FP Newbie

This Christmas I was with my family in New York City and I had the opportunity to visit the Fountain Pen Hospital. Unfortunately, I got there about 30 minutes before they closed so I searched the store frantically, trying to take in all of the wonderful pens they had and that’s when I saw the Sailor Professional Gear Go USA fountain pen. It seemed fitting that on the same day I visited the Statue of Liberty, I get a patriotic pen. It was the most I had spent on a pen at that time and the first Sailor pen that I owned. I will keep this pen forever for the sentimental value. Oh yeah, it’s a great pen too!

Sailor was founded in 1911 in Hiroshima, Japan. Kyugoro Sakata, an engineer, was introduced to a Fountain Pen by an English sailor and he decided he wanted to create a finely crafted writing instrument from Japan. They began manufacturing fountain pens in 1918. Sailor was the first Japanese fountain pen manufacturer, launched to first Japanese manufactured ballpoint pens, Japan’s first plastic fountain pens using injection molding, Japan’s first ink cartridges, the world’s first 21k nibs, and the first fude pen. Sailor’s gold fountain pen nibs are known for their characteristic feedback. As you write, it is normal to feel the vibrations of the nib as it traverses the microscopic nooks and crannies of the paper.

The look of the Pro Gear Standard series from Sailor is classic. The flat top and bottom, along with the fat body make the pen easily recognizable in a line-up. It is the exact perfect size for my hand and I enjoy writing with it. Sailor pens come is a confusing number of sizes and shapes, all with their own branding, and each size and shape has frequent special release pens. Some of the colors and styles do not look worthy of the very large price tag attached. However, whether you want something that stands out from the crowd, or the conservative traditional look, Sailor has what you’re looking for. When it comes to writing, my opinion is the Sailor pens write extremely well. The famous Sailor feedback turns some people off, but I love it. I reach for my Sailor pens as much as any other brand in my collection and I will buy more Sailor pens for sure. If you’re looking for tradition, craftsmanship, variety, and creativity, find a Sailor pen. Buy here