Pilot Vanishing Point: The Ultimate Notetaker?

In depth look at the Pilot, Vanishing Point. The longest running production retractable fountain pen.
Pilot Vanishing Point: amzn.to/43GSfmG
Waterman Intense Black: amzn.to/3MUThVp
00:00 Design Overview
02:04 Size Comparisons
02:24 Disassembly
03:15 The Converter
04:46 Eye dropping a Cartridge
05:48 Reassembly
07:03 Writing Sample
09:28 Closing Thoughts

[@fortheloveofpens]

I mentioned a few times in this video that the Vanishing Point has a 14K nib, it is actually 18K.

[@stimpunk]

Coincidentally, you're not entirely wrong. This VP design, not the just faceted one and the ones from the 60s, had the 14K gold nib before they're all switched to 18K ones later on in the naughties.

[@sebenzalover]

This is a new channel but what a gem. I enjoy your insight and thoughts. Looking forward for more from this channel.

[@fortheloveofpens]

Thank you so much!

[@philnaunton7181]

I have several of these pens and a couple of knock-offs. A well done, thorough review. Surprisingly I learned a few new things about this pen, which I have had for years. Someone mentioned an Old Dog and New Tricks. Thanks.

[@fortheloveofpens]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@user-gl5ld9vm7i]

My Pilot Vanishing Point is my favorite fountain pen. I quite like the mechanical design of it, and I appreciate not having to unscrew a cap. Plus my broad 18K gold nib ALWAYS writes, and sings!

[@fortheloveofpens]

I really enjoy not having to hassle with the cap either, and Pilot nib quality is a step above many!

[@videogamesare1]

Super useful video, thank you

[@fortheloveofpens]

Thank you!

[@thedirtygot9570]

Love my black and gold vanishing point! Very handy! I just use a syringe to fill the converter!

[@fortheloveofpens]

That’s become my go-to as well

[@sathishrao7926]

When I was just about to comment on 18K Vs 14K, I saw your Video description ! I’ll use it as a ‘Notes taker’ when I’m at home.. But my Notes taker outside is Majohn A1 or A2 or Platinum Curidas.. At $200, VP has been my most expensive pen and I don’t like to drop it/lose it while using it in the ‘field’ !

[@fortheloveofpens]

It does seem very durable, but I agree the value does make me hesitant to take it out and about.

[@bfs5113]

I went for the slimmer version Decimo and cut a 1/2" piece of the rubber from the 207 to fit around the clip area for a more comfortable grip.

[@fortheloveofpens]

Good idea!

[@eleanor.shadow]

My Capless (that’s also its name in Europe) is my current favourite pen. I can write with it for 30 minutes straight without an issue. The M nib is so smooth.

[@fortheloveofpens]

In the USA it seems Pilot uses the "capless" name for VPs with steel nibs. Glad you like it, the more I use this one, the more I love it too!

[@eleanor.shadow]

@@fortheloveofpensI’m also in love with the Majohn A1 for use with regular copy paper… but Pilot definitely takes the prize, that nib is superb.

[@fortheloveofpens]

@@eleanor.shadow the EF on the A1 is pretty forgiving of paper quality. I’ve heard great things about the VP’s EF nib too, but haven’t tried one yet. I do have a separate review of the A1.

[@anrun]

Don't forget to use the cartridge cover when you use carts in this pen. The VP isn't my first choice for lengthy writing session, but I still find it suitable for them.

[@fortheloveofpens]

I believe Pilot does recommend to use the cartridge cover as well. It is safer to do this, but personally I don’t like using the cover because it’s another step to check the ink level. If I start seeing damage to the cartridge I’ll just remove it and swap in a new one.

[@superwellplayed]

​@@fortheloveofpensnotice any damage to the cartridge yet?

[@fortheloveofpens]

@@superwellplayed still looks good as new

[@JuanRodriguez-qb8qm]

fenomenal.

[@fortheloveofpens]

Thanks!

[@JuanRodriguez-qb8qm]

Fenomenal

[@fortheloveofpens]

Thanks!

[@chrisgraham5036]

I just bought my first VP! I'm interested in switching to cartridges as demonstrated, but I can't find the empty ones online for the life of me. Any tips on where to find them?

[@fortheloveofpens]

Congrats! You can buy empty ones for the Moonman A1 on AliExpress or eBay, which are the same as Pilot. Or I’d buy a pack of Pilot cartridges and empty one out if you don’t like the ink.

[@Schein1307]

Would a Con70 work? I doubt because it is also a push mechanism like the VP, unless it incuded a bulkier sleeve

[@fortheloveofpens]

Unfortunately the Con70 is too large to fit

[@JustDianeLynn]

I'm new to fountain pens so excuse my ignorance but did this pen come with an empty cartridge or is that something you had? Thank you.

[@fortheloveofpens]

Typically this pen comes with a full cartridge and a Con-40 converter. I used up the ink in the cartridge and then rinsed it out before refilling.

[@JustDianeLynn]

@@fortheloveofpens Brilliant. Thanks so much.

[@fortheloveofpens]

@@JustDianeLynnHappy to help!

[@anchitchakrabarti2179]

I have a question though Does the matt black paint start to peel off as it ages? Otherwise i was thing of the stripes version which a bit more expensive Could you please ans this question

[@fortheloveofpens]

I haven’t noticed any changes in the finish on mine. I recall some people have noted streaking on the back button over the years with extended use, but I haven’t personally heard complaints about peeling.

[@anchitchakrabarti2179]

@@fortheloveofpens for how many years you had that pen?

[@fortheloveofpens]

@@anchitchakrabarti2179 I bought mine used about one year ago. I’m not entirely sure how old it is.

[@anchitchakrabarti2179]

@@fortheloveofpens thanks I am gonna get the matt black version

[@fortheloveofpens]

@@anchitchakrabarti2179 I hope you enjoy it!

[@doejohn6197]

Update? Has the matte colored one faded away??

[@fortheloveofpens]

I haven’t noticed any significant change to the finish

[@smartguy6243]

Is fine better than medium to use at work?

[@fortheloveofpens]

It’s going to be more forgiving of absorbant paper (like copy paper). Larger nib sizes tend to require fountain pen friendly paper

[@animula6908]

I saw a guy on KZbin talking about using the majohn a1 converters because they outdid pilot on them. I haven’t tried it, but if so I will buy Moonman knockoffs just to get the converters for my other pilot pens. I use their cartridges just because those converters suck.

[@fortheloveofpens]

For what I can tell Moonman basically made a version of the con-50, which is easier to disassemble than the con-40 and has less obnoxious agitators. But the capacity issue remains the same.

[@lord_haven1114]

It isn’t my cup of tea. I want to be able to see the nib in all its gorgeous glory. If I wanted a click pen where I can’t really see or enjoy the look of the nib I can just get a 20 dollar ball point clicker. There’s some pretty nice ones for around that price 🤣

[@fortheloveofpens]

Maybe the Lamy Dialog would be a better option if you want a retractable with a fully exposed nib. I think Pilot was trying to make this an incognito fountain pen. With the exception of the clip placement, it would be hard to tell this isn’t just a regular ballpoint pen from a distance.

[@asfasfd7772]

Fine for quick notes, terrible for long writing sessions. Too heavy.

[@fortheloveofpens]

Completely agree. Also not the most ergonomic grip.

[@Lorvina1]

Maybe you'd like the decimo more.

[@JuanRodriguez-qb8qm]