A comparison of 4 pilot flex pens for artists

[@mstalcup]

At 12:20 he mentions the metal version of the Falcon. What I like about the metal version of the Falcon is that it uses a Con-70 converter, holding much more ink than the resin version of the Falcon. I use it for drawing all the time. Even though it's metal, it's not too heavy for comfort.

[@mkompan]

Ah, yes, I failed to point out that the metal Falcon holds the larger con-70 converter. However, in the US that pen is currently selling at around 250$, which puts it into the same price category as the excellent Pilot 743FA.

[@llion2806]

I have the resin version and I turned it into an eyedropper. Never had a problem with it being an eyedropper. It writes well and it is a bonus that it holds a larger capacity of ink (almost 3ml) than the metal version with the Con70 (1.1ml) You can watch Brian Goulet do a test on the falcon regarding this.

[@jamesbrown59]

A really helpful video Marc. A lot of us have been looking for comparisons between the various soft or Flex nibs that pilot uses. One thing in defense of the plastic Falcon is that it can be converted to an eyedropper if you use lots of the same ink. Then it has a very large incapacity. Please keep making these great videos!

[@mkompan]

Thank you, James! I love eye-dropping my pens, but hadn't considered trying it with my Falcon, because I worried about corrosion to the metal ring at the end of the barrel. However, under close inspection, it looks like the ring doesn't go all the way through, and the inside of the barrel is solid plastic. Thanks for the tip!

[@CastleMc]

I have the first 3, and while I enjoy them all, I want to give a shout-out to the Falcon SF. I see many people criticize it for not being very flexible. While it isn't like a vintage flex Waterman's or Omas, etc., it is very responsive, which makes it a pleasure to use for drawing. That quality is reminiscent of Waterman's artist's pens, the Brown and Pink nibs of old, and which are now very expensive.

[@mkompan]

I also really like it and use it often. The question is, how much flex do you really need? I think for most drawing purposes the Falcon provides enough, and is as you said, beautifully responsive.

[@ZommBleed]

I own the Metal Falcon w/ EF nib (black/Rhodium, filled with Noodler's North African Violet V-Mail). Carry it everyday. Loved this video comparison. Some food for thought for my next Pilot purchase.

[@anitasamuel-george5788]

Thank you for this video! I've been looking for something like this as I decide which Pilot flex nib/pen to get! Especially between the 912 and 743!

[@mkompan]

You're welcome, Anita!

[@KelpieWilson]

Thanks for the great review! I have both F and EF Pilot Falcon. The EF is really quite different from the F - perhaps more like your Pilot Custom 74 SF. It is one of my favorite pens. To get around the tiny ink converter capacity, I find the Pneider pen filler a great tool. It is small and packs safely in you kit and can completely fill the converter very easily and cleanly.

[@mkompan]

You're welcome Kelpie, and thank you for the recommendation! Sigh...now that you tell me that the EF is quite different, I'll have to get it. :)

[@mauriceminor]

Exactly what I was looking for

[@korax67]

Great comparative test ! I have the Custom 74 and the Custom 742 (the same as 912) and I have come to same conclusions as you. Although I was charmed about the 742 , I tend to use the 74 more frequently as it is easier to control and more pleasant to use ! Well, that was a surprise for me ! My next goal is to get the 743 , since I don't care for the Falcon model, in europe comes only the metal version which is, as you said, expensive (@ €250, I can get a 912 or a 742 w/ WA or PO nib). Thanks again !

[@mkompan]

You’re welcome! I think the 743FA is a nice balance between the 74SF and the 912FA. It’s definitely easier to control than the 912FA, which almost feels squishy. I think you’ll really enjoy it.

[@stricht8]

Really excellent review. I own a pilot Falcon with SEF nib and it’s hands down my favorite overall pen. I’ve ordered a custom 74 with SF nib from Japan and still waiting for it to arrive- very excited. Based on your review I’m now very curious about the custom 743 with FA! Btw, I have a 912 with FA but modified for Spencerian by John Mottishaw and wow does that thing flex and the Spencerian customization inherently creates a needlepoint nib, hence very fine fine lines! I would say it is as good if not better than the vintage flex pens that I own. But at the end of the day there is still something about the Falcon with SEF that makes it my favorite so far!

[@mkompan]

Thank you! I've been curious about the Mottishaw Spencerian customization for quite sometime, and will have to take the dive at some point. It might be too flexy for my purposes, but I love the challenge of working with difficult materials, which is why I draw with a pen in the first place.

[@artsketch2704]

Without this video I would have completely missed the Pilot Custom 74. I have now purchased it and it really draws pencil-like hairlines with a touch of ink. Much lighter than my Platinum UEF. Thank you so much. Exceptional pen.

[@mkompan]

I’ve recently heard good things about the Platinum UEF. At some point I’m going to have to purchase it and make a comparison.

[@artsketch2704]

​@@mkompan The Platinum 3776 Century UEF is a very nice pen that produces sharp defined lines, very comfortable for crosshatching. But the first one I had produced lines that were too wide. definitely worth a try, as is the Sailor EF 14k which can also be almost ultra fine too

[@malcolmgay2206]

What a great analysis. Very useful Thank you.

[@mkompan]

Thanks! I’m working on an updated version, with better image quality/and more detailed analysis.

[@unaluz-jones3066]

Thanks for "making yourself useful"!!! I'm about to purchase and this will help.

[@mkompan]

You’re welcome!

[@ichirofakename]

crucial info, thanks.

[@MrAndrew1953]

You are right about the Custom 74 being a long slender pen with very good ergonomics. That surprised me as I usually prefer girthier,heavier pens. I use my pens for calligraphy so I bought a metal Falcon with a SMedium nib with the con 70. The 742 was the only one available with an FA nib . The Justus 95 has a medium nib which I leave on the soft setting. I may get a custom 92 just to experiment with a fine nib.

[@mkompan]

Thanks for the confirmation!

[@blanejnasveschuk6351]

TY for excellent synopsis. Clear, practical and useful specifically for art endeavors. Comments about Pilot 74 Custom very helpful.

[@mkompan]

You’re welcome!

[@aliveli-hq6zk]

Amazing review! Thanks.

[@mkompan]

You’re welcome!

[@prod4540]

Excellent Video! (Don’t worry about some of the complainers). Lots of work, thought, time and energy go into videos like this. So, great job! I have a question. I am very interested in the Pilot 743 with the FA tip. It’s Available on Amazon (now 8/30/22) for a bit over $200 (good price). I am very new to Fountain pens, but I have been drawing for years (decades). What are your thoughts on (basically) a newbie (buying) a Fountain Pen of the caliber and price of the Pilot 743?

[@mkompan]

Thanks! I was just starting out when I made this video and it does have some problems with image quality and focus, but I never understood the sense of entitlement of people complaining about something they’re viewing for free and of their own free will. As for the 743, absolutely go for it. You have to go through a lot of poorly performing flex pens to fully understand just how good the 743 is. I think you’ll appreciate its performance anyway, even though you’re starting at the pinnacle. It’s just super fun to draw with-I never tire of it.

[@prod4540]

@@mkompan Thanks for the reply Marc. I appreciate it. The 743 (FA) does seem like a great pen to 'grow into'. Thanks for your thoughts and the nudge!

[@danmagoo]

Great demo, thanks! I was quite surprised to see a thicker line and greater flexibility in the smaller, #10 FA nib (the Pilot 912) than in the pen I have, the 743 with the larger, #15 FA nib.

[@mkompan]

You're welcome! Yes, the #10FA is considerably more flexible than the #15, but I find myself using the 743 much more often. The #10 is not as quick to snap back, making it a bit more difficult to control. The #15 is very snappy, closer to vintage flex.

[@qafisiraj7955]

Enjoyed the video very much even though I'm not an artist and just use a fountain pen to write. Would love to see a video of your comparison of these nibs for writing.

[@mkompan]

Thank you! I'm glad you found this video helpful! I will consider making some videos about writing with fountain pens as well

[@mrussoart]

Marc, by the way how did you came with the choice for Custom 74 SF instead of EF?

[@mkompan]

I'm mostly interested in pens that can create line variation. I noticed on a few review videos that the SF has a fair amount of flexibility, so I went with it.

[@mrussoart]

@@mkompan got it, I asked because you mentioned there that you favored the thin line of the 74 instead of the thicker line of the Falcon. Maybe the Falcon SEF would be closer to the 74 SF then

[@mkompan]

@@mrussoart It's possible, but I'm not going to buy another Falcon to find out. The Falcon is now $180 in the US, and for that price there are very interesting vintage options out there.

[@nickelazoyellow7360]

I have a plastic and a metal Falcon. I use a cartridge and refill it for the plastic version b/c that con-40 is useless. Mine are F and EF. I prefer the EF.

[@mkompan]

I probably would prefer Falcon EF, but for another $180, I think there are better options. I'm going to stick with my Custom 74, which can take the con-70, has similar flex, and puts down a very fine line.

[@gabemadorma2933]

Love the vid! Just throwing it out there that you can always refill cartridges. I’ve got a SEF Falcon and learning this helped me out

[@mkompan]

Thanks! If only pilot made refillable cartridges that can be sealed. The only company that does it (as far as I know) is Noodlers.

[@adrianmuino3412]

Super informative and objective!

[@mkompan]

Thanks Adrian!

[@AryaOghuz]

Hey I know this video is old but I just wanted your opinion on what you like more for drawing overall, the Pilot Falcon SEF (if you have it, if not then the SF) or the Pilot Custom 743 FA? Which do you think is a superior experience for drawing?

[@mkompan]

The 743FA for sure. Better flex, and better overall.

[@AryaOghuz]

@@mkompan Thank you!!!

[@artsketch2704]

This video is very helpful for an first overview, although the image quality is insufficient to see the fine 74 SF lines. It would be great if you could make a new video of this nib sometime. I'm afraid that your used Pilot Custom Heritage 912 FA has been overflexed. Unfortunately, that is supposed to happen very quickly with this model and then the possibility of fine hairlines is lost forever, it's always a risk to buy such nibs used. This pen should really only be used with a very light hand and not go far beyond the natural line variation. Since I use in principle for art only pigmented lightfast black inks that can remain in frames exposed for decades without hesitation, the possibilities for extreme flexing or vintage pens are limited with such inks anyway. I bought two new 912 FA via Amazon JP and including EU VAT and 2 day express shipping to Europe, paid only about $142 each, including the CON-70. It's worth always keeping an eye out for bargains! The line thickness of my pens starts out similar to your 743 and Falcon SF, as far as you can tell from the video. Both nibs are produced in February 2022, comparable to a Preppy 0.3. For extra thin hairlines I'm currently using the Sailor Pro Gear Slim EF reverse with Kiwaguro or Montblanc Permanent Black. I don't like the high acrylic content in Carbon Black. For extreme expressive flex I prefer the FPR Ultra Flex #6 steel nib in an Jaipur V2 or in the superior built but heavier Jinhao 159.

[@mkompan]

Thanks for taking the time to give such detailed advice! I will be making an improved version this video that includes closeups etc. shortly. I'm skeptical that my 912 has been "overflexed" however. For one thing, it's performance is consistent with other pen reviews I've seen. Secondly, a pen whose tines have been sprung or overstressed will have problems with alignment or flow, or just not work at all. This one works fine--it's just juicier, flexier and has a touch less snap-back than the 743. Pigmented inks tend to have less flow, which is perhaps why your pen writes thinner. BTW, no drawing should be exposed for decades or even months, the paper itself being sensitive to light. This is why drawings in museums are usually displayed in darkened rooms for short periods of time.

[@artsketch2704]

@@mkompan Then it's fine that it's not the case with your 912 FA, over time the nib can lose tension and widen a little bit. Really minimal, I mean not bent tines. There is a good video on KZbin by an Italian expert who analyzes the issue with the 912 FA in detail. But as you said, it also depends on the inks used and the speed. I appreciate your videos very much. As I said my thinnest possible stroke width with this nib is identical to Preppys 0.3 (with the same pigmented inks). Paper quality is very important for longevity. I have some works in my private collection that have been framed for 40 years without the paper showing signs of age.

[@jtsteiny6973]

This is crazy helpful. So well articulated. Whats a good cheapo fine nibbed with medium flex, flex pen 20, 30 dollars? is there such a thing? Thanks for all your videos. They're really, really good.

[@mkompan]

Thanks, JT! Take a look at Noodlers brand pens. They all run about 20-30 bucks and have great flex, without being too floppy. Here's a video I made about them: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6nQgqeOqtysaNU. Hope you're doing well. I love the absolutely masterful pen and ink work you've been posting lately.

[@jtsteiny6973]

@@mkompan Thank you Marc. I'm going to look into it. I've tried so many traveling flex pens and they are never quite right. I am very picky. Oh, and I am, shall we say, frugal. Stay well

[@Matt-dd1zr]

Fountain Pen Revolution has some really good flex nibs. Pen + Flex nib + Modified feed set me back around $40

[@alexhackmann]

Hi. Thanks for the video. Which one compares to the Visconti Palladium dream touch nib in terms of softness/sprigness?

[@mkompan]

You’re welcome! Sorry, I have no experience with Visconti pens.

[@cmtwinmama]

Great information, thank you. What ink did you use ?

[@mkompan]

You’re welcome. I believe Noodler’s black was used here.

[@zemansk7888]

Was wondering why you didn’t consider the falcon extra fine if you prefer fine lines? I also like fine lines even it feels scratchy. I also notice that the steel pilot nibs are much finer than the falcon

[@mkompan]

The Falcon was a gift from my wife, so I didn't get to choose the nib size. It's a wonderful pen, and I can get very thin lines with it in reverse writing. I was considering also getting an extra fine, but it's a whopping $180 in the US, and for this price there are better vintage options.

[@thuntz29]

Pilots have my 🫀 I will have to save up for this ones, I probably would get the Custom 74 first. I currently loving my Pilot Preras and they are such a pleasure to write, haven’t tried them for drawing yet.

[@mkompan]

You really can't go wrong with this brand. The Pilot Prera is a great pen, but the custom 74 is a massive upgrade (and the one I would recommend buying first out of all of these).

[@speedyspin]

For drawing or writing? ... trust me , you need the Falcon and the 912 in that order.

[@thulegezelschap5884]

@@speedyspin if you get the 912 you need to get the replacement feed or use very wet ink like Sheen Machine

[@TejasSreenivasan96]

Why is the video quality that bad? surelu in 2020 we have mobiles that can produce better video quality. Anyways, amazing pens i am wishing maybe i should have bought the custom 74 soft nib, went for a standard medium.

[@favorablyimpressed]

I enjoyed your presentation very much, but I have, what is probably a stupid question. Is the Pilot Custom 912 FA the same as a Pilot Custom Heritage 912 FA?

[@mkompan]

Thank you Lynne! Yes, they're the same.

[@eriche8870]

Hey thanks for a valuable content. Do you think to a drawing standpoint (cross hatching) would it be a good option to try the Pilot custom 74 Extra fine?Thanks

[@mkompan]

I only have a custom 74 Soft Fine, so I can’t speak for the extra fine. Pilot extra fine nibs are excellent, however. I have a pilot 823 with an extra fine nib, and it’s great for cross-hatching, producing very fine, crisp lines.

[@eriche8870]

@@mkompan thank you all your videos are most helpful. Ill look at the 823.

[@eriche8870]

@@mkompan i see its hard to find a 823 extra fine. Do you have the custom?

[@mkompan]

@@eriche8870 My mistake, my Pilot 823 is actually a Fine. I don't think this pen comes with an extra-fine option. The line on mine is very thin, however, and works very well for cross hatching.

[@eriche8870]

@@mkompan thanks i order the custom 74 first

[@dragonbreeder1995]

Have you ever tried a Bluedew? Mine works pretty well for 80 dollars. I will admit that I don't draw with it so much as take notes and write. I thoroughly appreciate the ability to switch between writing in normal and BOLD lol.

[@mkompan]

I haven't, but I'm familiar with them and their nibs look very similar to the Zebra G dip pen nibs that I enjoy using. I'll have to do a bit more research before deciding whether to pull the trigger.

[@mike.antkowiak]

Hi Marc, excellent review. I really appreciate the depth you put in with explaining the differences between the nibs of these 4 pens. I do have a question for you. Are you aware that the "Falcon" Pen does offer a Soft Extra Fine nib? I'm curious if that would have made a difference when you chose the Custom 74 over the Falcon on the "lower end" spectrum of these pens? you mentioned you like the C74 better because of it's finer/drier nib over the Falcon's SF. Had the Falcon been a SEF maybe they would be similar, save for the Falcon's greater flexible capabilities.

[@mkompan]

Thanks Mike! Yup, I'm aware that there's a Falcon SEF, but mine was a gift, and I didn't want to exchange it. The Custom 74SF actually has very similar flex to the Falcon, takes the con-70 converter and works great, so I don't see the point of buying another Falcon, which runs from $150-180. For that amount there are just too many other interesting true flex options.

[@mike.antkowiak]

@@mkompan thanks Marc. I just discovered your videos after purchasing a 912 FA, and I tend to agree with you. Being an avid fountain pen sketcher on Instagram and I test a lot of inks with FPs. I just recently dove head-first into flex nibs. I’m glad I can watch your takes of FPs for sketching and see my own thoughts are confirmed in your videos. So thanks for that too!

[@mkompan]

@@mike.antkowiak Well, I'm glad you've discovered my channel, Mike. It's always nice to know that other people out there share my enthusiasm for making art with fountain pens.

[@swainsongable]

Very helpful video, thanks so much - have a #10 M on my Pilot Bamboo, which is firm with pencil like feedback, and have been looking at the Falcon for quite some time. The comments have also been helpful, thanks everyone :)

[@mkompan]

You're welcome Gregory. I've learned a lot from the comment too. It's great that this channel has attracted a community of like minded people.

[@swainsongable]

@@mkompan Yes indeed. I've used FPs since the late 60s and still on the hunt for that perfect writer. I prefer a very fine line and was told by a pen guy back in the 80s that the Japanese made the best EFs, but they were so rare. Eventually got a Pilot VP with a wonderful soft nib and have come to realise it is that sort of "spring" I like rather than the "flex" an artist or calligrapher might appreciate. So your video was an excellent analysis of exactly that. Out of my 100 nibs perhaps a Visconti and the Pelikan M-1000 comes closest to the grail, but are too wet for my small cursive script on the cheap paper I'm most often forced to use in daily life. Sailor and Platinum never really did it for me, although my Dani Trio #8 comes close. Never knew much about Pilots but was intrigued when Namiki released the Falcon, just couldn't find one or afford it at the time when finally did - your comparison was therefore very enlightening, but of course now I want them all! Only problem is, I can't decide which one to start with 😉 Thanks Marc, much appreciated. And yes, I've always thought it ironic how computers actually saved the fountain pen from extinction by creating this community!!

[@mkompan]

@@swainsongable have you looked into Japanese vintage pens from the 70’s? I got a full size pilot Elite (which also comes in the pocket size) for around 40$ on EBay. It has a wonderfully smooth 14k nib that is very, very fine. These pens are going up in price due to increased interest, but other Japanese brands like Platinum and Sailor made similar models that sell for far less.

[@swainsongable]

@@mkompan - Yes, I have the pocket Sailor rendition with 14k EF - it's my marginalia and pocket planner pen :) Have the full-sized Profit with 21k zoom nib that I never cottoned onto, and a 3776 that I tried so hard to like (the Platinum Y2K SE has been a grail pen since, well, since Y2K ;) I do love the little Sailor, so soft with pinpoint accuracy, but also too thin for real writing - like my vintage Sheaffer Tara 14k EF, and that inlaid nib I was told was made in Japan back then. My VP is a dry (springy) M and good girth (and weight) in my hand. You've convinced me to consider between a 912 or metal Falcon SF - so thanks for being an enabler 😉

[@srabastibasu2]

hey! thank u so much for the video, this is what i was looking for. i just bought one namiki falcon today with SEF nib and not feeling happy sketching wise- expected this to give more thinner line and more line variations. i use a vintage mont blanc 264 and now it seems way more soft and flexible. i line thinnest possible line with more softer nib. could suggest one?

[@mkompan]

You're welcome! Those vintage Montblancs are wonderful, but increasingly difficult to obtain. One of my favorite pens is a Montblanc 234, which puts down a very thin line and has a superb semi-flex nib. You're going have a hard time finding a modern pen with an XXF nib out of the box. Many vintage flex pens have very thin, needlepoint nibs--but you have to hunt for them. Another possibility is have to a nib-miester custom grind a XXF nib for you. FPnibs.com does a fantastic job doing custom flex grinds on #5 and #6 14K Jowo nibs, and you can get them ground down to a very thin XXF.

[@georgpopp1292]

Hi Marc, I own the Pilot 743 FA and I'm wondering if there is any better option for the converter for it. Thanks for your great videos!

[@mkompan]

Hi Georg, sadly no. I don't know why a company that produces such high quality pens makes such poor converters.

[@pilatusk2]

Hi have a pilot 743 which i brought after seeing this video and i like it, but it had a ink flow problem. i found a video to fix it (Ink flow problems on modern fountain pens part 2) by FP nibs.

[@mkompan]

You can also buy an ebonite replacement feed from The Flexible Nib Factory for around $30, which greatly improves flow.

[@eriche8870]

I do cross hatching too, would recommythe extra fine on 743 FA?thank you

[@mkompan]

The FA only comes in one width. The #10 FA on the custom 912 has a slightly wider line than th #15 FA on the custom 743. Here's my review of this pen, with better image quality, so you can see the lines: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIWUi4xrfMuUepo

[@eriche8870]

@@mkompan whats the difference on Custom 74 to Custom 74 14k # 5 FKKN- SR?

[@mkompan]

@@eriche8870 No difference. #5 is the nib size, the fkkn-sr is the model number of the custom 74.

[@jomison2404]

Came back to watch this video and my 912 was the same thickness in line like shown here but then I got it replaced and my new one has a super fine line which is pretty confusing. Did I get lucky or quality control issues?

[@mkompan]

Interesting. Where did you get your FA from? Perhaps it had a custom needlepoint grind? From what I've seen the nib performance in my video is the standard.

[@jomison2404]

@@mkompan honestly I just bought one from Amazon and the nib touched at the tip but could see a small gap between the tines and writes really wet and thicker like shown in the video but still needed the ebonite feed then when changing feeds I accidentally cracked og feed so got a replacement and this new one has no light showing through the nib at all and the tip seems really pointy also this one has been working without needing the aftermarket feed but just looking at the two my new one has a tip almost as thin as my falcon sef hard to describe but looks sharper or less rounded idk

[@DavZell]

My FA was like my Falcon SF on the thin end. I thought the video's example was surprisingly wide.

[@yominrak7975]

hmm i have checked amazon and all these pens are expensive, well since i am not writing for a living I think I am contented with the current pen I have although the nib is stiff but i think i can source a flex nib for exchange, thanks for this video.

[@mkompan]

I agree, these are expensive pens, but if you you take care of them, they’ll last a lifetime. Try the pens from Fountain Pen Revolution. They work great, and many are under 50 bucks.

[@howardschneider165]

what ink do you prefer in your pilots?

[@mkompan]

They're all currently inked with Noodlers black because it's water resistant. These pens aren't sensitive. I've used a large variety of inks in them without problems.

[@howardschneider165]

@@mkompan thanks

[@elijacob5654]

Hi Marc, I am using a Pilot Falcon se (extra fine), the resin version, mainly for drawing. sometimes I'm using it with Promarker alcohol base markers or with water color but not always. These days I am considering widen my collection with another high quality (within a budget in between 150$ to 250$) flexible nib fountain pen, I prefer the Japanese pens and I'm undecided between Pilot Custom 912 FA or a Sailor pen, 1911 or Pro gear M (or even Zoom), 14k or 21K (realo or converter). I will appreciate your opinion as for my deliberation...other people are invited to contribute from their experience too, there are much more experienced people than me here...Thanks

[@mkompan]

Hi Eli. If you want a pen with flex, then the 912FA or the 743FA (which can occasionally be found for around $250) are fantastic options. I have no experience with Sailor , other than the 1911 I bought for my wife a few years ago. That pen works beautifully and is fun to draw with, but has a bit more feedback than the Pilots and is not flexible.

[@elijacob5654]

@@mkompan Thanks Mark. I will look for the pilot 912FA. Apart from the Pilot Falcon I have a TWSBI DIAMOND 500 AL R with a 1.1 nib, it is nice for calligraphy but it is not as flexible as the pilot and I found it not very usable for drawing.

[@edwardmclaughlin7935]

There's just no Justus!

[@mkompan]

No Justus, no peace...

[@Nobjan]

I bought a Pilot soft broad. I find it not very flexible.

[@mkompan]

The soft nibs are not terribly flexible, but perhaps with the fine nib the line variation is more pronounced.

[@Nobjan]

Is the purpose of the soft nib to reduce scratching of nib on paper?

[@mkompan]

@@Nobjan softness isn’t related to smoothness. It just means that the pen has a touch of flexibility to it, allowing you to vary the line thickness slightly, for example from fine to medium.

[@georgpopp1292]

Which Inks are you using with these pens? Is it safe to use waterproof ink like de atramentis document inks?

[@mkompan]

I’ve used several waterproof inks in these pens, Including De Atramentis, and yes they’re safe. As always, make sure to clean out your pens every few weeks.

[@georgpopp1292]

@@mkompan Good to know. Do you just clean it with water?

[@mkompan]

@@georgpopp1292 Water usually works just fine. I occasionally use a gentle cleaning solution on pens that have dried up. You can buy it, or there are plenty of recipes online.

[@georgpopp1292]

@@mkompan oh good to know. Which cleaning solution are you using?

[@mkompan]

@@georgpopp1292 I use a recipe that seems to be very common: one part ammonia to 9 parts water, and a drop of dish soap.

[@nameissturdy1390]

Just need a closer camera angle and new pair of glasses.

[@mkompan]

Sorry for the poor image quality. Learning as I go...

[@ken_sparrow]

Resin is not plastic.

[@gabemadorma2933]

Resin is plastic

[@mkompan]

Technically you're right, of course. But these terms are used interchangeably nowadays. I suppose we should blame Mont Blanc and their "precious resin."

[@childishking8]

poor video qua;ity , cant see the nib and fine lines.

[@mkompan]

Poor comment quality. Can't see the point of it. :)

[@DavZell]

@@mkompan They are kind of right, though. It seems almost like it is over compressed. I was thinking it throughout the video and wishing for 1080 or less compression.

[@mkompan]

@@DavZell I'm well aware that the video quality isn't great, and I've managed to make improvements in my newer stuff. But until I get a better computer, camera, microphone, etc., it's not going to get much better. I don't really see the point of complaining about a free video that, as far as I know, no one is forcing you to watch.

[@phineasbrass3186]

@@mkompan I think it may have been meant constructively, KZbin can create some really nice communities and it’s exciting to get to see people succeed. You’d spent all this time and work and planning to produce this comparison and it is great! Thank you very much for sharing it! It sounds like people really want to see it :) As to visibility, I’ve seen some people splice in close-up stills when they want to draw attention to detail, sorry, I’m not sure how they do it and it may be more complicated than it looks, but it seems like there are some clever workarounds when it comes to creating content and art, be it composing a KZbin film or sketching with fountain pens.

[@mkompan]

@@phineasbrass3186 Constructive, encouraging criticism, such as yours, is always welcome and appreciated. But negative comments such as the first poster's while not upsetting on a personal level, are irksome because they contribute nothing and create a toxic environment that discourages people from trying to make a contribution. Thanks for your advice. I will try to employ more close-ups in my future stuff.

[@marcossilva635]

Bad focus

[@mkompan]

You’re the first to notice!

[@dsb1763]

DRINKING GAME!!!! Get a bottle of whiskey and one sip for each “uhm / ah”. And make it through the video without passing out.

[@mkompan]

That sounds like fun! Here's another drinking game: take a shot every time some half-wit makes an inane negative comment on an amateur video...

[@ichirofakename]

rude boy

[@speedyspin]

Nah... fountain pens reviews from an artist is very bad idea...

[@mkompan]

Why do you say so?

[@speedyspin]

@@mkompan well FP are writing instruments... especially the flex ones , you can see in the video making some lines that are useless 🤷🏻‍♂️ , actually all the lines that he made, he made it wrong

[@mkompan]

I would do a quick search of the huge number of artists that use fountain pens (especially the flex ones) and reconsider that rather uninformed statement.

[@mrussoart]

I've always used india ink, and disposable pens as they became more widely available. Recently found out many artists use fountain pen with some sort of carbon or iron-gall ink. Now, as far as I could research using flex pens is a tricky and expensive business that is mostly not worth it cost-wise. Because the best flex pens are usually vintage and vintage and carbon ink (such as platinum) do not go well together and/or require more care. It's not the same as dip the pen nib in india ink and there you go, full waterproof and permanent power. Cheap and no frills. Also Pilot 14K soft nibs (or modern nibs for that matter) are not intended to flex as much as dip pens so there is always a risk of ruining the nib in the process. Hence the tricky business.

[@mkompan]

@@mrussoart Flex doesn't have to be expensive or tricky. There are some very solidly performing and affordable steel flex pens out there (I have videos on them in my channel). As for Pilot pens, the Custom 74 and the Pilot Falcon are indeed soft, but the custom 912 and the 743FA perform as well as any vintage flex, with the advantage of being far more reliable. Anyway, I'm not here to convince anyone. I'm just an artist who is fascinated with the huge variety of drawing tools out there, and wants to share his interest with others.