I do care for this pen a great deal...and have backed the project. I'm getting the red urushi. If you're interested in this project, you might want to act quick...they are moving fast.
This is the first Kickstarter pen that has really tempted me, the Urushi version has a much more attractive bang-for-the-buck ratio than the plain ebonite. And it *is* moving fast, they'll probably reach the upper stretch goal by the end of the week.
Hi, I love your reviews, but have a suggestion... For the size comparison, would it be okay to include a couple of the same popular pens in each review? Like, say, an Al-star and a 149 or something? The measurements are useful, but seeing the pens side-by-side really helps, and I have to admit, in this and a few other episodes I was none the wiser after the size comparison. They look fantastic but I've barely heard of any of those pens, let alone seen them. Thanks!
How does Wancher Urushi finish quality compare with big brand names such as Nakaya and Namiki? Their price has certainly creep up reaching Platinum production urushi price range.
I should not have looked at this review as now I’m also wanting to perhaps acquire a few of the other Urushi aka-ramèneront pens....🤦🏻♀️. Great review as always, David.
I REALLY LIKED how you included the perspective of others that have differing preferences than you. Thank you. I've been interested in the Wancher with regards to their Mahatma Limited 1948 Ebonite pens since there aren't that many ebonite pens at this price available. Was wondering if you heard anything about that.
Figboot, I love the video and that you posted a review of this project, as I am interested. However, the tinny effect to the audio is bothering me. Keep up the great videos! If you could improve the audio, it would be much appreciated.
I backed this before I left for school this morning! I can't wait to get a blue urushi with a broad 18kt nib! I'll need to think of which roll stop I want though...
Nice review! I love the finish on this pen, but for that price point, it needs a clip, if not just to keep it from rolling everywhere. That drives me nuts & I won’t own a pen that is easy to roll off the desk.
I got the Taipei Sunset by Kenro, 20 from 33 limited edition.... love the pen and just found this video google searching the chinese character on the box. The pen that I got did not have the original nib (it was remove to be used o another pen). I got the Leonardo fine nib, soon I will get the Jowo 18k gold nib.
I never knew how close you were to me in NC! I’m a fledgling fountain pen aficionado here and I was wondering how I’d join your writing/pen club you mentioned.
We typically meet on the first Sunday of each month at the Chapel Hill Public Library. You're more than welcome to join us any time. www.meetup.com/Triangle-Pen-Club-Meetup/
Some googling will reveal info online that raises some suspicions and personally makes me steer clear of Wancher. Gather up all the info before you make a decision for yourself.
My favourite pen of the moment is tiny with a fine hooded nib. I buy them 3 for £1.65 ink them up and give them away. They are like ground bait to hook people into expensive pens like the one you are showing.
as usual figboot does an excellent review but as far as i'm concerned he does not have to explain himself to anyone, he has already proven he has integrity
I just wanted to inquire to David about the width of the JoWo nib of this pen. Since one can get very different widths that go under nib size "M" I was wondering if this nib is closer to a Sailor 1911L / Pilot Metropolitan "M" (quite fine), or rather a Montblanc Le Grand (146) "M" (rather fat)?
great looking pen, and as always a very honests and excellent review, i wish i could buy one pene like this, i will love to, but here in Mexico is allmost imposible to find something like that, maybe via internet, will be looking for it thxs for this video
I think they have a 'roll stopper' as an attachment I think. Basically its a piece of silver ornament clipped on the the cap- according to their kickstarter.
it's because of nonsense like this that custom penmakers are popping up more frequently, 5 years ago, you google custom penmaker and you'll get two or three results that are credible but i'm finding that there are at least a dozen new custom penmakers who are doing outstanding work.......it makes me wonder how many customers who purchase expensive pens are saying forget the pen companies i'll just design my own and have it made, i've placed several custom orders and don't regret it
Bieber Ninja I had a couple of custom pens and I enjoy them a lot. The only downside is that I can’t find custom pen maker who makes piston filling pens.
alex mood...newton pens does a piston filler but it costs $150 extra and herbert pen company is going to be offering piston fillers soon but didn't give an exact date, jim hinze is another new custom penmaker and i heard he's developing a piston filler for his fountain pens, he's currently working on a new website because he used to do kit pens but is now doing custom fountain pen, he has a 30% off sale for this month, you'll have to ask him for details but you can literally get a custom fountain pen for $80 if you place an order before january ends, larry berrones is a pen reviewer and you can see his work like the blue storm or the beacon on his videos, he even pours his own blanks, you should check it out jim hinze is very professional and has a lot of knowledge do you mind if i ask who you ordered your custom pens from?
I've already backed up a tamenuri Urushi, but I can't find the nib size in the Kickstarter page, like you. I asked to them via Kickstarter. And, it seems like #6 based on your video and photo. Thank you.
let's see no ink window, no chance to get a demonstrator version, no piston filler or vac filler, no chance to get a stub, italic or architect nib, no chance to get a flat top version, limited colors, designed not to post, short section.....you know i filled out the wancher survery for their dream pen and i didn't think they would take any of my suggestions but i never thought they would come up with the poor man's version of the izumo
but i'm listing off the flaws that i see in the pen and if you're going to call something a dream pen i would expect more and if you're a customer you should be prepared to spend more with all anticipation they created and i already said in my original comment i didn't expect them to make the pen according to my opinion, did you fill out the survey?
082, argonic....and you should be acknowledging figboot's hardwork instead of picking useless fights with me and alex mood, we actually like fountain pens bic boy hahaha
It's a poor man's Nakaya. Instead of dropping $400 bucks on wannabe Nakaya, people should keep their money and save up for the real thing. This campaign is essentially mass producing a bespoke item... There are going to be quality issues. Also, Wancher is basically the Hero pens of Japan. I wouldn't give them $400 bucks
I recently heard that the Wancher Kickstarter is basically being run by the guy who runs Engeika, which has a track record of terrible--sometimes aggressively terrible--customer service. Does anyone know more about that particular connection?
I'm passing on this project, I refuse to back any sort of Kickstarter project, I've had bad experiences in the past. Losing my money, kickstarter refusing to get involved, and no accountability for the people running the campaigns. Not to mention, $185 for an ebonite pen? Not unreasonable, but I can get a Ranga for half that or for a little more a Custom ebonite Edison. I love Japanese pens and I own quite a few Nakayas, Pilots, Sailors, and Platinums. Let's not put Wancher in the same class as these brands, it just looks like you're getting an ebonite pen with either rushed urushi or a very thin application. Yes it a great price for an urushi pen, but in the end it's a second or third tier Japanese company using German nibs and a questionable platform. It's like buying a fake Rolex, you know you really want a Nakaya, so save up for one..
Let me think. What do FP enthusiasts like? Big pens? Tick. Ebonite? Tick. Urushi? Tick. Aka-tamenuri? Tick? Oversized gold nib? Tick. So predictable and boring that it may just be a great success.
Argonic082 all of what you say is absolutely true. If your pen memory starts with Year 2010. And who said there is anything wrong with liking hard rubber? It’s great to demonstrate static electricity.
Argonic082 no I am not trying to say that. That would be stupid considering that from 1880s to 1930s most fountain pens were made of hard rubber. With the current fad hard rubber made a comeback. What I said is exactly what I said. What you project on what I said is about you, not me. Fads come and go. Chinese lacquer was out of fashion for a while, then returned as very similar Urushi. I tend to buy such pens when the fad passes and prices drop.
Argonic082 no need to say sorry. Your level of debating skill is self explanatory. Personally I prefer to avoid terminology as “mean” or “wet blanket” in discussion. Ad hominem is not a good strategy.
wancher should look at what pilot, sailor and platinum are doing and then either do something different or take the best ideas from each company and combine them into a great pen or just do something original that will blow us away, they call it a dream pen and then give us the same old nonsense
I know it was a bit much, but it was necessary. There was some vagueness as to the potential wording on their Kickstarter (which I hadn't seen yet) and how Wancher would refer to my review and the advising I had done for them. I needed to ensure that it was clear I was just reviewing the pen and had nothing to do with the business aspect of the project.
Figboot on Pens Looking at the aggressiveness of some comments here, your statement was totally understandable. I also appreciate your impartial easygoing demeanor.
I do care for this pen a great deal...and have backed the project. I'm getting the red urushi. If you're interested in this project, you might want to act quick...they are moving fast.
I see that this pen is as large as the Sailor KOP Ebonite. Is the nib as large as the KOP's?
The KOP nib is larger.
Thanks! Just backed them for a true urushi pen haha can't wait!
How would you compare this to the Pilot 845 and the Platinum Izumo?
I actually quite like the blank nib, looks very clean. It stands out in its own way.
so glad to see this video as I've been tempted by the project.
thank you.
This is the first Kickstarter pen that has really tempted me, the Urushi version has a much more attractive bang-for-the-buck ratio than the plain ebonite. And it *is* moving fast, they'll probably reach the upper stretch goal by the end of the week.
Hi, I love your reviews, but have a suggestion... For the size comparison, would it be okay to include a couple of the same popular pens in each review? Like, say, an Al-star and a 149 or something? The measurements are useful, but seeing the pens side-by-side really helps, and I have to admit, in this and a few other episodes I was none the wiser after the size comparison. They look fantastic but I've barely heard of any of those pens, let alone seen them. Thanks!
How does Wancher Urushi finish quality compare with big brand names such as Nakaya and Namiki? Their price has certainly creep up reaching Platinum production urushi price range.
I should not have looked at this review as now I’m also wanting to perhaps acquire a few of the other Urushi aka-ramèneront pens....🤦🏻♀️. Great review as always, David.
I REALLY LIKED how you included the perspective of others that have differing preferences than you. Thank you.
I've been interested in the Wancher with regards to their Mahatma Limited 1948 Ebonite pens since there aren't that many ebonite pens at this price available. Was wondering if you heard anything about that.
Figboot, I love the video and that you posted a review of this project, as I am interested. However, the tinny effect to the audio is bothering me. Keep up the great videos! If you could improve the audio, it would be much appreciated.
I backed this before I left for school this morning! I can't wait to get a blue urushi with a broad 18kt nib! I'll need to think of which roll stop I want though...
Hi David, Thank you for your informative review of the Wancher Dream pen! Definitely looks like a keeper. Is the feed ebonite, as well?
Yes, the feed is ebonite as well.
Nice review! I love the finish on this pen, but for that price point, it needs a clip, if not just to keep it from rolling everywhere. That drives me nuts & I won’t own a pen that is easy to roll off the desk.
I got the Taipei Sunset by Kenro, 20 from 33 limited edition.... love the pen and just found this video google searching the chinese character on the box. The pen that I got did not have the original nib (it was remove to be used o another pen). I got the Leonardo fine nib, soon I will get the Jowo 18k gold nib.
Many thanks David, I think is a pretty good deal, actually I already joint to kickstart, my option was ebonite steel nib!
Regards,
Paulo
Handsome pen! Thanks for the review, David.
I never knew how close you were to me in NC! I’m a fledgling fountain pen aficionado here and I was wondering how I’d join your writing/pen club you mentioned.
We typically meet on the first Sunday of each month at the Chapel Hill Public Library. You're more than welcome to join us any time. www.meetup.com/Triangle-Pen-Club-Meetup/
Some googling will reveal info online that raises some suspicions and personally makes me steer clear of Wancher. Gather up all the info before you make a decision for yourself.
My favourite pen of the moment is tiny with a fine hooded nib.
I buy them 3 for £1.65 ink them up and give them away. They are like ground bait to hook people into expensive pens like the one you are showing.
as usual figboot does an excellent review but as far as i'm concerned he does not have to explain himself to anyone, he has already proven he has integrity
Boy all those aka-tamenuri pens in the comparison are gorgeous!
Is it a cartridge converter? What is the filling mechanism? Sorry if I missed it in the review?
Yes. Standard international cartridge/converter.
Never used JOWO nibs before, how much of a difference is there between the 14k and 18k versions?
cumacha I don't believe I have a 14k How I, but the 18k is really nice. That's what I will select for this pen.
I just wanted to inquire to David about the width of the JoWo nib of this pen.
Since one can get very different widths that go under nib size "M" I was wondering if this nib is closer to a Sailor 1911L / Pilot Metropolitan "M" (quite fine), or rather a Montblanc Le Grand (146) "M" (rather fat)?
Raven The Just It's a rather fat medium.
Many thanks for the fast reply. So if I am looking for the Japanese "M" is should probably ask for a "F" nib..
Raven The Just I would say so.
I would be very interested to see a pen that you designed. Thanks for another pen to drool over. ✒
Thank you, David.
Looks like an interesting pen, albeit a large one. Thanks for another good review.
great looking pen, and as always a very honests and excellent review, i wish i could buy one pene like this, i will love to, but here in Mexico is allmost imposible to find something like that, maybe via internet, will be looking for it thxs for this video
Very cool looking pen. However clipless design is not something I would like.
I think they have a 'roll stopper' as an attachment I think.
Basically its a piece of silver ornament clipped on the the cap- according to their kickstarter.
How much ink do they hold?
It uses a standard international converter, so a normal amount.
it's because of nonsense like this that custom penmakers are popping up more frequently, 5 years ago, you google custom penmaker and you'll get two or three results that are credible but i'm finding that there are at least a dozen new custom penmakers who are doing outstanding work.......it makes me wonder how many customers who purchase expensive pens are saying forget the pen companies i'll just design my own and have it made, i've placed several custom orders and don't regret it
Bieber Ninja I had a couple of custom pens and I enjoy them a lot. The only downside is that I can’t find custom pen maker who makes piston filling pens.
alex mood...newton pens does a piston filler but it costs $150 extra and herbert pen company is going to be offering piston fillers soon but didn't give an exact date, jim hinze is another new custom penmaker and i heard he's developing a piston filler for his fountain pens, he's currently working on a new website because he used to do kit pens but is now doing custom fountain pen, he has a 30% off sale for this month, you'll have to ask him for details but you can literally get a custom fountain pen for $80 if you place an order before january ends, larry berrones is a pen reviewer and you can see his work like the blue storm or the beacon on his videos, he even pours his own blanks, you should check it out jim hinze is very professional and has a lot of knowledge
do you mind if i ask who you ordered your custom pens from?
Is it JOWO's #6 nib? or #8?
I couldn't find it documented...but I believe it's the #6.
I've already backed up a tamenuri Urushi, but I can't find the nib size in the Kickstarter page, like you. I asked to them via Kickstarter. And, it seems like #6 based on your video and photo. Thank you.
let's see no ink window, no chance to get a demonstrator version, no piston filler or vac filler, no chance to get a stub, italic or architect nib, no chance to get a flat top version, limited colors, designed not to post, short section.....you know i filled out the wancher survery for their dream pen and i didn't think they would take any of my suggestions but i never thought they would come up with the poor man's version of the izumo
but i'm listing off the flaws that i see in the pen and if you're going to call something a dream pen i would expect more and if you're a customer you should be prepared to spend more with all anticipation they created and i already said in my original comment i didn't expect them to make the pen according to my opinion, did you fill out the survey?
082, argonic....you're just drowning in your own arrogance, no wonder alex mood hates your guts hahaha, take a hike bic boy
082, argonic....the scumbags always come crawling back! hahaha
082, argonic....and you should be acknowledging figboot's hardwork instead of picking useless fights with me and alex mood, we actually like fountain pens bic boy hahaha
It's a poor man's Nakaya. Instead of dropping $400 bucks on wannabe Nakaya, people should keep their money and save up for the real thing. This campaign is essentially mass producing a bespoke item... There are going to be quality issues.
Also, Wancher is basically the Hero pens of Japan. I wouldn't give them $400 bucks
The Hero 366.
I recently heard that the Wancher Kickstarter is basically being run by the guy who runs Engeika, which has a track record of terrible--sometimes aggressively terrible--customer service. Does anyone know more about that particular connection?
The drumming in the background is annoying and distracting. Otherwise, an interesting review of a good-looking pen.
I'm passing on this project, I refuse to back any sort of Kickstarter project, I've had bad experiences in the past. Losing my money, kickstarter refusing to get involved, and no accountability for the people running the campaigns.
Not to mention, $185 for an ebonite pen? Not unreasonable, but I can get a Ranga for half that or for a little more a Custom ebonite Edison. I love Japanese pens and I own quite a few Nakayas, Pilots, Sailors, and Platinums. Let's not put Wancher in the same class as these brands, it just looks like you're getting an ebonite pen with either rushed urushi or a very thin application.
Yes it a great price for an urushi pen, but in the end it's a second or third tier Japanese company using German nibs and a questionable platform. It's like buying a fake Rolex, you know you really want a Nakaya, so save up for one..
Looks very much like a Nakaya.
Let me think. What do FP enthusiasts like? Big pens? Tick. Ebonite? Tick. Urushi? Tick. Aka-tamenuri? Tick? Oversized gold nib? Tick. So predictable and boring that it may just be a great success.
Argonic082 all of what you say is absolutely true. If your pen memory starts with Year 2010.
And who said there is anything wrong with liking hard rubber? It’s great to demonstrate static electricity.
Argonic082 no I am not trying to say that. That would be stupid considering that from 1880s to 1930s most fountain pens were made of hard rubber. With the current fad hard rubber made a comeback.
What I said is exactly what I said. What you project on what I said is about you, not me.
Fads come and go. Chinese lacquer was out of fashion for a while, then returned as very similar Urushi. I tend to buy such pens when the fad passes and prices drop.
Argonic082 no need to say sorry. Your level of debating skill is self explanatory. Personally I prefer to avoid terminology as “mean” or “wet blanket” in discussion. Ad hominem is not a good strategy.
alex mood lol so annoyingly condescending and self-aggrandizing.
blahblahblahsdafd thank you. Interesting argument you are making here.
wancher should look at what pilot, sailor and platinum are doing and then either do something different or take the best ideas from each company and combine them into a great pen or just do something original that will blow us away, they call it a dream pen and then give us the same old nonsense
Dwelled on your impartiality way too long. It starts to make it seem as though you are trying to convince us.
I know it was a bit much, but it was necessary. There was some vagueness as to the potential wording on their Kickstarter (which I hadn't seen yet) and how Wancher would refer to my review and the advising I had done for them. I needed to ensure that it was clear I was just reviewing the pen and had nothing to do with the business aspect of the project.
Figboot on Pens Looking at the aggressiveness of some comments here, your statement was totally understandable. I also appreciate your impartial easygoing demeanor.