1. My Kakimori brass nib has basically retired my other dip pens. I find it better than traditional dip pens in three ways: 1. It holds more ink. 2. It writes the same in all directions, that is, without the problem of the nib catching on upstrokes. 3. It won't corrode and wear out rapidly. 2. At normal writing angles the slot on the underside will provide most of the ink, which is why rotating the nib during use is a good idea. 3. The only downside is the high cost, on the order of 20 times the price of a traditional dip pen nib. 4. I like that holder that looks like it holds both diameters of nibs.
For testing ink, these Kakimori Metal nibs and their Pen Nib are the only dip pen nibs I use now. I do still like traditional dip pen nibs for calligraphy of course because their different qualities.
I have the Stainless steel nib and use it in my art work. I mostly use it to carry Kuretake mica ink and it handles it beautifully. I also use it on cold pressed watercolor paper and it does really well on it. I am also a silversmith and work with most metals. Brass will almost always oxidize where as stainless steel won't
Thanks for you comment. I will have to try some Kuretake ink. The brass is a very durable metal that has a long history of use in saltwater maritime environments. I believe that with proper care it will last a long time.
I just purchased one for Christmas and am super happy with it. I purchased the brass with the urushi holder and now I do not feel I need to buy a new pen for every ink I like...lol....so it saves me money in the long run.
I've been using my stainless steel nib to try out ink samples. It's much easier to clean off than using a fountain pen as a dip pen like I was doing before. I also like that you can get a swatch of ink off it instead of needing to daub swabs.
I just recently bought the kakimori sakura holder abd brass nib. I really like it. It's a million times better than my J. Herbin glass dip pen. I appreciate the tip about rotating the pen slightly when you write. I usually get ⅓ to ½ page with one dip, instead of just a couple of words with other dip pens.
I have the Stainless Steel nib and from the very get go it was scratchy regardless of paper. Even without any pressure applied it would damage my paper, when I use lighter inks there is a visible darker stroke in the center. I played with various angles, inks and papers and it‘s always the same. Unfortunately, kakimori told me I had to send the nib to Japan at own cost for either a repair or to get a replacement. Lost almost 50 bucks on what I think is an overhyped nib. The longer it’s been around the more I notice how unappealing the writing looks when I see others using it. For ink swatches I went back to using a basic glass dip pen, it’s good enough.
I am sorry to hear about your experience with the Kakimori nib, that is definitely not normal. If you bought it from The Paper Mind please reach out to us at contact@thepapermind.com and we can get you a replacement.
I have both nibs Both do write differently which is great. Both hold a lot of ink. You can use non fountain pen ink to write with them. I use the kakimori Aluminum nib holder with mine.
I prefer the stainless one over the brass. I may have received a bad one because I found the brass to be more scratchy, which doesn't seem to be other people's experience.
Pigment inks and fountain pen inks work great with these nibs, I haven't tested them with other types of inks that might be used with a tradition dip pen.
Thank you! This was very helpful for explaining why I love all things Kakimori. I live in Tokyo and walking distance (well, 45 minutes, but I'm up for that after a day of sitting at my desk!) from Kakimori's shop. I love the nibs, including also the glass nib which is my favorite of all glass pens/nibs. The inks are so much fun when used with dip pens - watch them in fountain pens as they can clog things up when left long. Keep these great videos coming!
Thank you! I agree. The Kakimori nibs let me use a lot of great inks that I wouldn't be willing to put in a fountain pen. If you like ink, I think they are a must have tool.
Concerning feedback, I was just watching another video comparing these Kakimori brass and stainless steel nibs on another channel, and the conclusion regarding feedback was exactly the opposite of the conclusion reached here. The difference in feedback was even audible in the other video. So I wonder if the difference in feedback has more to do with usage and wear, the nibs becoming smoother over time as they become more highly polished.
@@BlakesBroadcast My guess is that if someone starts off with two new nibs, one stainless and the other brass, and then uses each of them about an equal amount, the brass nib will become smooth sooner simply because brass is a softer metal than stainless steel and will wear more quickly. If you want to know what video I was referring to in my original post, it was the TH-cam video entitled, "Comparison of the Brass and Stainless Steel dip nibs. Kakimori Haul" on the Tabitha's Raspberry Colors channel. She was comparing a brand new brass nib with a stainless steel nib she had been using for a while, so she was comparing new against worn in. Perhaps it should be no surprise that she found the steel nib smoother.
I have the brass and my experience hasn't been great. Doesn't write very well or blobs down ink at the start making the whole writing experience feel 🤢 I may try it out again.
I would reach out to Kakimori. If it isn't writing properly. They made a blog post stating: "While care is taken to ensure stringent quality control, please contact us if you have any concerns regarding your nib’s performance, including slow or inconsistent ink flow (using the recommended writing angle). " kakimori.com/en/blogs/news/2201metalnib
I have had better luck by barely touching the just dipped pen to a piece of absorbent paper so the blob is on the towel instead of what I'm writing. If you're too aggressive with the dabbing all your ink will end up on the paper towel.
1. My Kakimori brass nib has basically retired my other dip pens. I find it better than traditional dip pens in three ways:
1. It holds more ink.
2. It writes the same in all directions, that is, without the problem of the nib catching on upstrokes.
3. It won't corrode and wear out rapidly.
2. At normal writing angles the slot on the underside will provide most of the ink, which is why rotating the nib during use is a good idea.
3. The only downside is the high cost, on the order of 20 times the price of a traditional dip pen nib.
4. I like that holder that looks like it holds both diameters of nibs.
For testing ink, these Kakimori Metal nibs and their Pen Nib are the only dip pen nibs I use now.
I do still like traditional dip pen nibs for calligraphy of course because their different qualities.
@@BlakesBroadcast Good point. I forgot, because I lead a completely calligraphy-free life.
I have the Stainless steel nib and use it in my art work. I mostly use it to carry Kuretake mica ink and it handles it beautifully. I also use it on cold pressed watercolor paper and it does really well on it. I am also a silversmith and work with most metals. Brass will almost always oxidize where as stainless steel won't
Thanks for you comment. I will have to try some Kuretake ink.
The brass is a very durable metal that has a long history of use in saltwater maritime environments. I believe that with proper care it will last a long time.
I just purchased one for Christmas and am super happy with it. I purchased the brass with the urushi holder and now I do not feel I need to buy a new pen for every ink I like...lol....so it saves me money in the long run.
Great to hear! I haven't experienced the urushi or indigo holders yet but I will have to try them.
how are they doing after a year? do you used em frequently, found any issues or had to replace em?
I've been using my stainless steel nib to try out ink samples. It's much easier to clean off than using a fountain pen as a dip pen like I was doing before. I also like that you can get a swatch of ink off it instead of needing to daub swabs.
Hi Brian, I agree 100%.
I just bought this from your shop + pilot iroshizuku inks! so glad to find your youtube channel!
I hope you will enjoy the nib and ink! Both are great.
I just recently bought the kakimori sakura holder abd brass nib. I really like it. It's a million times better than my J. Herbin glass dip pen.
I appreciate the tip about rotating the pen slightly when you write. I usually get ⅓ to ½ page with one dip, instead of just a couple of words with other dip pens.
I won a very expensive glass dip pen that I love the first time I tried it. Second time - I broke it. Just not practical in my clumsy hands.
These are great nibs. I still have one glass dip pen nib but I seldom use it now that I have these.
I have the Stainless Steel nib and from the very get go it was scratchy regardless of paper. Even without any pressure applied it would damage my paper, when I use lighter inks there is a visible darker stroke in the center. I played with various angles, inks and papers and it‘s always the same. Unfortunately, kakimori told me I had to send the nib to Japan at own cost for either a repair or to get a replacement. Lost almost 50 bucks on what I think is an overhyped nib. The longer it’s been around the more I notice how unappealing the writing looks when I see others using it. For ink swatches I went back to using a basic glass dip pen, it’s good enough.
I am sorry to hear about your experience with the Kakimori nib, that is definitely not normal. If you bought it from The Paper Mind please reach out to us at contact@thepapermind.com and we can get you a replacement.
I have both nibs Both do write differently which is great. Both hold a lot of ink. You can use non fountain pen ink to write with them. I use the kakimori Aluminum nib holder with mine.
Thank you for the comment. I too like the Aluminum nib holder. Which non-fountain pen inks do you like to use with them?
@@BlakesBroadcast the Indian inks that are more for calligraphy
Which one do you reach for more and for what use?
Hi how do they write differently?
The ink is called Po. The oi bit is the number, 01. Great review thank you. I’ve just bought the steel one.
Yes, you are correct about the ink! I am glad you liked the review and I hope you are enjoying the nib. They are so much fun.
I prefer the stainless one over the brass. I may have received a bad one because I found the brass to be more scratchy, which doesn't seem to be other people's experience.
Hi Marsha, thanks for the comment! I am sorry to hear that your brass nib is scratchier than your steel one. That doesn't match my experience.
New dip pen to me, thank you for introducing them to me.
You are welcome!
Thanks for the review, Blake!
You are welcome!
Thank you. Something to think about for inks that can't go into fountain pens.
Pigment inks and fountain pen inks work great with these nibs, I haven't tested them with other types of inks that might be used with a tradition dip pen.
My experience with not-so cheap glass pens with Noodler's non-fountain ink wasn't wonderful. This looks promising
Thanks for another great review
My pleasure!
Thank you! This was very helpful for explaining why I love all things Kakimori. I live in Tokyo and walking distance (well, 45 minutes, but I'm up for that after a day of sitting at my desk!) from Kakimori's shop. I love the nibs, including also the glass nib which is my favorite of all glass pens/nibs. The inks are so much fun when used with dip pens - watch them in fountain pens as they can clog things up when left long. Keep these great videos coming!
Thank you! I agree. The Kakimori nibs let me use a lot of great inks that I wouldn't be willing to put in a fountain pen. If you like ink, I think they are a must have tool.
I have needed this review for so very long. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Awesome for drawing!
Agreed!
Are the Kakimori inks waterproof? Want to use with watercolor.
They are not waterpoof but they are water resistant once dried. If they are wet I believe you would be able to paint with them.
Do you have a source for the comfort grip holder?
I bought it from John Neal Books
feedback means?? Sorry! I am new to the world of nibs
It means you can feel the surface of the paper vs something that is very smooth. Sort of like a sports car vs a luxury car.
@@BlakesBroadcast got it! thank you! I think I will go with brass then.... :)
The part that fits in the pen is the nib
I bought it from John Neal books. I also believe JetPens had it in the past.
Not a good test unless you also use the same holders.
I've tested them both in the Kakimori holders. They perform similarly.
Concerning feedback, I was just watching another video comparing these Kakimori brass and stainless steel nibs on another channel, and the conclusion regarding feedback was exactly the opposite of the conclusion reached here. The difference in feedback was even audible in the other video. So I wonder if the difference in feedback has more to do with usage and wear, the nibs becoming smoother over time as they become more highly polished.
There may be batch variation and a break in period but my conclusions match Kakimori's own statements on these nibs in terms of feel.
@@BlakesBroadcast My guess is that if someone starts off with two new nibs, one stainless and the other brass, and then uses each of them about an equal amount, the brass nib will become smooth sooner simply because brass is a softer metal than stainless steel and will wear more quickly.
If you want to know what video I was referring to in my original post, it was the TH-cam video entitled, "Comparison of the Brass and Stainless Steel dip nibs. Kakimori Haul" on the Tabitha's Raspberry Colors channel. She was comparing a brand new brass nib with a stainless steel nib she had been using for a while, so she was comparing new against worn in. Perhaps it should be no surprise that she found the steel nib smoother.
I have the brass and my experience hasn't been great. Doesn't write very well or blobs down ink at the start making the whole writing experience feel 🤢
I may try it out again.
I've had mine blob occasionally as well but just when I wipe off the nib on the side of the ink bottle. When I only dip it, it works as it should.
I would reach out to Kakimori. If it isn't writing properly. They made a blog post stating: "While care is taken to ensure stringent quality control, please contact us if you have any concerns regarding your nib’s performance, including slow or inconsistent ink flow (using the recommended writing angle). " kakimori.com/en/blogs/news/2201metalnib
I have had better luck by barely touching the just dipped pen to a piece of absorbent paper so the blob is on the towel instead of what I'm writing. If you're too aggressive with the dabbing all your ink will end up on the paper towel.