B&B True Life Series: "Enable Me" Ep. 1, Naginata Togi Nibs.

[OldSchoolYoungin]

So I'm in need of a little help here. I've bought much of what I initially set out to buy in terms of "iconic" or most wanted fountain pens, but an empty slot remains. I need my first Sailor.

Lots of middle-shelf options to choose from, but I need some help with Naginata Togi nibs from those in the know. I know that I need one, but I need some enabling and reassurance as to why I need one Are they worth the premium? What makes them so different from italics and stubs? Are there any other things I might not have heard about, i.e. the nibs being scratchy, etc? Also, I'm sort of evolving backwards in regards to nib sizes. When I really got into fountain pens, I preferred mediums and even broads. Then, I slowly began to really appreciate fine and extra fine. Now, I'm back to medium or medium-fine more than anything. I've heard that the Naginata Togi nibs can vary, but what should I be looking for if I prefer a Western fine to medium-ish fine?

Also, in this instance, I'm looking to go least expensive on body, filling system and styling in order to appreciate the nib. I'll say that a little more simply: I want a Naginata Togi nib on a Sailor pen for under $200 shipped. What models should I be looking at? I know that not all of them have that nib option. Looks like the least expensive ones are still atleast $240-250, are there any that are a little less that I'm not seeing?

Enable me!

 

[andrew98]

I paid a shade under $200 shipped for a brand new Pro Gear with a medium-fine (M-F is akin to a western M... sort of). It's like a stub turned 90 degrees. Broad horizontal lines and fine vertical lines. I love mine. It's not buttery smooth. It has quite a bit of feedback that is nothing like scratchy. It's hard to explain, but writing with it is a pretty tactile experience, compared to a super smooth nib. These nibs run quite broad, so you should probably consider nothing broader than a M-F.

I wanted the Pro Gear with rhodium trim, so I had to wait a while until I found one on ebay that was going somewhat unnoticed. You could probably find a 1911 with a NT nib for around $200 shipped or less a little more easily, especially if you don't care about the trim. There are a couple Japanese sellers on ebay that auction these pens. I've ordered a couple Sailors from Japan, and I haven't paid any duty or anything beyond shipping cost ($13).

I don't know if that helps. I feel this is a pen you just have to try in order to determine whether you like it or not. It's a unique nib. Is that worth the premium? You'll ultimately have to decide for yourself, but I'm never selling mine.

-Andy