Pilot Kakuno: An artist fountain pen review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 มิ.ย. 2024
- Hello pen lovers!
Today we are checking out the Pilot Kakuno. A fine pen with a fine line! It even inspired me to get out my watercolors and Platinum Carbon Black ink! Watch the review to see what I think!
Check out the pen here:
amzn.to/3crV6Xy
Here's the ink I used:
bit.ly/PltCrbBlk
And my favorite watercolor paint set:
bit.ly/DnSmthPrm
I like to use Winsor & Newton #7 Kolinsky Sable brushes with my watercolors. Check out the one i used for the painting sample here:
bit.ly/WdsrNtn7n3
Consider subscribing to my channel if you enjoy my content. It really means a lot!
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00:00 intro
01:27 - 06:48 unboxing
06:49 - 09:39 ink fill
09:40 - 12:47 practice lines
12:48 - 17:19 drawing sample
17:20 final thoughts
Kakuno means in Japanese " just write on" best pen in budget
I had no idea! That’s a really fitting name!
I agree. This is the pen i use the most
One of the best fountain pen reviews I've ever seen...thanks so much! Everything I would want or need to know shown, explained, and demonstrated. Including a demo and review of the converter was incredibly helpful, and rarely done. (I can imagine you're a wonderful teacher.) Close to 4 years ago now, so very grateful to the library that is TH-cam. Love your flower sketches... 🙏
Thank you! I like to think I put a conscious effort into making things on the slow and worthwhile path, rather than just churning out content. It’s nice to be noticed for that!
The Kaweco clips, which are available separately, fit on the Kakuno.
Really? I have one of those! I’m checking it now!
Confirmed! I do feel like the Kakuno’s aesthetic works clipless (much better than the Kaweco Sport, anyway), but it’s good to have options. Thanks for the tip!
The octagonal one?
That’s great!
@Corrin Jeannotte Cool! I’ve got a couple of those! Thank you!
The bump is a roll-stop 😊 - nice video, thanks!
Appreciate it!
Thank you for the excellent review of the Pilot Kakuno fountain pen. I especially liked you showing how the Con-70 worked and that it actually fit inside of it. I have enjoyed using the Pilot Precise V5 and V7 rolling ball pens drawing my comix, but I wanted something that isn’t disposable. Seeing your video makes me want to try this out. Thanks again.
Creating a comic book is one of my goals for this year! I have the thumbnails and everything, I just need to start doing the actual inks. The Kakuno is a great pen for fine lining. I haven’t found a fountain pen in this price range that quite compares...perhaps the platinum preppy in extra fine. Both would probably be a good choice. I, unfortunately, let one of my students try my preppy, and they broke it. Tragic. Never again.
I also highly recommend platinum carbon black ink if you plan to color your comics with watercolors or alcohol-based markers. I haven’t quite found another fountain pen friendly ink that’s quite as resistant to water!
Exactly the information I’ve been looking for. Thank you!!
Glad to help!
I have just started with fountain pens. Am excited that this looks like what I would call a true extra fine. Thanks for the great review.
I agree! This is one of the finest lines I have on a pen. You might also be interested in the Platinum extra fine nibs. I have had a preppy, a Plasir, and the (much more expensive) 3776, and they are great!
I just ordered this and con-70 and your review was what I needed even tho I already ordered lol. Love the water color and flowers well done Thank You!
Haha. I wanted to make that review because I couldn’t find it anywhere. Glad it helped you!
Just wanted to say I got this pen with the EF nib based on your review and I like it a lot. It makes very fine lines and is not scratchy
It’s an underrated gem! I’m surprised there aren’t more videos about it.
@@stepheninks Thats *PILOT* never seen a pilot which would dissapoint. Pilot Penmanship/Plumix/Pluminix is even better because it has screw on cap
The bump on the side is an anti roll stop.
I put a clip from an Iraurita pocket pen.
I swapped a B calligraphy nib from a Pilot Pluminix on to my red and grey Kakuno.
I have this Con 70 converter in my Pilot Custom heritage 912 with the fa nib.
I have a round 70ml Pilot Blue Black ink bottle to fill from. It has the same plastic ink miser function.
Californian Poppy is well drawn.
Thanks for the information, and your kind words!
What a pleasant aesthetic experience you have provided! Thanks for the video audio and lighting quality. Also- the review itself was quite comprehensive, which is super helpful.
Thanks! This pen is one of my favorites!
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I own quite a few fountain pens. My Kakuno medium is one of my very favorites. I want to try a Kung fine nib as well. I’ve had mine for almost a year and it’s still in great condition.
Yeah, the Kakuno was a big find for me! I kind of wish the extra fine nib was available in other color choices, but this is a huge go-to for fine hatching and small details. I like it better than the Metropolitan, which is even a bit more expensive!
Hello, I like how you talked, about the pen while doing your test flower doodles, noting out the feel of writing with the nib etc. And that simple watercolour touch at the end is love. I'd totally dig more watercolour videos from you.
You know, I’ve been thinking about getting out my watercolors again soon. Pen and ink is usually more convenient, but you may see some more colors on this channel in the future. Thanks!
Yup, watercolours will definitely do good. But yes, it does require a little bit more commitment to prep for..
Thank-you !
Appreciate it sir!
Really great video, wow, the drawings really sold me on this pen. Your painting sold me on the pen ink!! Thank you!
Fountain pen ink that is waterproof is hard to come by! De Atramentis also makes a black ink that works in a similar way (as well as their entire Document Ink line). This is an extremely underrated pen!
@@stepheninks thank you for the ink recommendations! I fell in love with ink and watercolor paintings after reading Winnie the Poo to my little brother and sisters. Recently I saw Beatrix Potters ink & watercolor pictures... thank you!
@@CuriousCalligrapher I got to see some of her art at the Beatrix Potter Museum in England when I want there as a teenager. Really amazing what can be done with the two combined. Another fantastic example of watercolor and ink combined is the work of Bill Watterson (Calvin & Hobbes). He used a brush for his inks. If you haven’t seen his works, please check them out. Very inspiring, especially his backgrounds, inspired by the forests of the American Midwest.
@@stepheninks that's exciting you were able to see Beatrix Potter art, her stories are so inventive! I only discovered her books looking for them for my grandchildren! My son loved Calvin & Hobbes and we bought him several special editions for Christmas presents! I'll have to see if we still have them, or go look at the drawings online! Thank you for the suggestion!
Finest line pen I've ever seen or used is a Pilot Penmanship pen. Very inexpensive but an impressively sturdy workhorse pen. Extra fine steel nib. Never had a problem with one unless I dropped it on the nib.
I believe that the penmanship and the Kakuno have the same nib! The penmanship looks awesome! I have it on my short list for next pen.
I dropped my metropolitan a few weeks ago right on the nib, so I felt that least comment deep in my soul. Still works, but you can definitely tell when you look at it up close :(
@@stepheninks Amazon. Used to be just $10, but i see now they come packaged with a converter. $17. I never see anyone talk about them or review them, I guess because they are considered a cheap "school pen". But I love them. I swapped my Metro fine nib for one of these extra fines.
@@elizabethwaggoner7126 I hope I can be an exception to that rule. I keep hearing about the penmanship from viewers, so maybe that’s something I’ll have to do soon!
Just discovered this pen this fall, one of my favorites (I have two now :) I recommend refilling cartridges with a blunt needle syringe, super easy and good capacity. In fact I will also often fill my converters with a syringe because I get more ink in them that way. Enjoyed the video.
Lately I have been using my blunt needle syringe to fill my pens because my ink bottle are too low to do a fill the old fashioned way! If I had to choose 5 non-pen things that every pen lover needs, I would put a blunt needle syringe near the top.
@@stepheninks Agree 100% :)
this was really helpful thanks!
Glad to help!
I've been using a Kakuno EF with platinum carbon black ink for years. Use it every day for journaling and doodles. Love it so much! Just wish it wasn't marketed almost exclusively as a children's/beginner pen! Also it's a shame that you can't change the nib out on the kakuno. Curious about trying out the Pilot custom 74 with and EF nib to see if I can get similar results with a slightly fancier pen body.
Though it’s not compatible with every Pilot nib, you actually can exchange the Kakuno nib with the Pilot Metropolitan. Slight upgrade… though I’m more partial to the ergonomics of the Kakuno myself.
When I needed fine I'd go to a Micron archival. from 02 to 08. Now you sold me on trying this baby. Hope Pilot sends you a free pen.
I used to use microns a lot as well. They dry out so fast! This pen and the Platinum Preppy are some of the finest lines I have seen. They last a long time too. If Pilot gives me a free pen, I’ll know where they got the idea from :)
I got a screw type Con 40 converter for my Kakuno & it's great ! It's a nice pen for being so inexpensive!
I think I like the Con-40s better for this pen than the 70s. This is a really underrated pen!
@@stepheninks 👍👌
I’ve had the Kakuno with the EF nib for a few years. Very thin lines, very scratchy, and likes to get paper fibers in the nib. Still like writing with it.
Yeah, I find with the Japanese extra-fine its always going to be a bit scratchy. I try to use cold press paper, and smoother stuff with it to diminish tearing stuff up. I still love it, and I find that other nibs fill that need for smoothness for me.
I like the background music of the drawing sample :) nice video, just ordered one myself cant wait to use it
Thank you! I hope you enjoy it!
Just ordered one. I'm interested to see how fine a line I can draw with it. Thanks for the review!
This pen is an unsung hero of the fountain pen world. Hope you love it!
@@stepheninks me too!
Very helpful video! I am about to buy my first fountain pen to use in watercolour/line art. I really like a 0.3 micron fine liner size... would a fine nib be equivalant?
It’s hard to gauge exactly what feels right as far as micron to fountain pen conversion, but I think the Pilot Fine is more like a .5 tip, and the ef (which is what I used in this video) is closer to the .3, if that makes sense. If looking at the line samples in this video, you feel like you want something a bit wider, the fine is a great choice. I used a Pilot Fine in my video about the Pilot Metropolitan, if you want to see an example of that.
The converter cost the same as the pen lol.
The best part about entry level pilot is their nib selections. The EF is unmatched by any sub $100, the next level EF would probably be a 3776. The only problem with their entry line is still the lack of good pen bodies.
If you are interested, maybe you can review the whole pilot entry level nib selections and see how each can be used in different drawing scenarios. Make sure to also checkout their cursive fine to cursive broad lineup that can only be acquired through the plumix calligraphy set in the US. The cursive fine is totally under the radar, and it can draw lines that are only achievable through custom grinds.
Keep up the good work and comments on other reviewers! I found you though that. You might give peterdraws a run for his money
You know, that $10 converter is my least favorite part of this setup. After a few months using it, I can complain that it bubbles too much, the button sticks, and it’s nearly impossible to clean. I might switch it out for a con-40 sometime soon.
The nib comparison is a cool idea. I have a review for the Pilot Metropolitan in Fine coming up in the future. I agree about the low end pilots being just holders for good nibs. I might be in the minority, but I feel the same about the Metro.
I have not heard of this other nib you mention... must research. Must spend rent money. Must buy more pens. I thank you, sir!
@@stepheninks Brian Goulet has a great video showing the way to fill the con70 easy. Have you ever plunged a toilet? It's kinda like that, you have to use a solid, steady, semi-rapid rhythm (1-2 plunges/sec) to maximize fill & not get as many bubbles. I do agree they are a pain to clean but that ink capacity you just can't argue really! God bless!
@@robmc120 yeah, but... with the other types of converters, I do not have to treat them like a toilet to get them to work properly, you know? I kind of expected to be blown away, and I... well, let’s just say I have a strong connection to your toilet analogy :)
@@robmc120 Goulet this, goulet that - in the end it's still not a good product. People care too much about the opinion of a single individual. It might work on super fine ink but that's about it. I returned mine and honestly I feel it's a failed product. Needs a next revision for sure to work - the con-40 is far superior.
The small bump is a roll stop. And yes these nibs are interchangeable on probably any Pilot pen..I wonder if the con 70 holds more than a reg pilot cartridge..
I wonder that too, though given the size difference, it’s sad that I even have to wonder.
You are the bob ross of fountain pen art 😌
That is high praise. I strive to be worthy of it.
Those look pretty good tbh i purchased a fountain pen with a metal design for my first and unbeknownst to me made it really hard to draw for a long time as it was too heavy. It's a shame since i will probably never use it except for writing sometimes. Anyway great video!
Yeah this is a pretty light pen. If you’re looking for a lightweight metal pen, the Muji Pen and the Platinum Plasir are great pens made from aluminum. Really lightweight and (for me anyway) quite comfortable.
Could you kindly show how to fix the fountain pen which the ink stuck .. as no ink come out from the tip of the fountain pen. Thank you for showing the flowers you draw with Kakuno and ink used. I want to try now.❤❤
Hello,
Can I get a bit of background? If you’re new to fountain pens, it is possible that you have an ink with a shellac or polycarbonate (plastic) base, like India or Acrylic ink in there. Those types of inks coagulate when they dry, and can ruin your pen. Pigment and dye based inks that are meant for fountain pens clean up with water, and are very unlikely to clog your pen. That type of ink can clog the pen if left in there for a vet long time
My best recommendation in either case is to take the pen apart and clean the parts individually with warm, soapy water. Highly acidic (like vinegar) and highly alkaline (like ammonia) based cleaners can ruin your pen. Soak and scrub, then put back together. After that, to prevent further clogging, I recommend cleaning your pens every few months, and making sure you have a fountain pen friendly ink. My favorite brands of fp inks are those made by Noodlers and Colorverse.
These little pens are amazing. The cost less than $15 and write/draw as well as a Metropolitan, or Explorer. This is because they use the same feed and nibs. I've bought several because of this. A question about the Carbon ink, though. How does it dry? Is it totally matte, or does it have any shine once it's dry?
Completely matte. I think India inks are the only ones that dry with a shine to them, due to the shellac in their formula. It feels pretty much like any other fountain pen in when dry. It’s very opaque though. No shading.
@@stepheninks Thanks for the reply. The only black fountain pen ink I've seen that has a sort of graphite sheen when dry is Sailor Kiwaguro ink. It looks like Uniball Signo gel ink when it dries. I was wondering if this was similar, but no luck, I guess. I do like that it's totally opaque.
@@Helvetica_Scenario the opaque qualities are what makes this a useful ink to me. If I need to digitize work (as is often the case when working for clients) I get a better quality scan from an opaque ink with a matte finish. Certainly not my most exciting or fun ink to work with, but very dependable.
I am very curious /cautious about pigment inks with fountain pens. Do you have any issues with clogging? Or do you use it frequently enough that clogging isn't an issue? And how often do you clean the pen? Great video, I gotta say, it convinced me enough to try that combination.
The Platinum Carbon Black ink is technically a pigment ink, but is meant for fountain pens. That’s the only one that I have used. I’ve left it in pens for months at a time with no clogging. I recently received a sample set of De Atrementes document inks which are also pigment inks that are supposed to be waterproof and are intended for fountain pens. I’ll be using them in some future videos :)
I did once have a single problem (ironically) with a Platinum Preppy that has seen heavy use, and that I let a student of mine try once (big mistake, he was not careful and bent the nib). It didn’t clog per se, but it was skipping a lot. I’ve done some nib maintenance on it, and it’s working better, but I haven’t put it to the test with Carbon black yet. Maybe soon.
@@stepheninks Thanks for the reply. You've convinced me enough to give it a try. My local seller (specializing in pens & fountain pens) cautioned me and even recommended I clean the pen perhaps once every 2 weeks if I intended to use the Carbon Black Ink in any fountain pen. Seeing as that's the case, I thought it would be more prudent to use it in a cheaper fountain pen, in case things don't work out (where I am from in Asia, the Pilot Kakuno only cost US$6.50). Again, great video, thanks for the detailed review!
Caution is best if you’re concerned! The Kakuno is an absolute workhorse! I love mine, more than some pens that cost many times as much!
I actually clean my pens pretty often (almost after every fill) though I don’t feel like it’s “necessary,” since I have left Platinum Carbon Black in some pens for Months at a time, like I mentioned... it’s just that I like cleaning/maintaining them.
Let me know if you would be interested in seeing a video about my cleaning process. I’ve been thinking about making one!
@@stepheninks it’s great that you mentioned that actually. It’s probably a good habit to clean it before every fill. I’m clueless, so what you recommend, I’d just follow, since you have way more experience. And yes, I’d absolutely check out your video on cleaning if you do post that up. I’ve watched some videos and guides on cleaning but those are meant for regular fountain pen inks and not specifically for the Carbon Ink + Kakuno combination.
Hello bravo for your work it is very instructive 👍 I am an artist I am currently looking for a fountain pen to draw with a fluid line, a good flow of ink, a good reserve of ink, and resistant. What would also be the right inks to accompany this product? thank you for your comeback
Hi! I would say there are a lot of decisions based on your personal tastes. If you want a good black ink, I highly recommend Platinum Carbon Black or De Atramentis document black. Something smooth with a high ink capacity, I might recommend the PenBBS 456, or perhaps the Twsbi Eco, although the Twsbi Diamond 589 alr is nicer if you have the money.
This channel is dedicated to finding the right pen for drawing, so if you peruse around my pen reviews, you might find something that gets you excited. Go with that one. Links can always be found in the video description. There is no perfect pen for anyone. It’s unique to you!
You can check out lots of other channels and reviews on pen retailers to get a good picture of what you think you might like.
I'll bet the converter is the same plastic as the Con-40. Which I think is pretty solid. If not, that's an opportunity for improvement later.
Sometimes I think I like the Con-40 better than the Con-70, and other times it’s the other way around. All in all, I feel like Pilot could do a much better job with their converters. They have fantastic pens, but converters… they just miss the mark for me. I actually have a whole video about that on this channel.
Is the nib flexible… I’m new to fountain pens does the circle on the nib mean that it’s flexible nib
Most nibs have a little circle like that on them. It’s called a breather hole. The Kakuno’s nib is not flexible. If you are looking for a flexible nib at a similar price point, check out pens by Noodlers and Fountain Pen Revolution. Personally, I don’t like these pens very much, but I’m not big into flex pens.
As a general rule, you can assume that any fountain pen that does not explicitly say “flexible” is not flexible.
Hey! You're using a Staedler mechanical pencil in the video for sketching, and I believe I've seen this exact model in my local stationery store. Is it reliable? How long have you been using it? Thank you for your amazing work! Cheers!
Thanks! I have actually had that mechanical pencil for years. I bought it in a stationary store when I was living in South Korea. It is great! I use it most of the time when I’m sketching things that I’m going to ink. I sometimes switch it out for a traditional wood pencil, but I tent to come back to it. Super strong and sturdy. Definitely built to last.
One strange thing about this particular model (which may not be relevant to your situation) is that the lead size for this one is a .5., which is pretty much the default size in SK, but the default size in the US, where I live now is a .7. I would rather have a .7, which Staedtler also makes (that one is silver colored). Sometimes the lead accidentally pushes through cheap paper, so that another reason I might like a .7 lead, combined with the fact that .5 leads are always more expensive here. Something to consider, but I definitely recommend the brand for mechanical pencil users!
Thanks! I think mechanical pencils win the practical aspect of the competition, but wooden pencils have some magical to them. I always end up using 'em a lot.
@@danieldelahaye I have that very mechanical pencil. It's called Staedtler 925 25 or 925 35. It's an alumunium body pencil with sharp knurling on the grip. The pencil is hefty and feels good to use
@@houghwhite411 Thanks, mate! I'll check it out. Have a great one!
Is the lineweight of the pilot kakuno extra fine nib the same as 0.25 mm from micron sakura? Or is it thinner?
Hi! I don’t have a Sakura pigmy micron at .25 to compare it to, but I do have a Coptic fineliner at .2 (in my experience, they run thinner than Sakura) and the Kakuno is finer than that!
@@stepheninks Yeah copic with the same size as sakura is thinner. Thank you for your reply, now I know what size to buy on the pilot kakuno 😁
Yeah! The Kakuno is great for fine lining. The feed is wet, so if you like that, perfect! If you’re looking for something a bit drier, or that will work on cheaper paper, the Platinum Preppy ef is great, and slightly cheaper!
fantastic video. definitely strange vibes but good vid
I do strange vibes sometimes.
Would you recommend using the con-70? I saw alot positive review but it seem like you have a little issue with it. I want a decent ink capacity but I don't want stuff that's troubling..
I can’t really say that I do or don’t recommend it more than the con-40, which would be your other option with this pen.
For a company with so many great pen options, Pilot makes terrible converters.
My main complaints about the con-70 are that despite its size, filling it to capacity is basically impossible, the button of the piston feels cheap, and since the piston does not come apart, cleaning it is a chore. But the same is true for the con-40.
I have heard that a lot of people who like Pilot pens but hate their converters just wash out old Pilot cartridges and use those instead.
@@stepheninks Thanks for the reply! I'm thinking to get the con-70 and I'll just fill it with a syringe 🥲
Platinum Carbon Black is the best ink.. dries fast and is waterproof.. you do have to let I dry before you apply watercolor.
Yeah, it’s great! I’ve found some success with Noodlers Bulletproof black as well, depending on the pen/paper, but I haven’t seen anything that beats Platinum Carbon Black yet!
I just ordered some samples of De Atramentis document inks, which I’ve heard good things about. I’ll put it in a future video, in case you want to know!
I would also suggest the Noodler’s Heart of Darkness. Permanent ink, quite wet but dries surprisingly fast. It’s even cheaper than other options.
Are the nibs proprietary? Is the EF as fine as a Hunt #102 or other Crowquil nib? Thank you.
Pilot pens have proprietary nibs, yes. The Hunt #102 is definitely going to be finer, and is also flexible (if I remember correctly?) so there would be more variety in that type of nib. The advantage of a fountain pen nib like this one would be smoothness, and lasting longer than a dip pen nib, so you wouldn’t have to replace it like you do with crow quill nibs. Hope that helps.
@@stepheninks Thank you for your quick informative response.
Is the Kakuno able to be eye dropper filed?
The Kakuno has small holes in the bottom, so unless those can be plugged up somehow, I would say no. The Pilot Penmanship, however, has the same nib and feed, but a different body, which CAN be eyedroppered.
i prefer filling the cartridge with ink again using a syringe. The converter (I never had one) looks really hard to clean! with the converter you just push and pull a q-tip and it instantly gets dry/clean after rinsing it
It IS hard to clean! I recently got a tip to use warm water and a blunt needle syringe, and it worked really well. I really don’t get all the fuss about the con-70, I prefer the con-40. I think a blunt needle syringe is an essential tool for fountain pen lovers.
@@stepheninks sadly those needles are hard to clean properly again! and yeah I agree, con 40 only holds 0.6ml vs 1ml tho! i personally just fill the cartridge with a syringe (the one that came with) it saves me 10-6$
Can you eyedrop the Kakuno? Thanks.
I’m afraid not. It’s got 2 holes in the bottom.
How do you purge the CON 70 when you need to change ink colour? Thank you!
That’s one of the weak points of the Con-70 in my opinion. It’s hard to clean. What I usually do is take the pen apart completely, and wipe all the pieces down with a clean cloth. Often, people forget about the pen itself hiding leftover ink. As for the converter, since I can’t take it apart, I usually submerse it in a cup of lukewarm water and pump it repeatedly, refill the water, and keep at it until the water stays clean with repeated pumping. It usually takes a couple of fills.
Finally, I put the pen, still disassembled in a sunny, warm place for a few hours so that it dries out.
I love converters that disassemble completely, like the ones from Platinum, Sailor, and Kaweco. If I have a converter like that, I also like to lubricate the piston with silicone grease. Unfortunately, with the con-70, I can’t do that last part. If there are leftover inks in the pen still, they will affect the color of the new ink for a while, but eventually, the ink will be the true color. For this reason, I usually keep the same ink in the pen for 2-3 fills at least. Hope that helps!
@@stepheninks Oh I see! Thank you for your comprehensive reply, Steven! I am a new user of the Kakuno (my first fountain pen! ^^) and mine came with the CON-40. I've had to refill it pretty quickly, so I'm not sure if my Kakuno writes wet (it's an F nib, not an EF) or if the CON-40 just has a small reservoir... I intend to try other inks in future, so I'll have to think twice about the CON-70 I guess! :)
@@felw4292 probably a combo of both factors. Pilot nibs are very wet. Also, I just got a con-40 for another pen, and it’s really hard to get it completely full... I wonder what the deal is with Pilot’s converters. Each one has its own unique flaws. Haha. I should point out that a lot of people love the con-70. I prefer the con-40, but I don’t hate the 70... it’s a preference by a very narrow margin. I like the converter of almost every other brand (including cheaper ones) better than both combined.
Can I use a Kaweco standard converter with this pen?
Unfortunately, no. Kaweco uses standard international cartridges, so it’s compatible with a lot of other brands that do the same, like Penbbs, Sheaffer, Faber Castell, and a lot of others. Pilot, Lamy, Sailor, and Platinum are a few examples of brands that make their own cartridges/converters, and therefore are not compatible with standard international brands.
Pilot makes 2 converters which will fit this pen, the con-70 and the con-40. In this video, I use the con-70, but to be honest, I like the con-40 better.
@@stepheninks thank you so much!!!
I love the fine line but the nib clogs so fast :( I use Pilot ink cartridges so Im not sure why it does that. Washing it helps for a while but then it "dries out" again and the lines get very scratchy.
Interesting. I have not had that problem with mine. I wonder if it has to do with the weather where you are? My California central coast home is mostly mild weather that borders on cold, with plenty of moisture on the air. I have noticed that if I leave my pens inked up for a long time (more than a few months), they dry out like what you mentioned. For that reason, I try to only ink a few pens at a time, so I can use them up and clean them out.
One question can I use needle syringe to fill the ink in this convertor please answer Thank You
Yes, you can fill any pen with a syringe.
@@stepheninks Thank you so much brother really appreciate you that reply and give me your valuable time 🤗 . Kindly do the unboxing on Kacco sky transparent fountain pen please Thank You 🤗
So which convertor is best for pilot kakuno please tell me waiting for your reply
I have to admit that even though I don’t really like the Pilot converters (any of them), if I had to choose one, it would be the con-40. Both of them fit. But also Majohn makes a converter for their A1 pens, which you can buy separately. That also fits Pilot pens, and I think it’s the best option of the three.
@@stepheninks Thank you so much really appreciate your valuable time and reply that you give me🤗
I am confused as I have seen other videos where they are saying it is not waterproof but they use water to blur their lines and shading?
You may have been looking at a different Platinum ink. Their “Carbon” series (Platinum Carbon Black, in this case) is the only Platinum ink that I know of that is a pigment based ink. Pigment based inks resist water, but are formulated for fountain pens. Another brand that had pigment based inks is the De Atramentis Document series. Most fountain pen inks, however, are dye based, meaning that they dilute with water, making them able to be used in the way you described. You just have to do your research to get the one you want, but lost fountain pen inks will be dye based and spread when brushed with water.
@@stepheninks thank you :)
Does it write just as smooth as kakuno fine? I got a lamy ef cos it is having 50% off but it is so scratchy as compare to my kakuno fine. I been thinking about lately should I try kakuno ef since I enjoy Kakuno fine alot more than lamy.
Hi!
Whenever you have a super extra fine nib like this, there is bound to be some feedback, no matter how good the nib is. Are you looking specifically for something finer than you r Kakuno fine? I don’t own a Kakuno in fine, but I do have a pilot Metropolitan in fine. The nib/feed are almost identical to the Kakuno. The Kakuno ef nib is finer, but the metro nib is a touch smoother, due to the thicker line.
I love my Kakuno ef, but it’s not for everyone. If you’re a bit obsessed with the finest line you can get, go for it. This is probably it. You can also smooth it out with a bit of micro mesh. I have a chisel about nib tuning on this channel where I discuss the process. Hope that helps!
@@stepheninks thank you for sharing. Yes I am looking for a pen that is finer than fine. Abit of feedback I am OK but that lamy ef is super scratchy it kind of annoy me. I think I will give kakuno ef a try out.
Interesting… I wonder if you got a bad nib on the Lamy? I have an ef, and it doesn’t feel too scratchy to me. Kakuno is definitely finer than the Safari though.
Another one worth checking out is the Platinum preppy/prefounte/Plasir. Mentioning them together because they have the same nib/feed. More feedback from these because they have a dryer flow. That works to my advantage often though, because sometimes I have cheap paper, and those nibs are easier on it. Of those three, only the preppy comes in ef, the others start at f. However, since the preppy is actually the cheapest one, you could buy one, then buy the finish you want (the Plasir is aluminum, the prefounte is just a bit cleaner design) and swap out the nib, for almost the same price as the Kakuno :)
@@stepheninks thank for these extra information its helpful. Maybe if kakuno ef work great for me I am thinking of changing lamy Nib to f or m and use it only for writing. I love your video you review stuff that others miss out. Great job.
@@naomiartisan thank you! Glad I could help!
The bump on the side is to prevent it from rolling :-)
Thank you!
I stopped watching early as it really was time to stop using the cartridges and start using the converter that came with my Platinum #3776 years ago, as well as not the Platinum dyestuff or carbon inks but the Namiki I chose mainly for its gorgeous bottle. I enjoyed every part of filling the converter from said wonder bottle and then testing out the writing, much better thank you, then when i came back it was to the very beginning of your little lesson on Platinum carbon ink, how about that. Now I know what order to try the other two, rather than being liable to some misunderstanding due to ignorance of carbon ink viscosity. Re scratchiness I think I will not polish this (F) nib but instead keep its substantial feedback as some sort of gauge for if/when that Diplomat Excellence A2 turns 'research and choose one (1) quintessential-type fountain pen within puny budget' into 'collector of affordable modern classic pens.' So thank you :)
I love the versatility of a converter. I have heard people say that Carbon black is too viscous for their pens, but it has always worked great for me. I love my smooth nibs, but I feel like a lot of people are like you and like their nibs a little toothy.
@@stepheninks This Platinum is new, to replace the one I lost when my bag was stolen. It was maybe ten years old and had only occasional use, in fact I'd hardly made a dent in that first cartridge when I lost it. I regretted changing to the F nib when I'd been happy with M, was unhappy with its scratchiness and weak line, which I understand now properly in terms of 'feedback/toothiness,' and ink feed mechanics. I was in danger of being a bad workman and blaming my tools! You got me thinking properly and yesterday was really such a pleasure I doubt I'll ever use a cartridge again, might well start using my pen not just to write but for drawing too. Then I will be interested to see how the carbon goes. Enough of me, keep up the good work!
now, what's the difference bw a Pilot Kakuno Demonstrator and a Pilot Kakuno?
As far as I know, the bodies are the same, but the only Kakuno with an extra fine nib (like the one I use in the video) is the demonstrator. It’s a shame, because I really like some of those color options. Gotta go with which tool meets my needs best though!
Mine writes perfectly upside-down 🙃
Good to know. Mine works okay as well, but it would be nice if it gave me a different line weight upside down, as many other pens I own do. Cant beat that Pilot ef super thin line though!
@@stepheninks It does write thinner upside down. I have an F and upside down it’s an EF.
@@louizelimepips3517 I should get a fine. I don’t think my ef can go any thinner!
Im torn between these and metropolitan.
My recommendation is the Kakuno. I have a metro, and the only difference between the metro and the Kakuno is that the Kakuno has the ef nib available on some models, while the Metropolitan does not. It is literally the same nib. If it’s the metal construction that sways you, keep in mind that the Metropolitans section (the part your fingers touch) is still plastic. I discuss some of the other things I don’t care for about the Metropolitan in my video I posted in January, 2021.
@@stepheninks thanks, how about the durability? Will it last long?
@@jemini7353 I’ve had mine for over a year, and it still works great! Incidentally, my metropolitan got its finish scratched by its own clip. Not that noticeable, but it definitely shows wear and tear, whereas the Kakuno is in perfect condition, though it has some ink stains.
@@stepheninks wow thank you, made up my mine for the kakuno
Team Kakuno! I hope you love it!
- Buy a 10 dollar fountain pen.
- Shoved in a 10 dollar converter.
- Pump-in ink worth 25 dollar per bottle.
Bruh...
Life’s like that sometimes.
As a certain purple man said
"Balanced, as things should have been"
@@houghwhite411 I got one two months ago and right now, I'm doing exactly what I mentioned 3 months ago.
Close, since my ink costs a bit cheaper than that.
@@gilgameshlfx7006 Which nib size and How does it performs? I'm trying to do the same thing and looking vids of people doing it
@@houghwhite411 I got a medium sized, transparent body. Although this is the first fountain pen that I owned, this isn't the first one that I tried. I got my hand on few Parkers and Sheaffers before buying Kakuno. Kakuno feels kinda scratchy when I'm writing with low angle, so I had to adjust a bit higher angle than usual to get that comfortable writing. Drawing a straight line can cause the nib to get clogged, since it's going to pick up that paper particles on the surface a lot when drawing a straight line. Writing normally doesn't pick up as much as drawing straight. So keep that in mind whenever you're working with different types of paper. Oh by the way, I'm left-handed. Not an issue since I'm master of avoiding placing hands on the writing. Got that habit when I was a kid thanks to that cheap wooden pencil that leave smudges all over the places.
A bit of warning though. Do not dropped the pen. Ever. The nib is fine as long as it didn't get hit directly to the hard surface. The nib most likely got separated from the body first before it actually break. Or just some ink leaking. When it leaks means the nib is a bit loose, which all I have to do is push the nib back in. Feels like, as long as the nib didn't get hit directly, the body is going to crack first before the nib getting destroyed. The CON-70 however will not survive. My first CON-70, the button got stuck after a fall. Can't press it. Tried everything but can't fixed it. Stick to cartridges if you're planning to throw the pen to someone lol.