Platinum 3776 Coarse Nib Fountain Pen Review 4K

[@inkyrick7830]

Nice review! I always enjoy them. I have a couple of 3776s and really like them. However, when I finally decided to try the Platinum President, I was even more impressed. You don't have the wide color or material choices in the President (black, red wine, and blue currently), but the material is more significant and feels far more premium. The feel of the standard 3776 material has always struck me as a slight disappointment. It's too thin. The President is maybe twice as thick in the body and cap wall. That gives it a fuller sound and feel, and it adds a warmth that instantly feels more premium. I love the 3776 nib, but the President's nib is equally nice (Platinum puts it on the Izumo models, as well). I think it is more forgiving, too. In terms of daily writer, I prefer the President by a long shot. They've discontinued the President for overseas sales, but domestically they are still produced and sold by Platinum (it's on the official Platinum JP website, and was listed in Platinum's Fall factory manufacturing schedule paperwork). In my opinion, the President is one of the most underrated pens out there, particularly in the N. American market. For anyone interested in Japanese pens, I recommend going straight to the source and buying them from a Japanese retailer targeting the domestic Japanese market. You'll find Platinums, Pilots, and Sailors priced 30% to 50% lower than the N. American price. Shipping is surprisingly cheap ($20 or so, sometimes less), and they normally arrive DHL in 2-4 days. That's faster than most, if not all of my purchases from US retailers. I highly recommend you try the President. I think you'll really like it.

[@sajjadhusain4146]

I have the wine red (burgundy) Platinum President with a Broad nib. I bought it from Japan for $175 (excluding shipping). Great value on price for a fantastic pen with an 18k gold nib, no less.

[@Volkmannx]

Could you recommend any retailers by name, please and thank you.

[@BlakesBroadcast]

I bought my Platinum President from Amazon Japan.

[@inkyrick7830]

@@BlakesBroadcast If you just bought it, I'm sure you'll like it. If you bought it a while ago, I'm sure you do! :)

[@BlakesBroadcast]

I have a Platinum President, you can see it in my pen tray in the video next to my Nakaya. If you want a resin pen in one of the standard nib sizes, then I agree that the President is a nicer pen, the materials overall are improved (not massively but upgrades are noticeable). Regarding the nib, I prefer the 3776 nibs, especially the music nib and 18kt gold versions. I like that the President nib is two toned but I don't prefer the nib design (save for the woven Izumos). The President nib is a nail, it is a great performer, but so is a standard 3776 nib which will fit in to a lot more pens. The modern nibs in the 3776s are interchangeable (for the most part) and there is just so much more to collect and enjoy with the 3776 line

[@mountfujieagle]

Excellent review. I had a 3776 C ground into an architect nib by the nib Smith. Beautiful nib! Always a pleasure watching your videos.

[@BlakesBroadcast]

Thank you! How do you like your architect nib? Dan does nice work.

[@Cortesevasive]

Finishing is so so ,gold plating is not so good, clip is not super good, the trim ring is kinda rough . On the other hand these features are irrelevant and make the pen more daily use friendly without worrying about damaging or scratching the finishing . Performance is very good, kinda feedbacky nibs depends on taste. Balance, weight and dimensions are perfect. Nib variety very good, especially the unique sizes like UEF or SF. Overall UEF probably the finest nib available as a non specialty nib...

[@BlakesBroadcast]

I think the finishing is comparable to similar pens from Pilot and Sailor. I don't use clips too much but what is wrong with it? Platinum nibs write similar to Pilot nibs in my experience. I don't think they have much feedback until you get down to the finer points.

[@Cortesevasive]

@@BlakesBroadcast Maybe chrome is better, but gold trim is bad, you can see the metal beneath the gold*. 3376 clip doesnt clip well its shape is not very functional and its folded metal same as sailor though, yeah I am just spoiled by Pilot clips, I am comparing it to Pilot 912 its like 60euro more but has impeccable build quality I have only UEF and SF, I think SF is kinda feedbacky as a fine nib, but yeah in my head I am comparing it to Pilot 845 or Justus95, so its probably unfair comparison as its not direct equivalent.

[@BlakesBroadcast]

I don't see any issues with the gold trim on the 3776s I have but maybe I need to look closer. I am partial to Pilot's ball terminated clips. The SF nib is not nearly as smooth as the standard F nib. If you like a standard Pilot F I think you will like a standard Platinum F.

[@Cortesevasive]

@@BlakesBroadcast Pilot has sword clips too, kinda like the idea of solid piece clip because the folded metal always has the narrow gaps and technically it can get dirt stuck there, at least thats my fear . Thats interesting, I assumed Platinum was feedbacky damn, thanks for correction. I am more into lane variation sth like naginata or fude or goccia or santini chinese nibs things like that, smoothness is overrated

[@sajjadhusain4146]

Excellent review of a fantastic pen, Blake. I have four 3776s, two resin and two celluloid, in four different nib sizes: Chatres Blue (M), Bourgogne (SF), Jade (B) and Calico (C). I’m generally always fond of broad nibs. The double broad that is Platinum’s Coarse nib is truly fantastic. I haven’t a single complaint about it. It is very broad, with perfect flow, wetness and consistency. A delight to write with. Not a daily all-purpose writer, sure, but I use it often enough for the pleasure it provides. Platinum’s Music nib is also quite special. I also like the newly designed nib on Platinum’s 3776 10th Anniversary pen. The nib looks great and writes wonderfully. Buying the 3776 (and other Japanese pens) directly from Japan is my preferred way of getting these pens.

[@BlakesBroadcast]

Thanks Sajjad! I am glad to hear you like the 3776 line and the excellent Coarse nib. I tried out the 3776 10th Anniversary pen and ultimately I decided not go for it after seeing Platinum's nib pressure charts for the nib vs the standard nibs. In my testing the nib seemed very similar to the SF nib. I like that it is completely different nib design and I almost went for it for that reason alone.

[@sajjadhusain4146]

@@BlakesBroadcast ..The 10th Anniversary pen is extremely nice, to say the least. The new design nib just looks better than the older (also nice looking) one we’re used to for long. The new nib on the Anniversary pen is offered only in F and M, if I’m not mistaken. I chose the medium. Writes delightfully and like a true medium, too. The pen’s price is quite unfairly high in the U.S. I just went for it anyway. Rumor has it that the new nib will appear on all future 3776s and maybe other Platinum pens as well. I wouldn’t mind at all.

[@user-gl5ld9vm7i]

Great video Blake. Thinking out loud. Noticed that Pilot, Platinum, Sailor, and other Japanese brands tend to embrace that famous cigar/torpedo black shape. Why do you think that?

[@BlakesBroadcast]

In the pen world, just like in the camera world, there are lots of copies or "inspired by" type pens. These pens look very much like Montblancs to me...that is my lazy observation. At the time these pens were introduced Montblanc would have had higher status (I think) than most of the dying American brands. Many older Italian and Japanese pens were "copies" of American pens, the OMAS Extra Lucens was nearly a copy of the Wahl Eversharp Doric. The Aurora 88 was a direct response to the Parker 51. If you look at old Platinum, Sailor, and Pilot pens you will find many that look like old Duofolds and Vacumatics. Platinum made pens that look just like the Wahl Skyline. Sailor had "Lifetime" branded pens not so different from Sheaffers.

[@user-gl5ld9vm7i]

@Blake's Broadcast Ah, I understand. You have a great deal of insight my friend. Thank you!

[@pinkskiestoday]

Just found you today - subscribed! 😀

[@BlakesBroadcast]

Welcome! Thank you for the sub.

[@stareenafraser]

I have the soft fine in this and it writes lovely, my first gold nib. Im thinking about adding the coarse nib to my collection.

[@BlakesBroadcast]

The coarse nib and soft fine are both special nibs. I will be doing a review of the Soft Fine in the future.

[@strshooter7399]

Hi Blake, I’m a fan of Platinum 3776 Century. I love this coarse nib, it’s a function of its size on how smooth it lays down such a broad strike I think. I’ve got a soft fine in a 3776 and it’s a bit scratchy, but for me, that’s expected. Just subscribed to your channel, so I’ve only started watching 5 min.s ago… . I’m not sure where you get your fountain pens, but I’ve been purchasing from eBay sellers in Japan where in recent time past, the pricing is considerably less than most US sellers. Shipping from the Japan eBay seller I’ve been using is very quick to the US. Usually quicker than some US sellers… . It is what it is. Of course you can find eBay sellers charging more than some US sellers, but IMO, it pays to shop around. My .02 cents only… . Thanks for the video 👍😎

[@BlakesBroadcast]

I run a store called The Paper Mind ( www.thepapermind.com ) and as an authorized Platinum Dealer I am very aware of the prices in Japan and previous to becoming a dealer I bought all of my Japanese pens (for the most part) directly from dealers in Japan. There is no reason to buy from a US dealer when the price is like 2x as long as you are okay with the following caveats: 1) an expensive return or no return option and 2) a Japanese warranty or no warranty. With that said, they do make North America exclusives. As far as I can tell that is the only thing those brands do for the US market. I also think it is nice to support local businesses but double the Japanese price is an understandably tough pill to swallow. Platinum, Sailor, and Pilot all set the US prices. The dealers have no control over it if they want to remain authorized dealers.

[@sajjadhusain4146]

I’ll definitely check out your store right away, Blake. Your comments about the U.S and Japan pricing discrepancies and the other points are very true. The N. American ‘exclusives’ are certainly the ONLY real attraction and incentive to buy pens of Japan’s Big Three here in America. But I have tired of and now invariably ignore limited edition exclusives etc…For long, I used to diss the local retailers for having a role to play in the often ridiculous, inexcusable, prices of many Pilot, Platinum and Sailor pens. I only belatedly learned that the Big Three are solely responsible for dictating and setting the prices that the retailers charge customers.

[@strshooter7399]

@@BlakesBroadcast Ah, I didn't understand. Thanks for the video. 🙂

[@ginopagnani7286]

Great review Blake, I bought the 3776 in Chartres Blue when it first came out. A great writer and always in my rotation.

[@BlakesBroadcast]

The Chartres Blue was the first 3776 I bought. It's such a good pen.

[@unhealthy_levels_of_matt]

Is the black 3776 opaque would you say Blake (or anyone)? I've seen it described by retailers as translucent and by others as opaque. Maybe there are multiple versions?

[@BlakesBroadcast]

Good question. I should have covered that in the video. They make both. This particular one is translucent. The one in the tray that I say has a music nib is solid black with gold trim.

[@unhealthy_levels_of_matt]

@@BlakesBroadcast thank you!

[@ichirofakename]

1. That's a good review, thanks. 2. If that nib is oblong, I wonder if it could be ground to a BROADER point, like the mythical BBB I still have in the baack of my mind...

[@BlakesBroadcast]

You are welcome. I wonder if the feed would be able to keep up with it. Platinum's Music nib uses a different feed than all the other nib grades. I am not sure if this is for improved flow or just because of the extra tine.

[@stareenafraser]

Thanks for this review

[@BlakesBroadcast]

You are welcome!

[@dashsunil]

Karakusa chinkin is just wow. 😮 Magnificent collection, Blake. 😊

[@BlakesBroadcast]

Thanks Dash!

[@mekitronette]

great review. the new deeper engraving on the band looks nice, classier. i have the uef and the f, both still with the old shallow band engraving. agree that the 3776 has the best proportion out of all the standard cigar-shaped pens from the big three. something to do with the shorter, stubbier ends? also like the flatness of the nib (the sf is more round, more "normal" like the 10th anni nib btw), another point of difference, and i wonder if it also (because of the geometry) adds a tiny bit of bounce to the nail-y nib? reading most comments before actually trying one on i thought the nib was gonna be much more of a nail, but it's not. it's got just the perfect amount of bounce/springiness for me. there's less feedback than on sailor's 14k nib as well imo. just enough to make writing with this nib feel very "precise" for lack of a better word. now if only i could lay my hands on the chamomile version with a music or coarse nib!

[@BlakesBroadcast]

Thanks for the comment Mikael! The 3776 has the most classic proportions..not to heavily weighted at one end (Pilot) nor too pointy (Sailor) that's why it's the most appealing. I think "precise" is the perfect word to describe Platinum nibs.

[@sajjadhusain4146]

The standard resin 3776’s darker, less translucent body appeals to me far more than the colored demonstrator models of many other pens - notably that of the pen the 3776 is very often compared to: Pilot Custom 74. The fact that the 3776 offers a legion of color/finish choices (including celluloid and other materials) and the spectrum of nib size options make the 3776 an especially alluring pen. And still one of my enduring favorite Japanese pens. And oh, I’d say Sailor’s gold nibs can also be characterized as providing a very satisfying precision to the feel of the writing. Different to Platinum’s, but crisp and precise, nevertheless.

[@EduardoHenrique-nd1ro]

Beautiful pen, Blake! Thanks for sharing with us! Cheers from Brazil!

[@BlakesBroadcast]

Thank you very much!

[@KB-cx2dr]

Great review.✍️

[@BlakesBroadcast]

Glad you liked it

[@fossilimprint2954]

Thank you for your detailed review.

[@BlakesBroadcast]

My pleasure!

[@DrDavidMLevy]

Very helpful! Thank you.

[@BlakesBroadcast]

Glad it was helpful!