I've Been Waiting For This - New Old Stock Pilot Vanishing Point Fountain Pen

[@nvbelozerov]

Эта модель 1990 выпуска. Я ее купил в 1994 в России, целых 5 штук, 4 подарил друзьям, 1 пользуюсь до си пор с 1994 по 2024, ежедневно. Лучшая и любимая ручка.

[@sweetwaters6]

This model is my favorite of all my VP’s. I love the weight, the profile of the clip with regards to gripping the pen, the facets…for me it’s *chefs kiss!*

[@Doodlebud]

😘😘

[@frankwales]

11:00 If you find the weight of the VP doesn't work for you beyond simple note-taking, maybe try a Decimo. They're noticeably lighter, and a bit thinner, while still using the same nib units..

[@richardashcraft8015]

Ron Zorn from Main Street Pens here in the US will machine and insert a brass threaded ferrule so you don’t have to worry about cracking or stripping the plastic threads-I think his current price is around $75 US. I had mine done and the workmanship is excellent.

[@jpfanfic4226]

He has two of my vintage pens in queue right now. I can't wait to see what he can do with them. I was so happy to find someone nearby who can service old pens.

[@richardashcraft8015]

You will be pleased

[@howerk]

I absolutely agree. On your video, you were right to be worried when you first saw those plastic threads - they're the weak link on this pen. Those plastic threads got stripped on my pen and I had it repaired with this same method. Excellent outcome.

[@Doodlebud]

LOL, I was actually drawing up a brass part to be made to insert into the pen. Yeah, I really don't know why they didnt extend that internal brass piece to include the threads.

[@slo_carry]

So jealous! A Namiki Faceted is my #1 grail pen. ❤❤

[@quailypoes]

Aw I hope you get one soon! Although if you're left handed it may not be what you're hoping. The clip placement kind of sucks for lefties, although the pen is definitely pretty!

[@slo_carry]

@@quailypoes mine just came in! I haven't inked it yet though. Waiting till I use up the ink in another pen or two

[@pen_journal]

Congrats on securing this beauty DoodleBud!!!! I also do prefer the Pilot "vintage" pens... Their modern counterparts are awesome, but there is this "X" Factor on the vintages... Phenomenal!

[@Doodlebud]

Its really really nice. I will work on those threads a bit and maybe do a video on it. I'm pretty sure they we turn to mush if I don't do something

[@helenbugsynelson]

I’m so jealous. My skin is actually turning green! I got my first Pilot vanishing point in January this year. I’m totally hooked, but now the pen allowance is used up. Maybe in the future there will be a cool one like yours. Congratulations on a great purchase. ❤

[@Doodlebud]

These sold quickly. I had an alert on my eBay search for these pens setup

[@Cara_girlwithhat]

I've been loving my Vanishing Points so much lately that now I know what my next ebay hunt will be. Great video.

[@harrybaals7715]

One of your best videos yet! Watched the whole thing and even the glam shots were perfect. Loved this! 😍

[@Doodlebud]

Thanks Mr. Baals 😁

[@basta.dotto_]

I too like that the nose and clip are one piece.👏

[@hameedn.b7004]

Indeed a subtle eye catcher

[@EnCwoisant]

Deewwwwww-dlebud

[@KL005]

BOOM

[@robsterTN]

That vintage clip design is so much nicer. I wish they hadn’t changed it.

[@archivist17]

A classic Capless! Wonderful. I am more than slightly jealous.

[@davideselmin8018]

Wow, this is by far more beautiful...

[@teresaharris-travelbybooks5564]

The end of that pen reminds me of the Sabrejet, or F-86 Sabre, used during the Korean War. I enjoyed your enthusiasm for this pen. It's way cool.

[@archivist17]

It's giving me more F-100 Super Sabre vibes.

[@franciscogarcia7117]

I thought the same thing when I saw the pen. Total Sabre vibes.

[@The_Ossifrage]

@@archivist17 Nice to see a lot of us thought the same thing... I saw the thumbnail and instantly thought, hey that looks like an old USAF jet! The F-100 is right on the money.

[@theProf_01]

Wow! I don’t know this pen was still available. Thanks for the comparisons. 👍

[@pdexBigTeacher]

I have one of these, and how I got it is CRAZY! So one day a student in my class comes to me and says, “This pen was under my bed; my mom won it at her job and no one really wants it.” I see that it was a vanishing point; the clip said “Namiki”, which intrigued me. I went on eBay to price it; when I showed him the price ($599) his friend next to him said, “BRO! you gave up a PS4!!!😂😂😂

[@jpfanfic4226]

I agree about the old vs new pens. I bought an old pilot elite with a bent nib, and using your video tutelage I fixed the nib and I'm so happy with it!

[@Doodlebud]

Glad you were able to fix it! Such a lovely pen

[@omeryehezkely3096]

The sticker on the wrapping is of the importing company. It is more than likely that the pen was wrapped for years, possibly by Pilot (or immediately upon receiving it in Israel by the importing company). It is unlikely that the pen was wrapped just before shipping it to you.

[@littletweeter1327]

the better VP design! looks so so much better than the new ones.

[@damutoob]

I bought 2 back in 1997. I prefer the nose/clip style of the 90’s models. The threads do get re-cut badly when opening for filling. The original production colors were “red”, green and blue. There should be a the date of production on the nib. The re-introduction Pilot Vanishing Points in the ‘90’s came in a larger leather covered metal box in a white cardboard sleeve. Inside the pen was on an insert with 2 pilot cartridges, and the instructions under the removable insert.

[@Doodlebud]

Ah yes that's right about the date stamp. Forgot to check that, I just was soaking in the initial opening of the pen. Just looked now: A592 so should be Hiratsuka plant May of 1992

[@syd_seiko]

Oh how I wish I found your clip earlier.. The F nibs were sold out and I managed to get one of the last few M nibs..... Thank you for the detailed review

[@MiFFiL]

Vintage starts at 20 years and antique starts at 100 years

[@Doodlebud]

Yeah I've seen different numbers float around for the vintage term. Some say over 20yrs, some say over 50 years, for some its 30yrs. No real hard and fast standards I guess and can change on what type of items you're talking about.

[@alanpareis734]

I love my late 80s Namiki branded cap less, bought it new from Levenger. Button end cracked at threads many years ago. My experience mirrors what others said in the comments and replies. About 7 years ago, I had Ron Zorn install his brass threaded insert. Beautiful, for me the tiny extra weight improves the already great balance of the pen. My advice is contact Ron and have him install his threaded brass insert before yours cracks -and it will eventually, these pens are famous for cracking at the thread end. Agreed on the modern day VPs, I have a Crimson Sunrise LE, with a wonderful Linda Kennedy CI nib. A pretty and clunky overweight boat anchor that I can’t write with for more than a couple of lines. The Namiki Capless is in my monthly rotation several times a year.

[@Doodlebud]

Yup, it will most likely need an insert. I just did a video (up tomorrow) about tuning the threads so they don't cut into the body. Will see how that goes for a while

[@samyg123]

I’ve been tempted by this eBay listing

[@dsb1763]

Between 1981 to 1993, the Vanishing Point was branded with Pilot on the clip. In 1994, it was branded with Namiki. So your pen is a little older than you are making it out to be with your description saying in the ‘90s. Although it still could be in the early’90s. I will agree with you that the older style is much better than the redesigned current configuration. I would guess Pilot just adapted to the American and European market. And now we are stuck with it until something better comes along. Cheers

[@Doodlebud]

I checked then nib for the date code. May of 1992

[@cynthiaalvarado8610]

Very tempting to click the eBay link. Great find getting NOS in great condition.

[@Doodlebud]

I just updated the links in the video as they sold quickly. But I contacted the seller and he had 15 more of each which he just posted.

[@kenshinhimura3014]

Just got one of this. Never used/inked, it came with a retirement certificate. The nib is broad, but it writes more like a medium European. This version is more comfortable in the hand and between the fingers than the modern ones. Emailed Ron to do the brass insert work done. 😁😁😁

[@craigbond7877]

I found one of these at the Dallas Pen Show last fall. I love it-so sleek and aerodynamic. I've had 2 friends in my pen club offer me double what I paid for it. Nope, this one's a keeper.

[@Doodlebud]

Its absolutely a keeper! I really wish they brought this back!

[@craigbond7877]

@@Doodlebud I got a Pilot Custom Stripped from 1974 from a friend a few months ago. Another reason to keep an eye out for nice vintage pens. Keep up the great videos.

[@wittwittwer1043]

I have 3 "modern" Pilot VPs and a single Decimo. I enjoy the Decimo the most because it is slimmer and more aesthetically pleasing: The barrel/cap band joint is flat and stream-lined compared to the bulging bands on the VPs. I am satisfied with the way that all of them write, but for me the Decimo gives a more satisfactory writing experience due to its slimness.

[@Doodlebud]

Yeah I get the appeal of the Decimo now

[@kenshinhimura3014]

I got the vintage vanishing point with a broad nib, it writes super smooth and it's juicy. I also have a Montblanc rouge et noir baby with a fine nib; they both write super smooth, but the line are exactly the same width vertical and horizontal. One thing I did was to store the pump converter and I'm using a cartridge. I'm always super careful when putting the cap back when felling the cartridge. It's crazy to me that a Japanese broad is the same as a western fine 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️. Anyway, love this pen and enjoying it 😁😁

[@NagiSeishirou-il2rr]

Beautiful

[@Doodlebud]

Was so happy to find one at this price

[@quailypoes]

Am so excited to see this video! I found one of these at the thrift store. It says Namiki on the clip, but otherwise looks almost exactly the same!

[@niftybottle]

As a person who doesn't really like most modern pilots, I do quite like a lot of their vintage/semi-vintage/whatever pens. The only exception I've found where I feel the modern Pilot is better is the Justus/Justus 95. My 80's Justus is kinda scratchy and not too pleasant to write with, and doesn't seem to get very soft. The modern Justus 95, on the other hand, is one of the few modern Pilot nibs I like (the other being the Falcon). Unfortunately I have not had the budget to buy a modern one, just been allowed to test at pen shows. Of course, I may just have an old Justus that needs smoothing or something, which I will get around to when it runs out of ink. But most older Pilots I've tried are bangers.

[@Doodlebud]

I've yet to try the Justus. It does intrigue me though

[@Epicaricacy666]

I just got mine in the mail. I wasn't expecting it to be so lightweight. It's amazing to me how premium the modern Vanishing Points feel compared to it. I was slightly worried the modern nibs wouldn't fit but they do! I'm excited to switch the gold trim one that comes with it to a rhodium trim to match the pen a bit better. I'd love to get it Urushi lacquered over, it's something I'm definitely contemplating for a VP in my collection down the line. Really happy to have it in my collection, the VP in general is my favorite fountain pen. Thanks for a good look at this pen, gave me enough information to pull the trigger on it. I do also really love the one piece clip, that's what sold me haha.

[@Doodlebud]

Watch this follow up video about the pen. There's a design issue with it but showed how to fix it. Otherwise the barrel can crack over time

[@NeilKalmanson]

I agree with the aesthetics of the older VP, but all the top part of my older versions cracked, because there was no metal supporting rings!

[@Doodlebud]

Yeah that brass insert should have been extended to accommodate threads. Fitting it with a brass insert would be the way to go

[@ChrisGVE]

Could you file the threads a bit to prevent them to bite into the plastic? Like giving them a round profile at the point of the channel to insert the nib?

[@Doodlebud]

Yeah I'm going to have to take the edge off those threads. They aren't playing nice-nice with the plastic

[@ichirofakename]

1. "All other blues now look pathetic." - as the man (me) says. About Baystate Blue. 2. I also find the NOS more attractive. Just like the Sailor anchor logo, which has recently been refreshed to look worse. Funny how often that happens. Presumably everybody always tries to make their stuff look better, but usually fails.

[@Doodlebud]

Well not all blues, but pale ones look like nothing next to BSB. I like the look of the older sailor nibs as well. That anchor looks great

[@santauxia]

Nice pen. I'm not crazy about the faceted barrel, prefer the smooth one.

[@maichen77]

You inspired me to get this pen and a pilot elite even though I got a custom 823 with FA nib not too long ago. Now I will have 3 pilot pens to use! 😂

[@Doodlebud]

A Pilot trifecta! My vintage Elite and this one are so good together

[@michaels3429]

I love bay state blue.i gave it away and haven’t used it since and I have a polar blue that no body wanted., but once it’s gone, should I atsy away frim bay state? The answer is no

[@wendyholiday2021]

Fun surprise.

[@larsgottlieb]

You could probably use a fine needle file to round over those threads, or, with tonz of care, a nail file

[@Doodlebud]

Yeah I'm going to have to take the edge off of those threads. Maybe I can do a video on that

[@larsgottlieb]

@@Doodlebud That's a good idea (o:

[@bethg7026]

Ok I finally got the nerve to fill mine. It has the squeeze converter and I'm terrified to put it in my ink vial so I syringe filled it. I went with Noodler's Elysium for the first inking of my first gold nib pen.

[@Recordesk]

Ahhhh! Drooling... :)

[@Doodlebud]

Using it right now 😉 Love it! I've been looking forever for one of these but the ones I found were always over $300USD. This was a fantastic price and apparently a lot of people thought so too. Like 40+ sold in about 2 days!

[@user-gl5ld9vm7i]

DB: Thanks for the review. Are the nib units interchangeable with the 90s and modern versions?

[@Doodlebud]

Haven't tried that, I will give it a go

[@erad67]

I have a lot of different Pilots, including the Elite with hatched cap like yours, but still don't have a VP. They seem to be hiding from me.

[@nvbelozerov]

В 2023 китайцы выпустили Majohn A2, точную копию этой японской ручки. Перо EF. 17 вариантов цветов корпуса. Сегодня я купил 2 такие ручки, зелёный цвет корпуса как и в первом выпуске 1990 из 4 вариантов цвета. Купил через российский маркетплейс Ozon по удивительной цене менее 15$.

[@johnlopez3996]

How long do you think the rubber sac will last in the older Vanishing Point? The agitator ball bearings in the new ink converters do take up space. I wonder if that changes the ink capacity.

[@Doodlebud]

No idea on that, but probably a VERY long time. Its a pretty thick and sturdy material. Worst case I just but a new update Con-B converter as it will still fit

[@toobbeebopper]

I've gotten into fountain pens just recently and I've been wondering: why do they put the clip on retractable fountain pens down on the grip near the nib instead of up near the push-button like a normal rollerball/ballpoint clickers?

[@jamesjacocks6221]

The pens presumably must be transported tip up, per usual.

[@frankwales]

How long until that eBay seller sells out thanks to DB, I wonder?

[@frankwales]

Heh, an hour ago they had 12 available, now they have 4 available. DB definitely deserves some credit from them for the sales rush, I reckon.

[@frankwales]

Aaand, sold out.

[@Doodlebud]

He just posted more after I contacted him ;) www.ebay.ca/itm/285306227544 - fine www.ebay.ca/itm/285306226808 - medium

[@ironmic9244]

May be you've addressed this before but in the case of metal threads on plastic, can you put silicone grease to protect the plastic grooves? Okay I think you answered that here. The clip on the Capless also has what looks to have a slope or triangular look it that fits perfectly with the facets on the body. That could also what is making the pen more comfortable vs. the VP. Do you have a Curidas? Perhaps you can do a comparison between all these capless pens?

[@Doodlebud]

The grease won't really fix much, the sharp edges will still be sharp. I'm going to take the edges off and see if that fixes it. I might do a quick video on that

[@danielribeiro4618]

Thanks for the video, very nice pen. I saw on ebay the same seller selling these nea mint. Was yours also near mint in the description?

[@cd3694]

Yeah that clip design on the 90s version is way more high end looking. The 2000s clip looks cheap in comparison

[@strshooter7399]

“Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get.” -Forrest Gump... Old stuff, new stuff, you just never know till you have one in your hand whether its' a treasure or trash. I like the look of the Lamy Dialog 3 pianoblack, it seems very clean looking, yet functional. Gold nib, what more can you want? {LAMY dialog urushi fountain pen ~ $8900.00 ??} HA! I could make a down payment on a new Goldwing MC with that kind of cash.. . Thanks for the video DB. 🙂

[@Doodlebud]

Yeah $8900 is serious coin for a pen

[@hanyi2zeng]

Hi! What grease would you put on the threads of fountain pens? Would it be different if it’s metal on metal threads, versus plastic on metal?

[@Doodlebud]

I would use silicon grease as it's pretty safe

[@Vipelez]

Totally unrelated question: does anyone know if Doodlebud is in any way related to AvE?

[@Doodlebud]

I get this question almost daily. We're both engineers & I grew up in the same part of the province where he lives. Never knew of him until someone asked if I was AvE. Seems like we would get along really well LOL

[@philnaunton7181]

You know, this model is surprisingly good looking, but at the same time it looks like an experiment which the manufacturers were unsure of, so they made some aspects of it rather cheap. That way they wouldn't lose too much in the investment if the marketing failed. Later it became more substantial as the success was realized. Of course I may just feel that way since I couldn't grab one of these originals.😅

[@philnaunton7181]

About a year ago I came across one of the original Pilot Elites languishing in a stationery store. Today it is one of my favorites. The current versions, although quite similar, do not have the pazazz of the original model. Of course I may just feel that way because I nabbed this one. ❤ Ha-ha....

[@vincedelapena]

If you want to make the NOS Pilot pen sound vintage, just refer to it as being made "in the late 1900s". Now It sounds like it belonged to your great grandfather. LOL

[@Doodlebud]

I don't want something from the 90s to be classified as vintage....makes me feel especially old

[@dracolipop]

I was made in the 1900s 😢 lol

[@5eyed2k]

Hi i was interested in purchasing this item but its all sold out, tried reaching out to the seller but no responses, do you have an easier way of contacting the seller or maybe another seller than i can purchase this pen from?

[@Doodlebud]

I reached him after the initial release of the video and they all sold out. I contacted him and he had more so he released another 30 he had in storage. Those sold out in a few hours. I think thats all he has. I don;t have any other communication lines other than through his ebay store. You'll just have to search and see what you can find. These are rare, took me a long time to find one like this in this condition at this price. It was a really good deal and got scooped up quickly

[@RPD_ps]

"this is not an original Pilot bag" I think it's an original bag. Maybe the sticker was put by the store but it looks very similar to the pilot bags from that time.

[@Doodlebud]

Yeah looks like their sticker and wasnt sure about the bag. The part that made me think it wasnt original was how hard it was to pen the bag, just seemed like the wrong type of plastic. The seal on the end looked a bit odd as well, like something more from a non commercial sealer would do

[@donnaellis3314]

I have one in blue

[@Doodlebud]

Nice!

[@Roberto__Skar]

You said it Mr Bud - The older Pilot pens have it. I think however convenient it is to quickly 'click' and have a fountain pen nib appear, that clip at the business end, however well it's designed, is like someone wearing a bum-bag with a Gucci suit (or a bum bag with any other clothing come to that). Call me old fashioned but I prefer to unscrew, or pull off a cap to reveal a nib, which I think is an important ritual before putting pen to paper. If we want the convenience of clicking a button you just as well use a ball point pen.

[@pnwesty7174]

Sunuva....... the new clip feel is what made me not get the current model.

[@Doodlebud]

You'd like this one😉

[@BillRitchie-e9n]

I bought one of these in the early 90s. It looks just like yours. Still using it. When I decided to get another VP, I realized the dimensions were different. I'm thinking this is the size of today's Decimo, isn't that correct? Also, I think the body is plastic, not whatever the current Decimo is, although they weigh about the same. How do you compare them? I also find the clip less intrusive on the older one. Love to know your thoughts. By the way, mine says "Namiki" on the clip, not "Pilot."

[@Doodlebud]

The modern VP is a brass body and is thicker. The Decimo is also brass body but thinner so more like these older VP models

[@BillRitchie-e9n]

I received a Decimo yesterday and LOVE it! It's the size of the vintage, but feels heftier because of the metal body, I also have a Fermo en route and will be excited to try that. @@Doodlebud

[@Doodlebud]

@@BillRitchie-e9n I haven't tried the Decimo but pretty sure I would like it over my VP. It doesn't seem to get the same attention from Pilot for the nicer colors & finishes like the VP does. Love my vintage VP and bet that heavier Decimo is just the ticket 👍 Good to hear you're liking it

[@BillRitchie-e9n]

And by the way, I love your stuff! As a Geezer rather recently into fountain pens, I have way too many of them, and far too tempted by the things you show. LOK @@Doodlebud

[@Doodlebud]

@@BillRitchie-e9n As a geezer you should try out fixing up vintage pens. Maybe find one you like from your birth year 😉. Tuning nibs might be something you find interesting as well

[@mattmeech]

I was lucky enough to order this pen before it ran out, but the company shipped it with an new style Ink Bladder , not the one you are demonstrating. It’s very loose in connecting with the nib section, it feels like it will leak everywhere if I ink it up. 😢No plastic bag either, but same nib number A592. Not sure what to do about it… I’ve written, hopefully they will send the correct one to me. Anyone else had this problem?

[@philnaunton7181]

All gone....

[@Doodlebud]

That was quick!

[@Doodlebud]

Check my community post, he just put more up: www.ebay.ca/itm/285306227544 - fine www.ebay.ca/itm/285306226808 - medium

[@michaels3429]

AVpEn .. just saying…. I’m naive…

[@Javi_C]

Looks nice!

[@ironmic9244]

What was in the box? What's in the box? What's in the f****** box? You gave it away in the title man. C'mon Doodlebud, play the game. While I'm not much a VP etc, fan I did have the chance to get a a burgundy capless from the 70s. thought about it for a minute, and then let is pass. I think you need a special pen case now for this pen and the Elite.

[@paulmchugh1430]

Ok, it was either the Elite or this Vanishing Point. It is all sold out 😔

[@Doodlebud]

I just made a post with a link to more. I reached out to him last night and told him about my video. He had 15 more of each so he just posted them: www.ebay.ca/itm/285306227544 - fine www.ebay.ca/itm/285306226808 - medium

[@smashy152]

Scuffed AvE (sorry but it must be cause you're both canadian)

[@Doodlebud]

I get the AvE reference almost daily LOL. From the same part of the province and both engineers too

[@Inazarab]

The old VP had a gorgeous design. I really wish they still made this model because I find the modern incarnation hideous. And as much as I like the mechanism in the VP, the modern pen is just too ugly for me to buy. I really hope they refresh the design. The main things that make the old model superior are the integrated clip, the subtle ring in the center, and the faceted design. The modern VPs clip is ugly as garbage, and those ghastly rings on the body made me vomit. It's a real shame that the modern VP is such a disgusting looking pen.

[@Doodlebud]

So it sounds like you're saying.......not a huge fan of the modern VP design? 😆 I never knew a pen design alone could induce vomiting. I hope that didn't happen while in a pen store! I could imagine being passed a pen across the counter and then suddenly vomiting all over the pen and surrounding items. I know some stores have the "you break it you buy it" sign, but after an incident like that they would have to update the sign to read "you break it OR puke on it, you buy it" 😂

[@unlvqasl]

I hate to be a cynic but isn't the function of a pen to use it as a writing implement and not to drool over the fact that the clip looks different. In other words to misquote Shakespeare - "the nibs the thing". In the case of pilots if you put an old pilot into a new body do you have an old pilot or a new one. I have 3 pilots and I have had them for 10 or 15 years so arfe they old or new. In the end I don't care as long as I can write w them.

[@MehediHasan-wf6zp]

Looks thinner than the new ones

[@Doodlebud]

It is more inline with the modern Decimo model. The new VP is much thicker and heavier

[@syedafahd]

I think it’s amazing.. good deal.. but in my honest opinion, it still doesn’t beat the 20$ Mont Blanc M (original) fountain pen 🫣🤗

[@Doodlebud]

That will be a tough deal to break!