[Pen/Pencil Review] Pilot Kakuno Fountain Pen
This week, we take another look at fountain pens – specifically the Pilot Kakuno. The Kakuno is categorized by JetPens (and Pilot, I believe) as a “Beginner Fountain Pen”. And I rather agree with that. I got mine from JetPens but they’re also available at the Kinokuniya in Carrollton (so maybe they’re available at al Kinokuniya stores?).
I bought this one on a whim and when making a JetPens order earlier this year. It only comes with one ink cartridge, but it takes the other relatively proprietary Pilot/Namiki cartridges – that I have in stock because of other Pilot fountain pens. I went through the included black ink pretty quickly. I’ve not got violet in it.
So, the Kakuno… It’s a decent pen. It won’t appeal to tons of people for every day, practical use because it has no clip to secure the pen to, well, ANYTHING. It’s more artsy than anything else, but it’s really designed to be comfortable. The pen is 5.2†long capped and 6.3†posted. It’s a slightly wider than average transparent plastic barrel with a hexagonal barrel and a smooth grip. The cap posts securely, but there is a ridge around the threading between grip and barrel, but it doesn’t dig in too badly.
The nib is stainless steel and comes in a variety of sizes – which meant I went straight for the Extra Fine point. Beginners might prefer the fine or medium nibs. It does write smoothly and lays down a good line of ink – the width does depend on how you hold the pen, and this does allow for beginner hesitation and learning curves. It’s a perfectly acceptable and serviceable pen.
I like the clear barrel for seeing ink levels. That makes me happy. There’s been no real sign of leakage. Though there are some ink smudges in the cap. It’s a good, serviceable pen.
Now to the numbers.
1. How does it work? – 1 – it works well. It’s got a decent learning curve. There’s minimal leaking around the nib (and generally only if you don’t dry it well after cleaning). The nib is sturdy and takes a lot of abuse.
2. Grip and feel – 1 – the length is comfortable. The pen is pretty balanced and comfortable in the hand. The grip is slick, but ergonomic. There’s no doubt that it can be used for long periods of time, because I have.
3. Material – 1 It’s plastic. It’s meant to be a beginner pen and to be graduated up to a nicer pen. It’s not going to be a pen you weep over if it’s lost, stolen, or somehow thrown away.
4. Overall Design – 0.5 It’s a decent, serviceable pen It doesn’t have a clip. It doesn’t secure to anything, BUT it’s comfortable and easy to use. May feel a bit long in the hand with the cap posted, but too short without the cap.
5. Price Point – 0.5 – It’s kind of expensive for what it is. It’s $12.50 for the pen. Then the refills are $3.55 for color cartridges (5 in a box) or for basic black the 12 pack is $4.00 – which isn’t bad, but you do have to buy their cartridges. There’s that.
That’s a 4 out of 5.
