Pilot Archives - The Well-Appointed Desk https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/tag/pilot/ For the love of pens, paper, office supplies and a beautiful place to work Sun, 08 Oct 2023 23:57:00 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3.2 https://i0.wp.com/www.wellappointeddesk.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/cropped-WADicon.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Pilot Archives - The Well-Appointed Desk https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/tag/pilot/ 32 32 40314258 Pen Review: Pilot FriXion Ball3 Slim 3-Color Multi Pen (0.38 mm – Pearl Green) https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2023/10/pen-review-pilot-frixion-ball3-slim-3-color-multi-pen-0-38-mm-pearl-green/ https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2023/10/pen-review-pilot-frixion-ball3-slim-3-color-multi-pen-0-38-mm-pearl-green/#respond Mon, 09 Oct 2023 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/?p=2126442878 I have such a soft spot for multi-pens. I decided to try a dedicated Pilot Frixion 3-Colors Slim in pearl green ($9) with three different color options and came with 0.38 tip size (which is my favorite gel pen tip size). The Frixion 3-Colors Slim came with the standard red, blue and black erasable gel…

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I have such a soft spot for multi-pens. I decided to try a dedicated Pilot Frixion 3-Colors Slim in pearl green ($9) with three different color options and came with 0.38 tip size (which is my favorite gel pen tip size).

The Frixion 3-Color Slim hanging out with all the other mult-pens I’ve accumulated. I think I have one from each of the Japanese brands: Zebra Sarasa, Pilot Coleto, Uni Pencil and Pentel Slicci. All from JetPens.

The Frixion 3-Colors Slim came with the standard red, blue and black erasable gel refills. Being spoiled by the endless variations in color in fountain pen ink, I get really pouty if I have to use “boring, standard” colors in any writing tool. So, I was delighted that many alternate color refills were available for the Frixion multi-pen (individual refills start at $2.30).

I tested the Frixion pen and inks on two paper types: a standard big box store composition notebook and my fancier Tomoe River as well.

I’m really happy with upgraded ink colors though it did make the multi-pen exponentially more expensive than using the stock inks. I did not find a Frixion multi-pen option that came empty though so if you are hoping to upgrade the ink colors in the Frixion multi-pen the final price will come in at about $15USD. While the refills might fit into a different multi-pen body, the “frixion”-specific multi-pen bodies are the only ones that include the built-in eraser. It is possible to get a stand alone Frixion eraser ($1.65) if you want to mix it up.

On the very porous composition book paper, the Frixion eraser erased adequately. It was a lot of ink converage and probably not the same as erasing a couple words of text so, depending on your paper YMMV.

Next up is the Tomoe River paper. Overall, the Frixion multi-pen performed similar but there was a noticeably longer dry time for the ink on Tomoe River.

The color and line weights all looked similar on the TR paper and the ink erased quite easily. I would even say that it erased better and more completely than on the composition book.

Overall, the Frixion multi-pen is a lot of fun and the erasability is a really great feature that I always forget how delightful it is to be able to erase ink.

Other sizes and configurations are also available with 2- to 4-color components. See the full collection here.

DISCLAIMER: The items included in this review were provided free of charge by JetPens for the purpose of review. Please see the About page for more details.

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Mini-Review: Pilot Juice Paint Pen in White https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2023/06/mini-review-pilot-juice-paint-pen-in-white/ https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2023/06/mini-review-pilot-juice-paint-pen-in-white/#respond Fri, 16 Jun 2023 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/?p=2126439546 After my previous post about opaque white markers, I grabbed another model — this time the Pilot Juice Paint ($3.60 for EF). The Pilot Juice Paint pens are available in a variety of colors in Fine and Extra Fine models. I was most curious about the white for adding highlights and details in art work…

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After my previous post about opaque white markers, I grabbed another model — this time the Pilot Juice Paint ($3.60 for EF). The Pilot Juice Paint pens are available in a variety of colors in Fine and Extra Fine models. I was most curious about the white for adding highlights and details in art work but the metallic silver and gold might be fun for lettering or signs.

The most interesting aspect of this pen is that hex shape of the barrel and cap. It’s comfortable to hold and doesn’t roll away.

In order to activate the marker, you need to push the tip down until it goes into the barrel to prime the ink. It should only be necessary to do this when its new or if you have used a lot of paint.

For a bullet tip paint pen, the color is pretty opaque and the flow was good.

I would compare the pen and color to a Sharpie water-based paint pen. Most artists have one or two paint pens in their toolbox. I think the Pilot Juice Paint is a good option when you need to replace your existing stash.


DISCLAIMER: The items included in this review were provided free of charge by JetPens for the purpose of review. Please see the About page for more details.

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Fountain Pen Review: Pilot Explorer https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2023/05/fountain-pen-review-pilot-explorer/ https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2023/05/fountain-pen-review-pilot-explorer/#comments Tue, 02 May 2023 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/?p=2126438951 A few weeks ago when I was browsing JetPens, I came across a new-to-me pen, the Pilot Explorer ($25). I decided to pick one up and see what it was all about. My Google-fu tells me that the Pilot Explorer debuted in 2019 and I’m not quite sure how I missed it. Well, I have…

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A few weeks ago when I was browsing JetPens, I came across a new-to-me pen, the Pilot Explorer ($25). I decided to pick one up and see what it was all about.

My Google-fu tells me that the Pilot Explorer debuted in 2019 and I’m not quite sure how I missed it. Well, I have a few guesses. My first Pilot love was actually the Pilot Metropolitan series. When I first started getting into fountain pens, the Metropolitans were in the “under $20 crowd” which meant they were easily obtainable for me. They came in a variety of fun colors, an array of nib sizes, and were lightweight and felt good in my hand. I may still have several (I can find at least 3 sitting right near me!)

So back to the Explorer. The Explorer is an odd little pen. It’s now priced in the same range as the Pilot Metropolitan (as of writing this the Explorer is $25 and the Metropolitan is $25.42 at JetPens), but it’s a plastic body. Yes, even though it looks like a metallic finish that’s all plastic baby! It comes standard with a steel nib in either Fine or Medium, and a black clip. I also think it looks a lot like the Lamy Safari or AL-Star – doesn’t it remind you of the Vibrant Pink edition?

Then pen comes with a snap cap that is postable, and a proprietary cartridge and converter. (It’s one of the squeeze-y ones so make of that what you will.) The pen is around 5″ uncapped (12.5 cm and 4.8″ to be precise) and 5.5″ capped (14cm and 5.6″). It weighs in at a cool 14g which makes it about the same as the Platinum Preppy that I reviewed a few weeks ago.

pen weight comparison chart

L to R: Platinum Preppy Maki-e, Pilot Kakuno, Pilot Explorer, Pilot Metropolitan

All of this is to say that this pen looks and feels like other pens I’ve written with. And while it is perfectly serviceable and nice enough to write with, there’s nothing in it that grabs me and makes me say “Gosh I LOVE this pen.”

Have you tried the Explorer? What do you think?

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Fountain Pen Review: Platinum Preppy Wa Modern Maki-e Fountain Pen https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2023/04/fountain-pen-review-platinum-preppy-wa-modern-maki-e-fountain-pen/ https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2023/04/fountain-pen-review-platinum-preppy-wa-modern-maki-e-fountain-pen/#comments Tue, 18 Apr 2023 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/?p=2126438667 Often, as fountain pen collectors, we get wrapped up in finding our grail pen. That perfect balance of aesthetics and exquisite writing ability that will make it our favorite pen ever. Or we get caught up in FOMO (fear of missing out) and purchase pens that are all the rage. Sometimes it’s nice to go…

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Often, as fountain pen collectors, we get wrapped up in finding our grail pen. That perfect balance of aesthetics and exquisite writing ability that will make it our favorite pen ever. Or we get caught up in FOMO (fear of missing out) and purchase pens that are all the rage. Sometimes it’s nice to go back to some basics and see what’s out there.

When I started with fountain pens several year ago, I actually skipped what I consider the truly “introductory” fountain pens and immediately went to the next level. I started with a Lamy Safari, a Pilot Metropolitan and finally, a TWSBI Eco. While they’re all great pens in a decent price range, I know that I skipped some of the even lower end pens that make a great introduction to those new to the fountain pen industry, and even beloved by more experienced writers.

So when the new limited edition “Maki-e” Platinum Preppys ($10) showed up on Jetpens site, I was compelled to take a look. The Platinum Preppy is an introductory level demonstrator-body fountain pen that is well loved and has been around since 2007. The pen itself is around 5″/12 cm (uncapped) and weighs in at just 13g. It’s durable, fun to use and comes with steel Platinum nibs, generally in extra fine, fine or medium. The pens can be used with cartridges or converters, but beware that Platinum uses proprietary ones so you won’t be able to just get away with standard international cartridges. The nibs write well out of the package, and the ink flows smoothly immediately.

I chose to purchase the Kachimushi 03 which comes with a blue body printed with silver dragonflies, intended to look like Maki-e. The pattern is aesthetically pleasing and hasn’t been damaged in the few weeks I’ve been using the pen, but I also haven’t see what long term use might do. I expect the pen may get scratched and the dragonflies may not stay intact forever.

A quick note: maki-e is a time-consuming Japanese technique of lacquer decoration. While the motifs in these Platinum Preppy echo what you might see in true maki-e, they are in fact printed on the plastic barrel. True maki-e would be far more expensive. 

So what do I think? For a $10 pen, I think the Preppy provides a pretty great writing experience. In comparison, I did pull out my as yet unused Pilot Kakuno to compare. The Pilot Kakuno is also a plastic demonstrator pen, featuring a Pilot nib (this one is in medium). Capped, the lengths are a bit different (about 1/4″), but uncapped they are virtually the same length. The nibs are different – you can see the Kakuno is a larger nib unit. The standard Kakuno retails for $12.50, whereas the standard Preppy retails for $7, with the Maki-e limited edition coming in at $10. Pilot also makes use of proprietary cartridges and converters, so you’ll have the same issue there (that is, you can’t just throw a standard cartridge in there and go).

In truth, both of these are great little pens and I sometimes forget how you can introduce someone to a really fun writing instrument at a fraction of the cost of what many of us spend pursuing our hobbies. For what it’s worth, I have a slight preference for the Preppy but I don’t have a good reason to articulate why.

What’s your favorite low-cost or introductory fountain pen?

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Fountain Pen Review: Pilot Cavalier https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2023/01/fountain-pen-review-pilot-cavalier/ https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2023/01/fountain-pen-review-pilot-cavalier/#comments Mon, 09 Jan 2023 16:00:00 +0000 https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/?p=2126436104 The Pilot Cavalier is an unusual fountain pen. It is a slender, metal barrel, snap cap that retails for about $36 (up to $58 for the marbled exterior finish). The Cavalier line is only available in a Fine or Medium nib but does feature a snap cap and the interior of the pen is large…

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The Pilot Cavalier is an unusual fountain pen. It is a slender, metal barrel, snap cap that retails for about $36 (up to $58 for the marbled exterior finish).

The Cavalier line is only available in a Fine or Medium nib but does feature a snap cap and the interior of the pen is large enough to support a converter though the pen only ships with a cartridge.

The nib in different in shape compared to other lower-priced Pilot pens like the Preppy, Prera or Metropolitan. The nib shape is more similar to the nibs used in the E95 line except the Cavalier nib is a steel nib and the E95 is a gold nib.

I really appreciate the silver tone hardware on this pen, I think it accents the subtle pink shimmer barrel nicely. All the colors of the Cavalier at $36 feature silver hardware but the higher priced marbled designs feature gold tone hardware.

On paper like Rhodia, the Cavalier is a crisp fine nib. Over the past few weeks, I’ve tried the pen with various inks and papers and the line width will vary a bit depending on the wetness of the ink or the absorbency of the paper. I find on Stalogy, depending on my ink selection, the line width can skew wider. If you prefer a fine line, with the Cavalier, I recommend seeking out drier inks.

The Cavalier is a relatively light pen weighing in a 18gms capped and filled and just 10gms uncapped. That’s considerably lighter than it’s bigger brother, the Metropolitan.

Pen Weights

(From left to right: Sailor Pro Gear Slim, Pilot Cavalier, vintage Platinum pocket pen, Kaweco Special FP, Caran d’Ache 849 and Lamy AL-Star.)

As you can see from the side-by-side comparison images above, the Pilot Cavalier is the most slender of the pens shown and I specifically chose a few pens that I consider to be the slimmer in my collection.  With the added convenience of the snap cap, the cavalier is a great journal pen. It fits easily under a notebook elastic or tucked into the pen holder in many planners.

The cap posts for those who are curious.

In general, I am a sucker for small slender pens. There are not a lot available on the market so when I do find one, I am often willing to purchase it. The Cavalier is no exception. The combination of the slim barrel and snap cap puts this pen in my sweet spot for a daily writer. It’s perfect for those short everyday notes, lists and meetings when you need a pen that is quick to use and easily portable. The metal barrel makes the Cavalier feel comparable to the Metropolitan line in terms of build quality in a smaller package and with a unique nib shape.


DISCLAIMER: Some items included in this review were provided free of charge by JetPens for the purpose of review. Please see the About page for more details.

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Pen Review: Pilot Juice Up 0.4 Classic Glossy Set (6-color set) https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2022/09/pen-review-pilot-juice-up-0-4-classic-glossy-set-6-color-set/ https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2022/09/pen-review-pilot-juice-up-0-4-classic-glossy-set-6-color-set/#comments Fri, 30 Sep 2022 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/?p=2126434892 Pilot Juice Up 6 Color Gel Pen Set (0.4 mm) in Classic Glossy ($18) is a sophisticated looking set of gel pens that feature dark colors that are described as: Classic Glossy Black, Classic Glossy Blue, Classic Glossy Brown, Classic Glossy Green, Classic Glossy Red, and Classic Glossy Violet. The pen barrels feature silicone grips…

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Pilot Juice Up 6 Color Gel Pen Set (0.4 mm) in Classic Glossy ($18) is a sophisticated looking set of gel pens that feature dark colors that are described as: Classic Glossy Black, Classic Glossy Blue, Classic Glossy Brown, Classic Glossy Green, Classic Glossy Red, and Classic Glossy Violet.

The pen barrels feature silicone grips that indicate the color of the ink in each pen. The barrels themselves are pretty much just a smooth tube with the exception of the squishy grip and feature a translucent grey knock/clip. The barrels are very much a standard width, not too wide, not to slim.

The color of the inks are indicated by the silicone grip and, in low light, it is sometime difficult to discern between the black, purple and brown inks.

The tip is tapered and is sort of halfway between a conical tip and a needlepoint tip. It’s a bit unique.

I was fascinated by the fact that the pens were described as “glossy”. What makes them glossy? When doing the squares of swatches, I noticed that there is very fine metallic shimmer in the ink. It’s very subtle and was more noticeable on the Rhodia paper than on the Tomoe River. Under most circumstances, its unlikely that you’ll notice the shimmer but it does add some dimension to the color.

In writing, the ink flows well and is a very rich, dark color. Each of the colors, though described as glossy, look more like red-black, green-black, blue-black, brown-black, purple-black, etc.

Like so many gel pens, I end up wanting to sketch with them so I did a quick doodle of a ceramic candy dish on my kitchen table that was made by my friend Amy at Pigeon Road Pottery. The deep color and easy flow make these pens fun to use.

Bob, who has a heavier hand than I do and prefers wider tips, did not enjoy using these pens. He found that there was too much flexibility or bend when he used these pens. And that he wrote at an angle that felt the edge of the tip might catch on the page.

With both my light handed impressions and Bob’s more heavy-handed style, you can see that these pens might not be for everyone. The Classic Glossy 6-color set is also available in an 0.5mm width which may work better if you write with a heavier hand.


DISCLAIMER: Some items included in this review were provided free of charge by JetPens for the purpose of review. The other items in the review were purchased by myself. Please see the About page for more details

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Fountain Pen Review: Pilot Custom 912 FA Nib (Falcon) https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2022/07/fountain-pen-review-pilot-custom-912-fa-nib-falcon/ https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2022/07/fountain-pen-review-pilot-custom-912-fa-nib-falcon/#comments Fri, 08 Jul 2022 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/?p=2126433940 The Pilot Custom 912 with the FA (Falcon ) nib ($240) is unique pen. While it’s often compared to the Namiki Pilot Falcon fountain pen, they are not the same beast. For starters, the 912 only comes in black and features a 14K gold nib with side cuts to help increase the range of flex.…

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The Pilot Custom 912 with the FA (Falcon ) nib ($240) is unique pen. While it’s often compared to the Namiki Pilot Falcon fountain pen, they are not the same beast. For starters, the 912 only comes in black and features a 14K gold nib with side cuts to help increase the range of flex. The Namiki Pilot Falcon is available in several colors or metal body and an unusually-shaped 14K nib. Prices for the Falcon are $180-240 depending on barrel material.

Pilot Custom 912 FA Fountain Pen

 

The nib shape is clearly visible  in the images above and below. The side cut looks like a hole punch took a bite out of the nib.

Pilot Custom 912 FA Fountain Pen

from Parka Blogs

I borrowed the photo above of the Pilot Namiki Falcon from Parka Blogs. I don’t own a Namiki Falcon Fountain Pen so I can’t do a side-by-side. But after doing my own copious internet research, I came to the conclusion that it wasn’t worth purchasing both or saving a few dollars and buying the Pilot Namiki Falcon over the 912 with FA nib.

Pilot Custom 912 FA Fountain Pen

Inside, the 912 includes the Pilot CON-70 converter which is the pump action converter. The Namiki Falcon ships with a standard CON-40 twist converter.

Pilot Custom 912 FA Fountain Pen
Writing tests on Rhodia paper with Robert Oster Bora Bora Waters ink.

The real magic of the Custom 912 with FA nib is obviously the way that it writes. There is very pleasant bounce and flex with the FA nib. To be honest, it flexed more than I expected it to do.

As a lefty, I tested the nib in overhand and side writing as well as traditional under writing. All directions worked but the side and overhand writing lost a good deal of the line variation because I was pushing the nib on the paper rather than pulling it (which is what causes the tines with open and create the desired thick strokes). At some angles, since the nib is so fine, there was some scratchiness — more so with over writing tha side writing. To get the most out of a flex nib like the Custom 912, you really need to be able to write from below so that your down strokes are thick and your upstrokes are thin.

While the 912 FA is not a “wet noodle” in terms of flex, it’s a good option for using a light touch and adding some thicks and thins to your everyday writing rather than pushing it to extremes. Part of this stems from the fact that the plastic feed will not keep up with the amount of ink necessary for excessive flax writing. As seen in my writing sample above, too much flex writing with cause the nib to be depleted of ink until gravity forces more ink into the feed fins.

To increase the ink flow, I think I will invest in an ebonite feed from Flexible Nib Studios (approx. $42). Do you own a Namiki Falcon or the 912 FA? Have you upgraded the feed in yours?

Final Thoughts

Overall, I am pleased with the out-of-the-box performance of the Pilot Custom 912 with FA nib. To be honest, I am more pleased than I thought I would be. While there are some ink flow feed issues with regular flex use, its not nearly as bad as I thought it would be. Do I wish the 912 was available in other finishes? Heck, yeah I do. But for a workhorse, off-the-shelf flex nib, the 912 FA is probably the best quality for the price. I’ve had a couple other modern flex pens (Aurora. pardon the pun, springs to mind) and they have been stiffer nibs overall. If you have a heavy hand, I wouldn’t recommend the 912 FA because it is a light, fine nib but if your goal is to find a modern flex pen, the Pilot 912 FA is the best I’ve tried thus far.


DISCLAIMER: The items included in this review were provided free of charge by Pen Chalet for the purpose of review. Please see the About page for more details.

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Pen Review: Pilot Spare Sign Pen https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2021/09/pen-review-pilot-spare-sign-pen/ https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2021/09/pen-review-pilot-spare-sign-pen/#comments Mon, 20 Sep 2021 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/?p=2126431023 What if you could refill a Pilot Sign Pen ($16.50) with a cartridge or even a fountain pen ink? You can! With the new Pilot Spare Sign Pen. The pen ships with four blue-black fountain pen cartridges (and a spare tip) but will also accept a Pilot converter (I recommend the Con-40) so you can…

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What if you could refill a Pilot Sign Pen ($16.50) with a cartridge or even a fountain pen ink? You can! With the new Pilot Spare Sign Pen. The pen ships with four blue-black fountain pen cartridges (and a spare tip) but will also accept a Pilot converter (I recommend the Con-40) so you can fill or refill the pen with an ink of your choosing.

Pilot Spare PSign en

I’ve been enjoying filling the various refillable pens in my collection with fountain pen inks. They allow me to use more of my existing ink and experience the vast array of colors in a different form factor. Super light fountain pen inks can now be used to underline passages in a book or sections in my notebooks where the ink may not be as useful in an EF fountain pen. I can experiment with super sheeners or shimmer inks in an inexpensive tool as well.

Pilot Spare Sign Pen

Pilot Spare Sign Pen

Once the Con-40 was installed, I filled the Spare Sign Pen with Colorverse Matter, a lovely grey ink. I wanted to play with a color not commonly found in felt tip pens. The color has a range of hues in it and dries a little darker than it appears when wet so it was fun to play with it in the Spare Sign Pen.

 

Pilot Spare Pen writing sample
Writing sample on Tomoe River 52gsm and Col-o-ring card with samples of Kuretake Karappo refillable pens for comparison.

I also wanted to compare the writing experience of the Pilot Spare Sign Pen with the Kuretake Karappo with Wick and with Cartridges. The Pilot Spare Sign Pen tip is a bit wider than the Kuretake Karappo Felt Tip and the Karappo with cartridges felt tip. Obviously, the brush/bristle tips are wider but I wanted to include sample writing just to show the range.

I have not yet tried to clean the Pilot Spare Sign Pen but the replaceable tip will make it possible to reuse the converter and pen barrel even if the tip needs to be swapped out with each color change.

I enjoy the opportunity to use fountain pen inks in different ways, particularly in work environments where fountain pens can seem a little “fancy”. I still get to use fun ink colors but in stealthy packaging.


DISCLAIMER: The items included in this review were provided free of charge by JetPens for the purpose of review. Please see the About page for more details.

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Fountain Pen Review: Pilot Capless LS Matte Black Fountain https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2021/03/fountain-pen-review-pilot-capless-ls-matte-black-fountain/ https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2021/03/fountain-pen-review-pilot-capless-ls-matte-black-fountain/#comments Tue, 16 Mar 2021 16:08:17 +0000 https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/?p=2126428581 For a long time  I didn’t see the appeal of the capless pens from Pilot (also know as Vanishing Points). But I wrote about my changed opinion when I purchased the Raden Stripe Vanishing Point for my 40th birthday gift to myself. So when Appelboom offered us the chance to review the Pilot Capless LS…

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For a long time  I didn’t see the appeal of the capless pens from Pilot (also know as Vanishing Points). But I wrote about my changed opinion when I purchased the Raden Stripe Vanishing Point for my 40th birthday gift to myself. So when Appelboom offered us the chance to review the Pilot Capless LS Matte Black Fountain, I knew I wanted to compare and contrast the two!

The Capless LS Matte Black Fountain pen is the newest iteration in Pilot’s Capless series that started back in the 1960’s. The LS stands for Luxury and Silent, which is how they describe the new retractable mechanism they’ve developed for this model.  The difference is that now the mechanism is a click to expose the nib, and a twist to retract it, whereas previous models had a click for both functions. This means that the knock and the end pieces have been somewhat redesigned.

The LS has a few other areas where it differs from the more “standard” Vanishing Point line (I use standard in quotes because the Raden editions are already more premium models as they contain the fine abalone work in the body, but the body design itself remains the same as the base level Vanishing Points.)

The LS weighs in at more than the Raden – the LS is a hefty 40g whereas the Raden is 31g. The LS is also a smidge longer at 5.75″/14.5 cm versus 5.5″/14 cm.  Both models feature Pilot’s 18k gold nib and ink converter unit. Nibs are available in Fine, Medium and Broad and amusingly enough both the LS I reviewed and my Raden are M nibs. I find the Medium Pilot nib in both the LS and my Raden to be quite wet, and capable of putting down enough ink to get a good shade or sheen depending on the ink used.

Finally there are differences in body and trim. The LS is a matte black resin body, with a black clip whereas the Raden is a black lacquered body with the Raden stripes, and rhodium trim.

Functionally, the pens write very similarly. If weight is an issue, then some might find the LS heavy to hold, but I found it well-balanced and I do like the feel of a slightly weightier body (though I love my Sailors, I also adore my Retro 51 metal bodied pens so I’m used to a variety). Vanishing Points and the LS are the larger pen in Pilot’s “capless” offerings (if you’re looking for something with a slimmer line, try the Decimo). If I’m honest, I admit that even my Raden Vanishing Point is a bit wide for me to hold comfortably for long writing sessions, but it is one of my favorite pens in my collection so I still pull it out and use it. However, my discomfort is because I have fairly small hands, so if you’re not afflicted with that curse, size alone shouldn’t keep you from enjoying this one.

The LS, for its Luxury and Silence, comes at a premium price of €413.22 (or approximately $493). The base models of the Vanishing Points start around $200, and yearly Limited Editions start closer to $300. The Raden Vanishing Points are in more limited supply these days and run anywhere between $550 and $800, though I found mine in a screaming eBay deal and paid right around $400.

If you like capless fountain pens, there’s no one who executes it better than Pilot and the LS is no exception.


DISCLAIMER: This pen was loaned to us by Appelboom for the purposes of this review. Please see the About page for more details.

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More Multipens! https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2020/11/more-multipens/ https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2020/11/more-multipens/#comments Mon, 23 Nov 2020 16:00:00 +0000 https://www.wellappointeddesk.com/?p=2126427013 I have a secret weakness for multipens. I love the idea of having several colors of ink, maybe a pencil, even a tiny eraser — in one pen barrel. Some of the Japanese multipens do all that, some allow for other types of refills. The other reason I like multipens is that when I run…

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I have a secret weakness for multipens. I love the idea of having several colors of ink, maybe a pencil, even a tiny eraser — in one pen barrel. Some of the Japanese multipens do all that, some allow for other types of refills.

The other reason I like multipens is that when I run out of ink, I can just replace the refill, not the whole pen. So, like my fountain pen habit, I like the reusability.

I have three Japanese multipens to discuss:

I thought I had at least one Uni Style Fit but I couldn’t find it. And the final pen is the very upscale Lamy 2000 multipen ($79.20).

The Pilot Hi-Tec C Coleto 4

Pilot Hi-Tec C Coleto 4

The Pilot Hi-Tec C Coleto is a wide 4-refill plastic barrel. The end is translucent to see the moving components and check the ink levels of the refills.

Pilot Hi-Tec C Coleto

The top of the pen barrel hinges open and the refills are slid down into the spring-loaded channels. The plastic knobs that stick out from each refill become the knock mechanism that is pushed down in the channel to reveal the tip at the other end. To retract, just pull down on any other refill and the exposed refill will spring back up. If you continue to push on it, the newly selected refill will click into place. I find it a bit easier to retract one refill before pushing down to reveal the next. (The other Japanese multipens work similarly once a refill is installed).

Pilot Hi-Tec C Coleto refills

As is apparent from the name, the Coleto uses Hi-Tec C gel ink in its pen refills ranging in size from 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5. There are also metallic, pastel and fluorescent colors available.  I tend to have less issues with ink drying out in the Coleto than I’ve had in the regular single-use Hi-Tec C pens so, of all the Hi-Tec C products, the Coleto multipen is one of my favorites.

The Zebra Sarasa Select

Zebra Sarasa Select

The Zebra Sarasa Select is available in 3-refill or 5-refill options. The Select is a slim design but the color options definitely skew a bit more … flamboyant? The plastic barrels are printed with shimmer metallic paint in bright reds, pinks or white (shown here)  which gold metallic vine around the uppermost window through which to see the refill status.  This pen also does not include a clip.

Not to throw gender into the mix but I’m going to assume that a clipless multipen in pinks, corals and pearl were probably designed to appeal more to women. I know not all women like these colors but most women I know don’t clip pens into their shirt pockets. As such, I recommend that the Select line continue but that Zebra introduce some other colors: plum, forest green, a deep teal?

If this design is not as understated as you would prefer, I recommend looking at the standard Zebra Sarasa multipen line. The same refill options are available but the color range is a bit more varied and models with clips are available.

Zebra Sarasa Select refills

The Sarasa Select opens at the grip section (like the Pentel i+ shown below) and the refills are slotted into holes in the top of the barrel. There is one knock that is bigger and translucent that is designated for a pencil refill should you choose to use one. This is the only slot to put a mechanical pencil refill since its the only knock that still sticks out after its depressed down so that its possible to advance pencil lead.

The Zebra Sarasa multipens use Zebra Sarasa gel ink and there are few gel pen fans I’ve met who do not find the Sarasa to be one of the nicest writing gel inks. With the Sarasa multipen, there are gel refills in sizes 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5, Surari ballpoint pen refills, pencil refills. There are also five metallic gel colors available.  The addition of the ballpoint refill (should you need to fill out forms or need ink that stands up to lots of surfaces) makes the Sarasa multipen a great option for someone needing a gel pen, ballpoint pen and a pencil all in one barrel.

The Pentel i+ (Slicci compatible)

Pentel i+

The Pentel i+ series, despite the vague name, is one of my favorite multipens. I love the Pentel Slicci refills but the single-use pens are very narrow and are becoming harder and harder to find. The bright, glossy plastic barrel (available in a variety of non-gender biased colors) allow most people to find a barrel color that appeals to them. I love the bright yellow-green myself (I know, big surprise.). The glossy white or black put all the focus on the clear grip area where ink levels and color selection can be viewed.

Pentel i+ refills

The i+ designs allows for pencil, gel pen and Vicuna ballpoint refills to be used. Gel pen refills are available in 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5mm. The Slicci gel refills are not available in any metallic inks at present.

Pentel i+ open

The clip is streamlined and acts as one of the knock mechanisms. When adding a pencil component, its recommended to add it in the slot activated by the clip since, like the Sarasa Select, the other knock mechanisms slide flush with the body when depressed.

Aesthetically, the Pentel i+ is pleasantly understated. It offers an array of refill options though not as many as the PIlot Hi-Tec C. The refills for the Pentel i+ are slightly less expensive overall though making this multipen a great option for someone looking for variety on a budget.

Comparing refills:

Multipen refills

While I have not attempted hacking one refill to fit into another multipen, the size and shapes of all three multipen refills are relatively similar. The plastic caps in the end of the Hi-Tec C Coleto refills can be popped out easily and the refills have been modified to fit other pens so it’s not out of the realm of possibility that, with some trimming, these refills might be somewhat interchangeable in some pen bodies. THIS HAS NOT BEEN TESTED. PROCEED WITH CAUTION.

The Lamy 2000 Multipen

Lamy 2000 Multipen

Finally, the Lamy 2000 is both in a class by itself and comparable to the previously mentioned Japanese multipens. Pricewise, I could rebuy all three multipens and the necessary refills twice and probably just reach the price of the Lamy 2000 multipen, it’s also the most durable, solid-feeling pen in the lot. As it should be. It’s metal, not plastic. Fancy brushed metal finish to boot.

Lamy 2000 Multipen open

The seam in the grip area where the Lamy 2000 is unscrewed is virtually invisible creating a smooth, uninterrupted design. Why is that seam not where the silver meets the black metal? Good question. I have no answer. I suspect being further back on the barrel makes it easier to align the refills with the holes inside the pen and align with the color tabs ringed just under the clip.

Inserting the refills take a bit more force than with the plastic Japanese pens but once the refills are in place, the colors are selected by simply turning the pen  so the color you’ve selected is facing upwards and pushing the knock down. It’s kind of magical.

While Lamy insists on its own proprietary refills, a standard D1 refill fits into the Lamy 2ooo easily. In fact, the first thing I did was swap out the stock refills with Zebra D1 gel refills. Because of the red, green, blue, black color marks and the limited variety of colors available in D1 gel ink (or any D1 style refill) the Lamy 2000 doesn’t have the option for lots of different color refills or swapping in a pencil component. So, what you get in design and durability you lose in options.

Writing Samples:

Multipen Writing Sample

All the gel inks perform as anticipated. For an in-depth analysis on standard black gel ink, check out our previous post. The performance, legibility and usefulness of the wide variety of colored gel ink is largely a matter of preference. Lighter colors tend to work better in wider tip sizes than the extra, extra fine tips I tend to gravitate towards.

Hi-Tec C writing sample

Above is a close-up of the eraser component in action in the Hi-Tec C Coleto model. It wouldn’t be useful for covering large areas but it’s great for erasing a letter or a bit of detail from a drawing.

Zebra Sarasa Writing Sample

Above is a close-up of the metallic gold (0.5mm) refill in the Zebra Sarasa Select. When placed properly in the slots, the point size will be visible in the clear grip area of the pen body.

So, what should you glean from this post?

If you haven’t tried a multipen yet, there is one out there for you. If you are looking for the largest selection of gel ink colors, I recommend the Hi-Tec C Coleto. If you want to be able to have a ballpoint refill as well as gel ink and maybe a pencil, then go with the Pentel i+ or Zebra Sarasa Select (or regular multipen). If cost is not an issue and you just want some standard colors, then the Lamy 2000 multipen is a solid choice.

Why should you trust me?

Refills

This is a photo of my box of pen refills. I have an equally large box of pencil refills. There’s a reason everyone messages me with refill questions.


DISCLAIMER: The items included in this review were provided free of charge by JetPens for the purpose of review. Please see the About page for more details.

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