I bought the Namiki Vanishing Point, new, many years ago, as I was amazed at the vanishing point idea… then computers came along, and it was lost in my drawer, to be resurrected a few months ago. I have the sleek clip that 7:22 you mention in the video, which says Namiki on it. It’s not round like the “newer” ones, but octagonal. I love this pen!
I just got 2 VPs fine in wood. They’re incredibly beautiful, well-built, and warm in my hand. But there are many things about them I don’t like. Weirdly enough, I’ve *never* heard these points discussed in any reviews, so please allow me to share my experience here. 1. The VP fine line is very wide - compared to their Custom line Fine, the VP Fine looks like a Medium at least. I heard people complain of the EF scratchiness, so I went for the Fine, and was so disappointed. And at that price point! There should be some warning at least. 2. *Both* of my pens have have baby’s bottom, which is so disappointing. I trusted Pilot QC, but this incident indicated something - to me, it seems like Pilot designed this line for people used to ballpoint pens, who often press their nib very hard, and always expect smoothness, therefore they purposefully polish these nibs to the point of slight baby’s bottom to ensure smoothness, to suit these heavy-handed writers. Regrettably. 3. The knock cap mechanism is very loud, and requires heavy pushing force. It’s fine for most people I guess, but for me - I bought these pens so I could jot down quick notes, yet when I heard those knocking sounds I was so startled that I instantly forgot what I wanted to note in the first place. Beware if you use these pens in meetings etc because contrary to their looks, these pens DO draw attention to themselves by their knocking sound. And then the knock force sometimes is just too much for my old aged hands. And then the weight. You should check closely if you can hold that much weight comfortably. 4. The nib is very small, and while it’s bouncy, I feel it’s very crampy. Like you have to hold closer to the nib to control its movements. Compared to Pilot Custom line, this nib requires extra work for wide movements. It’s like you’re controlling a mouse with low DPI. 5. If you get the metal version, beware of the slipperiness, and the coldness. If you often write in the night, when it gets colder, you should consider if you want to reach for this metal pen. Sorry for the rant. I just wish somebody had told me these things before I made the purchase. These pens have become my most regretful purchases. They’re not cheap you know…😢
These are great points and I hope more people read this comment so they can make an informed decision. Vanishing points seem to have a big fan base, but they compromise on a lot. Some days I enjoy this pen and some days I cannot stand it lol. It is peculiar indeed.
I loved this so much Plee! You dug so deep into the history, "spilled the tea" on these pen companies. I really enjoyed this one and the Sailor vs. Pilot. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, I never tried the con 40, but so many folks feel the same as you. I always wanted to try the pen, but the clip kept me far away. Now I feel like I never need another FP after the 823. Ahhh the dent 🥲it's a well loved pen as all of our artifacts should be!
Thanks so much Paris! After getting the custom 823, it really stops me from buying too many more pens because I just know the ink capacity / nib experience can’t compare haha.
I was given a Vanishing Point in dark blue and silver chrome for my birthday last year and it has been the fountain pen that I use the most. I have the fine nib, and I find it to be a good compromise; fine enough to write small and wet enough to be useful on many types of paper.
Skip the Con-40. Get a cartridge (either a Pilot/Namiki one or the empty cartridges with plugs by Majohn.) They're easier to clean out and gives you a larger ink capacity.
Excellent video. Really enjoyed the history. I never thought I would like to learn the history of the fountains I use, but I have been learning more and more. While I don't have many Pilots, I am interested in the different types of nibs like the waverly, signature, and music nib. The VP is such a unique pen, and much larger in person than on video. I love unique pens, but the VP is not on my list. The clicky-click is something I detest on ballpoints; the very thing that make the VP unique. Too bad for me. May be I shouldn't be so stubborn and get one. :)
Ah yes, the Vanishing point is trying to do a lot. Don't feel pressured to get the Vanishing Point at all, especially if you prefer long writing sessions. I personally love it for jotting down quick notes in my planner for appointments or on the go. I am also interested in trying different Pilot nibs.
I love my all black VP pen. It’s definitely a pen I’m so glad to have however it does have the quarks as you mentioned like the cartridge converter that’s annoyingly small. Hate having to fill it so often. Surprisingly the clip position doesn’t bother me
The black VP is very sleek and looks great. There are definitely trade-offs with this pen and it offers something other pens cannot, yet I imagined I would love it more.
Ah, yes, Pilot seems to waver from twist mechanism (back when VP first started) and then with the Fermo (but then discontinuing it). I guess they are blending it together with the LS. Not sure it is necessary though... I did see the LS had a recall under the Pilot website so I'll leave it here in case anyone watching this doesn't know: pilotpen.us/recallvp
Thank you for this video Plee. You may be the only reviewer who has mixed feelings about this pen, and therefore I trust you more. IMO all reviews should be like this, so viewers know what to expect, in the worst case scenario. :) the history info is enjoyable too. Next up, maybe a history of *Pilot 823*? That pen is the definition of perfection in my book. Looks perfect, perform perfectly, right out of the box. I feel like everything about it embodies the warm and calming je ne sais quois that is called "wa" in Japanese culture. P.S.:I saw you posted the video a few hours ago but then removed it, maybe for technical reasons? Which shows that you really put thoughts and efforts into making these videos. I appreciate that a lot. 🎉
I have been wanting a VP pen so I appreciate your review. I am afraid of the clip being annoying. If I understand right, the cartridge holds twice the amount of ink. Plus, it's easy to refill a cartridge (you don't have to get enough room to submerge the nib) and less messy. Thanks for the honest review with pros and cons!
Thank you for your comment, Diane. I have seen some people put a VP nib unit into a Majohn body (the one without the clip). I will have to try the cartridge method soon! I recently got a syringe to help refill.
@@pleestationeryteahouse I haven't even seen the Majohn design. I'm going to have to check that out. Also, I really like the camera clarity on your videos!
I've been eyeing the pilot decimo for quite a while but I was concerned that my pen grip would make the writing experience uncomfortable. Then I saw that you have the same pen grip as I do (thumb over barrel)! I know this video was posted a while ago, but I want to know: how is it? Is it still comfortable to write with for long periods of time?
I bought the Namiki Vanishing Point, new, many years ago, as I was amazed at the vanishing point idea… then computers came along, and it was lost in my drawer, to be resurrected a few months ago. I have the sleek clip that 7:22 you mention in the video, which says Namiki on it. It’s not round like the “newer” ones, but octagonal. I love this pen!
Oh wow, what a find :) it is interesting the way tools sometimes resurface at the perfect opportunity again.
I just got 2 VPs fine in wood. They’re incredibly beautiful, well-built, and warm in my hand. But there are many things about them I don’t like. Weirdly enough, I’ve *never* heard these points discussed in any reviews, so please allow me to share my experience here.
1. The VP fine line is very wide - compared to their Custom line Fine, the VP Fine looks like a Medium at least. I heard people complain of the EF scratchiness, so I went for the Fine, and was so disappointed. And at that price point! There should be some warning at least.
2. *Both* of my pens have have baby’s bottom, which is so disappointing. I trusted Pilot QC, but this incident indicated something - to me, it seems like Pilot designed this line for people used to ballpoint pens, who often press their nib very hard, and always expect smoothness, therefore they purposefully polish these nibs to the point of slight baby’s bottom to ensure smoothness, to suit these heavy-handed writers. Regrettably.
3. The knock cap mechanism is very loud, and requires heavy pushing force. It’s fine for most people I guess, but for me - I bought these pens so I could jot down quick notes, yet when I heard those knocking sounds I was so startled that I instantly forgot what I wanted to note in the first place. Beware if you use these pens in meetings etc because contrary to their looks, these pens DO draw attention to themselves by their knocking sound. And then the knock force sometimes is just too much for my old aged hands. And then the weight. You should check closely if you can hold that much weight comfortably.
4. The nib is very small, and while it’s bouncy, I feel it’s very crampy. Like you have to hold closer to the nib to control its movements. Compared to Pilot Custom line, this nib requires extra work for wide movements. It’s like you’re controlling a mouse with low DPI.
5. If you get the metal version, beware of the slipperiness, and the coldness. If you often write in the night, when it gets colder, you should consider if you want to reach for this metal pen.
Sorry for the rant. I just wish somebody had told me these things before I made the purchase. These pens have become my most regretful purchases. They’re not cheap you know…😢
These are great points and I hope more people read this comment so they can make an informed decision. Vanishing points seem to have a big fan base, but they compromise on a lot. Some days I enjoy this pen and some days I cannot stand it lol. It is peculiar indeed.
Thank you so much for providing this great content. Love your channel
Thank you for watching and your kind comment!
I loved this so much Plee! You dug so deep into the history, "spilled the tea" on these pen companies. I really enjoyed this one and the Sailor vs. Pilot. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, I never tried the con 40, but so many folks feel the same as you. I always wanted to try the pen, but the clip kept me far away. Now I feel like I never need another FP after the 823. Ahhh the dent 🥲it's a well loved pen as all of our artifacts should be!
Thanks so much Paris! After getting the custom 823, it really stops me from buying too many more pens because I just know the ink capacity / nib experience can’t compare haha.
I have Arecibo with a fine nib. I fill the converter with a syringe. My nib is a great reverse writer for writing smaller than charlotte bronte.
I was given a Vanishing Point in dark blue and silver chrome for my birthday last year and it has been the fountain pen that I use the most. I have the fine nib, and I find it to be a good compromise; fine enough to write small and wet enough to be useful on many types of paper.
What a lovely birthday gift. Glad to hear you're enjoying it. Thanks for watching!
Skip the Con-40. Get a cartridge (either a Pilot/Namiki one or the empty cartridges with plugs by Majohn.) They're easier to clean out and gives you a larger ink capacity.
❤❤❤
Excellent video. Really enjoyed the history. I never thought I would like to learn the history of the fountains I use, but I have been learning more and more. While I don't have many Pilots, I am interested in the different types of nibs like the waverly, signature, and music nib. The VP is such a unique pen, and much larger in person than on video. I love unique pens, but the VP is not on my list. The clicky-click is something I detest on ballpoints; the very thing that make the VP unique. Too bad for me. May be I shouldn't be so stubborn and get one. :)
Ah yes, the Vanishing point is trying to do a lot. Don't feel pressured to get the Vanishing Point at all, especially if you prefer long writing sessions. I personally love it for jotting down quick notes in my planner for appointments or on the go.
I am also interested in trying different Pilot nibs.
I love my all black VP pen. It’s definitely a pen I’m so glad to have however it does have the quarks as you mentioned like the cartridge converter that’s annoyingly small. Hate having to fill it so often. Surprisingly the clip position doesn’t bother me
The black VP is very sleek and looks great. There are definitely trade-offs with this pen and it offers something other pens cannot, yet I imagined I would love it more.
Aw man, I was hoping you'd touch on the Namiki Vanishing Point LS. Such an oddball in the VP lineup.
Ah, yes, Pilot seems to waver from twist mechanism (back when VP first started) and then with the Fermo (but then discontinuing it). I guess they are blending it together with the LS. Not sure it is necessary though...
I did see the LS had a recall under the Pilot website so I'll leave it here in case anyone watching this doesn't know:
pilotpen.us/recallvp
Thank you for this video Plee. You may be the only reviewer who has mixed feelings about this pen, and therefore I trust you more. IMO all reviews should be like this, so viewers know what to expect, in the worst case scenario. :) the history info is enjoyable too.
Next up, maybe a history of *Pilot 823*? That pen is the definition of perfection in my book. Looks perfect, perform perfectly, right out of the box. I feel like everything about it embodies the warm and calming je ne sais quois that is called "wa" in Japanese culture.
P.S.:I saw you posted the video a few hours ago but then removed it, maybe for technical reasons? Which shows that you really put thoughts and efforts into making these videos. I appreciate that a lot. 🎉
Thank you for watching and writing such lovely encouraging comments. It is nice to chat with stationery friends :)
I have been wanting a VP pen so I appreciate your review. I am afraid of the clip being annoying.
If I understand right, the cartridge holds twice the amount of ink. Plus, it's easy to refill a cartridge (you don't have to get enough room to submerge the nib) and less messy.
Thanks for the honest review with pros and cons!
Thank you for your comment, Diane. I have seen some people put a VP nib unit into a Majohn body (the one without the clip). I will have to try the cartridge method soon! I recently got a syringe to help refill.
@@pleestationeryteahouse I haven't even seen the Majohn design. I'm going to have to check that out.
Also, I really like the camera clarity on your videos!
I've been eyeing the pilot decimo for quite a while but I was concerned that my pen grip would make the writing experience uncomfortable. Then I saw that you have the same pen grip as I do (thumb over barrel)!
I know this video was posted a while ago, but I want to know: how is it? Is it still comfortable to write with for long periods of time?
Do you think there is a “right” way to hold a pen (for everyone)?