The best entry level gold nib pen would be... the Sailor 1911S in H-M! It's such a great feeling nib, which made it a must to grab when we decided to leave the house due to Irma. The house is fine, no damage, and we were more than blessed for everything. Truly, I've not felt a pen as good as the 1911S. The nib has that interesting feedback, one that I've come to honestly enjoy more in my pens and has made me take a second when it came to looking at what I have. Much like the Faber Castell Loom, but with a bit more give, and it looks absolutely gorgeous. Thanks for the giveaway, David. This is very kind of you.
Thank you for another great review, I have been looking at the 1911 for awhile now. So I was torn between the Lamy 2000 and the Pilot Vanishing Point for my first gold nib pen. I asked my friend who works at a local pen shop which one I should get and his response was "Why not buy both? You know if you buy one, you will end up buying the other eventually." So I waited and saved and bought both. I like the convenience of the VP, but I find myself grabbing the Lamy way more. I got the EF and I would say that it is more of a fine, but the ink supply, snap (securely) cap, and overall design of the Lamy 2000 make it one of, if not my favorite fountain pens I have.
Hello there! I have a question that I have regarding the new Sailor 1911 S that I recently acquired. Will using the pen posted damage the pen? As in will there appear a ring on the back of the pen where I post the cap? I used my Sheaffer posted and they all have a ugly looking ring on the barrel now. Thank you for you valuable reviews and insight into the fascinating world of fountain pens.
Thanks for the great review and thanks for the giveaway! As to the topic, I haven't actually looked into gold nib pens much because they're pretty much out of my budget, but I've certainly wanted to get my hands on one to see how a gold nib feels!
These pens are wonderfully balanced, post securely, and great writers. The nibs are beautiful. Pen Chalet has become my retailer of choice, btw, free shipping if you're spend $50, they give you a free bottle of ink after a certain number of purchases, discount where they can, offer specials on quality pens, and you can find 10% discount coupons on many affiliated websites. Disclaimer: I'm in no way related, but I'm a guy on a budget, so I like the way they treat me. I think they also carry this pen with a Music (wet and smooth) nib. Yep, I just checked. The Oster inks btw, usually shade brilliantly. I think the "Fire" in River of Fire refers to a reddish sheen where the ink shades deeply. Good stuff.
thank you very much for this review and the special giveaway. To me the best entry level fountain pen is definitely a pilot custom heritage 92 with a FM nib straight from Japan. Great everyday writing nib (not too fine, not too broad, always performs), piston filler, nice size and comfortable in the hand.
Oooo! How exciting, that discount is lovely- many thanks to Pen Chalet! I got a Pilot VP Decimo as my first gold nib and I love it to bits. It was an absolute dream pen. I haven't acquired any other gold nibs, but I have tried Sailor pens from other people and it's definitely one of those pen brands that suit my writing style quite well, so I can't wait to get one. I'd obviously love to be considered for this giveaway. I really appreciate that you included a Safari and Metro in your size comparisons, made it really easy for me to understand the size of this pen, so many thanks for that! :D Can't wait to see Miss Ginny again in your videos, she's quite the sweetie.
Thank you, David! My first and only gold nib pen was a Sailor Professional Gear Slim in blueberry resin + silver, with a Fine nib. I can not recommend it enough, even though is quite small. I was positively surprised the pen wrote just out of its box, no rinsing or anything at all. And always writes immediately after inking it. Such a pleasure to use!
I picked up a Platinum PTL-5000a after watching Brian Goulet's review. At first, I was disappointed with the "plastic" body, and surprised by the feedback. But over time I became accustomed to both. Now, it has become my daily writer!! I'm thinking 3776 next!!
my entry level gold nib was my Mont Blanc Blue Hour LeGrand. My husband and I went to the Mont Blanc store because he wanted to make a purchase. I was just a tag along. Then I noticed a display and I could have sworn I heard angels singing. It was love at first pen stroke. It made a very beautiful anniversary gift. Since then I have acquired some of the more conventional entry level gold nibs such as a vanishing point and a Lamy 2000, I purchased a Sailor 1911 Large (HB) Fresca last Spring. I am very impressed with it and feel it's a great value. I love my pens from Edison but I haven't tried one of the gold nibs yet. I have to agree with the Anzan Hoshin Roshi . Brian's tuning is perfect.
I don't own a gold-nibbed pen, so I wouldn't know which is my favourite. I haven't used many, only my dad's MB 146 and MB Generation, and I absolutely love how they feel. I've wanted a Lamy 2k for quite a while but haven't pulled the trigger.
Thanks for the review! This pen looks awesome - I really want a Sailor now. My favorite entry level gold nib was the Pilot Custom 74. It's still my daily workhorse.
My first gold nib pen was a Pilot Vanishing Point which I bought early into the hobby. I wish I'd waited until I knew more about pens because it was really scratchy (my fault for getting an EF nib) and I didn't know how to smooth it out. My only current gold nib pen is a Lamy 2K. I enjoy it but I'm still getting used to the small sweet spot. I'm waiting on a Platinum 3776 to arrive to see how that compares. Thanks for this and all of your other reviews. Keep up the great work!
I received mine today and it is both great looking and writes perfectly ... BUT ... the standard size is way too small for my hand. So I will give it to my girlfriend and order the Large version, but the pen is a terrific writer and great looking.
I haven't watched many of your videos lately because I'm trying to cut back on pen purchases and save some money. I did notice on this one that you said that the nib is a dry writer or words to that affect but you are using a new ink. I bought a bunch of samples of Robert Oster ink and found the ones that I tried to be much too dry for my tastes. In fact I cleaned a few pens out that I had the ink in and replaced the ink with either Pilot, Sailor or Diamine ink and the dry nib was no longer dry. It was the ink, not the pen. May I suggest that you standardize on one readily available ink for all your reviews so that you can make valid comparisons? Thanks for reading.
Thanks for the review. The Waterman Carène might also be worth thinking about as an entry level gold nib. It's not exactly the cheapest but it has it's very own characteristics and you don't have to clean out a piston filler...
My only experience with gold nibs is a vanishing point that i bought used, and it flowed way too wet for what i could use it for as a student dealing with only cheap paper. I have relegated it to the drawer, hopefully to be used again when my paper options are much less limited.
I have an old 1911L that I bought used with an HB nib that seems like it had some work done on it. I totally love it! As for an "entry level" gold nib-- mine was a Lamy 2000, probably still my favorite pen.
Hi Mr. Boot! Another great review and one i was surprised to see included a giveaway. Currently my favorite gold nib is that on the Lamy 2k. i'd heard you and others sing its praises for so long that when i was working this summer i had to invest in one and i was blown away. Thanks for this opportunity
Great review. For my birthday I got my first gold nib pen a Pilot Custom 92 FM after more than 24 years using a Lamy Al Star medium nib which was buttery smooth. At first I didn't like too much writing with the Custom 92, it didn't felt as smooth as my Lamy, but with the time that feeling has changed for good. Problem is that I apply almost no pressure at all and sometimes the line will be almost non existent so had to go back and re write some letters.I have heard a lot of good things about Sailors nibs, many people say that are better than Pilot and Platinum so I am hoping to get a Sailor for Christmas.
My first gold nib pen was the Platinum 3776 Century with a broad nib. It was the perfect introduction to using a gold nib. The feel of the pen with the bit of bounciness in the nib is terrific. It certainly would be a great first gold nib for anyone
I love my Lamy 2K (EF). I have noticed that it seems to write on the dry side when I can just see thru the ink window nib down. Thanks for the giveaway!
First and only gold nibbed pen I bought was the 14k Platinum PTL-5000A. What was surprising for me was it's toothy, rather than glassy as I would expect from a gold nib but still enjoyable and pretty flexy. The body is light and cheap but the converter adds needed weight to it so it doesn't feel bad at all.
Well I'm still pretty new to the FP hobby and don't have a gold nib yet. I really like the Edison pens I've tried, and that may be my entry into the gold nib. Sailors look great, and a 1911 King of Pens is on my bucket list. Another great review.
Thanks, as always, for the review and the exciting giveaway opportunity! As far as entry level gold nib pens go, I think the Platinum 3776 and the Lamy 2000 would have to be at the top of my list. The 3776 offers more options for colors and personalization (some of the recent limited editions have been particularly good looking, although slightly more expensive) and I've always found them to be reliable writers. The Lamy 2000 is also reliable and I love the medium nib on mine. It's glassy smooth and I haven't had any of the "sweet spot" issues that are often mentioned online. I waited quite a while to buy my Lamy 2000 because of all of the talk about it online, but it's now one of my favorites and I'm kicking myself for not getting it earlier.
I've just started getting into fountain pens so I don't yet have a gold nib pen. I'm finding that I enjoy the Japanese finer nib pens over western pens. Granted, my experiences are limited to two Pilot Metropolitans and a Lamy Safari. I have a TWSBI Eco stub on order to see how I like stubs. The first gold nib pen that I'm looking at getting sometime next year is the Pilot Vanishing Point.
I think the Pilot Elite 95S/ E95S is a good modern gold nib entry pen. It is not completely stiff, with a little softness to it. But not modern flex soft that someone new to gold nibs may spring the tines. It is also a perfect size to be a daily carry. For price and quality, I think vintage pens are good as well, but not everyone may want to restore or maintain them.
Thanks David, nice review and the sound wasn't too bad just a bit off 😉. My favorite entry level gold nib pen is the Lamy 2000, it has a really classic and understated design. Reliable and sturdy enough to be a EDC without the need of baby it. Thanks for the review and giveaway!
Based on what I have researched - the Platinum 3776 is a good choice for entry level gold nib. Now some questions for you. If some of the main reasons for a gold nib are for the softer feel and springy-ness to the writing experience - are the Sailor Hard-"x" nibs worth the premium? Why not just go with a steel nibbed pen?
Excellent review, as usual. Fountain pen hobbyists can easily be distracted by whatever hot new thing gets released. What is your advice for picking pens that aren't trendy but will have real staying power over time?
Thanks for the review. I like that "1911" number! I'm a fan of the Pilot Vanishing Point, which I use at work, specifically because of the ability to access the nib one-handed.
Lamy 2000 was my first so I have a soft spot for that. I do like larger pens since I have big hands. Are there any recommendations for a larger section pen?
Thanks for another great review, definitely has me thinking about getting a Sailor.. (and the discount code certainly helps!). As far as entry level gold nib pens, I would say either a Lamy 2000 or a Pilot Custom 74 are great places to start, I've found both to be well made, reliable, and both write really well.
Lamy 2000 was my first and is still one of my favourites. I would go for an F in stead for EF in hindsight, since the line is barely thicker while it writes wetter. Sailor 1911 has been on my to-get-list for a while though.
Bought one for 190 euros (ouch!), deep blue one with gold hardware and black end caps. Pilot Vanishing Point and Lamy 2000 were both 220 euros (double ouch!), so 1911S was a bit value selection on my part. But I don't like looks and weight of Vanishing Point and Lamy 2000 feels awkward to hold for me. Parker Sonnet was also in selection, for cheap, cheap price of 150 euros, and Waterman Expert for 170. I was tempted by 1911 Young Profit for even cheaper than Sonnet but no, 1911S is now my first modern gold nib pen. Mine is H-M, only version available and my first choice anyway, juicy, smooth with nice spring, reminds me of my Sheaffer 300 Fine but even lighter. Funny how plastic body feels sturdy and doesn't scratch at all. And the best thing is, this pen really wants me to use it, it just writes and writes and doesn't wanna stop. Problem is that now I want Pro Gear to go with my 1911... P.S.: I got ripped-off, mine came in paper Sailor box and only with convertor, no cartridges. Maybe mine was Japanese import or something?
My favorite starter gold nib pen was MY first gold nib pen, the beautiful Pilot E95S with a strong bias towards the Burgundy and Ivory version (or Wine and Champagne as I like to call it.) Not only is it one of the most affordable at 139 USD through most retailers but it is striking to look at. It writes like a dream and its size makes it very convenient. If you need to get your first gold nib pen, look no further than the elegant and reliable E95S... or get a LAMY 2000 those are great too!
Hi -- great review. The first gold nib I bought was a Namiki Falcon--light and with sufficient flex for me. The comparison sizes that you do are great. It might have been interesting to see it compared to the larger Sailor. I'm interested in buying a Sailor but need to compare the size in the hand (and check my wallet).
Great video! On the topic of entry-level pens, I'd say that my choice would be the Pelikan M200. It's a pen that I had just recently been gifted from a friend in Europe and I find that it is quite superb. It writes quite smoothly, like all the Pelikans I've had, and it is a fine size for someone with perhaps a little smaller hands than mine (I still find it still quite nice to write with posted however.) The flow is great and it has no trouble keeping up with my fast writing. Best of all, the price is in the sweet spot for all other entry level gold nib pens so it's a perfect choice for a student.
Hi, my first gold nib pen is the Pilot Custom 74, which I bought for my birthday. Unfortunately, it has a lot of skipping issues and I had to send it back to Pilot to adjust the nib. A few months later, on a holiday trip, I bought a Lamy 2000 in F and really loved how it writes - smooth-writing, worked straight out of the box, no hard starting, no skipping. So the Lamy 2000 would be my favourite entry-level gold nib pen. I haven't try any pens from Sailor before, so I would be grateful to have the opportunity to get one. Enjoyed your review a lot. Thank you!
Great review! My favorite gold nib pen is my Platinum PMG-5000 Stainless Armor. Its 14k nib is smooth as can be and the pen is beautifully simple with a steel barrel. I have never met anyone else who owns one.
Oh man! My grail pen is the Sailor 1911! The nib design is my favorite. Drool! As for entry level gold nibs, I've looked at the Pilot e95s, but I've never seen one in person. I've tried a Custom 74 before at a pen shop and thought it was pretty decent too. When I personally move up to a gold nib, though, I'll be splurging for the Sailor brand.
I have a Sailor Lecoule and I love the design of it, as well as how it sits in my hand. A 1911 would be an upgrade :) I recently emptied my savings jar for a pilot custom 92, as where I bought it from, was not much more than the 74. I'm blown away by the difference between the steel and gold nibs. I feel it was a great introductory pen with a gold nib.
How does this pen compare to the Platinum 3776 in writing characteristics and, a thing often mentioned on the latter pen, ability to write straight away after weeks, or even months, in a drawer?
I have to say the Lamy 2000. The build quality is fantastic and the utility of the snap cap and piston filler sets it above the other entry-level gold pens.
Thanks for the review, David. My first gold nib pen was the Pilot Custom 74, which I love. I would recommend it to everyone. The Sailor pen looks great, and I need (want) one in my collection. Is the giveaway open to those living outside the U.S. ?
Best entry level gold nib is, hands down, the platinum 3776, amazon sells it for ~ $65, has a broad range of nibs, my preferred is the soft fine. Well made, beautiful nib, range of colors, slip and seal, it just has everything going for it.
I love the 1911 S.!!!!!!!!! A friend has one and I can't wait to get one! I have never bought a gold nib pen, so I cannot say anything other than my buddy's 1911 S. It's a dream to write with! As long as I can tell what you're saying, the audio is not an issue. Thank you for the review!
Thusfar my Lamy 2000 is my favourite entry level gold nib pen however, I don't have the Sailor 1911 Standard to compare it with. This is more of a classic cigar shape whereas the Lamy is slick and yes still modern, after all these years.
I would prefer if you would show size comparison of uncapped pens. Pelikan pens for instance look shorter compared to similar pens when capped but when uncapped are actually longer.
My first gold nib was a (HM) Sailor Pro Gear Slim. Today after over 40 fountain pens with both gold and steel nibs in all sizes is still my prefered nib. Thanks for the review.
Thanks for this review, which coincidentally coincides with a recent return from Japan. I happened to purchase several pens on my wish list so am now the owner of a Platinum 3776 in S-F Bourgogne and a Nice in F. However my first gold nib is the Pilot Custom 74 in Music just for fun. So to answer your question, that would be my first and certainly not my last. The Sailor would make a nice addition !
Thanks for your review; I very much like the classic design of this pen. I am new to fountain pens and do not yet have a Sailor. My only Gold nib pen is a Franklin Christoph Model 02 with a Fine Cursive Italic nib by Mike Masayama.
Great video David! I loved seeing the size comparison for this pen and was excited seeing it is a similar size as the Metro which I love. I've been wanting to get my first Sailor for a while now and this has helped me settle on a model!
Oh yea, and my recommendation for an entry level golf nib would actually be a Lamy Studio Palladium. Granted, I don't have a ton of gold nib experience but I love the material of that pen combined with the softness of the gold nib.
My favorite entry level gold pen has to be the Pilot E95S. While not good for big hands, it is great for anyone else. You can get it around 98 dollars, and it writes well, as well as looks unique.
My only gold nib is the platinum 3776 in soft fine which I do find somewhat difficult to write quickly with (probably because I'm a lefty and have to push the nib across the page which isn't too compatible with the flex). Did you mention what the cap mechanism was in the video? (I might have missed it) Also the size comparisons might be slightly improved if you showed one pen on each side of the review pen at a time :) otherwise a fantastic review
My first gold nibbed pen was a Platinum 3776. I bought it two years ago, and I still use it often. Thank you for your reviews. I appreciate the content very much.
I think one of the best entry level gold nib pens is the Platinum 3776 which can easily be found on Amazon for around $70. This includes two day shipping if you are a Prime member. Thank you for your awesome reviews!
My first pen with a gold nib was a Parker Vacumatic, but I would recommend something like a Platinum 3776 or comparable pen by Sailor or Pilot. All make great entry level gold nibbed pens.
Thanks for the review. First time I have heard of a "hard broad" nib. Is this a classification they supply to all their nibs, i.e hard vs soft fine, medium, broad?
I was really spoiled by my first gold nib pen, the Pilot Custom Heritage 92 -- more for the fact that it's a superbly constructed piston-filler than for the nib itself, though the nib is great too. I also love my Pilot Stargazer, a beautiful pen and an excellent writer! Never tried a Sailor though *fingers crossed* :) Thanks as always for the review!
In my opinion the L2K is my favorite entry level gold nib because it brings nice features to the table such as the warm Makrolon, the iconic design, and the piston-filliing mechanism.
I only have one gold nib pen in total, which is also considered to be an entry-level gold nib: the Pilot Custom 74, with a soft fine nib. I am crazy about my Pilot, but I would really love to try out a Sailor because it is a brand I haven't had the chance to write with yet. I have my eyes on this Sailor 1911 or the Pro Gear Slim, which are the maximum budget range for me, but have yet to raise money for it yet:). Thank you for the review!
The Sailor gold nib is my favorite nib of all. I prefer the 1911 over the Pro Gear for some reason. I adore this nib, but have not tried the 21k nib. Great giveaway, and excellent review.
I think that the best entry-level gold nib pen is the Platinum 3776. It can be found for $60 new at times and that the nib has a decent feedback and the pen in general just feels like it is constructed as a quality product.
Thanks for the review! Really appreciate your time and effort with these videos. I don't have a gold nib pen yet but my current dream one is the Pilot E95S in burgundy and gold. So gorgeous and classic looking, portable with an inlaid nib. Ahhhh.. one day soon, my precious!
My entry level gold nib pen would be the 3776. Just a question though, what pen would you describe as having sharp threads? All the reviews I've watched seems to say the threads are not sharp for this pen or that. Thanks.
The closest I have to an entry-level gold-nib pen is a Pilot Vanishing point - great pen, love it, want at least one more. ;) Thanks for the review, David - I have been pondering Sailor pens of late, debating on one of those or a Platinum 3776...
Unfortunately I don't have a gold nib pen to talk about because the most expensive pen I have is a twsbi diamond 580al but I was at a shop the other day and was able to look at a sailor 1911 and I was very impressed and would love to have one. I plan on hopefully getting a gold nib pen in the next year or two.
I think the Pilot Vanishing Point or Decimo are great gold nib entry level fountain pens but I also hav eto mention the Lamy 2000 since it's also a very good pen with a very elegant look.
Have only tried the Pilot line for gold nibs and they were really nice - there aren't any local shops that have Sailor. The 1911 is such a classic looking pen 👌
I used to think my Lamy 2000 was the best gold nib I've ever used, and I preferred it over the Pilot Custom Heritage 92, but over time, my CH92 has seen more and more use over my 2K. I think the nice springiness and consistent smoothness is really perfect for someone just getting into gold nibs.
Nice review, as always. Seems like everyone else has a Lamy 2000 and a Pilot "Capless". But I'll add my vote to both. This is a pen that I've looked at for a while, and now I might need to look again. Thanks.
My first gold-nibbed pen I *think* was the Lamy 2000 - and I'd find it hard to go past it as a recommendation. The Vanishing Point was my second. I love it too, but it's not a great fit for everyone's hand. Thanks for doing another giveaway - this will be a fantastic pen for its new owner!
My favorite has been my Pilot Custom Heritage 91 and right after that would be the Lamy 2000. The Lamy would have been first pick but the extra fine nib I received was horrible and had to send it off to get fixed by Marc Bacas
My favorite entry level gold nib is the only one I own: the Pelikan M400. These pens have a great following and it is easy to see why once you get your hands on one.
The best entry level gold nib pen according to me is the pilot celemo / platinum ptl 5000A . It comes with a 14 k gold nib and is listed for just 45 USD on amazon.com ,. Isn't that amazing ???
Thanks David for this and your other reviews. My "entry level" gold nib pen was a Lamy 2000. Still going strong and much loved after 40 years.
For a student nothing beats the Lamy 2000 or the pilot vanishing point as they don't dry up after a "long" pause.
The best entry level gold nib pen would be... the Sailor 1911S in H-M! It's such a great feeling nib, which made it a must to grab when we decided to leave the house due to Irma. The house is fine, no damage, and we were more than blessed for everything.
Truly, I've not felt a pen as good as the 1911S. The nib has that interesting feedback, one that I've come to honestly enjoy more in my pens and has made me take a second when it came to looking at what I have. Much like the Faber Castell Loom, but with a bit more give, and it looks absolutely gorgeous.
Thanks for the giveaway, David. This is very kind of you.
Thank you for another great review, I have been looking at the 1911 for awhile now. So I was torn between the Lamy 2000 and the Pilot Vanishing Point for my first gold nib pen. I asked my friend who works at a local pen shop which one I should get and his response was "Why not buy both? You know if you buy one, you will end up buying the other eventually." So I waited and saved and bought both. I like the convenience of the VP, but I find myself grabbing the Lamy way more. I got the EF and I would say that it is more of a fine, but the ink supply, snap (securely) cap, and overall design of the Lamy 2000 make it one of, if not my favorite fountain pens I have.
You’ve helped make me a pen collector and the 1911Standard is fantastic. Never dries. Precise very fine and always super readable. Beautiful nib.
Dave Gould Cool. Thanks for watching!
Hello there!
I have a question that I have regarding the new Sailor 1911 S that I recently acquired. Will using the pen posted damage the pen? As in will there appear a ring on the back of the pen where I post the cap? I used my Sheaffer posted and they all have a ugly looking ring on the barrel now.
Thank you for you valuable reviews and insight into the fascinating world of fountain pens.
I haven't personally experienced any issues posting a Sailor.
Figboot on Pens thank you very much for your prompt reply.
Love the way Sailor design's their sections and nibs...conserving the classic fountain pen look
Thanks for the great review and thanks for the giveaway! As to the topic, I haven't actually looked into gold nib pens much because they're pretty much out of my budget, but I've certainly wanted to get my hands on one to see how a gold nib feels!
These pens are wonderfully balanced, post securely, and great writers. The nibs are beautiful. Pen Chalet has become my retailer of choice, btw, free shipping if you're spend $50, they give you a free bottle of ink after a certain number of purchases, discount where they can, offer specials on quality pens, and you can find 10% discount coupons on many affiliated websites. Disclaimer: I'm in no way related, but I'm a guy on a budget, so I like the way they treat me. I think they also carry this pen with a Music (wet and smooth) nib. Yep, I just checked.
The Oster inks btw, usually shade brilliantly. I think the "Fire" in River of Fire refers to a reddish sheen where the ink shades deeply. Good stuff.
This versus 3776? My two main options.
thank you very much for this review and the special giveaway. To me the best entry level fountain pen is definitely a pilot custom heritage 92 with a FM nib straight from Japan. Great everyday writing nib (not too fine, not too broad, always performs), piston filler, nice size and comfortable in the hand.
Oooo! How exciting, that discount is lovely- many thanks to Pen Chalet!
I got a Pilot VP Decimo as my first gold nib and I love it to bits. It was an absolute dream pen. I haven't acquired any other gold nibs, but I have tried Sailor pens from other people and it's definitely one of those pen brands that suit my writing style quite well, so I can't wait to get one. I'd obviously love to be considered for this giveaway. I really appreciate that you included a Safari and Metro in your size comparisons, made it really easy for me to understand the size of this pen, so many thanks for that! :D Can't wait to see Miss Ginny again in your videos, she's quite the sweetie.
Thank you, David! My first and only gold nib pen was a Sailor Professional Gear Slim in blueberry resin + silver, with a Fine nib. I can not recommend it enough, even though is quite small. I was positively surprised the pen wrote just out of its box, no rinsing or anything at all. And always writes immediately after inking it. Such a pleasure to use!
I picked up a Platinum PTL-5000a after watching Brian Goulet's review. At first, I was disappointed with the "plastic" body, and surprised by the feedback. But over time I became accustomed to both. Now, it has become my daily writer!! I'm thinking 3776 next!!
my entry level gold nib was my Mont Blanc Blue Hour LeGrand. My husband and I went to the Mont Blanc store because he wanted to make a purchase. I was just a tag along. Then I noticed a display and I could have sworn I heard angels singing. It was love at first pen stroke. It made a very beautiful anniversary gift. Since then I have acquired some of the more conventional entry level gold nibs such as a vanishing point and a Lamy 2000, I purchased a Sailor 1911 Large (HB) Fresca last Spring. I am very impressed with it and feel it's a great value.
I love my pens from Edison but I haven't tried one of the gold nibs yet. I have to agree with the Anzan Hoshin Roshi . Brian's tuning is perfect.
Entry level? Mine was a used Parker 45 Flighter with a 14k fine. Came in under $20 shipped.
I don't own a gold-nibbed pen, so I wouldn't know which is my favourite. I haven't used many, only my dad's MB 146 and MB Generation, and I absolutely love how they feel. I've wanted a Lamy 2k for quite a while but haven't pulled the trigger.
Thanks for the review! This pen looks awesome - I really want a Sailor now. My favorite entry level gold nib was the Pilot Custom 74. It's still my daily workhorse.
These are just over $200 in Canada. I'm thinking of getting one.
Thanks for the review. Great looking pen. I don't have anything with a gold nib yet.
My first gold nib pen was a Pilot Vanishing Point which I bought early into the hobby. I wish I'd waited until I knew more about pens because it was really scratchy (my fault for getting an EF nib) and I didn't know how to smooth it out. My only current gold nib pen is a Lamy 2K. I enjoy it but I'm still getting used to the small sweet spot. I'm waiting on a Platinum 3776 to arrive to see how that compares.
Thanks for this and all of your other reviews. Keep up the great work!
I received mine today and it is both great looking and writes perfectly ... BUT ... the standard size is way too small for my hand. So I will give it to my girlfriend and order the Large version, but the pen is a terrific writer and great looking.
I haven't watched many of your videos lately because I'm trying to cut back on pen purchases and save some money. I did notice on this one that you said that the nib is a dry writer or words to that affect but you are using a new ink. I bought a bunch of samples of Robert Oster ink and found the ones that I tried to be much too dry for my tastes. In fact I cleaned a few pens out that I had the ink in and replaced the ink with either Pilot, Sailor or Diamine ink and the dry nib was no longer dry. It was the ink, not the pen. May I suggest that you standardize on one readily available ink for all your reviews so that you can make valid comparisons? Thanks for reading.
Thanks for the review. The Waterman Carène might also be worth thinking about as an entry level gold nib. It's not exactly the cheapest but it has it's very own characteristics and you don't have to clean out a piston filler...
My only experience with gold nibs is a vanishing point that i bought used, and it flowed way too wet for what i could use it for as a student dealing with only cheap paper. I have relegated it to the drawer, hopefully to be used again when my paper options are much less limited.
I have an old 1911L that I bought used with an HB nib that seems like it had some work done on it. I totally love it! As for an "entry level" gold nib-- mine was a Lamy 2000, probably still my favorite pen.
Hi Mr. Boot! Another great review and one i was surprised to see included a giveaway. Currently my favorite gold nib is that on the Lamy 2k. i'd heard you and others sing its praises for so long that when i was working this summer i had to invest in one and i was blown away. Thanks for this opportunity
Great review. For my birthday I got my first gold nib pen a Pilot Custom 92 FM after more than 24 years using a Lamy Al Star medium nib which was buttery smooth. At first I didn't like too much writing with the Custom 92, it didn't felt as smooth as my Lamy, but with the time that feeling has changed for good. Problem is that I apply almost no pressure at all and sometimes the line will be almost non existent so had to go back and re write some letters.I have heard a lot of good things about Sailors nibs, many people say that are better than Pilot and Platinum so I am hoping to get a Sailor for Christmas.
Thank you for providing a great review. My favorite entry level would either be the Pilot e95s or the Platinum 3776.
My first gold nib pen was the Platinum 3776 Century with a broad nib. It was the perfect introduction to using a gold nib. The feel of the pen with the bit of bounciness in the nib is terrific. It certainly would be a great first gold nib for anyone
I love my Lamy 2K (EF). I have noticed that it seems to write on the dry side when I can just see thru the ink window nib down. Thanks for the giveaway!
First and only gold nibbed pen I bought was the 14k Platinum PTL-5000A. What was surprising for me was it's toothy, rather than glassy as I would expect from a gold nib but still enjoyable and pretty flexy. The body is light and cheap but the converter adds needed weight to it so it doesn't feel bad at all.
Well I'm still pretty new to the FP hobby and don't have a gold nib yet. I really like the Edison pens I've tried, and that may be my entry into the gold nib. Sailors look great, and a 1911 King of Pens is on my bucket list. Another great review.
Thanks, as always, for the review and the exciting giveaway opportunity! As far as entry level gold nib pens go, I think the Platinum 3776 and the Lamy 2000 would have to be at the top of my list. The 3776 offers more options for colors and personalization (some of the recent limited editions have been particularly good looking, although slightly more expensive) and I've always found them to be reliable writers. The Lamy 2000 is also reliable and I love the medium nib on mine. It's glassy smooth and I haven't had any of the "sweet spot" issues that are often mentioned online. I waited quite a while to buy my Lamy 2000 because of all of the talk about it online, but it's now one of my favorites and I'm kicking myself for not getting it earlier.
While I don't personally own any gold nibbed pens, my favorite that I've used was my friend's Lamy 2000. Its a wonderful pen, if you've not used it.
I've just started getting into fountain pens so I don't yet have a gold nib pen. I'm finding that I enjoy the Japanese finer nib pens over western pens. Granted, my experiences are limited to two Pilot Metropolitans and a Lamy Safari. I have a TWSBI Eco stub on order to see how I like stubs. The first gold nib pen that I'm looking at getting sometime next year is the Pilot Vanishing Point.
I think the Pilot Elite 95S/ E95S is a good modern gold nib entry pen. It is not completely stiff, with a little softness to it. But not modern flex soft that someone new to gold nibs may spring the tines. It is also a perfect size to be a daily carry. For price and quality, I think vintage pens are good as well, but not everyone may want to restore or maintain them.
Thanks David, nice review and the sound wasn't too bad just a bit off 😉. My favorite entry level gold nib pen is the Lamy 2000, it has a really classic and understated design. Reliable and sturdy enough to be a EDC without the need of baby it. Thanks for the review and giveaway!
Based on what I have researched - the Platinum 3776 is a good choice for entry level gold nib. Now some questions for you. If some of the main reasons for a gold nib are for the softer feel and springy-ness to the writing experience - are the Sailor Hard-"x" nibs worth the premium? Why not just go with a steel nibbed pen?
While the "hard" nibs are a bit more firm than standard gold nibs, I have found the ones I've used to still feel softer than their steel counterparts.
Excellent review, as usual. Fountain pen hobbyists can easily be distracted by whatever hot new thing gets released. What is your advice for picking pens that aren't trendy but will have real staying power over time?
Thanks for the review. I like that "1911" number! I'm a fan of the Pilot Vanishing Point, which I use at work, specifically because of the ability to access the nib one-handed.
Hi David, I'd have to go with the 1911s. However, is it possible to switch nibs in these or in Platinum pens? Thanks
Lamy 2000 was my first so I have a soft spot for that. I do like larger pens since I have big hands. Are there any recommendations for a larger section pen?
Thanks for another great review, definitely has me thinking about getting a Sailor.. (and the discount code certainly helps!). As far as entry level gold nib pens, I would say either a Lamy 2000 or a Pilot Custom 74 are great places to start, I've found both to be well made, reliable, and both write really well.
Lamy 2000 was my first and is still one of my favourites. I would go for an F in stead for EF in hindsight, since the line is barely thicker while it writes wetter. Sailor 1911 has been on my to-get-list for a while though.
Bought one for 190 euros (ouch!), deep blue one with gold hardware and black end caps. Pilot Vanishing Point and Lamy 2000 were both 220 euros (double ouch!), so 1911S was a bit value selection on my part. But I don't like looks and weight of Vanishing Point and Lamy 2000 feels awkward to hold for me. Parker Sonnet was also in selection, for cheap, cheap price of 150 euros, and Waterman Expert for 170. I was tempted by 1911 Young Profit for even cheaper than Sonnet but no, 1911S is now my first modern gold nib pen. Mine is H-M, only version available and my first choice anyway, juicy, smooth with nice spring, reminds me of my Sheaffer 300 Fine but even lighter. Funny how plastic body feels sturdy and doesn't scratch at all. And the best thing is, this pen really wants me to use it, it just writes and writes and doesn't wanna stop. Problem is that now I want Pro Gear to go with my 1911...
P.S.: I got ripped-off, mine came in paper Sailor box and only with convertor, no cartridges. Maybe mine was Japanese import or something?
My favorite starter gold nib pen was MY first gold nib pen, the beautiful Pilot E95S with a strong bias towards the Burgundy and Ivory version (or Wine and Champagne as I like to call it.) Not only is it one of the most affordable at 139 USD through most retailers but it is striking to look at. It writes like a dream and its size makes it very convenient. If you need to get your first gold nib pen, look no further than the elegant and reliable E95S... or get a LAMY 2000 those are great too!
Hi -- great review. The first gold nib I bought was a Namiki Falcon--light and with sufficient flex for me. The comparison sizes that you do are great. It might have been interesting to see it compared to the larger Sailor. I'm interested in buying a Sailor but need to compare the size in the hand (and check my wallet).
Great video! On the topic of entry-level pens, I'd say that my choice would be the Pelikan M200. It's a pen that I had just recently been gifted from a friend in Europe and I find that it is quite superb. It writes quite smoothly, like all the Pelikans I've had, and it is a fine size for someone with perhaps a little smaller hands than mine (I still find it still quite nice to write with posted however.) The flow is great and it has no trouble keeping up with my fast writing. Best of all, the price is in the sweet spot for all other entry level gold nib pens so it's a perfect choice for a student.
The nib on the M200 is gold plated stainless steel.
Hi, my first gold nib pen is the Pilot Custom 74, which I bought for my birthday. Unfortunately, it has a lot of skipping issues and I had to send it back to Pilot to adjust the nib. A few months later, on a holiday trip, I bought a Lamy 2000 in F and really loved how it writes - smooth-writing, worked straight out of the box, no hard starting, no skipping. So the Lamy 2000 would be my favourite entry-level gold nib pen.
I haven't try any pens from Sailor before, so I would be grateful to have the opportunity to get one. Enjoyed your review a lot. Thank you!
Great review! My favorite gold nib pen is my Platinum PMG-5000 Stainless Armor. Its 14k nib is smooth as can be and the pen is beautifully simple with a steel barrel. I have never met anyone else who owns one.
Oh man! My grail pen is the Sailor 1911! The nib design is my favorite. Drool!
As for entry level gold nibs, I've looked at the Pilot e95s, but I've never seen one in person. I've tried a Custom 74 before at a pen shop and thought it was pretty decent too.
When I personally move up to a gold nib, though, I'll be splurging for the Sailor brand.
I have a Sailor Lecoule and I love the design of it, as well as how it sits in my hand. A 1911 would be an upgrade :)
I recently emptied my savings jar for a pilot custom 92, as where I bought it from, was not much more than the 74. I'm blown away by the difference between the steel and gold nibs. I feel it was a great introductory pen with a gold nib.
I love the Lamy 2k as a great starter gold nib pen, very smooth, consistent writer, stays wet because of the hood, overall just a great pen
How does this pen compare to the Platinum 3776 in writing characteristics and, a thing often mentioned on the latter pen, ability to write straight away after weeks, or even months, in a drawer?
I have to say the Lamy 2000. The build quality is fantastic and the utility of the snap cap and piston filler sets it above the other entry-level gold pens.
Thanks for the review, David. My first gold nib pen was the Pilot Custom 74, which I love. I would recommend it to everyone. The Sailor pen looks great, and I need (want) one in my collection. Is the giveaway open to those living outside the U.S. ?
Best entry level gold nib? A WingSung 698 with the gold option?
Best entry level gold nib is, hands down, the platinum 3776, amazon sells it for ~ $65, has a broad range of nibs, my preferred is the soft fine. Well made, beautiful nib, range of colors, slip and seal, it just has everything going for it.
I love the 1911 S.!!!!!!!!! A friend has one and I can't wait to get one! I have never bought a gold nib pen, so I cannot say anything other than my buddy's 1911 S. It's a dream to write with! As long as I can tell what you're saying, the audio is not an issue. Thank you for the review!
Thusfar my Lamy 2000 is my favourite entry level gold nib pen however, I don't have the Sailor 1911 Standard to compare it with. This is more of a classic cigar shape whereas the Lamy is slick and yes still modern, after all these years.
I would prefer if you would show size comparison of uncapped pens. Pelikan pens for instance look shorter compared to similar pens when capped but when uncapped are actually longer.
My first gold nib was a (HM) Sailor Pro Gear Slim. Today after over 40 fountain pens with both gold and steel nibs in all sizes is still my prefered nib. Thanks for the review.
Thanks for this review, which coincidentally coincides with a recent return from Japan. I happened to purchase several pens on my wish list so am now the owner of a Platinum 3776 in S-F Bourgogne and a Nice in F. However my first gold nib is the Pilot Custom 74 in Music just for fun. So to answer your question, that would be my first and certainly not my last. The Sailor would make a nice addition !
Thanks for your review; I very much like the classic design of this pen. I am new to fountain pens and do not yet have a Sailor. My only Gold nib pen is a Franklin Christoph Model 02 with a Fine Cursive Italic nib by Mike Masayama.
I'm still deciding on an entry level gold nib. Can't choose between this, the Vanishing Point, and the Pilot Custom 74
Great video David! I loved seeing the size comparison for this pen and was excited seeing it is a similar size as the Metro which I love. I've been wanting to get my first Sailor for a while now and this has helped me settle on a model!
Oh yea, and my recommendation for an entry level golf nib would actually be a Lamy Studio Palladium. Granted, I don't have a ton of gold nib experience but I love the material of that pen combined with the softness of the gold nib.
I agree on the Platinum 3776. Aside from the great nib, the classic looks are fantastic.
My favorite entry level gold pen has to be the Pilot E95S. While not good for big hands, it is great for anyone else. You can get it around 98 dollars, and it writes well, as well as looks unique.
My only gold nib is the platinum 3776 in soft fine which I do find somewhat difficult to write quickly with (probably because I'm a lefty and have to push the nib across the page which isn't too compatible with the flex).
Did you mention what the cap mechanism was in the video? (I might have missed it)
Also the size comparisons might be slightly improved if you showed one pen on each side of the review pen at a time :) otherwise a fantastic review
My first gold nibbed pen was a Platinum 3776. I bought it two years ago, and I still use it often. Thank you for your reviews. I appreciate the content very much.
I think one of the best entry level gold nib pens is the Platinum 3776 which can easily be found on Amazon for around $70. This includes two day shipping if you are a Prime member. Thank you for your awesome reviews!
Should I buy a converter will it or not?
My first, and still a great one to start on I think, was a Pilot Custom 74. It's a smooth wonderful nib and a great all around pen.
My first pen with a gold nib was a Parker Vacumatic, but I would recommend something like a Platinum 3776 or comparable pen by Sailor or Pilot. All make great entry level gold nibbed pens.
Thanks for the review. First time I have heard of a "hard broad" nib. Is this a classification they supply to all their nibs, i.e hard vs soft fine, medium, broad?
I was really spoiled by my first gold nib pen, the Pilot Custom Heritage 92 -- more for the fact that it's a superbly constructed piston-filler than for the nib itself, though the nib is great too. I also love my Pilot Stargazer, a beautiful pen and an excellent writer! Never tried a Sailor though *fingers crossed* :)
Thanks as always for the review!
I just bought a sailor 1911 standard but can't use it until my birthday in October. Can't wait!
In my opinion the L2K is my favorite entry level gold nib because it brings nice features to the table such as the warm Makrolon, the iconic design, and the piston-filliing mechanism.
I have no idea about the gold nib entry level because I have only one fountain pen, a Lamy lx, that I got a couple of months ago.
I only have one gold nib pen in total, which is also considered to be an entry-level gold nib: the Pilot Custom 74, with a soft fine nib. I am crazy about my Pilot, but I would really love to try out a Sailor because it is a brand I haven't had the chance to write with yet. I have my eyes on this Sailor 1911 or the Pro Gear Slim, which are the maximum budget range for me, but have yet to raise money for it yet:). Thank you for the review!
The Sailor gold nib is my favorite nib of all. I prefer the 1911 over the Pro Gear for some reason. I adore this nib, but have not tried the 21k nib. Great giveaway, and excellent review.
I think that the best entry-level gold nib pen is the Platinum 3776. It can be found for $60 new at times and that the nib has a decent feedback and the pen in general just feels like it is constructed as a quality product.
Thanks for the review! Really appreciate your time and effort with these videos.
I don't have a gold nib pen yet but my current dream one is the Pilot E95S in burgundy and gold. So gorgeous and classic looking, portable with an inlaid nib. Ahhhh.. one day soon, my precious!
I don't know much about entry-level gold nibs but, as my first gold nib pen I bought a Parker Vacumatic Silver Pearl. I just LOVE how it looks.
My entry level gold nib pen would be the 3776.
Just a question though, what pen would you describe as having sharp threads? All the reviews I've watched seems to say the threads are not sharp for this pen or that. Thanks.
The closest I have to an entry-level gold-nib pen is a Pilot Vanishing point - great pen, love it, want at least one more. ;) Thanks for the review, David - I have been pondering Sailor pens of late, debating on one of those or a Platinum 3776...
Unfortunately I don't have a gold nib pen to talk about because the most expensive pen I have is a twsbi diamond 580al but I was at a shop the other day and was able to look at a sailor 1911 and I was very impressed and would love to have one. I plan on hopefully getting a gold nib pen in the next year or two.
I think the Pilot Vanishing Point or Decimo are great gold nib entry level fountain pens but I also hav eto mention the Lamy 2000 since it's also a very good pen with a very elegant look.
Have only tried the Pilot line for gold nibs and they were really nice - there aren't any local shops that have Sailor. The 1911 is such a classic looking pen 👌
I have never tried writing with a gold nib pen before. Maybe I'll invest in a Lamy 2K?
The entry level gold nib pen I like is the Parker 51 Vacumatic Demi. It writes fine and smooth and performs well on many types of paper.
I used to think my Lamy 2000 was the best gold nib I've ever used, and I preferred it over the Pilot Custom Heritage 92, but over time, my CH92 has seen more and more use over my 2K. I think the nice springiness and consistent smoothness is really perfect for someone just getting into gold nibs.
Thank you for giving us all a chance to win such a beautiful pen. I wish I owned a Sailor pen, great video, great review.
Nice review, as always. Seems like everyone else has a Lamy 2000 and a Pilot "Capless". But I'll add my vote to both. This is a pen that I've looked at for a while, and now I might need to look again. Thanks.
I've enjoyed my Platinum 3776s, but haven't tried a Sailor 1911s. I sure would like to! I enjoy your channel regularly.
My first gold-nibbed pen I *think* was the Lamy 2000 - and I'd find it hard to go past it as a recommendation. The Vanishing Point was my second. I love it too, but it's not a great fit for everyone's hand. Thanks for doing another giveaway - this will be a fantastic pen for its new owner!
My favorite has been my Pilot Custom Heritage 91 and right after that would be the Lamy 2000. The Lamy would have been first pick but the extra fine nib I received was horrible and had to send it off to get fixed by Marc Bacas
My favorite entry level gold nib is the only one I own: the Pelikan M400. These pens have a great following and it is easy to see why once you get your hands on one.
The best entry level gold nib pen according to me is the pilot celemo / platinum ptl 5000A . It comes with a 14 k gold nib and is listed for just 45 USD on amazon.com ,. Isn't that amazing ???