GRIZZLY PEAR

written snapshots

Five Pens

If I had to start over, here are the pens I’d get in order.

  1. Pilot Kakuno, Extra Fine
  2. Pilot Parallel, 3.8mm
  3. FPR Muft, Ultraflex nib
  4. Sailor Fude De Mannen, 40 degrees
  5. FPR Muft, Architect Nib

Notes:

  1. I love the smiley face on the nib. Just need to get a Kaweco Sport clip for my shirt pocket. The Kakuno beat out the Platinum Preppy because of cartridge compatibility with the Parallel if I was to take them both on the road. The Japanese Extra Fine nib takes the top slot because it’s perfect for everyday carry and sketching.
  2. The Parallel is in a Pilot Sign Pen Body and has been used as an eyedropper at home for months without leaks, but I’d use a cartridge if I was traveling (just to be safe).
  3. The FPR Muft had been perfect at home (love the clear eyedropper body) but leaked on the road. I’m curious about the Osprey Madison with a Zebra G nib, but worried about rust. If the road-ability is important I could just use the ultraflex in my FPR Guru (a piston filling pen that didn’t leak when we went on a trip in summer).
  4. The Fude is screwed in a Sailor Compass body. Even though it’s clear, it isn’t eyedropper convertible without epoxy to plug up the body. I like the 40 degree nib slightly better than the 55 degree nib but I’m exploring other Fude Pens, so this may change.
  5. This Architect nib lays a beautiful bold line that goes skinny on a dime. And yes, it’s great for architectural lettering.