Pilot Vanishing Point M Nib vs F Nib

[@realtorwill]

This was extremely helpful in helping me choose between these exact two nib options. Thank you!

[@ThePenPixie]

Glad I could help! I hope you enjoy your new nib. Thanks for watching and commenting. :-)

[@toomdog]

I have a Pilot Metropolitan with a fine nib and a Moonman Vanishing Point knock-off in medium. I’ve definitely noticed the same things you talked about here. But I also wanted to share about bolder nibs that lay down ink to really show it off: I ended up with a new old stock german fountain pen from the late 1940s. It was advertised as a fine flex nib, and it probably was at one point, but what I actually got was garbage. The tines were stuck on each other, the slit was too narrow to allow ink flow, and it would literally cut the paper on downstrokes. I got the tines to mostly sit together and got the slit opened up enough to write, but it was still tearing paper. I got out my extra fine sand paper and started trying to smooth out the nib a little bit. Before I knew it, my fine flex was suddenly a 1.3mm stub nib with no flex, but boy does it ever lay out the ink. Absolutely impractical for taking notes, but for addressing birthday card envelopes and stuff, it’s great. I had some Waterman Mysterious Blue in it and found some subtle red sheen as well as shading with how thick it was laying it down.

[@BlakeT87]

That Raden Galaxy is GORGEOUS! I have only seen it in pictures. WOW!

[@ThePenPixie]

It really is. I still can't believe I have one, but I definitely don't regret it! Thanks for watching and commenting. 🙂

[@thelifeofjools8384]

Thanks for doing this 👍 it helped my purchase of a decimo...with medium nib :) Best wishes from the UK ....

[@RossDuClair]

At least two months ago, I laid my Vanishing Point on my desk. A colleague, not noticing the pen on my note book, picked up the book and the pen went on the cement floor; of course it wasn't retracted. Well, now I want to replace the original nib, it was a fine, and wondered if I should order a medium. Thank you for the comparison; I will order the medium. Yes, the replacements are expensive, but I paid more than $150.00 for the pen, so I will "bite the bullet." Thank you again.

[@HJKelley47]

Your colleague did not offer to help with the cost?

[@ShahriarFarkhan]

Writing sample starts at 4:45

[@ThePenPixie]

Thanks for watching! :-)

[@ShahriarFarkhan]

The Pen Pixie thanks for making the video, it’s helping me decide :) there aren’t enough of these comparing the nib sizes across pens so we have a point of reference.

[@Beansareamagicalfruit]

Really glad I bought the medium, thank you!

[@ThePenPixie]

You're welcome! I hope you enjoy it! Thanks for watching and commenting. :-)

[@jamesjacocks6221]

I have always wanted to try a Vanishing Point. Your review was almost a hands on experience for me. Arc paper is a very ink friendly paper and their binding system is cool. So nice that I got their punch and cut down some Crown Mill and Tomoe River to give me more choices. Glad to see Sailor Jentle back in the States. Excellent!

[@ThePenPixie]

James, I hope you get to try a VP. I would even venture to say if you are at all familiar with Pilot nibs and like them, I'd just go for it. I know the clip is in a weird place for some people, including me at first. However, I immediately got used to it and have no issue. My husband didn't like it for the first few times but now has no complaint. They're such incredible pens - elegant, practical, convenient. All of the nibs are 18k and come in either gold or rhodium finishes depending on the pen body. Thanks for watching and commenting. :-)

[@jamesjacocks6221]

So thoughtful of you to reply! I have no problem with the clip on the Dialog3. In fact, it stabilizes my grip and deters rotation. The only Pilot I have is a Falcon and it's rather a different nib. I WILL go for it. Again, thanks.

[@ThePenPixie]

I'm excited for you! Let me know what you get and what you think!

[@artist-reader]

I appreciate Shahriar's note about the actual writing sample starting at 4:45. This helped me get to the reason I loaded this vid. Skipping to the M sample writing? It begins at 10:28 For anyone who wants to get right to the actual comparison, 10:54 is your mark. A note on the thickness and wetness of the M - it is fresh loaded and will calm down some as the writing continues lessoning the difference somewhat between the F and M. The comparison is a bit off for that reason. Inverting the nib will produce a thinner line, not as fine as F and this pen does this very well with consistent ink flow, no skipping, no hard starts even when inverted. And, for Pixie, just a thought, maybe nix the ambient radio static playing in the background?

[@ThePenPixie]

Thanks for watching and commenting. I appreciate your suggestions! :-)

[@stellalim2615]

@@ThePenPixie Hi, it's been 2 years since you've got this Galaxy beauty, how's the raden surface keeping up? I recently bought one, it's stunning but I worry about what aging will do to the surface.

[@ThePenPixie]

@@stellalim2615 It's perfect, and I love it. I hope you loved yours, too. I think they're pretty hard to find now, so enjoy using it all the time! It's a lot less enjoyable when it just sits in a drawer. Thanks for watching and commenting. :-)

[@Neehalmahfuz]

@@ThePenPixie Do you still have it? how is it holding up? Which nib do you find yourself using more?

[@migueloxamendi4284]

I also love my fine point VP. I have my eye on a 1.0 mm stub nib unit. I also experience a little feedback on the Arc paper but there is noticeably less feedback on the Levenger Circa paper. I gave up on using the converter to refill the pen because of the low ink capacity. I typically use Pilot cartridges or refill the cartridges or converter with a syringe.

[@ThePenPixie]

Interesting. I didn't even think about how the cartridge might hold more than the converter. Good information to have! Thank you. I've never tried Levenger Circa paper; I need to put that on my shopping list. And thanks for watching and commenting. :-)

[@vicrattlehead8665]

Wooooh that’s a really nice vanishing point…

[@varunsuresh4106]

I have a Pilot capless decimo with a fine nib and it is such an amazing pen! I use it for school and take it everywhere and use it all the time and it never stopped writing! It always wrote when i needed it to!

[@ThePenPixie]

I've not tried the Decimo, but I can imagine it's a whole lot like my VP experience. I'm glad you've got a pen you love. Thanks for watching and commenting. :-)

[@ewy1957]

Pen Pixie, your penmanship is lovely!

[@ThePenPixie]

Thank you! And thanks for watching and commenting. :-)

[@ycplum7062]

I avoid the mess by using a syringe, actually a hypodermic needle with the tip clipped to reduce accidental sticking. The wider the nib, the smoother it feels. You may want to consider a stub hub in the future. When I first started, there really wasn't really any inexpensive pens. The recent less expensive pens seems to have dramatically increased the number of people trying out fountain pens.

[@ThePenPixie]

All good information. Thank you. I appreciate it. I agree; the cheaper and better fountain pens are, the more popular they've become. I've used a lot of pens and definitely think there are a lot of great, inexpensive options out there. Thanks for watching and commenting. :-)

[@tonglianheng]

What I found is that there seems to be a subtle difference between the Pilot 18k nib and Namiki 18k nib. I initially thought they are going to be the same, but after my Namiki (stripes Raden) arrived and I started writing with it, the feeling is different. I am not sure if it is just a manufacturing variation on my pen, but the Namiki M nib on the Raden is shaped more like a stub and is softer than the pilot nib unit, as a result it gives much more line variation than the pilot version: I normally write with very little force on paper, and if that is the case then horizontal lines and lines which go diagonally up are very thin, while downward strokes are like what one expects for a M. The nib write so thin on those horizontal and upward strokes such that sometimes it skips. This happens when I write very light --- barely touching the paper, the pen does not skip when I apply a little bit of force, and the nib is still smooth, but you lose a degree of line variation.

[@ThePenPixie]

Interesting. I haven't had an opportunity to try a Namiki nib unit. How nice to get those stroke variations though! I appreciate you sharing your experience. Thank you! And thanks for watching and commenting. :-)

[@drrev40]

Very nice video, thank you for sharing your experiences with both nibs. I myself am thinking of acquiring a VP and although I love a wet medium nib pen like my Waterman Expert ( I'm not keen on scratchy nibs) I think that maybe a fine nib on the VP might be a better everyday choice? Have you found yourself returning the the fine nib most of the time and with use has it become less scratchy? Any insight would be appreciated. Ian

[@ThePenPixie]

For me, the F nib is my best choice for everyday writing, especially at work where I typically write on horribly, sub-par paper. I haven't found it to be less scratchy and am pretty use to the feel now. For me, the M nib is just too juicy to use at work on a daily basis. I think if I was able to control the paper I used and wasn't rushed so that my ink could dry, I'd luxuriate in the M nib every day; however, in my situation, F has been the way to go. I hope this is helpful. Thanks for watching and commenting. :-)

[@drrev40]

Thank you for your advice. I dipped my toes into the water a little and bought a TWSBI Eco in fine just to try the feel. You are absolutely right as it lays down less ink and can write quickly and cleanly on a wide range of papers. It does not have that lush feel of my best medium nib pens but as the ink flow is less I guess that would account for it. It is a little scratchy but I may try my favourite trick of gently drawing the nib round the base ring of a China cup, this generally works. As for the VP, well I think this is going to become a Christmas present from my wife this year so a bit more time to decide. Thanks again, love your reviews. 😀

[@geslinam9703]

I bought the Decimo with a fine nib and it never really wrote well. I should have sent it back....but decided to use some Mylar and work on it myself. A little improvement, but still not great. None of that matters now, because I dropped it last night at work and the nib is a goner, for sure,

[@ThePenPixie]

Dang! That's just not a great story from start to finish. Now you have a really good reason to buy a new pen! I hope your new nib is the best! Thanks for watching and commenting. :-)

[@geslinam9703]

@@ThePenPixie I can just buy a new nib unit, I think they are around $80. I wasn’t too upset about it…I really don’t love the pen. And, I can probably get cash for the gold nib at any jeweler.

[@ThePenPixie]

@@geslinam9703 True to all of that. Why keep investing in a pen that just isn't for you?

[@geslinam9703]

@@ThePenPixie I bought a new nib unit, it came a few days ago and it’s wonderful!!!! Hope I don’t drop the pen again…..

[@archivist17]

VP Medium is my dream pen. Can't afford one for the moment, but this was an informative video, thank you.

[@ThePenPixie]

It was my dream pen, too! I'm glad you got something from the video, and I hope you get your dream pen some day. Thanks for watching and commenting. :-)

[@cynthiabooth10]

OMG your pen is amazing! I want one...I just bought the VP 2019 Special Edition Turquoise with a Medium Nib but this post is so helpful for when I buy my next Vanishing Point :-)

[@ThePenPixie]

Thank you, and I'm glad I could help. You've got a beautiful pen; good choice! I hope you enjoy it for years to come. Thank you for watching and commenting. :-)

[@neilpiper9889]

I have the medium nib and when I want to write fine I turn the nib upside down and wahla it writes finely and perfectly.

[@ThePenPixie]

Nice! Glad that works for you. Thanks for watching and commenting. :-)

[@chvazquez]

What do you think is the place for the F nibs and the M nibs? I'm new to the fountain pen world. I recently bought a Parker Premier F nib and a Montblanc Le Petit Prince M nib. Greetings from México :-)

[@ThePenPixie]

Congratulations on your new pens! I think F is a perfect nib for every day writing. You can see the ink pretty well, and it still dries fairly quickly. I like M nibs for something like writing letters or jotting something. You really get a better look at the ink, but I don't think the dry time is practical when taking notes for class or something. I hope this helps. Thanks for watching and commenting. :-)

[@chvazquez]

The Pen Pixie Do you think a writer could work with a medium nib?

[@ThePenPixie]

@@chvazquez I'm not sure I understand your question.

[@chvazquez]

The Pen Pixie I guess I’m asking if you could use a medium nib for every day writing. To write extensively.

[@ThePenPixie]

@@chvazquez sure! Everyone is different. I typically prefer a finer tip/nib on my pens. If you are left-handed, it might be an issue. But, depending on the paper and ink you use, you could certainly use one all the time. I go through phases where I do that. One upside to M nibs over F nibs is that you really get to see the ink color and its properties, which I enjoy.

[@neilpiper9889]

I am a three pen person . I have a Pilot metropolitan black pen with a Medium nib which writes finer than my Decimo with a Medium nib. I have a Pilot Metropolitan green Retro Pop with a cm stub which is amazing. Purchasing the Decimo has satisfied my needs now. I spent way more than with the Metropolitans but I am so glad I did. I now use the Decimo everyday and the Metros stay home. So now I have the perfect 3 pen collection of new pens. I have 3 vintage English pens though which reminds me of my past here in the UK. A 1953 Parker 51. Black and gold. Waterman's W2 with a 14k gold nib. An awesome writer from 1948. Also an ancient ebonite Swan Mabie Todd with a solid gold semi flex nib from 1920. So 3 new gems and 3 old classics. The Decimo is my favourite.

[@ThePenPixie]

Your collection sounds wonderful! I REALLY want to try your Swan Mabie Todd. I was told by an old pen pal that that pen would likely be a perfect pen for me. Haven't ever tried one and yours sounds just right! Thanks for watching and commenting. :-)

[@geslinam9703]

I finally made up my mind to get another capless, this time in a medium….but do I get another Decimo, or do I get the VP? The VP comes in nicer colors, and I’d love to get one with gold trim…but I’m afraid it’s going to be too big. So funny what you say about other people having fountain pens. I’ve “turned on” a few people at work, but I finally, after 3 years, met another fountain pen user…a funeral director who came to pick up a body. They have to sign a form and he didn’t have a pen so I handed him mine, and started to explain, as usual, that it was a fountain pen and how to hold it, and he knew! It was so exciting to meet another fountain pen person. By the way, you can use an ink syringe to fill a converter. You always can get more ink in it than trying to draw the ink up the usual way.

[@ThePenPixie]

I appreciate your tip and loved your story. That's so cool! I would say I have average sized women's hands and I have no issue with the VP. I have, on the other hand, had issues with some tiny pens I've tried in the past. They're not always comfortable for more than just a few minutes. I hope you ended up getting something you loved. Thank you for watching and commenting. :-)

[@neilpiper9889]

I have a Decimo with a Medium nib and love it. My nib sings on Clairfontaine paper. Very smooth and wet.

[@ThePenPixie]

You really can't beat Clairfontaine paper. For me, it's the best paper I've ever used. And I'm so glad you like your Decimo! Thanks for watching and commenting. :-)

[@Neehalmahfuz]

Hey!I am a student and considering getting a vanishing point as they are available cheaper in my region.Eventhough it's cheaper it's still quite an investment for me to buy the vanishing point(me being a student) and i can't decide which nib to get. If i buy one i probably won't be buying a replacement nib as they are quite expensive and not even a available in my region.I also probably won't be getting a better pen for a while. I really want the medium because as you mentioned it has less scratchiness. But being a student i have to write on a lot of cheap papers in exams and classes so getting a fine nib is more practical.Ks the difference in their smoothness worth considering one over the other? Do you think the fine is worth getting just for the usability (my handwriting is also on the smaller side) and risking potentially losing my best writing experience in a long time. Or should I just order the medium and use my other finer pens (like the metropolitan F nib) for daily stuff?

[@ThePenPixie]

If you get a Vanishing Point, fine or medium nib, you won't be disappointed. I wouldn't get it and then use your other pens for daily stuff. This is a daily writer, and you will want to use it as such. I think you should go for the fine nib. It's just way more practical and usable in your scenario. It will last you forever, and maybe in the future, you can add a medium to your collection. I just think the paper makes a huge difference, and that's a variable you can't always control. But either way, I don't think you'll be disappointed. I'd love to know what you end up getting! Thanks for watching and commenting. :-)

[@Neehalmahfuz]

@@ThePenPixie I got the fine nib! I really like the pen although not my favourite but I love it.

[@ThePenPixie]

@@Neehalmahfuz Awesome! I'm glad you like it and that you have another pen you love even more!

[@Neehalmahfuz]

@@ThePenPixie Hey! i came back to the video! I actually sold my fine nib and bought a medium nib. I love it! Way better and very glassy. No feedback at all. My pen guy got a few in and chose the one with best allignment for me. I got the black matte. Getting the medium by selling the fine was one of the best decisions I ever made. It's now my new fav pen.

[@Planner_girl_kel]

@thepenpixie what is the name of the colour of this body please?

[@imoninternets]

I have a pilot custom 74 with a fine nib and I don't like the feel of the nib, how does the fine nib on the vanishing point feel? Have you tried the custom 74 with an F? Hoping the 18k F is smoother than the 14k F.

[@ThePenPixie]

I have not tried a Pilot Custom 74 at all. I would say the VP F nib is smooth. It's not scratchy, but it's not smooth. I wish I could give you a better comparison. Thanks for watching and commenting. :-)

[@TheCreedBratton]

Nice raiden pen. I want one so bad!

[@aladdin91056]

Not seen that converter before. How's it compare with the squeeze one? How about ink capacity?

[@ThePenPixie]

I'm not sure about the squeeze converter for a Pilot VP, so I can't speak to that. I have a squeeze converter on my Metropolitan, and I would say I have no preference either way. The ink capacity is lacking; however, I just look at it as an opportunity to use different inks often. If I'm using the pen exclusively, I tend to refill nightly. Thanks for watching and commenting. :-)

[@ycplum7062]

I do not recall seeing if hearing of a squeeze converter for the VP. In 30 or so years.

[@davidg.8745]

The con-40 is better than the Con-B but not as good as the Con-70. It holds less ink than a cartridge. I believe.

[@danielribeiro4618]

I like more something inbetween, fm would be the best. I have a elite 95s in fine and I love to write with it. I bought a koshi sterling silver in m and it felt like a broad european. Even my pro gear in medium was finer then the pilot m. So I will buy the f and tune it to get it more juicy. Otherwise I will buy just the inlay in fm.Lets see....

[@hd4school]

I am trying to find the same sparkly barrel! Can anyone link me to it or at least let me know what the barrel color/description is. I can't find it on their site!!!!!

[@ThePenPixie]

www.gouletpens.com/products/pilot-vanishing-point-fountain-pen-raden-galaxy It's a Pilot Vanishing Point Raden Galaxy. I linked the pen above so you could have all the info. You can find this pen from other online retailers, as well. I hope this helps! Thanks for watching and commenting. :-)

[@neilpiper9889]

A similar sparkly pen is the Jinhao X750 Shimmering Sands. Add a 1.1 number 6 Goulet nib like I did and you will have a beautiful fountain pen that writes like a dream.

[@CuatroTerreno]

Do you have a link to where you purchased the M Nib?

[@genelo6890]

Hi Alan., The best place to buy a Mnib replacement for a Vanishing Point pen is PEN CHALET. They have the best price and great customer support. Take care of yourself. Be safe and well

[@1crute]

I got my first VP about three months ago. I hadn't had it a good month and I sprang the nib. I was just playing around with it, seeing how much line variation I could get out of it, and I pushed it a little to far. I need to hurry up and replace the nib. I miss writing with it.

[@ThePenPixie]

Oh man. I would've been sick over that. You do need to get that nib; it's a fantastic pen! Thanks for watching and commenting, and good luck on your new nib! :-)

[@sweetestpeer]

Thanks..👍

[@ThePenPixie]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching and commenting :-)

[@Pequin1000]

Eddies being hot Pixie, you also have beautiful writing, no surprise there 😊

[@ThePenPixie]

Thank you! And thanks for watching and commenting. :-)

[@SunyJim]

2024 Video still super helpful to make the nib decision. I'm going medium

[@karliepatterson2803]

Is your pen a limited edition and what is the name? It is gorgeous!

[@youstolemywifi4646]

Karlie Patterson It’s called the Pilot Vanishing Point “Raden.” It’s not a limited addition, but it’s made of shells and layered urushi laqueur, and this is more expensive. Your regular Vanishing Point runs about $150, but this one typically goes for around $300.

[@ThePenPixie]

It's a Pilot Vanishing Point in the Raden finish. It's not limited edition and runs about $300. You can get it from any good fountain pen place. And it IS gorgeous! Thanks for watching and commenting. :-)

[@Colombiano671]

what was the coupon code you used?

[@ThePenPixie]

Honestly, at this point, I don't know; it's been years. Sorry. But thanks for watching and commenting. :-)

[@LuisGonzalez-gl4wc]

You are right about the medium nib on the Vanishing point; it is smooth writing. I use mine for work, but I might go a Fine unit because I need to write smaller for work, I can handle a little feedback, too much drives me nuts!!

[@ThePenPixie]

I get that. I do find that the F nib is much more practical for me on a daily basis at work. Thanks for watching and commenting. :-)

[@r4inxs510]

very informative video, thanks!

[@ThePenPixie]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching and commenting. :-)

[@奥特曼吃馒头]

however，I often have hard start，really vexing

[@ThePenPixie]

Hmm. I wouldn't like that. I haven't had that experience. Maybe your pen needs a good flushing? I wish I could provide more help. Thanks for watching and commenting. :-)

[@arjunratnadev]

I really don't like it's grip though, with the clip on top looks really messy, but yet still I don't know why I want to add this pen into my collection 🤔

[@ThePenPixie]

@@arjunratnadev Because it's awesome!

[@RizkhyDestatama]

that's not how to test hard start. you need to put your pen upside down at lest 15 minutes or more (it imitate the first writing of the day) and then try right away then you can conclude wether it is hard start or not. because every pen especially after refilling always write right away.

[@ThePenPixie]

Thanks for the information; I appreciate it. And thanks for watching and commenting. :-)

[@HeMs433]

What is feedback ..

[@ThePenPixie]

The scratchiness of the nib against the paper. Thanks for watching and commenting. :-)

[@kfalxa]

Thank you for this, I have quickly fallen for this exact pen Vanishing Point Raden Galaxy, and, if i can find one now, only left with the decision of which pen nib size and even though I usually like fine tip for most writing, your video shows the much more pleasing appearance of the medium tip that I would like for personal letters, thanks! BTW, it would help to know what paper you are writing on when talking about feedback and scratchiness since I believe that would have as much or even more to do with this than the specific nib itself. Paper is relatively so inexpensive for the volume of writing I would do, even the premium papers would not cost a significant amount (especially compared to the cost of a beautiful pen like this! ;)))

[@ThePenPixie]

The paper I used in this video is Arc by Staples paper. I love this paper, but due to the disc punching, it's probably not for everyone on every occasion. I would recommend Rhodia or Clairfontaine paper. I believe they're both produced by the same company; at least, I know the companies have some sort of connection. They are both heavier weight, smooth, and a pleasure to write on. For something thinner but still fountain pen friendly, I'd recommend Tomoe River paper. It's reminiscent of bible paper, and ink typically doesn't bleed through. I hope that helps, and I hope you get your pen! I love mine! Thanks for watching and commenting. :-)

[@onur1243]

Hi, do you ever hear/feel a rattling at the nib while writing? I'm suspicious, as the nib is not a part of the body. I would appreciate if you can let me know.

[@ThePenPixie]

No, I've never experienced that and have used three different VPs. Thanks for watching and commenting. :-)

[@onur1243]

Thank you for you response, and good to hear that. Cheers !

[@lolsa123]

hehe currently im waiting for a pilot custom 823 from japan, the price difference in europe vs japan is insane, 260$ vs 600€

[@ThePenPixie]

I hope you get your new pen soon and love it! Thanks for watching and commenting. :-)

[@lolsa123]

yeah i hope i love it too xD, will be my first goldnib ;p, but it was great that i could see the difference between medium and fine, i think it was good that i went with a medium nib even doe i got a rather small handwriting.

[@lolsa123]

got the pen today, i love it :D but now i have to adapt a bigger handwriting due to the size of the nib, it is a bit broader than pilots metropolitan medium nib ^^

[@giuseppecapilli4914]

The element of scratchiness is due to the fact that you are using a fountain pen on a sheet of paper laid on hard surface. This is a beginner mistake, not worth your while.

[@ThePenPixie]

Okay, thanks. Thanks for watching and commenting. :-)

[@andrewtongue7084]

Yes, I spotted that immediately too, Giuseppe - Shahria should have kept the sheet of paper in the pad.

[@anil4nature]

👌👌👌😍🪁