Pilot Fountain Pen Review

Whether you’re a newcomer to the fountain pen world or an experienced collector, Pilot is a brand to be reckoned with. Their pens combine Japanese precision with artistic elegance to create writing experiences that transcend mere jotting.

The popular Pilot Metropolitan offers a smooth, versatile nib in fine and soft medium sizes. It also accepts converters, giving you access to a wider range of colors and writing styles.

Fountain Pens

When it comes to the most iconic and revered fountain pens in history, Pilot’s name stands tall. From the earliest pen to the latest limited edition, the company’s refined aesthetic and expert engineering remain unparalleled in the industry.

The brand is also renowned for its affordable prices without sacrificing quality. For newcomers, the Pilot Varsity is a great entry point that is easy to use and maintain. For those looking for a higher-end experience, the Custom series offers 14 and 18 karat gold nibs.

Namiki is Pilot’s subsidiary that specializes in Maki-e (decorative handwriting). The art of decorative writing has been passed down from generation to generation, and the company’s intricate designs showcase the highest level of craftsmanship.

The brand has also been a pioneer in technological advancements. Their patented feed system, for example, is unique in that it’s both durable and efficient. The result is a fountain pen that glides across the paper and produces fine lines with little effort. The design of the nibs are also noteworthy, as they are akin to an artist’s brush and can create different line widths depending on how much pressure is applied. Some nibs are crafted with flex for added versatility, while others are more rigid and traditional.

Pilot Nibs

A fountain pen is only as good as its nib, which is why Pilot has a range of sizes to suit any style or writing habit. Each nib is made of an abrasion resistant alloy welded to the tip, or pen point, which comes into direct contact with paper. Unlike brush pens, where the nibs are easy to shape and sharpen, nibs on fountain pens must be carefully formed and sharpened by hand, and each nib is unique.

The most common Pilot nib sizes are extra-fine, fine, medium and broad. These are also the nib sizes that you will find on most of the pens that we carry at Goulet Pens. Choosing the right size depends on a few things: how small you write (lefties usually prefer finer nibs to avoid smearing), what you’re writing (cursive, printing, kanji, art…), your dominant hand and what sort of feedback you enjoy.

Another type of nib that Pilot offers is the Manifold, or FA, nib, which was used on some older Pilot overlay pens. It was designed to be used in conjunction with carbon paper and manifold books, so the writer could make multiple copies at a time. The Manifold nib was a stiff and smooth medium point with little to no flex. It is often found in pens that need to sign checks or contracts, as it is very readable on most types of paper.

Pilot Ink

Pilot is a younger brand that has made it its mission to make fountain pens accessible to a wider audience. Their workhorse pens, such as the Pilot Metropolitan and Explorer, are affordable and easy to use. Their nibs run the gamut, from fine to stub, catering to different writing styles.

For a more refined look, the Pilot Falcon line of pens offers a sleek, sophisticated style. Their gold accents and Rhodium finishes add a touch of luxury to their already impressive designs. They come in a range of sizes, from the Capless Retractable fountain pen to the Ishime Urushi with its hand-crafted urushi lacquer finish.

The Pilot Kakuno is a great entry point for newcomers to the world of fountain pens. Its adorable smiley-face design makes it easy for kids (or kids at heart) to remember which way to hold the pen. Its medium nib is also perfect for beginners, allowing them to experience a smooth writing flow.

The MR1 Classic is another great choice for those who are just getting into the world of fountain pens. Its simple design makes it easy to maintain, while the durable nib provides a smooth writing experience for both everyday writing and calligraphy. The MR1 is available in a range of colors, and the convenient iroshizuku ink cartridges are easy to refill.

Pilot Fountain Pen Reviews

The Pilot Desk is a great choice for people who want a fountain pen that looks sophisticated. This model has an understated body and comes in two colors, as well as three nib sizes. Its real draw, however, is the Pilot Falcon nib, which has a unique triangular shape and long, slender tines. It’s designed to give you pronounced line variation with very little pressure, making it more gentle Jekyll than hideous Hyde.

The pen’s body is made from anodized aluminum, which gives it a matte finish and a soft touch. It also has a brushed finish that’s more durable than polished finishes. It’s available in a variety of color options, including gun metal with matte black and all-matte black. The black version of the Pilot Vanishing Point features a matte nib and a glossy black finial.

Its simple cartridge-to-converter system makes it easy to use, and its compact size is perfect for everyday writing. The pen’s piston filler can hold up to 50ml of ink, so you’ll never run out. It’s compatible with Pilot Con-20, Con-40, and Con-50 converters.

The Pilot Ishime Urushi is a luxurious fountain pen that’s handcrafted from traditional Japanese maki-e techniques. The urushi lacquer must be applied in dozens of layers and cured between each step, so it can take months to complete a single pen. The final result is a gorgeous and elegant fountain pen that’s lightweight, comfortable to write with, and easy on the eyes.