-fine nib especially nails it. I like it a lot.
@@sajjadhusain4146 Yes, my Sailor pen never leaves the house, I keep it only for my personal journalling. I love the colour too, it is the jade colour called Dragon Den. A lovely, feminine pen IMO.
@@kina7128 ..Oh, cool to hear. I’m very fond of the jade color. Is yours the Pro Gear Slim?
You didn't show writing on the reverse side of the zoom nib. I thought that was also an advertised feature of the grind.
The 1911 Young Somiko has a steel nib the same size as the 14k
Excellent nib, very stiff
Writes like an XXF even for a Japanese EF
Thank you!
Hi Brian, you forgot to use the Drew Brown's proprietary rating on the flexiness of the nibs! Happy muffins!
You tell him, Jacob! Haha! - Drew
Tease! The only nibs I wanted to see were the “specialty” nibs. 😢
Platinum and Pilot are going to be jealous !
They'll unleash Namiki and Nakaya. (Emperor and Dorsal Fin)
Very useful. My 21k Pro Gear large with a medium nib is the only pen out of 50ish that makes Tsuyu Kusa go from "wimp" to "holly cow": Brian is not kidding when he mentions wetness.
Old design is cool. And classic. New logo is just a picsart image of an anchor