September 27, 2024

Pens by Sailor

The three big fountain pen makers in Japan are Sailor, Pilot, and Platinum. Of these three, Sailor is my favorite. Sailor makes interesting inks also, but that is not what we are aiming to talk about here.

Sailor, like Pilot, makes all of their own nibs in house, which is somewhat unusual. Sailor also offers incredible variety. They are endlessly turning out new color variants, making them ideal (or perhaps frustrating) for collectors.

Sailor was founded in 1911. Pilot was founded in 1918 as the Namiki Manufacturing Company. Some people say that Pilot is the oldest pen company, but I'll let you judge for yourself.

Sailor pens come in two lines. The Pro Gear line and the 1911 line. The 1911 pens are cigar shaped with round ends. The Pro Gear pens have flat ends

Sailor nibs write well, but provide "pencil like feedback" that some people like and some don't like.

Sailor "Pro Gear"

The usual price for these is $312, but special editions go for $360, and really special ones can go for more (the sky is the limit).

There is also a "Pro Gear Slim" that sells for $220 full retail. If you see a "Pro Gear" selling for $200 or less, it is probably a slim. The Slim has a 14K nib, whereas the regular "pro gear" has a bigger 21K nib.

This is a plastic pen that uses cartridges or a converter. It typically has a very nice 21K gold nib, but the price leaves me asking some questions about the whole deal.

Sailor 1911

As near as I can tell, this is a Pro Gear with rounded rather than flat ends. It has the typical "cigar" shape (I like the flat ends on the Pro Gear myself).

Like the Pro Gear with the slim, you get to choose between two sizes. Either the 1911S (standard) or the 1911L (large). The S will generally have a 14K nib, while the L will have a 21K.

Sailor "1911" King of Pens

This is a big pen with a big nib and a big price. The nib is only available in medium and broad. I see one right now selling for $660 at Goldspot. I see another at Goulet selling for $880. A mighty expensive pen, and more than I am willing to consider.

Note that there are "pro gear" KOP and "1911" KOP.

You have to ask yourself some hard questions if you are thinking about buying one of these. It is still a plastic pen that uses cartridges or a converter, just like the "Pro Gear" at less than half the price. You do get a 21K gold nib, but you get one of those on the "Pro Gear" also.

Sailor Profit

This looks to be their entry level pen, selling for $75 or so.
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Tom's Pen Info / [email protected]