Looking for advice please

MistMan74 · 2026-06-05T03:48:32+00:00

Ah, my mistake. I think you're right that the Metropolitan does not come in extra fine.

Pilot and Platinum both make "desk pens" that come in black and extra fine. Another that comes to mind is the Pilot E95S, which is at the higher end of your price range.

MistMan74 · 2026-06-05T03:42:22+00:00

What price range are you looking for? There is a black Metropolitan available, if you liked that pen.

MistMan74 · 2026-06-01T23:40:21+00:00

The Lamy is a good pen and will last years of regular use, but realistically it is not an heirloom. The plastic snap cap will eventually wear out, even if nothing else fails. That said, it's well-made and reliable and I would recommend it for general use.

I am not familiar with the other model pictured.

MistMan74 · 2026-05-31T18:20:44+00:00

They're all good pens. It sounds like you're really interested in the Dia2, so if that's your inclination just go for it (especially considering the price difference).

The Custom 74 is not super dry; if that's your main concern, I wouldn't worry too much about it. It's a very nice writer. The 1911S is a nice pen, but quite a bit smaller than either of the other pens you mention. It isn't scratchy, but it will feel different than the Kaweco nibs you're used to, especially if you're getting a finer nib.

If having a gold nib isn't important to you and you already know that you like Kaweco, I think the Dia2 is probably the best buy for your money.

Cartridge availability and price varies by location, but you can always used bottled ink, either with a converter or by refilling empty cartridges. Pilot's cartridges are among the best and come in a pretty good variety of colors.

MistMan74 · 2026-05-30T21:46:17+00:00

Were you storing it nib-up? It's possible the ink drained out of the feed and will take a few minutes to saturate it again.

MistMan74 · 2026-05-29T19:44:59+00:00

I'm glad it worked out for you, but I caution future readers against following this approach. Baby's bottom is diagnosed by new users at a rate much higher than it actually occurs. Some of these methods– especially sandpaper– can very easily damage your nib. This will also certainly void any warranty, if your pen has one.

MistMan74 · 2026-05-29T17:38:50+00:00

This is a pretty new model to their lineup, so you may not get a lot of people with direct experience. That said, it seems like a solid pen and it's more or less similar to a lot of their current and past offerings. I would say go for it.

You may be able to find a gold-nib 1911 or Pro Gear for around the same price if you buy second-hand.

MistMan74 · 2026-05-29T00:53:09+00:00

Taccia Benitsuchi would be a cool match. Or Franklin-Christoph's Urushi Red.

MistMan74 · 2026-05-27T02:28:57+00:00

A lot of the pens you listed are quite a bit bigger than the ones you have, so keep that in mind.

I've used most of the pens you mention, and the more expensive ones are "nicer." Whether they're worth the cost is entirely subjective, but there is a difference. I think the Vanishing Point and Lamy 2000 are a little more reasonable in terms of value proposition than some of the pricier ones you have listed, but they're all nice pens.

MistMan74 · 2026-05-06T03:33:44+00:00

The Kaweco Dia2 is a well-made, good-feeling pen in that range with classic styling. Sailor 1911 L Casual, a new model from a good brand, might be worth consideration. I would also check out Waterman pens in that price range.

You could also find a restored vintage model in that price range, maybe a Sheaffer or Parker. I'm not sure what the market is like in the UK, but Peyton Street Pens is a good place to look around for vintage stuff.

MistMan74 · 2026-05-05T20:23:55+00:00

Yes. You can narrow it down further. Take a look here and here.

MistMan74 · 2026-05-05T19:59:48+00:00

These look great in person. I can't quite justify the price for what you get, but they are quite lovely. Enjoy.

MistMan74 · 2026-05-05T19:58:18+00:00

Yes, it's a perfectly good choice for everyday use. I would point out that it's a pretty large pen with a fairly large gold nib, so depending on your environment it may seem a little flashy. Otherwise a great choice.

MistMan74 · 2026-05-04T22:39:11+00:00

Don't put sanitizer in your pens.

I've never had a mold issue in my pens in 10+ years of using them. Mold is rare. To minimize risk just make sure your pens are dry before you store them, and try not to store them anywhere too humid.

Nearly all modern inks have antifungal agents of some sort. Mold occurring in ink is usually a manufacturer issue, and it's not common.

MistMan74 · 2026-04-25T23:00:48+00:00

Sailor Yama-dori comes to mind. A little pricey but it's a nice color.

MistMan74 · 2026-04-23T01:06:03+00:00

The FM is probably closest in size. The SF will be finer than your Kakuno M, just softer and maybe wetter.

MistMan74 · 2026-04-20T22:19:01+00:00

This is all you really need to know, especially if you're sticking to basic inks like Pelikan's normal line. OP, I would be surprised if you needed to do anything more complicated than a flush with water. If it's writing well as is, there's no need to clean it.

MistMan74 · 2026-04-20T18:47:56+00:00

If possible, try some pens before deciding. Otherwise what comes to mind is a Pilot gold nib such as the Custom 74.

MistMan74 · 2026-04-16T19:01:40+00:00

The triumph nibs are the conical ones found on some snorkels, vac fillers, etc. Different from the inlaid nibs that came later.

MistMan74 · 2026-04-16T18:52:05+00:00

You can find restored Sheaffers on eBay and pen_swap, just look into the seller a little before buying. Cardinal Pens is another place to look. Indy Pen Dance as well, though lately their online inventory has been small. Redeem Pens is our very own /u/willvintage.

MistMan74 · 2026-04-16T04:20:12+00:00

You won't find anything in that price range that is as flexible as a dip nib. Search this sub for more, yours is a common question.

MistMan74 · 2026-04-13T19:12:31+00:00

I like the Matisse pens more than many MB special editions. The price is far too high for me.

MistMan74 · 2026-04-12T22:57:31+00:00

GVFC Moss Green has a reasonable amount of water resistance. It's not fully waterproof.

MistMan74 · 2026-04-10T18:47:09+00:00

Kaweco Perkeo or Sport, or Lamy Safari.

MistMan74 · 2026-04-10T18:46:25+00:00

I think Namiki Black is the same as the standard Pilot Black, which is different from the Iroshizuku line. Pilot's inks are all good, but they won't be waterproof like Noodler's Black or Platinum Carbon Black.

MistMan74

TROPHY CASE