"Smoothness is overrated" - that was very well said, and I completely agree. Many European brands tend to over-polish the nibs (especially in their high price range pens) which has created this illusion, that smoothness equals quality - when in fact total smoothness without any feedback equals lack of control. Japanese brands have much more practical approach to writing (due to age old traditions and writing as an art form) and their pens are often leaning towards the perfect balance between feedback and smoothness. And that's what makes a perfect pen, in my opinion.
Apart from calligraphy as a form of art, Japanese writing style (hieroglyphs) also very different from common handwriting with Latin/Cyrillic/Greek alphabets. They have to place lots of lines, and those lines precision is vital for text readability, hence nib feedback and pen control is vital property for them.
My additional 2 cents: 1. Pilot Custom 74 has dryer upstrokes, which helps developing shading even if the ink don't prone to shade much, and that happens even on fine nibs, which is rare. For someone who like or dislike shading that might be a deal maker or breaker 2. Platinum nibs has better quality control comparing to Pilot. Most of my Pilot pens (Metros, Custom 74, VP) required tines adjustment after purchasing as tines were too tight together for comfortable writing. Most likely tines will loosen after some use, but initially Platinum provided much better writing experience out of the box.
Huge feature of the Platinum is the slip-n-seal mechanism that keeps the ink from drying out when the pen is capped...for a year or longer. I have three 3776 pens and on each one this works perfectly. It’s a big deal & not really covered here.
I hate the slip seal inner cap on every pen that I have that has it. Thus includes a platinum 3776 and a sailor 1911. It makes noises when opening/closing the pen, as the inner cap is being rotated through the friction with the pen, and it grinds against the spring that keeps it in place. It also causes microscratches on the handle of the pen where the rim grinds past it to create the seal. It's a really dumb mechanism in my opinion. The noise just make the pens feel cheap. Thankfully they are nice writers.
@@arlenealennox3136 how's platinum medium nib. I ordered a medium nib. But after watching the video and the reviews I have this doubt. Does medium write too broad. I actually like fine lines but not too fine and not too broad. I have heard that Platinum makes a tad finer lines when compared to even its Japanese siblings like pilot, that's why I ordered the medium. I hope I made the right decision
Was in Osaka, went to a pen store, was going to buy a Vanishing Point but when I tested the Custom 74, I loved it. Cheaper too. The Custom in Japan also comes in black and gold which is my favorite color scheme
@@gonforlunch Yeah, when I got to the address, I was wondering why a bookstore was there instead. Thank goodness I realized it was on the second floor (and that they had a second floor)
Although I prefer larger pens I have both of these and you can't go wrong with either one. The main difference is the nib, so watching the many reviews on the nib types can be a big help. Buying from Japan is the smart way to go, and that's what I've done with almost all of my Pilot, Platinum and Sailor fountain pens.
Ordering a white 3776 soon! ends up at about 150USD after import fees to Norway (costs about 200 locally). Honestly the main reason im going with the platinum is the heart on the nib lol. its too cute!
I have two Platinum 3776's in a Medium and Broad 14K nib. They are the only fountain pens that I have experienced that have written smoothly out of the box without needing a tuning. They are great writers. I also have a much more expensive Pelikan M400 and a Stipula and both needed to get tuned up before I can use it. The only downsides is that the Platinum's body feels a bit light and is inject molded and looks very similar to a Mont Blanc which I personally don't like. I would really like to get a Pilot 823 at some point as well for use as a daily writer.
You know, you may like a Pilot pen with a finer nib: Increases Feedback while writing a finer line less cumbersome for lefty users. But for less expensive experimentation, you may like a drier feeling ink with your Pilot Custom 74. I've found that Pilot and sailor inks can be too smooth for a pen, where as drier feeling inks like Iron Galls (R&K Scabiosa), or certain Noodler's inks (Walnut, Noodler's Air-Corps Blue Black) tame the smoothness while still flowing well. I have found ACBB to vary tremendously from batch to batch, though. You can "ink-tune" pens : ) And samples don't cost much. Ink can make a big difference sometimes.
Thanks for such a complete and comprehensive review--you really covered all the bases. Like you, I own both pens; my Pilot has a Fine nib, while my Platinum has Music nib which Richard Binder then ground to a left-footed cursive oblique based on my handwriting style. I found myself nodding throughout your review, agreeing with everything you were saying. Both are fine pens, and will deliver years of writing pleasure to their owners. Anyone looking to upgrade to a gold nib will certainly be pleased with either pen. Thanks again for a truly excellent review that omits all the fluff and sticks to the facts.
I actually went to the local pen 🖋 store in Houston and I looked at Sailor, the Pilot Vanishing Point, Pineider and the Platinum. I ended up going with the fine nib of the Platinum even after watching this video and forgetting about it. I really love it though too thanks for helping me with my decision.
Sal Just got in the mail the Platinum 3776 M nib from the link you provided. I like the way it writes. Some feedback, but not bad. Pilot Custom 74 is next for me. Then maybe a Sailor pen afterwards. Thanks again.
Thanks. I think I was bitten by the Pilot bug quite a while ago (VPs, Falcons, finally got my absolute fav 823, really like the CH 92 and 74) but I wanted to branch out so I picked up a 3776 about two years ago. While it's an attractive pen, I'm not overly crazy by it's writing experience nor ink capacity. I still have it in rotation but my CH92 has been in continuous use for over 2 years (w/ cleaning and refills of course!) and the CH 823 for nearly 4!
After watching this, they looked the same to me, so ordered whichever one was cheaper. Platinum 3776 was it and so far I'm loving my first gold nib pen. Thanks for the in depth video
Hi unsharpen sir i wanna know that ypu pay 80 $ from imported pen from japan so 80$includes custom duty or not if yf yes then howmuch customswe have to pay . THANKYOU for reading
I have been looking at these two along with the pilot VP with steel nib ("special alloy"). They are all around the same price on Amazon and I still cant decide.
I figured so, I'm not a fan of the clicking section sticking out from the top so much. But as a recent convert from roller balls/ball points and a college student, the convenience of having a retractable nib would be real nice.
That is a good comparison, and it is correct in matter of price.. I myself would get the Pilot 742 that has the Pilot No. 10 nib, which is more (and better) comparable with the Platinum one.
My 3776 is my favorite modern fountain pen that I own. I have the same color, it's pronounced sharr troos I believe. I found this out, as it drove me crazy lol.
@@unsharpen thank for quick response.. Given the smoothness.. And as a pilot metropolitan user... I'll go with pilot custom 74.. Great review.. 👍. You help me a lot.. As you know it is kinda big step from metropolitan
I Would spend full price, these pens are great, I have both. One is a blue demonstrator Custom 74 with medium nib. My other is a Chartres blue with Rhodium trim 3776 century medium. The white gold is a big selling point for me. Btw I bought them from GouletPens.com
Pilot Platinum Sailor 3 buone penne da avere in collezione. Pilot è morbida ideale per lunghe sessioni di scrittura SF nib top, Platinum è più dura e selvatica fa quel che vuole lei UEF nip top. Sailor è la penna per "uomini veri" enorme e lussuosa tutti i nib sono top.
the platinum nib has that ,,pencil noise,, which is not nice. in my opinion 90% of the fountain pen is the nib thats the most important thing. so pilot wins easy here. ty
Personally I regard "feedback" as the low-end of scratchy. I don't need it to know I am writing/drawing - watching the ink go down on the paper takes care of it. Give me buttery smooth every day. Or glassy smooth.
Great overview and comparison. Thanks. I have the platinum and a custom heritage 91, in the same colour as your 74 - both in broad. They’re excellent pens.
nice video but you have by far the worst penmanship of any fountain previewer I've ever seen........It makes it harder to look at the writing because of that.
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"Smoothness is overrated" - that was very well said, and I completely agree. Many European brands tend to over-polish the nibs (especially in their high price range pens) which has created this illusion, that smoothness equals quality - when in fact total smoothness without any feedback equals lack of control.
Japanese brands have much more practical approach to writing (due to age old traditions and writing as an art form) and their pens are often leaning towards the perfect balance between feedback and smoothness. And that's what makes a perfect pen, in my opinion.
Wao best comment in my life atleadt someone who undersyands japanese perfection are these pen better than montblanc ?
Apart from calligraphy as a form of art, Japanese writing style (hieroglyphs) also very different from common handwriting with Latin/Cyrillic/Greek alphabets. They have to place lots of lines, and those lines precision is vital for text readability, hence nib feedback and pen control is vital property for them.
My additional 2 cents:
1. Pilot Custom 74 has dryer upstrokes, which helps developing shading even if the ink don't prone to shade much, and that happens even on fine nibs, which is rare. For someone who like or dislike shading that might be a deal maker or breaker
2. Platinum nibs has better quality control comparing to Pilot. Most of my Pilot pens (Metros, Custom 74, VP) required tines adjustment after purchasing as tines were too tight together for comfortable writing. Most likely tines will loosen after some use, but initially Platinum provided much better writing experience out of the box.
Huge feature of the Platinum is the slip-n-seal mechanism that keeps the ink from drying out when the pen is capped...for a year or longer. I have three 3776 pens and on each one this works perfectly. It’s a big deal & not really covered here.
I hate the slip seal inner cap on every pen that I have that has it. Thus includes a platinum 3776 and a sailor 1911. It makes noises when opening/closing the pen, as the inner cap is being rotated through the friction with the pen, and it grinds against the spring that keeps it in place. It also causes microscratches on the handle of the pen where the rim grinds past it to create the seal. It's a really dumb mechanism in my opinion. The noise just make the pens feel cheap.
Thankfully they are nice writers.
Noises? What noises? I have 3 Platinum 3776s and I don’t hear anything.
@@arlenealennox3136 how's platinum medium nib. I ordered a medium nib. But after watching the video and the reviews I have this doubt. Does medium write too broad. I actually like fine lines but not too fine and not too broad. I have heard that Platinum makes a tad finer lines when compared to even its Japanese siblings like pilot, that's why I ordered the medium. I hope I made the right decision
I think you will be happy with a medium.
Many pens have a rubber seal cap inside, it’s not unique to platinum
The lamy2000 for example has a rubber seal too
Own both. Love both.
Pointing out you said ‘shart’ blue. Makes it even better.
Was in Osaka, went to a pen store, was going to buy a Vanishing Point but when I tested the Custom 74, I loved it. Cheaper too. The Custom in Japan also comes in black and gold which is my favorite color scheme
Where did you go in Osaka? I know a pen store in Namba station or a small art shop near there but that's it.
@@gonforlunch Nagasawa pen store
@@GEROLDization1 there’s a Nagasawa in Osaka??? I thought it was only in Kobe! This is dangerous news.
@@gonforlunch Yeah, when I got to the address, I was wondering why a bookstore was there instead. Thank goodness I realized it was on the second floor (and that they had a second floor)
Both brands are an exceptional choice. Personally, the Pilot brand has not disappointed and are my go to fountain pens.
I just ordered a 3776 with an adaptor that lets it use international type converters like the Diplomat.
it's possible the converter won't fit (at least that's what I was told) and the converter is mainly for using with international standard cartridges.
Although I prefer larger pens I have both of these and you can't go wrong with either one. The main difference is the nib, so watching the many reviews on the nib types can be a big help. Buying from Japan is the smart way to go, and that's what I've done with almost all of my Pilot, Platinum and Sailor fountain pens.
Ordering a white 3776 soon! ends up at about 150USD after import fees to Norway (costs about 200 locally). Honestly the main reason im going with the platinum is the heart on the nib lol. its too cute!
It’s as great one. Still my top used fountain pen over $50
I have two Platinum 3776's in a Medium and Broad 14K nib. They are the only fountain pens that I have experienced that have written smoothly out of the box without needing a tuning. They are great writers. I also have a much more expensive Pelikan M400 and a Stipula and both needed to get tuned up before I can use it. The only downsides is that the Platinum's body feels a bit light and is inject molded and looks very similar to a Mont Blanc which I personally don't like. I would really like to get a Pilot 823 at some point as well for use as a daily writer.
You know, you may like a Pilot pen with a finer nib: Increases Feedback while writing a finer line less cumbersome for lefty users.
But for less expensive experimentation, you may like a drier feeling ink with your Pilot Custom 74. I've found that Pilot and sailor inks can be too smooth for a pen, where as drier feeling inks like Iron Galls (R&K Scabiosa), or certain Noodler's inks (Walnut, Noodler's Air-Corps Blue Black) tame the smoothness while still flowing well. I have found ACBB to vary tremendously from batch to batch, though.
You can "ink-tune" pens : ) And samples don't cost much. Ink can make a big difference sometimes.
Thanks for such a complete and comprehensive review--you really covered all the bases. Like you, I own both pens; my Pilot has a Fine nib, while my Platinum has Music nib which Richard Binder then ground to a left-footed cursive oblique based on my handwriting style. I found myself nodding throughout your review, agreeing with everything you were saying. Both are fine pens, and will deliver years of writing pleasure to their owners. Anyone looking to upgrade to a gold nib will certainly be pleased with either pen. Thanks again for a truly excellent review that omits all the fluff and sticks to the facts.
Thank you for the comparison.
I actually went to the local pen 🖋 store in Houston and I looked at Sailor, the Pilot Vanishing Point, Pineider and the Platinum. I ended up going with the fine nib of the Platinum even after watching this video and forgetting about it. I really love it though too thanks for helping me with my decision.
Thanks for the link. US retailers are selling them quite a bit higher. For that price, it hard to pass up.
Sal Exactly, I wonder what their mark-up is. From the links you provided, these pens represent good value for 14 k nib pens.
Sal Thanks. I just ordered the Platinum Century. Can’t wait to get it in and I’ll order the Pilot Custom 74 later.
Sal Just got in the mail the Platinum 3776 M nib from the link you provided. I like the way it writes. Some feedback, but not bad. Pilot Custom 74 is next for me. Then maybe a Sailor pen afterwards. Thanks again.
Thanks. I think I was bitten by the Pilot bug quite a while ago (VPs, Falcons, finally got my absolute fav 823, really like the CH 92 and 74) but I wanted to branch out so I picked up a 3776 about two years ago. While it's an attractive pen, I'm not overly crazy by it's writing experience nor ink capacity. I still have it in rotation but my CH92 has been in continuous use for over 2 years (w/ cleaning and refills of course!) and the CH 823 for nearly 4!
I love both pilot for max smoothness long writing sessions platinum is great for doing my engineering cacls
Was thinking about getting some of these, but I really think i just should save some money for the Custom 823. Nice vid
After watching this, they looked the same to me, so ordered whichever one was cheaper. Platinum 3776 was it and so far I'm loving my first gold nib pen. Thanks for the in depth video
Hi unsharpen sir i wanna know that ypu pay 80 $ from imported pen from japan so 80$includes custom duty or not if yf yes then howmuch customswe have to pay . THANKYOU for reading
I have been looking at these two along with the pilot VP with steel nib ("special alloy"). They are all around the same price on Amazon and I still cant decide.
I figured so, I'm not a fan of the clicking section sticking out from the top so much. But as a recent convert from roller balls/ball points and a college student, the convenience of having a retractable nib would be real nice.
That is a good comparison, and it is correct in matter of price.. I myself would get the Pilot 742 that has the Pilot No. 10 nib, which is more (and better) comparable with the Platinum one.
Nice Review. I'm gonna have to try out the 3776.
My 3776 is my favorite modern fountain pen that I own. I have the same color, it's pronounced sharr troos I believe. I found this out, as it drove me crazy lol.
That would be chartreuse, the liqueur. Chartres is pronounced sharrtruh.
ink?
Both have same kind of cap seal???
@@unsharpen thank for quick response.. Given the smoothness.. And as a pilot metropolitan user... I'll go with pilot custom 74.. Great review.. 👍. You help me a lot.. As you know it is kinda big step from metropolitan
Why are some of these pens called “demonstrator” pens??
Demonstrator pens have clear barrels, so you can see the ink
Where did you buy Platinum 3776 for 80$..?😯
Track amazon US for extended periods of time
That Platinum nib is badass
What is the ink, it looks so nice !!!
@@unsharpen Then, cannot find it on Amazon?
@@unsharpen Got it, much appreciated!!!
I Would spend full price, these pens are great, I have both. One is a blue demonstrator Custom 74 with medium nib. My other is a Chartres blue with Rhodium trim 3776 century medium. The white gold is a big selling point for me. Btw I bought them from GouletPens.com
That Platinum sure is a beauty. Makes the Pilot look staid.
@@WaitingtoHit Woah, you are right about that. And I'm already on Team Pilot anyways.
Great review - Thanks
Glad it was helpful!
Pilot Platinum Sailor 3 buone penne da avere in collezione. Pilot è morbida ideale per lunghe sessioni di scrittura SF nib top, Platinum è più dura e selvatica fa quel che vuole lei UEF nip top. Sailor è la penna per "uomini veri" enorme e lussuosa tutti i nib sono top.
the platinum nib has that ,,pencil noise,, which is not nice. in my opinion 90% of the fountain pen is the nib thats the most important thing. so pilot wins easy here. ty
Personally I regard "feedback" as the low-end of scratchy. I don't need it to know I am writing/drawing - watching the ink go down on the paper takes care of it. Give me buttery smooth every day. Or glassy smooth.
let it be known that chartres blue is now "shart" blue
It’s kinda like shar-truh. French is hard for me
Great overview and comparison. Thanks. I have the platinum and a custom heritage 91, in the same colour as your 74 - both in broad. They’re excellent pens.
nice video but you have by far the worst penmanship of any fountain previewer I've ever seen........It makes it harder to look at the writing because of that.