Nib
Pen point
Expressing the subtle nuances present in written Japanese, such as Tome, Hane, and Harai, requires elasticity in the nib.
On account of its rust resistance and elastic properties, gold is used in CUSTOM Series nibs. To create the elasticity suitable for writing, we also use alloys (14- and 18-carat gold) that are mixtures of, for example, silver or copper and gold.
It is thus possible for us to create the ‘flex’ suited to the flourishes found in written Japanese.
Gold is generally expressed on a scale of one to 24.
• Pure gold: 24/24 is 24K gold (1,000 parts per 1,000)
• 14K gold: 14/24, 14K (585 parts per 1,000)
The remaining 10/24 is a mixture of silver, copper, etc.
• 18K gold: 18/24, 18K (750 parts per 1,000)
Abrasion resistant alloy is welded to the tip—termed the pen point—that comes into direct contact with the paper. This process makes the nib durable and resistant to wear even when used to write large amounts.
Also, the feel and performance of a fountain pen depend greatly on how the pen point is sharpened.
At PILOT, in the final process of nib production, each and every pen point is carefully sharpened by hand.
Taking into consideration the writing of Japanese, which has features, such as Tome and Hane, not found in the Roman alphabet, we have prepared 15 types of nib.
The characteristics of the metals made into these materials and the careful finishing by hand give rise to the nibs for CUSTOM fountain pens.