[Pen/Pencil Review] Pilot Vanishing Point Saga Part 2
And now to Part 2 of the Pilot Vanishing Point Saga. This is the technical review, now that I’ve had time to actually work with the pen. The big question is… Does it live up to the hype I’ve built in my mind? The answer to that is … it does.
I splurged for the 2015 Limited Edition Twilight Vanishing Point at the encouragement of my husband (enabler than he is) that has a shimmering lacquer barrel that shifts from sapphire blue (at the plunger) to deep blue (center) to violet (nib end). The hardware is shiny chrome plated with the number of the edition (1703/2015) etched into the rings at the center that open the barrel.
The clip in on the nib end of the pen instead of the plunger – which keeps the nib upright in a pocket or purse to prevent leaking or gravity. And the barrel point is tapered in such a way that you can only really comfortably hold the pen in one way to write properly and situate the clip so it’s out of the way. Though it takes a minute or two to get used to, it’s really easy to adjust to the feel – and it probably further protects the nib from any kind of damage. The pen runs about 5.5†long regardless of retraction with a 0.5†diameter which makes it very comfortable in the hand – not too big, not too small and VERY well balanced.
Top ink is NESSIE from Lucas Tuckers Scribal Workshop. Bottom ink – Namiki Purple.
The nib is part of an integrated interior mechanism that includes a metal sleeve that holds a converter but also takes the Namiki cartridges. I was perplexed at first because the converter fit so snuggly that I didn’t think it came out, but I was just being overly gently with it. Given the price of the pen, I think I can be forgiven the momentary caution. The pen comes with a Medium nib – but Pilot’s nibs run fine, so it feels like a fine point. And it’s one of the smoothest I’ve used in a long time with almost no skipping or glopping or scratching – even on handmade paper. And the nib assemblies CAN be replaced if they’re worn, damaged, or you just want another size.
The sticking point will always be price. I get this isn’t that much as “LUXURY†pens go, but it’s still enough that I didn’t plunk down the cash without a LOT of thought and planning.
The numbers:
1. How does it work? – 1 – It works really well – the nib is smooth with very little skipping or scratching. The plunger is strong and so is the clip.
2. Grip and feel – 1 – It’s a good length. There are a few bumps that might get in the way, but I’ve not had an issue. The way the tip is built, it’s hard to hold it wrong for the clip to get in the way. It’s well balanced and wide enough to be comfortable.
3. Material – 1 – It’s solid metal and lacquer with strong mechanisms.
4. Overall Design – 1 – It is and was a game changer with retractable fountain pens. It’s been a great piece. There is a proprietary ink refill, but with the converter it’s not as bad as it could be.
5. Price Point – 0.5 – It’s EXPENSIVE. I could’ve done some online shopping and MAYBE have gotten it cheaper, but Paradise Pen Company have been major supporters and friends for years and I wanted to give them the business. The REGULAR Vanishing Points are $175 retail…the Limited Editions are… $240. VERY MUCH refillable and durable, but still…now you know why it took me so long to figure out the financial INVESTMENT in this pen. It’s not something to be taken lightly – but it’s built in such a way that it can be used for years and years and years with a little care and caution.
That’s 4.5 of 5 bronze pencils.
