7 Japanese Fountain Pens You MUST Try!
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- Опубліковано 29 тра 2024
- Give these a shot! The 7 fountain pens on this list all have some interesting features to them that really need to be experienced. Drew is going to tell you why these Pilot, Platinum, and Sailor pens should be on your to-do list!
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TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Intro
0:43 Pilot Falcon
1:55 Pilot E95S
3:21 Sailor MF Nib
4:47 Platinum Preppy
6:21 Pilot Kakuno
7:32 Sailor KoP
9:03 Pilot Vanishing Point
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Brian & Rachel Goulet started The Goulet Pen Company in 2009 and you can see the evolution of our mom and pop into a full-blown company through this channel. We run a dedicated online store with fountain pens, ink, paper, and other fine writing accessories. Our goal with this channel is to provide fountain pen fans at all levels of experience with comprehensive product reviews, round ups, and how-to videos to answer all the fountain pen questions you may have. Shop at www.gouletpens.com.
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The Kakuno ( which I am running as eyedropper)...so cool and the Prera are nothing to laugh at, they sit on my desk and they are the first ones I grab. Anything Pilot is good.
You're not wrong! - Drew
@@Gouletpens Thank you! Good Video
How did you Eye Dropped a Kakuno? Doesn't it have two holes at the bottom of the barrel?
@@aardappeleten7701 Hot glue gun at the bottom, be sure and test it out with water first.
@@tbayless8324do they look good?
My preppy’s were held hostage at my office for over a year during Covid while I worked from home. When I finally got them back….they all still flowed just fine 😅 love love love preppy!
Drew’s presentation is always so awesome.
Agreed!
I bet ya there are people that watch Drew that have no interest in fountain pens…
Cheeeeze! 😊
And lots of fun to listen too as well.
I know you don’t like the aesthetics of the Kakuno, but many of us love the way it looks and feels… certainly the clear demonstrators. Also many of us appreciate the fact that there is no clip on the cap. Clips always conjure pocket protectors for me. I’m not a corporate type - I use my Kakunos for writing and for sketching - and I appreciate the cool design that does not look like it belongs in a corporate setting. Also it has perfect girth for comfort and significantly more sturdy plastic than other inexpensive pens. I know you like the Kakuno, but there are hordes who also think it looks very cool. Everyone who sees one of my 7 comments on how cool it is right after they say: What is that?! :0)
I love that the Japanese nibs write in very fine lines. It works well with how I write.
Thank you for featuring Japanese fountain pens. As a Japanese and stationary lover, it makes me happy seeing these kinds of videos and comments❤
Hope Drew can visit Tokyo some day and make a vlog of all the fountain pen shops we have here😊
I appreciate Drew's use of "barrel filling" when talking about the Preppy! Out with eyedroppers!!
Got Kakuno as my first fountain pen, and the writing experience with it was so mindblowing I'm starting to wonder why I didn't use fountain pens before. Many reviewers said that you need to feel feedback when writing with pens on lower range of price, but my Kakuno glides so nicely way better than regular pens and I don't feel any feedback from it. I'm really glad I start my fountain pen journey with Kakuno. Now I'm interested with Preppy, too.
First pen was a Platinum Preppy and it still writes great!
I have a Pilot Vanish Point. It's a fantastic pen 😃
I’ve had my VP for nearly 20 years and it’s still the one I keep going back to most often in my rotation. Still writes like it did when new
E95S is really a beautiful pen.
It really is! - Drew
@@GouletpensI bought mine because you wouldn‘t/couldn‘t stop raving about it - and you were/are absolutely right.
True to your word, you used the term "Barrel-Filled" instead of eye-dropper. I prefer it as well and use it any time the situation calls for it.
Haha! Thanks for noticing! This was my first time using it "officially". - Drew
My return to fountain pens happened in 2017 when I bought my first fountain pen from Goulet Pens. It was a Platinum Preppy. My second pen was a Pilot Metropolitan. I used both of these pens a lot, until I got my third fountain pen, a TWSBI Eco. This video was about Japanese pens; so, pretend I didn't mention the Eco.
I will pass on the Falcon but E95s is amazing. Love your approach, just two people talking about their passion for pens
Thanks a bunch! - Drew
This was so informative! Thanks!
I like the Preppy. It's a great bargain
I love this format of video.
Yes, I love the Preppy. Just thought I was being cheap, but Preppy is really my favorite. Thank you.
Love the Kakuno. Absolutely love it. Waiting for my Platinum Preppy. Finally, after all this time, ready to see what the excitement is all about!
Hi Drew!: Thanks for the heads up on some NEAT Japanese pens! That Burgundy E95 is a HONEY! I was one of those people who saw the Vanishing Point and said ooohhh! NOOOOoooo! That looks so uncomfortable! So I got a knock-off version just to try. Like you said, NO problem, I find that the clip actually gives me something to hold onto. SO! Don't worry about that clip! I WILL be adding a REAL Vanishing Point in EF at some point in the future!!
Yes! Exactly! Of course, it's certainly not for everyone - but definitely worth getting in your hands! - Drew
Your comments and descriptions over time have had me looking at the Falcon for quite a while, and it‘s on my Wish List on your site. Maybe it will be my next pen - and I‘ll throw in a Preppy just for fun. Your recommendations have never led me astray.
I❤Preppy pens! I have a hack for them, though. I "paint" a light layer of resin on the lower end of the cap (a 1 cm wide strip) to reinforce it. I noticed that, after a while, the cap border cracks and the pen doesn't close as well. By adding a thin layer of resin, it is then reinforced against any cracks. It maintains its excellent seal. This has worked even in already cracked pen caps, restoring the "click" sound when closing, a sign that the seal is restored. Thanks fir this inteoduction to the Kakuno. I havent tried one yet and would love to try it
I found my first preppy (last used over 10 years ago!) and was sad to see that the cap had cracked. I was hoping to get it working again and now seeing your comment I may be able to! Thank you!
This video was so fun to watch and engage with! Great job to Drew and the team
Thanks for watching! - Drew
Such a great video, Drew! I love your style of presentation! Keep em coming and write on right back at ya!
Thank you! - Drew
I like to draw with Fountain pens, and that Japanese extra fine is one of my favorites. On my channel, the Kakuno and Preppy pen videos I’ve done are two of my favorites. I really need to try the Falcon and the Elite!
I have been dying to own a sailor of any kind. I got to try a friends 1911 L with the music nib, and it felt like nothing I’ve ever written with before. As well as trying another friends KOP in ebonite, with a two tone nib. Of all the pens on this list (I own all but sailors), I would say they are nothing short of a perfect list to give you an amazing feel for the Japanese fountain pen market!!! Amazing as always Drew!!
I have it on good authority that writing with a sailor king of pens will ruin you for all other pens .
@@blaiseutube you are not wrong lol. The Mont Blanc 149, and the sailor KOP are both dreams to write with. The larger nib offers a lot more bounce when you write, they both have exquisite craftsmanship, they look gorgeous, and both have an amazing feel in the hand. Other than the rather high price, they are a pen i think everyone should either try, or own!!
Great vid! They keep getting better and better. Makes me want to try them all!
Thanks a bunch! - Drew
I'm an avid Japanese pen collector. The king of pens is one of my Grail pens. I have a realo and a pro gear with 21k nibs, but there's something next level about the size of that nib on the KOP.
The Elite/E95S is a timeless look straight from the era of Mad Men. 😁
If you like the look of the nib, Platinum, Sailor and Pilot made very similar pens that are still very available used, and even some full size with the same style nib (I have a Platinum President with it, and an aerometric filler[!] from the 1970s.😁)
Great presentation. Great information. Thanks. Right on about the Preppy. Love them.
Thanks for watching! - Drew
I finally pulled the trigger on a vanishing point. I have been going back and forward on what my first gold nib pen would be. I was considering the E95s, but with my big hands, I decided to go with the VP. I am looking forward to playing around with it. Thank you Drew, Brian and the whole team!
Another stellar presentation Drew, thanks for making my Wednesday morning.
I appreciate you joining me! - Drew
Well here in Sri Lanka 🏝 , there aren't many Japanese 🗾 pens sold, let alone any Fountain pens 🖋!
But, I still use one that my Dad gave me a few years ago (he used it in his University days).
And when I just watched this video, I took it out of my drawer to find out that is was a Japanese PLATINUM Fountain pen, lol🤣. For some reason, I still haven't refilled it for 2 months, yet it still works amazing - Japanese 🎌Craftsmanship is Awesome! 😇🎴
My very first fountain pen purchases after getting the bug 33 years after I last wrote with one were the Pilot Elite 95s and the Pilot Custom 742.
I enjoy the Pilot Metropolitan myself, as it is easy to come by being sold in bookshops.
the japanese approach to excellent workmanship when it comes to pens, is the same kind craftsmanship that makes them renowned in other areas such as knife making (chef's knives, etc.), woodwork joinery, etc...they've been making waves for a while now in the culinary world too.
You should add the Pilot Custom 742 to the list! It offers all of Pilot’s normal and specialty nibs!
Yes, it gets sidelined in favor of the 823, but it offers the most bang for buck in the custom line.
Excellent recommendations Drew! 👍
Thanks a bunch! - Drew
Professional even tone, balanced approach, informative - this style of presentation works for me.
Glad to hear it! Thanks for joining me! - Drew
I'm in love with the feel of Sailor nibs! Just picked up a 1911L in a recent sale with the sole aim of experiencing the 21K nib. Now my ambition is to own a King of Pens although I have small girl hands.
Great job, Drew! The E95S will be my next purchase!
I have one and I swear I smile every time I open my pen case and see it. I really do. I love my little jewel.
You won't be disappointed! - Drew
I hope to try out a Falcon very soon. I used to actively dislike the VP - until I tried one. They're awsome for jotting down intermittent notes.
If you’ve never used a fountain pen before I highly recommend spending the $7 and getting a Platinum Preppy. Fountain pens are just lots of fun to use.
My favorites are Pilot metropolitan, explorer, and Kakuno as well as the Platinum preppy and Prefounte, both of which I make eye dropper. I just ordered a black and a red Platinum Plaisir. I really love the Platinum pens because of the spring cap that keeps them from drying out.
Kaweco Sport in Burgundy colour with Gold p. Medium Nib and Gold clip....only 28 euro is a steal!! Most beautiful pen for edc! Writing and sketching is awesome,because it provides precision U would never expect from a f pen and at that low weight and price!
I think I would be delighted to sit across the desk from Drew and share favorite pens with one another.
I probably should dive into the lower end of this sampling. Never tried the Preppy. But also…that Sailor King of Pens is calling my name.
King.
Pilot SFM nibs are the jam!
I finally got my E95s and I LOVE it. I’ve never heard of an extra-fine flex nib because who would make that? My extra-fine writes just like a flex nib, which is quite the treat. And the pen is gorgeous! It was well worth the wait. If someone made a pocket pen case, I’d keep it in my purse.
Thanks for another superb video.
Best shirt so far, in my opinion.
Haha! Thanks for watching, Jason! - Drew
I love the fountain pens here but the *real* star of this video's show is your shirt. Where the heck did you get that? It looks great lol
Thank you drew! This was really good to see. I would love the opportunity to write with some of those pens. I just placed my first order with Goulet pens today.
Yay! Thanks so very much for choosing us! - Drew
Loved the style of this video Drew. It was like sitting at a lunch counter with a friend who has an amazing pen collection. I have the E95 and Vanishing Point on my wish list. Just not sure I have a need for both. I was surprised the 823 wasn't on the list. I've only heard praise showered on that pen.
They are both entirely different writing experiences. I have the Vanishing point, the E95s, and a Decimo (the thinner lighter version of the vanishing point). I absolutely love them all. The Vanishing Point and Decimo are both buttery smooth to write with. they completely glide, but the nibs are stiff. The E95s gives minor feed back (still a super smooth experience) but is bouncier. Between the Decimo and the Vanishing Point... it is just a matter of if you like thicker pens or thinner pens... I like them both. But yeah, completely different writing experiences between E95s and Vanishing Point.
Hey Drew glad to have made your acquaintance at the San Francisco pen show. I sketch and draw with fountain pens, whole heartedly agree on the Kakuno and the Preppy. I tend to break plastic pocket clips so I picked up a Plaisir and swapped feed sections. Easier than pulling and exchanging nibs and it has been working out ' extra fine ' !
Hi, Roger! - Drew
awesome video 😊
Great performance!
Quality video, squire!
Thank you.
5:35 In India CELLO FOUNATIN[FULL NIB VER.] comes in less than 1 dollars and have neck-to-neck competion with preppy, BTW I personally don't like indian local fountain pen inks but pens are very good for extreme mearge budget,If you get it anyhow...give it a shot!!
Which is that Cello FP Shilpa ?
I am using Camlin FP with Turquoise, Royal Blue, Black, etc.
I have three Pilot fountain pens that I bought for sketching. The Pilot Metropolitan (fine), and Pilot Prera (fine) work well with the Sheaffer Skrip, Noodler's and Rohrer and Klinger Sketchink's with zero adjustments. The Pilot Falcon (soft fine) is scratchy and sloppy, at the same time, if that is possible. I have made adjustments that have helped, but since the other two work exceptionally I have cleaned the Falcon and returned it to its box on the shelf.
The pen that I have used non-stop is the Opus 88 Demonstrator (extra fine). It holds a lot of ink, is comfortable in my hand (as are all of them really, even the tiny Prera), and is cool! My only other fountain pen is a promotional pen my wife scored 20 years ago. The promotional pen, made in China (iridium point Germany fine) is really a good sketcher, but too many pens out for sketching is not a good idea, so I limit myself to three inked at a time.
My favorite all time pens to write with though are the handmade twig/branch pen's that I bought at Saturday Market in Portland Oregon in 2001. These pens were made to hold Bic ball point replacements, and they were priced at 3/$10. The natural bend of the twigs/branch barrels fall perfectly into my grip.
Silver Dollar City around Springfield Missouri, has those if you need new ones. You might be able to get them online.
The Preppy looks really cool. The King 😮😮😮 OMG 😊
I have a Pilot Kakuno in Extra Fine. I **hate** the Extra Fine nib. It's so scratchy and makes my handwriting look terrible. I need to try one in a medium nib.
On the opposite side, I **ADORE** my Vanishing Point. It's my go-to pen almost all the time.
Shut up.
I waited a long time before trying the Platinum Preppy, and it really is great. Especially for trying inks that might stain your other pens: Baystate Blue! I recently made a video comparing the Preppy and the Pilot Varsity -not exactly an apples to apples comparison, but they are in a similar enough sub $10 zone. I used a list of 15 criteria (of course very science-y and all), 5 categories were tied / user preference, Preppy won 7 categories, and Pilot won 3. So, I suppose Drew is right when he says the Preppy "owns the sub $10 category." Always great to wake up to a Drew video :)
That's awesome, Kendall! Makes sense! - Drew
Love my Kakunos. My Preppy not so much, but I'll use it more upon your recommendation. At the SF show, tried the E95S, which I'd been interested in and didn’t like it that much. Will try again at the next show. Upon Your Recommendation. Thank you, Drew.
Wonderful Run Through of these Japanese Beauties Drew👌👌👌😍😍🤎
Thabnk you! - Drew
Nice list 👍
I’ve recently fallen down the fountain pen rabbit hole. Bought a Metropolitan and loved it so much that I had to order a Prera also ( Was on sale for $15)
But now I’m debating on which gold nib pen to get first.
Pilot VP Decimo Pink Champagne is my preciousssssss pen, F nib, buttery smooth writing, gorgeous body, I love it the most of my entire collection. Decimo as slimmer version of regular VP great for small hands. Love, love, love.
I bought several Kakuno pens for ca. 3.5 Euro each on a September 1st sale some years ago. The nib is really nice. The ones made for European market are international standard compatible. As are Plumix and Pluminix.
And just minutes ago i picked up a parcel with Pilot 78G+ which, i hope, will provide the same pleasant writing experience, that Kakuno does.
Hi Drew, my Platinum Preppy is my everyday jotter for quick scribbles and notes and such. I wore out the quick capping, so I put a piece of scotch tape to tighten. It caps beautifully. The inner cap never wore out. Always on the ready.
Hi! I've recently discovered your channel and it's very informative, thank you! Can I use a converter with the Platinum Preppy, and if so, which one? If not, then what size of o ring does it and what kind of silicone grease should I use. I live in France and unfortunately, I have to order everything online as my town is not very well stocked with fountain pen related items. thanks!
You're welcome! That was fun.
I own three Japanese fountain pens, a Platinum Preppy, a Platinum 3776 Century(which I use daily) and a Pilot E95S(very noble looking). All of these in extra-fine. Of the three Preppy is the finest line one and the most robust writer
Fantastic video. One of these days I'll add a king of pen to my collection. It's the only pen in this collection I don't own. (I adore Japanese pens)
Pilot e95s 💕
I love my Pilot Elite.
Great nib overview. Drew's presentation is succinct and engaging, entertaining but never patronizing. Well done.
That's super kind of you to say! - Drew
Great video, as usual! I think I might need to get a Preppy now! I think the only way this video could be better is...if Janéa was in it! :)
may i know what ink you used on the PILOT E95S?
I have a Preppy* loaded with Carbon Black cartridges and it’s my favorite pen for drawing-the nib feels really nice, and I don’t have to fear about Carbon Black drying up in my pen! (and if it DID dry up, it’s not an expensive pen so it doesn’t hurt as much)
* my second Preppy…my first one cracked when I accidentally dropped it on a concrete floor 😳💦
falcon *chefs kiss*
one the few gold nibs that are worth it to me over steel (I think gold is just placebo for most if I'm being honest. a finely tuned steel is just as good 99% of the time)
E95S to me is a great pen don't get me wrong, but a slightly polished kakuno is just as good if not better. I found it quite stiff too! it's super cute and nice tho.
My first Japanese pen was the Namiki Vanishing Point. Not he Pilot VP. Back then, the VP was under the Namiki line. Now I also have the Pilot Capless as well as two Pilot Metropolitan, one with fine nib an done with a stub. I would eventually like to get a Pilot Falcon and E95, as well as a Sailor Pro Gear.
Drew. I need a pen for use with India ink waterproof for doing the line work for watercolors. What ones can you tell me to consider. Right now I have glass dip pen and the platinum carbon ink.
Great video! (Did you see me waving at the screen?) To date I score 2 out of the 7. I just acquired my first Sailor (Pro Gear Slim, MF), which is also my first gold nib, and I adore it even more than I had expected to. I also cherish my Preppies, both 0.3. One lives in my pocket as an EDC. I play with the other at home, refilling its cartridge by syringe with different inks. Glad to see the Preppy getting some love.
Waving back! Haha thank you so much for watching! - Drew
Love the shirt!
Thank you! - Drew
Platinum 3776 i like the most from Japanese pens (I also have Pilot 742 and Sailor Pro Gear).
I don’t have a Sailor MF nib but have a Pilot MF. It took a bit to get used to the feel of the gold nib but now I really like it! Still haven’t tried a Sailor pen but would love to one day.
Kaküno is legendary 🙌
Prera has my heart
I have been using kakuno. Cheap and nice writing experience. Only problem is the ink evaporates off quickly when not in use. And my usage pattern fluctuates between intensive use and periods of not using. So that becomes a problem for me.
I already own 5 of the 7 pens mentioned here. The 2 sailors are the ones I do not own. Good list!
What's your favorite?
@@bkbk1184 I have 2 favorite: the e95 and the decimo. The vanishing point/decimo in fine is really smooth and it is useful to have a retractable pen. The e95, I love the look
@@philippegosselin7756 Thank you!
My Kakuno EF nib was awful. The M nib writes just fine. I want to try the Falcon at some point to see if I should acquire one - next pen show.
Drew, is the KOP you are holding in the review a special edition pen and if it is, what's its name? Also, do you carry this particular model? I looked around the website and didn't find it there. Great review, as always, and thank you.
I went on a trip to Japan earlier this year and bought 3 fountain pens :)
So Nice. Which City in Japan ?
Are they cheaper than in USA ?
Love Japan
Happy I have tried all of these ... except the 95S ... and guess what's on the way? I also use a Custom 823, Platinum Plasir (with an 02 nib), and a vintage Platinum Inlaid gold nib pen (but it's full size ... got it from a dude in Japan ages ago online). I tend to prefer Sailor Steel Nibs ... I have no luck with their gold nibs. They just don't suit my hand. But I have a Procolor 500, a Young Profit, a couple DeMannens, a couple Hi Ace Neos and one of their new dip pens with a fude nib and I love all of those dearly.
I think you'll love it! - Drew
I am a great fan of Pilot Kakuno (less than 15 bucks), in combination with the fantastic CON -70 converter. In my experience there is nothing comparable and nothing better for sketching. All the other pens that I have used with China ink turn out to have dried out the moment I decide to use them. The Kakuno never dries up. The greatest dries is unfortunately my Lamy Safari.
Just bought the Pilot Kakuno and a piston converter. I'm used to Montblanc so we'll see how this pen compares. I realize it is a tiny fraction of the price of a Montblanc, however it's Japanese so I expect good things. I do not expect it to compete with Montblanc but will be pleasantly surprised if it writes well.
Definitely worth the price, for sure! - Drew
A must have Japanese nib experience is the Pilot Custom Urushi. It’s by far my favourite nib (mine is a M but I’d love to get a MF too, and a B if they made them in a third colour). I’m yet to try a KOP but given I love the size of my Jinahao X159 and I think the KOP is quite similar in size I suspect I’ll love it. Oh, and overall a nice video 😊
That one almost made it onto the list! - Drew
I love my Kakuno and adore its smiley face on the nib. I must be the only one whose Platinum Preppy fountain pens don't work if I don't use them every day!
The kakuno is vastly underrated.
It really bothers me that my medium kakuno is one of my best writers.
I have not tried the Kakuno, but my gateway pen was a Preppy. I was blown away by the difference in a fountain pen and the gel pens I was used to. I have had many Preppies and about half end up getting a cracked cap, even though they all live on my desk only. That ruins the seal that keeps them from drying out. I have one today I had to get started and I wonder if there is an unseen crack that made it dry out.
I’ve had a Pilot Varsity sitting in my desk’s pen cup unused for no-joke like 5 years … just uncapped it and gave it a whirl … boom! Perfect ink with no hard start or skipping. Amazing. How the heck do they do that? Lol.
Pilot metropolitan lover from India 😍... the nib is similar to Kakuno...
Exactly the same, apart from the imprint! - Drew
Same here, purchased 1 more Metropolitan. And I have Pilot ED Fine Nib.
Sometime later I want to buy E95s.
What about the pilot cavalier? I think it’s really cool and slim.
Those aren't available to us here in the US. - Drew
An excellent video, Drew, and an excellent selection! But how did the Namiki Emperor not get on the list? I really want to try one out;)
I thought about it - kinda gave that slot to the KoP since it's a bit more accessible. - Drew