Pilot E95S - A Classic Reborn

[@lizpilgrim1]

I won a vintage Elite on an E-Bay auction. 18K F nib. I can't wait for it to arrive. Thanks for your detailed video on a vintage compared to the modern version. You covered some things others haven't in their videos. I appreciate your attention to detail!

[@ForTheLoveOfPens]

Thank you, and congrats on the auction! Elites are some of my favorite models

[@highnoon9333]

How do you like it? I'd love an Elite but right now I can't afford a vintage one

[@ForTheLoveOfPens]

@@highnoon9333 Not sure about izpilgrim1, but regarding vintage elites - if you are ok with a 14k nib like the one I show in this review, you can often find them for between $40-$60 on eBay

[@highnoon9333]

@@ForTheLoveOfPens yes! I’m definitely okay with it! I just feel like buying a used pen off ebay when I am afraid of tuning nibs!

[@ForTheLoveOfPens]

@@highnoon9333 that can be daunting especially with this model since there isn’t an easy way to replace the nib if tuning goes awry

[@ellieisbusy]

This model (vintage) was actually my very first gold nib and the beginning of my love for Pilot fountain pens…

[@ForTheLoveOfPens]

A great gold nib to start off!

[@GC12345]

Excellent video. Very thorough. I appreciate your attention to detail around the specifics of the pen as well as your contextual perspective. I love my E95s and feel the same about the CON-40 filling system. Using an empty cartridge with a syringe is the way to go. It would be wonderful if Pilot made a CON-70 variant that fits all CON-40 pens.

[@ForTheLoveOfPens]

Thanks so much!

[@paulmchugh1430]

I had a number of the original releases which I enjoyed but not enough to keep. Of course I kicking myself for doing so. I have to get this model. Great detailed review.

[@ForTheLoveOfPens]

Thank you! You can pickup the vintage models pretty easily on the second hand market

[@scottfraser9271]

Another great video. Thanks.

[@ForTheLoveOfPens]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it

[@highnoon9333]

I'm debating between an E95S and a Lamy 2000 (both M nib) and I keep going back and forth. I know the E95S is more affordable but I've found a good deal on a 2000. So I'm stuck!

[@ForTheLoveOfPens]

Both are excellent models, but it really depends on what you're looking for. Minimalist, large ink capacity, stiff (stub-like) nib - go Lamy. Compact, buttery smooth nib, easy to change inks - go Pilot.

[@highnoon9333]

@@ForTheLoveOfPens thank you! I love the look of the 2k but I think the Elite/E95S would be more comfortable for my hand!

[@ForTheLoveOfPens]

@@highnoon9333 I find the E95S more comfortable personally, but I agree the 2000 design is more my style

[@user-gl5ld9vm7i]

Thank you again for a wonderful video. I absolutely love the e95s. I have a medium in black body. It is my smoothest writing instrument

[@ForTheLoveOfPens]

Thank you! I am pleasantly surprised by how nice this nib is, especially for an “entry level” gold nib

[@Schein1307]

Love the Pilot pocket pen line. I have yet to buy the e95s, but I have the vintage cross hatch one and a myu. Wonderful to write with.

[@ForTheLoveOfPens]

I really enjoy the vintage models too, happy to say the modern version is widely similar.

[@tm502010]

I finally got the burgundy one. It’s lovely! My only issue is the tiny, almost nonexistent ink capacity! I am writing a novel by hand - and have to ink up every four to five pages. 😢

[@50kwords]

I know the struggle. :D Maybe you're better off with a Vac filler or eye dropper? I own a TWSBI Vac Mini which is also nicely pocket-sized and holds 2ml of ink. Love to write with it. It's smooth and long enough that I don't need to post it for writing.

[@ForTheLoveOfPens]

Are you using the converter? If so, I recommend eye dropper filling a pilot cartridge for about twice the ink capacity.

[@redhedkev1]

@@ForTheLoveOfPens How many cartridge refills before it gets loose and sloppy? I've got one coming. eventually, from Pen Chalet. I wonder why Pilot doesn't make a dedicated eyedropper/ink syringe-friendly dedicated cartridge with a little more ruggedness for multiple uses.

[@ForTheLoveOfPens]

@@redhedkev1 that would be an interesting product! I haven’t had one go bad on me yet. I have a pack of cartridges and I’d say I’ve refilled the same one at least 5 times without noticeable wear.

[@amelorate]

A neat trick for seeing your ink level with the con-40 converter: Remove the connecter piece with the converter still installed, and you'll be able to see the ink inside the converter. If you superglue the connector piece to the body (bad idea), you can remove both as one piece and always be able to see your ink level.

[@ForTheLoveOfPens]

True but then you can’t screw the barrel back on

[@amelorate]

I phrased it a little confusing. You remove both the barrel and connector to check the ink, then you put both back on to use the pen.

[@ForTheLoveOfPens]

@@amelorate I would be hesitant of doing that regularly. Metal on plastic threads will eventually grind away.

[@sathishrao7926]

I’ve a 70s Elite which has a different kind of semi-hooded nib.. I was told by the seller that this is a rare model.. It’s easily one of my most liked pens !

[@ForTheLoveOfPens]

The other semi-hooded version that I’ve seen is actually made in South Korea. Figboot on pens did a review of this one a few years ago

[@sathishrao7926]

@@ForTheLoveOfPens I know about the Korean version which had Steel nib and I was worried that the seller duped me (since he claimed that mine had 14K nib).. I had a conversation with him and he pointed me to the difference in the colors of the sticker on the barrels - the Korean versions have green stickers while the Japan versions have golden stickers.. He asked me to disassemble the nib/feed unit and check 585 stamping on the nib. I got convinced (and didn’t bother disassembling the nib/feed unit which appeared not too easy at that time)

[@ForTheLoveOfPens]

@@sathishrao7926 Interesting! There were many different versions made in that time frame. Not a huge variety of colors though.

[@tm502010]

What cartridge do you use? I love the pen, but am tired of refilling the converter. I would switch to high capacity cartridge, so I don’t have to refill every 4-5 pages. (Writing a novel by hand…)

[@ForTheLoveOfPens]

@@tm502010 I just use Pilot’s standard cartridge

[@teresaharris-travelbybooks5564]

Have you heard that Pilot is discontinuing the Burgundy/Ivory E95s? They're in short supply at retailers and have gone up in price on Amazon. It must be true? I thought such a well loved pen would be available indefinitely.

[@ForTheLoveOfPens]

I haven’t heard anything official, but I have noticed the stock seems to be running low in this color. I hope that remains just rumors. Some retailers mentioned to me that nearly all of Pilot’s products went significantly up in cost this year due to economic issues.

[@teresaharris-travelbybooks5564]

​@@ForTheLoveOfPensI've heard that also; about the prices.

[@tm502010]

I have one. It’s as lovely in real life as it is on screen. Absolutely a joy to look at, and to hold. Extremely light. Needs a greater ink capacity though, as the converter holds almost nothing. Keep your ink close at hand.

[@ForTheLoveOfPens]

@@tm502010 I have been considering getting a Con-B (squeeze type) converter for this, but the ink sac isn’t transparent. Not being able to check ink level is kind of a deal breaker for me.

[@philnaunton7181]

Interesting review. I was never certain which iteration I possessed. Now I know for certain. E95s. Not a traveling pen, for me at least, since I have come close to losing the body of the pen when it uncapped itself in the field and I found it in the weeds. Not as secure as I had assumed. Other slip-capped pens are more substantially gripped.

[@ForTheLoveOfPens]

Happy this review was helpful, also glad you were able to find the body! I’ve found mine caps pretty securely, but I don’t think I could trust it to bring on a hike unprotected.

[@goodprince5327]

Do you see any similarities between this nib and the Pilot s Custom 823? I know they arent the same but I know for sure custom 823 is smooth as butter and i hear people say the same for the elite. Do you think the nibs are similar?

[@ForTheLoveOfPens]

To me the nibs both have a very similar feel. However the Custom line has many more nib options.

[@goodprince5327]

@@ForTheLoveOfPens I see. Thank u for ur answer

[@yourname3336]

Are these fake?

[@ForTheLoveOfPens]

I’m sorry, are what fake?

[@yourname3336]

Because the retail price is $150 in well known stores and you have a link on Amazon for about $70? Too good to be true!?

[@ForTheLoveOfPens]

@@yourname3336 It is legitimate. Amazon fulfills via individual sellers around the world. So they are able to offer Japanese pricing internationally. Something most regular retailers aren’t able to do. That along with free returns makes it hard to say no 😊

[@yourname3336]

@@ForTheLoveOfPens well I just ordered one😂😂😂😂😂

[@yourname3336]

@@ForTheLoveOfPens do you know if the Black E95S is Japan made? I heard the black ones were made in South Korea by another company with Pilot permission