Lots of people suggested the Pilot Kakuno to me as an entry level fountain pen, so I ordered one! See my recent Cult Pens mini haul here. See my review below (and transcribed under that, in case anyone can’t read my writing!):
Pilot Kakuno, fine nib, Pilot Namiki ink.
I’ve been using this pen at work for the last week to get to grips with it. At first, I was disappointed. I thought I’d gone for the wrong sized nib – but now I love it! Such a precise line – I think it makes my writing neater (this is neat – believe it or not!).
I put in the ink cartridge (that it came with), without thinking and it turned out to be black – I pretty much never use black ink so I find it quite boring! But I’ve got some blue cartridges to put in next so I’m hoping this will run out quickly… I’m writing with the cap un-posted. Not my usual style but it’s more comfortable this way. Speaking of comfort… The grip is quite hard and hurts a little after a while of writing, but that’s fair enough, given that it’s such an inexpensive pen.
I think I may actually find a medium nib more comfortable to write with, but I way prefer my handwriting with a fine one.
It’s quite leaky…
The nib is covered in ink after a few days carry in my bag, and I don’t think I’ve managed to use it without getting ink on my hands.
I really like the simplicity of the design, and the fact that you can choose different coloured caps.
Another cool feature is the smiley face on the nib – good for encouraging kids!
For a beginner’s fountain pen, I think this is brilliant! Especially for the price.
Pros:
- Produces neat, fine line
- Great design
- Very inexpensive
Cons:
- Not very comfortable grip
- Bit leaky
I got this pen at Cult Pens for £13.99
I’m curious as to what type of refill your going to use, as I have one of these as well and it ran out of ink pretty quickly. I also thought the cartridge that came with it was refillable, but now I’m not so sure!
Hi Caitlin, I just bought some Pilot Namiki cartridges. I haven’t used them yet but they’re meant to fit so fingers crossed!
I find the Lamy Safari an unbeatable fountain pen for novices and intermediate users. It might not have a smiley face on the nib (adorbs!) but it doesn’t leak a drop and it comes in a wide range of the funkiest colours!
Oooh yeah, lots of people suggested that one before. I’ve tried the Al-Star, which I really liked so am defo up for trying the Safari next!
I have two and have had a drop of ink in the cap when I dropped them cap end down, but not often. Definitely not getting on my fingers. Try (when you’re change the cart or the color) taking the nib and feed out and reinstalling making sure the notch inside is matched up and both get pressed down firmly in the collar. They are friction fit, this is an easy fix to try.
I suspect I’m just really messy with ink! I seem to get it everywhere no matter what I use… But that is a great tip, thank you! I’ll give it a go when I’m changing the cartridge.
Interesting post. Refills are harder to find in shops where I live.
Oh no!! Why is yours leaky??
I really like these pens especially at the cost I bought them at (about £6 each in Japan), I think it makes them good value for everyday writing?
I don’t know, I guess I need to do some tinkering. Yeah, they’re definitely still great value, even at £13.