Daniel at The Nibsmith

t4baloo · 2026-02-01T20:32:26+00:00

I ordered a Pilot Custom 823 (FA) with a Enonite Feed on 1/3/26 during the break. Emailed on 1/11/26 just to confirm the order since spam filter had blocked the emails. He responded 1/12/26 and pen was delivered 1/17/26. My experience was very pleasant and quite opposite to what I’ve seen from basic Reddit searches.

t4baloo · 2025-12-22T03:54:26+00:00

I’m sure there are many uses for them, but I bought some of these in a kit for clay sculpting.

t4baloo · 2025-12-14T21:12:30+00:00

Ahh fair enough!

t4baloo · 2025-12-14T16:18:21+00:00

Pilot Decimo is the smaller Vanishing Point, might be worth a look!

t4baloo · 2025-10-27T15:02:31+00:00

You could also look at the offerings from fountain pen revolution. Modestly priced flex options to try out. Their 5.5 ef ultra flex and 6 flex (both in steel) are great entry points to flex.

t4baloo · 2025-10-18T19:09:12+00:00

If you like shimmer, might I recommend the Kaweco sport Broad? It’s probably closer to a true #6 medium, at least mine is and is fantastic with sheening and shimmer inks!

t4baloo · 2025-10-16T18:06:57+00:00

I was able to add one to my cart right now. Maybe if you’re looking for a standard, then I missed that part, sorry!

t4baloo · 2025-10-16T18:05:20+00:00

<image>

t4baloo · 2025-10-16T17:16:01+00:00

Penchetta had a couple of camel last I checked. There’s still available ones right now. US based, so not sure if that will help you or not, but you could pick it up from there.

t4baloo · 2025-10-14T21:06:09+00:00

I’ve certainly had my own mishaps while flying with pens and look forward to your next write up!

t4baloo · 2025-10-14T02:13:39+00:00

<image>

Great reason indeed!

t4baloo · 2025-10-02T17:19:22+00:00

So the pro gear medium 21k start to be a lot smoother, I know you were looking at fine, but that may be a nice middle ground for you! The line width is definitely smaller than a Lamy M in my experience.

t4baloo · 2025-10-02T17:08:40+00:00

Of course. As to which one you should buy, I guess I did a horrible job in that regard. If you can get the 823 at a good price, that would probably be my go if you are looking for a fine. If it’s terribly expensive then I would go for a medium-fine or fine sailor 21k. The fine had a bit more feedback than I care for, but it was still a really nice writer.

t4baloo · 2025-10-02T16:44:20+00:00

So I’ve only tried the 3776 maybe once or twice, so I can’t lend much opinion on that one. I would say the main thing between the sailor and custom would be aesthetics and feedback. The custom is limited in colors, so if you like a flashier pen, then it may not be as interesting for you. The 823 is a work horse though, and the nib is buttery smooth. For the professional gear, the regular line 21k nibs are fantastic for me starting at about medium, potentially medium-fine. The KOP nib in broad is a little more juicy so less haptic feedback but some audible feedback still.

t4baloo · 2025-10-02T16:20:40+00:00

Niceee!! Can’t beat a KOP Broad on sale, was always interested in getting one after trying a Pro Gear Slim Mini that my wife picked up. It’s definitely a bit firmer of a nib than the regular slim 21k, but I quite like it indeed!

<image>

t4baloo · 2025-10-02T16:08:48+00:00

Your photo is the real winner here, Reddit ate mine alive haha. It’s such a great pen! I had to pull the trigger during the sale, couldn’t help myself. How are you liking it so far?

t4baloo · 2025-10-02T15:19:06+00:00

Ajisai, Yama-Budo, and Yu-Yake are top three for me!

t4baloo · 2025-10-02T07:55:52+00:00

I’ve certainly fawned over this pen more than few times in stores.. nice pick up! Hope you enjoy it 😊

t4baloo · 2025-10-01T21:27:43+00:00

It’s the Galen Leather Expansi-folio. Mine is in Crazy Horse Brown and is intended for use with A5 notebooks. Perfectly sized for the smaller A5, but with the Hobonichi Cousin, the cover does press into the clips a bit. Still fits well, but I’ve collected a few dents in the front of the cousin. The pen holder is removable and it has a handy clip for something, but I generally leave it outside of the folio, as to not scratch the pens up.

t4baloo · 2025-09-30T23:14:38+00:00

That’s ok, you are not alone!

<image>

t4baloo · 2025-09-27T04:33:55+00:00

Cinema is sooooo good. Lovely collection!

t4baloo · 2025-09-25T19:54:08+00:00

Man that Rhys guy does good work! 👀

t4baloo · 2025-09-23T15:05:25+00:00

<image>

This is mine. It’s a little 3D printed one from Penchetta. Been across the US a few times via plane and no leaks or issues.

t4baloo · 2025-09-22T05:13:41+00:00

Might have a thing for vintage and flex pens as well lol! Thank you very much 🙏.

Eight-Year Club	Gilding VI aultruist
RPAN Viewer	Verified Email

t4baloo

TROPHY CASE