Well, the Namiki lineup starts cheaper! You can get something nice in the Namiki nippon art range, but to be honest I skipped it, based on the fact this has raden! The way it glistens as you turn it, really gives you a dimension unlike anything else. To give a little context around this pen. Like Alicia stated, we all have cut off points! Last year when I really started getting serious, I couldn’t really see me spending this much money, primarily because a my budget wouldn’t allow it, nor could I stomach spending so much.. so what changed? Well, for starters, art has always been a passion and my admiration for Namiki’s work grew and grew over the year to a point that my commissioned art work and saving eventually allowed me to obtain the first makie pen I had my eyes on. I really want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for reviewing this! I think this video will be on repeat a lot 😭😂
Thank you so much for sharing a part of your own journey! I kind of wish I had incorporated a little video from you sharing this! Anyway, you’re so very welcome. And thank you for letting me experience this pen first hand!
It’s beautiful! I got the Namiki “Shooting Star” pen and it’s such a treasure to hold. You’re right, they definitely have an energy to them, like it has been held with so much intention. I’ve been considering the Namiki Royals Peony pen…I have such a soft spot for peonies 🥰
I have no idea why but your reverence towards the pen brought tears to my eyes. It truly is a work of art and beautiful in every way. I hope that it is used daily as I am sure that the artist who decorated the pen would love for that to be the case. I am nowhere near a pen like this but I do believe that pens have personalities - my very best pen is nicknamed Mariah as she is such a diva but I do love her so much. I hope that Pen Friends has a lifetime of joy with his new acquisition.
Aww wow, that’s so wonderful to hear! I’m glad this video moved you. I think the artist would feel greatly honored. And as you said, they have such individual personalities!
The one thing the makie artists at namiki hate, is when people buy them and don’t use them! Nothing worst in my mind than buying a pen only to put in a display cabinet, not to be used!
I also have a price cap of around $300 - $350. I remember being horrified at the $50 price of my first fountain pen 4 years ago….how things have changed! But oh god, the Raden pens. I don’t care what brand, though with Pilot I know I can be sure to love the nib too, they are all so beautiful. This is one of the main reasons I do not go to pen shows. I can look at them online, and be very awed by their beauty, then say oh hell no to the price - but if saw them in person, if I actually held them in my hands and really SAW them…well, I’d probably have 12. Maybe 20.
The Pilot Con-70 converter is a pushbutton converter that fits many of their larger pens (and some others). I use one in my Pilot Custom Heritage 91/Flex and it's amazing. Thanks for sharing this lovely pen with us!
Just got mine Yukari Nightline Moonlight. Full raden pen, and it is worth it. Its not just a pen. It is jewell, it is art and you have it for life. Go and buy bracelet from Cartier and you will end uo paying far more. One note from my side, Namiki nibs are wet and broader than Pilot nibs. I had.my Pilot M and Namiki M is double of the size. If you like thin lines, go for Fine nib.
Lovely pen and I am sure that Andrew will adore it. It is wonderful to own beautiful artwork and it is also wonderful to have someone share that artwork with others. I love that Andrew (I subscribe to his channel too!) graciously allowed you to show and tell his new acquisition before he even received it. I very much enjoyed seeing it.
Another wonderful review and i'm sure Andrew is waiting with great anticipation for his chance to experience the life that the pen possesses in his hand. Grail pens can and will be achieved so some day a pen with this life force and beauty will come into your care to bring enjoyment and deep satisfaction. Enjoy the time you have with it and keep dreaming! Dreams do come true for those who are special and you are so special to us all.
I don’t think I’d be able to focus on my writing if I was to do it with such a gorgeous piece of art! Thank you for this enthused video. With love, Farabi.
You are right about Japanese pens. Mont Blanc was always my brand but lately it’s hard to get them fixed. The Barrels crack and getting a piston greased isn’t fun! They have the best euro nibs but Japanese nibs are ground better.
A beautiful pen. You did a nice review showing proper respect for a exquisite writing implement. Pens are meant to be used. The only pen I display in my office and do not use is the Namiki Vanishing Point 50th anniversary limited edition pen in maplewood in a maplewood display box. Thanks for the video.
Atlas Stationers is located in downtown Chicago near a building where I used to work. I visited that shop many times as I have always loved stationary stores. This was long before I fell in love with fountain pens (and I have you, Alicia, to thank for that). I no longer work in the Loop, but in my search for local fountain pens, Atlas popped up. There will be a day in the near future when I make a trip to the Loop, with Atlas being one of my stops (and the other major stop The Art Institute of Chicago).
Whoa.... I've loved the Rock Garden version.. but at $1200.. not in the budget.. thank you for your kindness regarding the family loss I've had this week.. as I wrote.. the peaceful, calming and beautifully made videos just does make me feel a bit better.. now, that pen! Stunning! Love your work.. and always love your shots of the landscapes! Frank in Colorado
Thanks a lot for making this video! For something people should be in a real hurry to show off there sure aren't many videos about the non-royale Yukari, and fewer still that actually emphasize its function as a pen. I had wanted one for a while but this got me on board with finally pulling the trigger, which you can feel good or guilty about
Wow! What a beautiful fountain pen! I recommend to store it in the outer box. The box is made of wood called "kiri". "kiri" is able to control moisture. Urushi is poor at humidity. I'm not good at English.Sorry. From Japan.
kiri is a wonderful wood, I do plan on getting a smaller version to store my urushi pens. Fortunatley humidity in the UK is really low most of the year.
A brilliant first look at a brand new pen, made so much better by the fact you always open up and show your emotions 🙂 Thx Alicia, that truly does look an incredible pen. Raden along with maki-e! 🤩 I know what you mean about the cost of pens and I had a limit until 7 years ago I bought a Dorsal Fin v2 in urushi. I use that pen every day without fail and have done for the whole time. Our hobby soon has us entranced in a world where we’re soon able to justify incredible expense on such items. However, the whole experience is worth it to us all. A brilliant video 😃
Thank you so much Richard for your comment. Yes, I can see that Urushi pen of yours being a game changer! Speaking of which, that’s another pen on the wish list. It’s true, the longer we stay in the hobby, the more willing we often are to spend the money. These pens are works of art!
@@adventuredenali nakayas are just love. Dare I say it, slightly more easily obtainable as well. Not by much, but they offer more contemporary designs in their makie as well as traditional.
I'm a new subscriber to Andrew's channel. Thank you for the recommendation. What a kind heart to share the experience of this artwork. Stunning pen and lovely video.
I fell in love with this model after I saw the "Milky Way" version. I had the pleasure of using one, borrowed from a friend, and I certainly agree with everything you said; the resin, the maki-e, really feels different. Also, the pilot con-70 is an awesome converter; I put one in every "compatible" Pilot pen I own; even on the inexpensive Kakuno. Thanks for the video.
So glad you got to experience one as well! It’s hard to describe, but it’s different for sure. Great to know about the converter! I had no idea! It’s fantastic!
Hahaha 😂 what’s a community for? Support in penabling others! Truth be told I could have got this in Japan a hundred pounds cheaper. But Alicia has always been very supportive as a friend, and I remember expressing a desire of wanting to try one. Plus, I love supporting atlas stationers!
I just started my fountain pen collection. I have 4 Jinhao, 2 HongDian, 2 Ferris Wheel, 1 MonteVerde, 2 Lamy (safary and Al Star), 1 Parker and a Picasso 916 Malage Fountain. At the moment the costs are between $9 and $36... I would love a MontBlanc but I have to save more... without a doubt the Namiki are on another level... If I want one of those I have to stop buying cheap fountain pens.. I'm honest, they are EXCELLENT and write very well, but if I want the expensive ones, I need to hold my hand and resist the desire to buy more pens.
Holy smokes that's a lovely pen. I fully expect that it is a very precision instrument, but I didn't expect some felt lining in the cap to facilitate capping. I would resist, but wow. Nicely done Alicia -- and Andrew, what can I say? Thank you to both of you seems inadequate.
I have the Namiki Yukari Pine Needle and it's my most expensive pen. The combination of Maki-e, Raden, and Urushi lacquer are mesmerizing to gaze upon. I wish I could collect that one and all the others, lol.
You should see this collection ruclips.net/user/JapansPerfectPens 😂😂 they aren’t all his pens! But if ever want to see a real good snapshot of namikis, this is the place!
Namiki is Pilot, they have always belonged to the same corporation. Namiki is the family name of the Pilot corporate's founder, and Pilot was the name of their first shop I believed when they started making pens. Initially all pens were sold under the Namiki name, which then changed to Pilot in some markets and the same pens were sold under Namiki still in the US until the 90s. Today, Namiki is a sub-brand under Pilot corporation, and is dedicated to high-end Urushi and Maki-e pens. It is somewhat similar to the relationship between Lexus and Toyota.
"special" understatement of the year lol. I've always wondered how they write, wouldn't want to spend that much on a pen that didn't fit well in the hand or write like one of my OMAS or Aurora. Ah so thats the history behind Namiki nib first, like some of the greatest brands. Dont forget Namiki also makes some cheaper pens with Urushi Lacquer but they're solid colours and still a bit much unless you really like pens. I believe Pilot owns Namiki so I'd be concerned if it was worse lol.
As a fountain pen collector, when I was starting I thought some of the prices were totally outrageous “its just a pen” and then I tried a more expensive fountain pen and the difference in how it feels, how it writes, is so noticeable that I became a convert. But at the same time, man does it bleed a wallet.
Is that a con-70 converter? It looks like the one on my custom 74 and I love it, it’s really easy to fill and holds a lot. What a gorgeous pen, looking forward to Andrews review as well. I would be nervous to hold such a special pen too, even if it was mine 😂. This hobby is so amazing. ❤️
@@adventuredenali when I first used the con-70, it took a couple of tries to get a nice full fill, but now I love it and wish more of my pens could use this converter.
I’m thinking it’s a symmetry thing. The design would look off kilter if was left or right of the main barrel. Still they could have move the design on the barrel left or right :))
Agreed! 100 percent correct! And for that reason, the cost of ownership makes this pen in my minds eye good value! Especially with the length of time it takes to make such a pen.
It’s an absolutely gorgeous pen! The raden work and urushi on top, amazing. It has felt inside the cap? That’s insane. Jajaja… I use that converter in my Pilot C74 and unfortunately I have to say it’s a pain to clean, so stick to one colour… just when I think it’s clean, more ink appears inside XD. Such a lovely pen. I think I could only use it at home however. ;)
Oh haha that’s funny! I’ve usually found button fillers to be a pain to clean, but they’ve all been vintage pens and some of their buttons quite stiff. I wonder if I too would feel uncomfortable taking it out. I think, I’ve decided, I’d want to use it always, and I’d just get a really solid case to travel with.
I carry even my most expensive pens with me. It takes a lot of use for me to justify buying a Namiki. As for the Con-70 converter, do you clean it with a syringe? I clean it with a syringe, and then soak it in distilled water for an hour, and it's always clean. But a drop or two of ink is almost never a bad thing. It's not enough to taint or react with other ink, unless it's something like an iron gall ink.
@@jamesaritchie1 yes, and to add to the left over ink inside a pen/convert, the droplets do look magnified within the barrel, so it’s even less ink than you think! I’ve decided, I’m going to save up for a Namiki, and when I get it, I’ll take it around and use the heck out of it. :)
@@adventuredenali you guys are so much braver than me. Jajajaja. I would have to ensure it. I do carry my Pilot 823 and Pelikans but I’m always a bit apprehensive about it. I do use a syringe to clean the converter, never thought about soaking it after, good tip!
Undeniably beautiful, Alicia - & my namesake is a true altruist & generous of spirit (& your presntations, Andrew, are superb). My only observation would be, for a pen this expensive, I might expect an ebonite feed, rather than the stock grey plastic - but a minor detraction, only. I have the black translucent Custom 823, & as you originally asserted in your video of same, the writing experience is nothing less than perfection. I do agree at your surprise with the 18K nib on the Yukari being stiffer, I would have thought the converse be so. Of course, the wooden carriage box is always a nice touch - but the 'main event', if you will, is deserving of such cossetting; if I possesed such a writing instrument, then it would become as all my scribes: utilitarian & not overtly 'precious' - tho' each treated with an egalitarian level of respect in spite of price point. What a delight & an extremely pleasurable experience, Alicia - Thanks to you both for making this video possible - stay well & keep safe, all, Best, Andrew :)
That’s a wonderful namesake, and rings true for all the Andrew’s I’ve known. I agree about the ebonite feed, that would be a true cherry on top. I love your description of how you would use and cherish such a pen. Thank you for sharing and taking the time to comment. ❤️
Not at all, Alicia - & thank you for your expedited response. There is a company in the States who make ebonite feeds to fit all the higher end Pilots - mine are red, & outfitted to both my Custom 823 & 742 scribes. If either you or Andrew are interested (or indeed anyone), I'll leave a link to Joey's website, below - stay well & keep safe, Andrew (one of many ;D ) flexiblenib.com/store/shop/
@@andrewtongue7084 wow! That is so cool! I had no idea such a thing existed. Also, the link to this pen is in the description, I’m not sure if it has the information you’re seeking. Hoping the other Andrew will chime in.
It is, indeed, Alicia - & Joey (owner of that company) is most assiduous in helping. I believe - tho' don't quote me, he also manufactures ebonite feeds for Pelikans. Andrew (Pen Friends) did also respond - it is the "Herb" series of Raden writing instruments - & that wasn't featured in the title of your video (well, not on my UK channel), so now I know where to look ! Do enjoy the remainder of your day, Andrew :)
Alicia, tho' this question would be more pertinent to Andrew (Pen Friends), which of the Namiki Yukari models is this specifically referring to, because there are a number of differing Maki-e designs available ? Thank you, Andrew :)
It’s in the video title :) it’s the yukari herb decoration www.pilot-namiki.com/en/collection/yukari/ you can see all the designs here! They range anywhere from 1,400 to 5,400 us.
That would be cool! Actually, I think twsbi kind of has something similar with their spring loaded converter that just came out with the new pen. I haven’t looked at it myself, but maybe it’s more like a button filler! Apparently this converter is compatible with several of their other pens, even the Pilot metropolitan! I had no idea. So cool.
Yes, I have a con-70 in a Pilot 912 FA and in an inexpensive Pilot Kakuno. I just penabled a friend and she bought a TWSBI Swipe in a pen shop 2 days after they came out. We put that pump filling converter in it.
If I had a million dollars to spare, I'd buy one custom pen I saw a while back that costs exactly a million dollars. It was as beautiful as anything I've ever seen, and I'd probably buy it, though I'd have to bum money to pay the taxes. And I probably wouldn't enjoy it much once my wife learned I did something like that. But there's a great rule for such situations. If you can keep something secret for two months, it doesn't count against you. If your significant other asks where you got whatever it is, you can say, "What, this old thing? I've had it for months. Sometimes it even works.
Many of the most famous people in history were left-handed, and wrote unbelievably beautiful things. It's really just a matter of learning toi underwrite. There are lefties in my family, and in my wife's family, who taught themselves to underwrite with a fountain pen. Do this, and there is no chance that your hand will ever touch the ink. You might have trouble with some three ring binders, but so do righties when we use both sides of the page. Anyway, there is no reason that lefties can't use fountain pens just as well as righties. There are thousands of lefties in the fountain pen world. A much higher percentage than you find in the general public. There seems to be something about lefties that draws them to art in general, and to fountain pens. Give it a shot. Lefties learn how to do this all the time, and it really isn't that difficult to learn.
It was about 1,200 us , which for me is much much cheaper than the uk, even with import tax! Am I embarrassed? Absolutely not, I used to have to have every iPhone release, but I saw the errors of my way and now I’m obtaining art and things that show the craftsmanship and beauty of humanity. Of course it’s a lot of money to spend, but I justify it as I see it as art.
It's probably my phone although other videos play just fine but I can rarely hear your voice... I've even tried putting in earbuds to see if that would help. Nothing.
Oh I’m so sorry to hear this! I don’t have any issues in my end with sound though. I’m sorry that is the case for you. :/ I think captions are available?
I understand that entirely, but what puts this into the realm of utilising such an object is that we drive cars that can cost 3-4-5 times the amount. Your smart phone costs about the same, if not more and your laptop especially a Mac, will definitely cost more! So it’s a matter of context!
@@PenFriends yeah good point tbh. My phone is relatively inexpensive but the prices people pay for phones is the same if not more than the pen. I'd be afraid to drop it or lose it and then it be rendered useless. Its just so fragile. So beautiful too though! It really is a work of art.
@@eoghanf7526 house content insurance is your friend! The great thing about this pen is that urushi is incredibly durable, so the makie is well and truly protected :)
Yeah when I am holding a new motorcycle's worth of money in your hands, then I might also feel nervous. IF this Urushi work wasn't there, then wouldn't this just be a regular gold nib fountain pen? Aye.... all these materialistic hobbies like high end audio, fountain pens, EDC... are just snake oil at the top.
Kind of like saying if paint wasn’t on top of a canvas, it would just be a canvas :)) This is a pen done by intent, it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea and that’s just fine! But for art appreciators, then there’s a lot to love here!
@@adventuredenali Felted or not, posting is still a bad idea. I've seen Namiki pens that were damaged by posting, and it's heart breaking. But it's always a bad idea to post a high quality fountain pen. Or even a cheap pen, unless it's a very lightweight plastic ppen with a plain barrel, and that you don't care about. Damage to the barrel aside, other than true pocket pens, fountain pens work better with as much weight as possible down near the nib. The nibs not only work better, they last longer. Too many think "balance" means the center of the pen. It doesn't. It means optimum balance point for the best function, and this balance point is right behind the section
Well, the Namiki lineup starts cheaper! You can get something nice in the Namiki nippon art range, but to be honest I skipped it, based on the fact this has raden! The way it glistens as you turn it, really gives you a dimension unlike anything else.
To give a little context around this pen. Like Alicia stated, we all have cut off points! Last year when I really started getting serious, I couldn’t really see me spending this much money, primarily because a my budget wouldn’t allow it, nor could I stomach spending so much.. so what changed? Well, for starters, art has always been a passion and my admiration for Namiki’s work grew and grew over the year to a point that my commissioned art work and saving eventually allowed me to obtain the first makie pen I had my eyes on.
I really want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for reviewing this! I think this video will be on repeat a lot 😭😂
Thank you so much for sharing a part of your own journey! I kind of wish I had incorporated a little video from you sharing this! Anyway, you’re so very welcome. And thank you for letting me experience this pen first hand!
@@adventuredenali not at all, this video is about your thoughts :) I have to have something to say 😂
@@PenFriends hahaha
Thanks for sharing it with us all Andrew 😃 an amazing pen that you will enjoy for a long time. 👍🏻
@@Richard_Barnes I’m already enjoying it and it’s not even in my own hands yet! Fingers crossed I’ve got a nakaya review coming soon as well :))
Seeing this pen in person must be like crossing paths with some beautiful endangered bird. How truly beautiful!
Yes!!! It’s exactly! There’s something so much more impressive to be able to see it in person, and write with it too!
Yessss
When you actually get to see one in person; then you understand why they sell for thousands. Outstanding pen.
The usual reviews I see on RUclips are very "clinical", you being so amazed is very refreshing. Thumbs up 😁.
Thank you so much! I appreciate your appreciation, haha!
Totally agree with you. The most genuine review i watched so far. I felt her excitement:)
@@vergitube thank you!
What an absolutely beautiful pen! It does feel like a sacred experiencing having it in hand, even just watching you hold it through the screen.
So sacred! 😍
Your reverence and honor of such a masterpiece, Alicia, is truly befitting of the awe it deserves. Enjoy your pen Andrew!
Thank you!
Whispering and fountain pens is two of my favourite things combined: ASMR and stationery. 😄
Oh man! Yay! 😀
It’s beautiful! I got the Namiki “Shooting Star” pen and it’s such a treasure to hold. You’re right, they definitely have an energy to them, like it has been held with so much intention.
I’ve been considering the Namiki Royals Peony pen…I have such a soft spot for peonies 🥰
When I saw the thumbnail I thought you got a Namiki! Glad you got to try it. 😀
Or did she 😂
@@PenFriends hahaha
It’s so amazing! I feel so lucky to have gotten to try it!
I have no idea why but your reverence towards the pen brought tears to my eyes. It truly is a work of art and beautiful in every way. I hope that it is used daily as I am sure that the artist who decorated the pen would love for that to be the case. I am nowhere near a pen like this but I do believe that pens have personalities - my very best pen is nicknamed Mariah as she is such a diva but I do love her so much. I hope that Pen Friends has a lifetime of joy with his new acquisition.
Aww wow, that’s so wonderful to hear! I’m glad this video moved you. I think the artist would feel greatly honored. And as you said, they have such individual personalities!
The one thing the makie artists at namiki hate, is when people buy them and don’t use them! Nothing worst in my mind than buying a pen only to put in a display cabinet, not to be used!
It would be a travesty for such beautiful artwork to be locked away out of sight for sure!
I also have a price cap of around $300 - $350. I remember being horrified at the $50 price of my first fountain pen 4 years ago….how things have changed! But oh god, the Raden pens. I don’t care what brand, though with Pilot I know I can be sure to love the nib too, they are all so beautiful. This is one of the main reasons I do not go to pen shows. I can look at them online, and be very awed by their beauty, then say oh hell no to the price - but if saw them in person, if I actually held them in my hands and really SAW them…well, I’d probably have 12. Maybe 20.
The Pilot Con-70 converter is a pushbutton converter that fits many of their larger pens (and some others). I use one in my Pilot Custom Heritage 91/Flex and it's amazing. Thanks for sharing this lovely pen with us!
Just got mine Yukari Nightline Moonlight. Full raden pen, and it is worth it. Its not just a pen. It is jewell, it is art and you have it for life. Go and buy bracelet from Cartier and you will end uo paying far more.
One note from my side, Namiki nibs are wet and broader than Pilot nibs. I had.my Pilot M and Namiki M is double of the size. If you like thin lines, go for Fine nib.
You gave the pen it's voice it sang like a heavenly songbird thank you for sharing 🌺
Thank you and you’re welcome!
Lovely pen and I am sure that Andrew will adore it. It is wonderful to own beautiful artwork and it is also wonderful to have someone share that artwork with others. I love that Andrew (I subscribe to his channel too!) graciously allowed you to show and tell his new acquisition before he even received it. I very much enjoyed seeing it.
It was so generous! He is very kind to do so. I’m truly grateful.
Another wonderful review and i'm sure Andrew is waiting with great anticipation for his chance to experience the life that the pen possesses in his hand. Grail pens can and will be achieved so some day a pen with this life force and beauty will come into your care to bring enjoyment and deep satisfaction. Enjoy the time you have with it and keep dreaming! Dreams do come true for those who are special and you are so special to us all.
Oh thank you so very much for your kind words. I will keep dreaming big! Thank you again!
I don’t think I’d be able to focus on my writing if I was to do it with such a gorgeous piece of art! Thank you for this enthused video. With love, Farabi.
You’re welcome! Yes, it’s a bit distracting and so enjoyable to look upon!
You are right about Japanese pens. Mont Blanc was always my brand but lately it’s hard to get them fixed. The Barrels crack and getting a piston greased isn’t fun! They have the best euro nibs but Japanese nibs are ground better.
A beautiful pen. You did a nice review showing proper respect for a exquisite writing implement. Pens are meant to be used. The only pen I display in my office and do not use is the Namiki Vanishing Point 50th anniversary limited edition pen in maplewood in a maplewood display box. Thanks for the video.
Thank you very much! I feel the same, it’s a great respect to use a thing as it was originally intended. That limited edition you have sounds special.
Atlas Stationers is located in downtown Chicago near a building where I used to work. I visited that shop many times as I have always loved stationary stores. This was long before I fell in love with fountain pens (and I have you, Alicia, to thank for that). I no longer work in the Loop, but in my search for local fountain pens, Atlas popped up. There will be a day in the near future when I make a trip to the Loop, with Atlas being one of my stops (and the other major stop The Art Institute of Chicago).
Whoa.... I've loved the Rock Garden version.. but at $1200.. not in the budget.. thank you for your kindness regarding the family loss I've had this week.. as I wrote.. the peaceful, calming and beautifully made videos just does make me feel a bit better.. now, that pen! Stunning! Love your work.. and always love your shots of the landscapes!
Frank in Colorado
Yeah it’s a bit of a bank buster. But man, it’s so amazing. And you’re welcome. Be well ❤️
“The longer one spends sitting in the hobby…”. Lol. That is an understatement for sure. Down that rabbit hole!!!
It’s like you’re tumbling into new universes of delight at this point 😅
Howard! Gift this girl this pen! She deserves it!
Thanks a lot for making this video! For something people should be in a real hurry to show off there sure aren't many videos about the non-royale Yukari, and fewer still that actually emphasize its function as a pen. I had wanted one for a while but this got me on board with finally pulling the trigger, which you can feel good or guilty about
Wow! What a beautiful fountain pen!
I recommend to store it in the outer box.
The box is made of wood called "kiri".
"kiri" is able to control moisture.
Urushi is poor at humidity.
I'm not good at English.Sorry.
From Japan.
kiri is a wonderful wood, I do plan on getting a smaller version to store my urushi pens. Fortunatley humidity in the UK is really low most of the year.
very pretty pen. cool video
A brilliant first look at a brand new pen, made so much better by the fact you always open up and show your emotions 🙂 Thx Alicia, that truly does look an incredible pen. Raden along with maki-e! 🤩 I know what you mean about the cost of pens and I had a limit until 7 years ago I bought a Dorsal Fin v2 in urushi. I use that pen every day without fail and have done for the whole time. Our hobby soon has us entranced in a world where we’re soon able to justify incredible expense on such items. However, the whole experience is worth it to us all. A brilliant video 😃
Thank you so much Richard for your comment. Yes, I can see that Urushi pen of yours being a game changer! Speaking of which, that’s another pen on the wish list. It’s true, the longer we stay in the hobby, the more willing we often are to spend the money. These pens are works of art!
@@adventuredenali nakayas are just love. Dare I say it, slightly more easily obtainable as well. Not by much, but they offer more contemporary designs in their makie as well as traditional.
I'm a new subscriber to Andrew's channel. Thank you for the recommendation. What a kind heart to share the experience of this artwork. Stunning pen and lovely video.
Awesome! I’m glad you subscribed! He’s very kind and generous, no doubt!
Namiki stands out
Beautifull ☺😚
They sure do!
I fell in love with this model after I saw the "Milky Way" version. I had the pleasure of using one, borrowed from a friend, and I certainly agree with everything you said; the resin, the maki-e, really feels different.
Also, the pilot con-70 is an awesome converter; I put one in every "compatible" Pilot pen I own; even on the inexpensive Kakuno.
Thanks for the video.
So glad you got to experience one as well! It’s hard to describe, but it’s different for sure.
Great to know about the converter! I had no idea! It’s fantastic!
...darn you Andrew!! ☺️ oh what a pen!!! we are doomed Alicia, another one on the "W-list" !! Lovely video
Ahaha indeed!
Thanks for watching ☺️
Hahaha 😂 what’s a community for? Support in penabling others!
Truth be told I could have got this in Japan a hundred pounds cheaper. But Alicia has always been very supportive as a friend, and I remember expressing a desire of wanting to try one.
Plus, I love supporting atlas stationers!
Great unboxing, and demonstration. The pen is truly a work of art. Thank you for the videos!
Thank you and you’re welcome!
I just started my fountain pen collection. I have 4 Jinhao, 2 HongDian, 2 Ferris Wheel, 1 MonteVerde, 2 Lamy (safary and Al Star), 1 Parker and a Picasso 916 Malage Fountain. At the moment the costs are between $9 and $36... I would love a MontBlanc but I have to save more... without a doubt the Namiki are on another level... If I want one of those I have to stop buying cheap fountain pens.. I'm honest, they are EXCELLENT and write very well, but if I want the expensive ones, I need to hold my hand and resist the desire to buy more pens.
I couldn't own a pen this precious without chipping it at some point . It is enticing .
Apparently, the lacquer is super durable!
I accidentally dropped it on a stone floor, not a single chip or scratch.
@@PenFriends ooh wow! That’s so good! Must have been a frightening moment.
This is a dream pen! It is just perfect! Congratulations Andrew for this purchase 👏🏻🙌🏻🥰
Yeah it is a dream!!
It’s a dream to use!
i like those pens better than regular ones .
Wow!!! The beauty of the pen and your sheer excitement was just seeping through my screen!!
Hahah that’s so great! 😂
Holy smokes that's a lovely pen. I fully expect that it is a very precision instrument, but I didn't expect some felt lining in the cap to facilitate capping. I would resist, but wow. Nicely done Alicia -- and Andrew, what can I say? Thank you to both of you seems inadequate.
You’re so welcome! It is a very precious instrument, so well thought out and considered.
I have the Namiki Yukari Pine Needle and it's my most expensive pen. The combination of Maki-e, Raden, and Urushi lacquer are mesmerizing to gaze upon. I wish I could collect that one and all the others, lol.
It’s amazing, I never could even imagine until seeing it in person. It’s in a whole other league.
@@adventuredenali
Yes it is.
You should see this collection ruclips.net/user/JapansPerfectPens 😂😂 they aren’t all his pens! But if ever want to see a real good snapshot of namikis, this is the place!
Namiki is Pilot, they have always belonged to the same corporation. Namiki is the family name of the Pilot corporate's founder, and Pilot was the name of their first shop I believed when they started making pens. Initially all pens were sold under the Namiki name, which then changed to Pilot in some markets and the same pens were sold under Namiki still in the US until the 90s. Today, Namiki is a sub-brand under Pilot corporation, and is dedicated to high-end Urushi and Maki-e pens. It is somewhat similar to the relationship between Lexus and Toyota.
"special" understatement of the year lol. I've always wondered how they write, wouldn't want to spend that much on a pen that didn't fit well in the hand or write like one of my OMAS or Aurora. Ah so thats the history behind Namiki nib first, like some of the greatest brands. Dont forget Namiki also makes some cheaper pens with Urushi Lacquer but they're solid colours and still a bit much unless you really like pens. I believe Pilot owns Namiki so I'd be concerned if it was worse lol.
Tease! 😍
As a fountain pen collector, when I was starting I thought some of the prices were totally outrageous “its just a pen” and then I tried a more expensive fountain pen and the difference in how it feels, how it writes, is so noticeable that I became a convert. But at the same time, man does it bleed a wallet.
Like every hobby ever 😂😂 the pen won’t make you write better, but at least one has a lovely art piece to admire!
Oh wow! A work of art.
Truly!
So beautiful!
Very much ❤️
Namiki is my dream pen.. Such a masterpiece ❤
It is indeed a masterpiece
Your handwriting is pleasantly unreal !!
Thank you!
@@adventuredenali as opposed to mine, really unpleasant :-)
Amazing presentation and such a beautiful pen. What a dream!
Thank you, glad you enjoyed!
What a beautiful beautiful pen….
It truly is
Amazing pen! Nice review Alicia, enjoy writing with it for now.
Thank you, I will!
Beautiful!
Truly!
Is that a con-70 converter? It looks like the one on my custom 74 and I love it, it’s really easy to fill and holds a lot. What a gorgeous pen, looking forward to Andrews review as well. I would be nervous to hold such a special pen too, even if it was mine 😂. This hobby is so amazing. ❤️
Yes, turns out it is that converter! I had no idea it existed. It’s fantastic. This hobby is amazing!
@@adventuredenali when I first used the con-70, it took a couple of tries to get a nice full fill, but now I love it and wish more of my pens could use this converter.
Thanks for a great video. I have two pens in this series. They are very beautiful and well made. Fantastic writers also.
That is so wonderful! Which ones do you have?
@@adventuredenali I have a little less expensive ones, but very similar. Golden pheasant and the Phoenix
It’s so lovely
It really is
Oh my goodness… speechless
Yeah… haha!
That's just beautiful!
It really is!
I skimmed the 190 comments and didn't see this... Why did they put the artwork under the clip on the cap?! I'd want the artwork uncovered!
I’m thinking it’s a symmetry thing. The design would look off kilter if was left or right of the main barrel.
Still they could have move the design on the barrel left or right :))
❤️
Hello, Just checking what's the size of the nib, F or M? Btw love your wring.
Japanese aesthetics are among the most refined in the world. The featured fountain pen is only one example.
Agreed! 100 percent correct! And for that reason, the cost of ownership makes this pen in my minds eye good value! Especially with the length of time it takes to make such a pen.
Beautiful!!!
Indeed!
It’s an absolutely gorgeous pen! The raden work and urushi on top, amazing. It has felt inside the cap? That’s insane. Jajaja… I use that converter in my Pilot C74 and unfortunately I have to say it’s a pain to clean, so stick to one colour… just when I think it’s clean, more ink appears inside XD. Such a lovely pen.
I think I could only use it at home however. ;)
Oh haha that’s funny! I’ve usually found button fillers to be a pain to clean, but they’ve all been vintage pens and some of their buttons quite stiff. I wonder if I too would feel uncomfortable taking it out. I think, I’ve decided, I’d want to use it always, and I’d just get a really solid case to travel with.
Oh I have every intention to use the pen! It's to nice to to be used!
I carry even my most expensive pens with me. It takes a lot of use for me to justify buying a Namiki. As for the Con-70 converter, do you clean it with a syringe? I clean it with a syringe, and then soak it in distilled water for an hour, and it's always clean. But a drop or two of ink is almost never a bad thing. It's not enough to taint or react with other ink, unless it's something like an iron gall ink.
@@jamesaritchie1 yes, and to add to the left over ink inside a pen/convert, the droplets do look magnified within the barrel, so it’s even less ink than you think!
I’ve decided, I’m going to save up for a Namiki, and when I get it, I’ll take it around and use the heck out of it. :)
@@adventuredenali you guys are so much braver than me. Jajajaja. I would have to ensure it. I do carry my Pilot 823 and Pelikans but I’m always a bit apprehensive about it. I do use a syringe to clean the converter, never thought about soaking it after, good tip!
Undeniably beautiful, Alicia - & my namesake is a true altruist & generous of spirit (& your presntations, Andrew, are superb). My only observation would be, for a pen this expensive, I might expect an ebonite feed, rather than the stock grey plastic - but a minor detraction, only. I have the black translucent Custom 823, & as you originally asserted in your video of same, the writing experience is nothing less than perfection. I do agree at your surprise with the 18K nib on the Yukari being stiffer, I would have thought the converse be so. Of course, the wooden carriage box is always a nice touch - but the 'main event', if you will, is deserving of such cossetting; if I possesed such a writing instrument, then it would become as all my scribes: utilitarian & not overtly 'precious' - tho' each treated with an egalitarian level of respect in spite of price point.
What a delight & an extremely pleasurable experience, Alicia - Thanks to you both for making this video possible - stay well & keep safe, all,
Best,
Andrew :)
That’s a wonderful namesake, and rings true for all the Andrew’s I’ve known. I agree about the ebonite feed, that would be a true cherry on top. I love your description of how you would use and cherish such a pen. Thank you for sharing and taking the time to comment. ❤️
Not at all, Alicia - & thank you for your expedited response. There is a company in the States who make ebonite feeds to fit all the higher end Pilots - mine are red, & outfitted to both my Custom 823 & 742 scribes. If either you or Andrew are interested (or indeed anyone), I'll leave a link to Joey's website, below - stay well & keep safe,
Andrew (one of many ;D )
flexiblenib.com/store/shop/
@@andrewtongue7084 wow! That is so cool! I had no idea such a thing existed. Also, the link to this pen is in the description, I’m not sure if it has the information you’re seeking. Hoping the other Andrew will chime in.
It is, indeed, Alicia - & Joey (owner of that company) is most assiduous in helping. I believe - tho' don't quote me, he also manufactures ebonite feeds for Pelikans.
Andrew (Pen Friends) did also respond - it is the "Herb" series of Raden writing instruments - & that wasn't featured in the title of your video (well, not on my UK channel), so now I know where to look ! Do enjoy the remainder of your day,
Andrew :)
Very beautiful pen. I've been wondering how long it would be before you crossed paths with a Namiki or a Nakya. 👍
Oh man, it took a while, but it finally happened! Nakaya has been on my wishlist too, haha.
That is one sexy pen! 😋
“Budget willing”? What’s a’budget’?
Hi! If you have that pen you do not need the custom 823 anymore? If I get the namiki is enough?
The 823 has way more ink capacity and the nib is softer
Alicia, tho' this question would be more pertinent to Andrew (Pen Friends), which of the Namiki Yukari models is this specifically referring to, because there are a number of differing Maki-e designs available ?
Thank you,
Andrew :)
It’s in the video title :) it’s the yukari herb decoration www.pilot-namiki.com/en/collection/yukari/ you can see all the designs here! They range anywhere from 1,400 to 5,400 us.
Thank you, Andrew - so noted - I am most grateful. Do take care,
Best,
Andrew :)
Wow, just going to admire that from a distance, but I'd for sure buy a TWSBI with a push-button filler if they made one.
That would be cool! Actually, I think twsbi kind of has something similar with their spring loaded converter that just came out with the new pen. I haven’t looked at it myself, but maybe it’s more like a button filler! Apparently this converter is compatible with several of their other pens, even the Pilot metropolitan! I had no idea. So cool.
The brand new TWSBI Swipe comes with 2 converters, one of which works like this con-70.
@@arlenealennox3136 oh awesome! Thanks for chiming in!
Yes, I have a con-70 in a Pilot 912 FA and in an inexpensive Pilot Kakuno. I just penabled a friend and she bought a TWSBI Swipe in a pen shop 2 days after they came out. We put that pump filling converter in it.
@@arlenealennox3136 that’s so awesome!
💓💓💓
If I had a million dollars, I'll buy you two of those.
Aww hahah that’s very generous. 😂
If I had a million dollars to spare, I'd buy one custom pen I saw a while back that costs exactly a million dollars. It was as beautiful as anything I've ever seen, and I'd probably buy it, though I'd have to bum money to pay the taxes. And I probably wouldn't enjoy it much once my wife learned I did something like that.
But there's a great rule for such situations. If you can keep something secret for two months, it doesn't count against you. If your significant other asks where you got whatever it is, you can say, "What, this old thing? I've had it for months.
Sometimes it even works.
Does enyone use Fountain pen to leave notes like me
Absolutely! I use a fountain pen for everything though. :)
I so enjoy your content about pens, Unfortunately I can’t enjoy the world of fountain pens due to the fact I’m left handed! Very messy indeed! 😳
There’s left handed nibs! And if you use an EF nib, with a dry ink on absorbent paper, you’ll get on just fine!
Many of the most famous people in history were left-handed, and wrote unbelievably beautiful things. It's really just a matter of learning toi underwrite. There are lefties in my family, and in my wife's family, who taught themselves to underwrite with a fountain pen. Do this, and there is no chance that your hand will ever touch the ink. You might have trouble with some three ring binders, but so do righties when we use both sides of the page.
Anyway, there is no reason that lefties can't use fountain pens just as well as righties. There are thousands of lefties in the fountain pen world. A much higher percentage than you find in the general public. There seems to be something about lefties that draws them to art in general, and to fountain pens.
Give it a shot. Lefties learn how to do this all the time, and it really isn't that difficult to learn.
If anyone is curious on my thoughts, I’ve posted a video :)
So is the price too embarrassing to say out loud?
Haha I shouldn’t think so. But, prices change and fluctuate, and become outdated. There’s a link to one for sale in the description, $1,400.
It was about 1,200 us , which for me is much much cheaper than the uk, even with import tax! Am I embarrassed? Absolutely not, I used to have to have every iPhone release, but I saw the errors of my way and now I’m obtaining art and things that show the craftsmanship and beauty of humanity.
Of course it’s a lot of money to spend, but I justify it as I see it as art.
It's probably my phone although other videos play just fine but I can rarely hear your voice... I've even tried putting in earbuds to see if that would help. Nothing.
Oh I’m so sorry to hear this! I don’t have any issues in my end with sound though. I’m sorry that is the case for you. :/ I think captions are available?
Yes, captions are available! 😀
I'd be afraid to own a pen at that price range.
Haha yeah I thought so too. But, this pen is just so gorgeous…
I understand that entirely, but what puts this into the realm of utilising such an object is that we drive cars that can cost 3-4-5 times the amount.
Your smart phone costs about the same, if not more and your laptop especially a Mac, will definitely cost more!
So it’s a matter of context!
@@PenFriends yeah good point tbh. My phone is relatively inexpensive but the prices people pay for phones is the same if not more than the pen. I'd be afraid to drop it or lose it and then it be rendered useless. Its just so fragile. So beautiful too though! It really is a work of art.
@@eoghanf7526 house content insurance is your friend! The great thing about this pen is that urushi is incredibly durable, so the makie is well and truly protected :)
Yeah when I am holding a new motorcycle's worth of money in your hands, then I might also feel nervous. IF this Urushi work wasn't there, then wouldn't this just be a regular gold nib fountain pen? Aye.... all these materialistic hobbies like high end audio, fountain pens, EDC... are just snake oil at the top.
Kind of like saying if paint wasn’t on top of a canvas, it would just be a canvas :))
This is a pen done by intent, it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea and that’s just fine! But for art appreciators, then there’s a lot to love here!
just think that someone would use this with Lamy ink.
What do you mean?
Lamy ink is very good in my opinion :s
I prefer the majority of my fountain pens to be used unposted.
Same! But I love that they felted it never the less, so the option is there. :D
@@adventuredenali Felted or not, posting is still a bad idea. I've seen Namiki pens that were damaged by posting, and it's heart breaking. But it's always a bad idea to post a high quality fountain pen. Or even a cheap pen, unless it's a very lightweight plastic ppen with a plain barrel, and that you don't care about.
Damage to the barrel aside, other than true pocket pens, fountain pens work better with as much weight as possible down near the nib. The nibs not only work better, they last longer. Too many think "balance" means the center of the pen. It doesn't. It means optimum balance point for the best function, and this balance point is right behind the section
All praise be to Allah
😀
You are so beautiful
Thank you ☺️
why speak so slowly and softly its like we have to keep guessing what you are trying to speak
Haha just choosing my words carefully.