Review Redux
The Sailor Imperial Black Fountain Pen

• Review Paper: Rhodia No. 18 Lined Pad
  

Specs:

• Time Owned: ~4 Years (since 1/13/13)
• Nib: 21k black plated gold
• Material: Resin with ruthenium (edit: not rhodium) trim
• Filling Mechanism: Cartridge/Converter
• Weight: 24.5 grams
• Measurements: 5.063″ closed, 5.875″ posted, 0.5″ barrel width, 3.635″ barrel length, 0.41″ section diameter
• Ink Capactiy: 0.9ml
• Link to Original Review

 

Intro/About:

I can’t believe I bought this pen four years ago. It feels like just yesterday when I was waiting for the mail to come, rushing downstairs, and opening up the package directly from Japan. I purchased the pen in January of 2013 for around $280. This one has a fine nib, which is quite fine. It features all black everything. The pen is still in my collection, but how much does it get used, how is it holding up over the years, and would I buy it again? Read on to find out!

Appearance:

The Sailor Pro Gear Imperial Black is a great looking pen. Matte black resin (plastic) accented with dark ruthenium-plated metal is a super clean look. The contrast of matte and shiny accents result in a visually interesting pen, while maintaining a high level of blackness. Over the years, the pen has held up just fine. I haven’t done any extensive pocket carrying so there are few dings and scratches on the barrel. The plating is still looking like it did when new. Overall, it looks pretty much like it did when it was new.

Performance:

Sailor nibs are known to give feedback, and the fine nib on this pen was no exception. Since getting the pen, I’ve had some nib work done. Richard Binder tuned it up at one of the Long Island pen shows to smooth it out just a little bit and increase the ink flow. The nib does write a good bit wetter, and just a little smoother. Japanese fine nibs are rarely going to be glassy smooth, but it’s one step closer at least. I do find that I really liked this pen in college for notes, but my tastes have changed. I use my fountain pens now more so for enjoyment than clean, precise note taking. As a result, I’ve found my preferences lean towards broader nibs.

Usage/Opinion:

There’s no denying that this pen has seen far less use in recent years than in the past. While I love the way it looks, I can’t say I still love the way it writes. The nib work is excellent, but my tastes have changed. If it had a broad, I would 100% keep this in my collection. I’d even consider a medium. Does anyone have a black Sailor nib they’d like to trade? If not, I think this pen will leave my collection. It’s a hard decision, but I want to slim down and refine in 2017.

Pros:

• One of the coolest looking pens out there
• Showed little to no wear, even through extensive use

Cons:

• Nib size no longer fits my daily needs

Does It Hold Up?

Yes, I would say so. While I’m not in love with the nib, the pen would make a great daily driver. It’s great looking, understated, and made with the level of quality you’d expect from a mid-range Sailor pen. I wish the nib size was bigger. As time goes on, taste may change and this applies to any pen, not just the Pro Gear Imperial Black.

Do you have one of these in your collection? How do you like it? If you want to add one, I may be parting ways with this one…

Gallery: