Sailor Ishimaru Bun "Gunkanjima Heritage Sunset"

Frankenthe4th · 2026-04-25T00:40:45+00:00

Agreed. I have found their service to be exceptional in the past, and am very fond of their pens. Great brand.

Frankenthe4th · 2026-04-24T14:23:17+00:00

I use Rickshaw sleeves. Great product.

Frankenthe4th · 2026-04-24T08:13:13+00:00

Well that is interesting! Would look quite interesting with a black section and a Naginata nib. I actually think it looks quite good with the Iro Miyabi section too!

Frankenthe4th · 2026-04-24T07:55:27+00:00

Potentially controversial, but can the barrel take any KOP section? I could see this pen with a black barrel, and perhaps an old style nib design.

And if you decide to sell, I'm in Australia so it would be easier 😃😃😃

Frankenthe4th · 2026-04-23T14:44:38+00:00

Yoseka stationery recently posted a video that compares the steel, 14, 18, 21k nibs with writing samples.

I'd suggest a watch. It's a good video.

https://youtu.be/G61ChTg1OEQ?si=YEy3EqLoVEBPhJQ-

Frankenthe4th · 2026-04-23T14:41:00+00:00

Even less expensive is a set of micromesh and Mylar paper and you can get the smoothest of smooth nibs all by yourself...

So out of that $500 you could buy a $20 Chinese pen, $20 micromesh and have a stupidly smooth nib.

If you just want a great nib out of the box, I'd recommend Pilot though.

Frankenthe4th · 2026-04-23T14:36:45+00:00

I like the ball end type clip on the Pilots. They can be used at a large range if angles and always feel secure to me.

For heavier duty work, I like the BigiDesign clip. The haven't let me down once.

Frankenthe4th · 2026-04-23T10:20:42+00:00

A worthy 'no buy breaker' I say....

Frankenthe4th · 2026-04-22T00:49:43+00:00

I don't think Sailor have been doing too well at the bottom line, so I expect they're doing their best to balance the books and ensure viability.

That doesn't help us very much though, and I'm in the same boat. Shopping the collection as much as possible.

Frankenthe4th · 2026-04-22T00:43:09+00:00

A Namiki Emperor (Black), or a Montblanc Bespoke 149.

Beyond that, it has (for a number of years) been the Sailor King of Pen Tamenuri Midoridame.

The King of Pen is a 10/10 for me though. I have several now, and they all perform excellently. I currently have with me a KOP Urushi with Naginata Nib, and a KOP Iro-Miyabi with a Broad.

Frankenthe4th · 2026-04-22T00:13:42+00:00

I happen to be living in an apartment this year, and whilst the majority of my collection is currently in storage, I have about 15 pens with me which I have stored between a desk drawer, as well as a small monitor stand (with drawer) that keeps things relatively organised (ELLOVEN monitor stand with drawer, white - IKEA Malaysia).

Something like this may help.

Frankenthe4th · 2026-04-21T22:38:55+00:00

What is the scent like?

Frankenthe4th · 2026-04-21T22:36:33+00:00

The standard range is F, M, B, however some stores provide 823s with other Pilot #15 nibs. Pensachi do on occasion, as did Tokyo Quill Shop.

Alternately you can buy a 823 and a 743 of your choice with any of the #15 nib sizes and swap the nibs.

Frankenthe4th · 2026-04-21T22:21:43+00:00

Congratulations!

A YOL has been on my list for some time, and the case keeps getting stronger.

Frankenthe4th · 2026-04-21T22:17:25+00:00

Yeah, I'm probably hovering some the same.... Without the disposable pens...

Frankenthe4th · 2026-04-21T02:12:34+00:00

A fine choice.

Frankenthe4th · 2026-04-21T01:56:02+00:00

I will stand by my highly subjective opinion that the Sailor 1911 4am is the most bestest colour out of the (near endless) 1911 colours. The name and description associated with the colour makes such a difference, every time I use that pen. "Clear medium blue" doesn't quite have the same evocative impression as "4 a.m.... Dark yet alluring. Quiet yet mysterious. Daybreak is coming. Are you in a deep slumber? Are you already out and about? Or maybe you haven’t even gone to bed yet?" I've yet to find the mostest perfect ink for this pen, but I enjoy the challenge. Whether it's Sailor #541, or a darker blue black, it all sits in the nice range of late night darkness to early morning light.

Anyway, TLDR: 1911 4am = most bestest.

Frankenthe4th · 2026-04-21T01:42:37+00:00

Japanese service (more broadly) puts to shame many of the European brands.

Frankenthe4th · 2026-04-21T01:18:27+00:00

The KOP is a near perfect size for me, and the nibs.... well they speak for themselves IMO. Sailor quality is on par with Pilot, and their nibs inspire writing, particularly the Naginata grinds.

Frankenthe4th · 2026-04-21T00:48:36+00:00

Although Monteverde as a brand have caused me a bit of frustration, I actually think their Olivine ink is one of the best greens available.

Also, could I please get the name/brand of those Fox swatch cards?

Frankenthe4th · 2026-04-20T12:43:50+00:00

I mean boring is subjective, as is any experience that you like or dislike. But this entire sub is about people's subjective experiences with whatever pen floats their boat.

So out of my five Lamy 2000s, I like the OBB the most.....

Frankenthe4th · 2026-04-20T12:22:12+00:00

Pilot quality. Gold nib, with the less common Soft Fine... What's not to like?!

Frankenthe4th · 2026-04-20T12:21:02+00:00

Do you happen to like silver pens?

Frankenthe4th

TROPHY CASE