I had at one point considered ordering a Nakaya pen. There is a litany of steps involved. The company custom makes your pen, especially the nib. They want to know if you are left or right handed, what angle do you hold your pen, etc. The cost is pretty exorbitant but the quality of the build is stunning. Great review, Doug.
@@InkquiringMinds I'd say its extravagant. It's a lot of money, but getting a custom urushi, 845, or any sailor urushi model (non bespoke models) is around the same price or far more than a nakaya. The only urushi pens I know of that are less expensive are the Wancher ones, but these have a plastic grip and a plain stainless steel jowo nib. To get a pen from generational craftsman with the entirety of the pen covered in urushi including threads, a far more extensive range of finishes, a bespoke tuned 14k Japanese nib with a design that is exclusive to Nakaya (With up to 9 grind choices (including 3 tine music!), the choice to add elastic side cuts, finishing choices of raw 14k/rose gold/rhodium/ruthenium/two tone, and a heart shaped breather hole), all for about 300-400$ more than that Wancher pen? Plus if you just added the price of a gold jowo nib on the Wancher it'd only be a 200$ gap. I was dreaming about a getting a custom urushi, and while the nib is nice, I just cannot justify having plastic furniture on a pen that is 1000$. When I get a urushi pen it will definitely be a Nakaya.
Whew! What a relief! I was worried you'd gone rather high end when I saw the video title but breathed a sigh of relief when you said Murray loaned it to you. Thank you, Murray! I splurged one a "regular" writer (not the twist) about four years ago and have loved every minute of it. I clean it out once in a while but mostly, I just keep inking it up. Of course, it's restricted to "home use" only; I can't bring myself to carry it outside the home. I still dream of the Dorsal Fin 2 but I retired this summer so I'm pretty sure it'll remain just a dream.
What an elegant pen! Understated, quality and beauty. An urushi pen is in my grail list but my bank account is not ready, at least not yet. Thanks for showing us this. I also get pleasure when one of my pens comes up in your comparison. Loved the quote from PresidentZelenskyy a truly inspiring leader. 🖋
The seam is there to allow you to swap the clip for the roll stop, should you wish of course! I’d certainly recommend venturing into urushi! I know your bank may scream, but honestly these pens will capture your mind body and soul . Currently I own 4 nakayas and they are all just ever so wonderful!
@@InkquiringMinds One possible reason is probably to do with it being a single thread. When the ring clip is placed in, the threading prevents perfect lineup. The second could be, it may just need more tightening. Either way it’s a stunning pen! Although I prefer the heki and Toki finish, as it shows more pooling of the urushi. What I love about Nakaya, is their bespoke nature. If you order direct from them, you can customise so much about the pen, even down to the threading. So if the alignment thing bothers you more than quick access, you can opt for a single thread. Oh and the nib customising guide is super fun too !
Thanks for the vid. You have great taste in pen friends😂 The Decapods are nice and it’s on my super grail list at number 10 but I’ve been jonesing for a Nakaya Dorsal Fin 2 for an age. That would be a nice review if you can get hold of one. The craftsmanship involved in making these pens is just phenomenal. Maybe if I save diligently for the next 10 years I’ll be able to afford one.
Excellent sir. Thank you … would you consider giving this one away? It's cheap enough to be given away! (Great review, Sir Douglas! First class work 👏👏👏)
“Nakaya is to Platinum what Lexus is to Toyota” and what Namiki is for Pilot I guess? 😅 Beautiful pen, love how the red details just make the whole pen look mysterious, and I don’t even mind the slightly misalignment on the cap. Thanks for the video Doug.
Inkquiring Minds review of this Nakaya Decapod = 100%: 17 minutes of total enjoyment. This Nakaya Decapod itself = 96.50% beautiful. This Nakaya Decopod price = 57.75% legitimate.
Let's see Moonman try and copy this pen🙂. Most expensive pen I have is the Diplomat Zepp pen and the only reason I have it is because I won it in a drawing from Truphae Pens.
Nice. I'm more of a Pilot fan (not that I will ever to be able to afford a Namiki Urushi, either), but I do really appreciate the artwork on show here.
I've seen a couple Nakaya pens over the years at pen meets. They are beautiful but I'd rather buy 1-2 pens or inks a year then save my hobby money for the next 8+ years to afford one. The lacquer is divine in the hand though.
Nakaya Decapod -interesting. I picked ups burgundy platinum 3776 with a Music nib yesterday. Love those broad platinum nibs. Thanks Murray and Doug- a beautiful pen. I don’t think you need a clip with this pen as you’d only carry it in a pouch anyway. So off to the bank, just key in the code M16 for funds?
@@katietam1812 Maybe Doug could arrange a special subscriber holding session with Murray. We all sit in a circle ,hold the Nakaya Decapod for 8 seconds,pass it on.
I have a Nakaya Neo Standard Aka-tamenuri with a B nib. Its urushi coloration is similar to the pen you are reviewing, The Neo Standard cap and barrel are round, not faceted. The nib is just as ornate. I've owned the pen since 2018; don't remember what I paid for it, but it wasn't cheap; more than $600.
That's a really pretty pen. I would agree, ditch the clip. I really like Urushi pens, no Nakaya yet; the two brands I have so far are Wancher and Taccia. Two are with raden and the third is made with flecks of synthetic opal instead of mother of pearl. It has an interesting look. The whole pen changes color depending on the direction of the light hitting it from deep ultramarine blue to shades of green. I really have a taste for the raden finish, needless to say, this makes collecting a practice in patience for obvious reasons.
What Wancher pen do you have? I’ve been eying the Diamond Dust Raden but I’ve read some things about Wancher’s shady business practices on Fountain Pen Network that has me concerned. What’s your view of them?
@@LisaPottinger , to be honest, I am not aware about any shady business practices, so you are one up on me. I have only one pen from them and it is the Kyoto Opal Turquoise Ice from fall of 2020. There were two versions of this made. The other is in shades of red, orange and yellow. This was quite the splurge on my end. Opal is my favorite gemstone and blue my favorite color and hence why I jumped on this. I think as a manufacturer, they have very nice workmanship. As a writer, I think there are better, but it all falls back on the nib. In my case I went with a gold nib. I don't think it really makes much of difference, however. It was the aesthetics of the particular pen that I attracted me. They were fresh out of ebonite feeds so it is what it is. Compared to the other manufacturers such as Namiki, Nakaya or Dani Trio (sp?), I don't have much of a reference point as I have never even held any of those in my hand. The other two that I have are by Taccia which interestingly use Sailor Nibs. I think these write much better than the Wancher. Please let me know what the issues with Wancher are. I am interested to know. Thank you in advance and thanks for asking. I hope you find this helpful.
Hello. I love the culture this represents. I suggest looking up Urushi-e, since we are discussing the Japanese art. I also suggest looking into the history in the Middle Kingdom of old, the original influence. Toxicodendron vernicifluum Lacquer Sap, containing urushiol... * That scene with the pen 'hoard.. er.. 'Collectors' flies in the face of Urishi - the beauty meant to be used and appreciated and the softer finish would lead to what they call - wabisabi - or the imperfections that make the beauty of objects... Like why i love natural objects like wood and leather - they age - or patina - showing the true/inner beauty. Function and form united. Carl Jung's love of the East personified, his union of the opposites... If only my wife would appreciate this, and why I keep underwear for ages?
With regard to the cost of this pen ($750), I consider it a bargain given the labor hours and materials that go into making them. You could buy this work of art for 750 clams, or you could buy a plastic, industrial-produced Montblanc for even more. It's plastic impregnated by a bit of glass--there's nothing 'precious' about 'precious resin.' Sure, the Decapod is a lot of money when you can buy a Bic for 75 cents, but with luxury artisanal fountain pens, as Calvin Broadus might say, you gots to pay da cost to be da boss. 😄
I had at one point considered ordering a Nakaya pen. There is a litany of steps involved. The company custom makes your pen, especially the nib. They want to know if you are left or right handed, what angle do you hold your pen, etc. The cost is pretty exorbitant but the quality of the build is stunning.
Great review, Doug.
Thanks, Paul!
The cost is extravagant, not "pretty exorbitant."
@@user-br3sl9go3b It is subjective depending on the depth of your pockets. :)
@@InkquiringMinds I'd say its extravagant. It's a lot of money, but getting a custom urushi, 845, or any sailor urushi model (non bespoke models) is around the same price or far more than a nakaya. The only urushi pens I know of that are less expensive are the Wancher ones, but these have a plastic grip and a plain stainless steel jowo nib. To get a pen from generational craftsman with the entirety of the pen covered in urushi including threads, a far more extensive range of finishes, a bespoke tuned 14k Japanese nib with a design that is exclusive to Nakaya (With up to 9 grind choices (including 3 tine music!), the choice to add elastic side cuts, finishing choices of raw 14k/rose gold/rhodium/ruthenium/two tone, and a heart shaped breather hole), all for about 300-400$ more than that Wancher pen? Plus if you just added the price of a gold jowo nib on the Wancher it'd only be a 200$ gap. I was dreaming about a getting a custom urushi, and while the nib is nice, I just cannot justify having plastic furniture on a pen that is 1000$. When I get a urushi pen it will definitely be a Nakaya.
Whew! What a relief! I was worried you'd gone rather high end when I saw the video title but breathed a sigh of relief when you said Murray loaned it to you. Thank you, Murray!
I splurged one a "regular" writer (not the twist) about four years ago and have loved every minute of it. I clean it out once in a while but mostly, I just keep inking it up. Of course, it's restricted to "home use" only; I can't bring myself to carry it outside the home. I still dream of the Dorsal Fin 2 but I retired this summer so I'm pretty sure it'll remain just a dream.
Thanks, 13noman1!
OMG is right!! I agree with you - the cigar model would suit me. The price OMG! 👍👍👍+ 😎
What an elegant pen! Understated, quality and beauty. An urushi pen is in my grail list but my bank account is not ready, at least not yet. Thanks for showing us this. I also get pleasure when one of my pens comes up in your comparison. Loved the quote from PresidentZelenskyy a truly inspiring leader. 🖋
Thanks Babe!
Gorgeous pen! Way outside my price range, but Mr MacKay is a gem for letting you use it so we can all drool while watching your video.
Couldn't agree more!
The seam is there to allow you to swap the clip for the roll stop, should you wish of course! I’d certainly recommend venturing into urushi! I know your bank may scream, but honestly these pens will capture your mind body and soul . Currently I own 4 nakayas and they are all just ever so wonderful!
I understand the seam for that reason. I don't understand why it isn't lined up correctly.
@@InkquiringMinds One possible reason is probably to do with it being a single thread. When the ring clip is placed in, the threading prevents perfect lineup. The second could be, it may just need more tightening.
Either way it’s a stunning pen! Although I prefer the heki and Toki finish, as it shows more pooling of the urushi.
What I love about Nakaya, is their bespoke nature. If you order direct from them, you can customise so much about the pen, even down to the threading. So if the alignment thing bothers you more than quick access, you can opt for a single thread. Oh and the nib customising guide is super fun too !
Thanks for the vid. You have great taste in pen friends😂 The Decapods are nice and it’s on my super grail list at number 10 but I’ve been jonesing for a Nakaya Dorsal Fin 2 for an age. That would be a nice review if you can get hold of one. The craftsmanship involved in making these pens is just phenomenal. Maybe if I save diligently for the next 10 years I’ll be able to afford one.
The Dorsal Fin is an awesome looking pen!
Maybe if after 10 years, the price of this pen will (and should) go down by, let's say, 50%. That would make it more than worthwhile.
Excellent sir. Thank you … would you consider giving this one away? It's cheap enough to be given away! (Great review, Sir Douglas! First class work 👏👏👏)
I think Murray would sue me! He’s a lawyer ya know!! LOL
Thanks for showing us Doug!
My pleasure
Thank you. Insightful as usual Prof Doug.
Glad you enjoyed it
That’s a very nice pen. I look forward to the day when I own an urushi pen.
And special thanks for your quote, Doug! Щира подяка!
It is an excellent sentiment.
Very educational and interesting.
Very smooth playing Doug! That sure is a pretty FP.
Thank you kindly!
The cigar or the fin is my grail. Just haven't decided which to kill my bank account for.
“Nakaya is to Platinum what Lexus is to Toyota” and what Namiki is for Pilot I guess? 😅
Beautiful pen, love how the red details just make the whole pen look mysterious, and I don’t even mind the slightly misalignment on the cap. Thanks for the video Doug.
Yes to the Namiki/Pilot!
Absolutely beautiful !!!
Archer! Sterling!
Ferris Bueller, Monty Python, Archer, Mel Brooks…
A man with fine taste! Love it.
Oh and the pen is mighty fine too.
LOL Thanks Tim!
Inkquiring Minds review of this Nakaya Decapod = 100%: 17 minutes of total enjoyment. This Nakaya Decapod itself = 96.50% beautiful. This Nakaya Decopod price = 57.75% legitimate.
Thank you so much, William!
Let's see Moonman try and copy this pen🙂. Most expensive pen I have is the Diplomat Zepp pen and the only reason I have it is because I won it in a drawing from Truphae Pens.
Nice. I'm more of a Pilot fan (not that I will ever to be able to afford a Namiki Urushi, either), but I do really appreciate the artwork on show here.
Fair enough!
I've seen a couple Nakaya pens over the years at pen meets. They are beautiful but I'd rather buy 1-2 pens or inks a year then save my hobby money for the next 8+ years to afford one. The lacquer is divine in the hand though.
Nakaya Decapod -interesting. I picked ups burgundy platinum 3776 with a Music nib yesterday. Love those broad platinum nibs. Thanks Murray and Doug- a beautiful pen. I don’t think you need a clip with this pen as you’d only carry it in a pouch anyway.
So off to the bank, just key in the code M16 for funds?
Sounds great! Just wait for the 50% off Nakaya sale!
I need to know about this Nakaya 50% sale...
@@katietam1812 Maybe Doug could arrange a special subscriber holding session with Murray. We all sit in a circle ,hold the Nakaya Decapod for 8 seconds,pass it on.
@@katietam1812 every 50 years!
I have a Nakaya Neo Standard Aka-tamenuri with a B nib. Its urushi coloration is similar to the pen you are reviewing, The Neo Standard cap and barrel are round, not faceted. The nib is just as ornate. I've owned the pen since 2018; don't remember what I paid for it, but it wasn't cheap; more than $600.
Was expecting Guild 12 string
I’m still working on it. I’ve changed the tuners to Grover’s and replaced the strings. Now the more daunting task of doing the setup and intonation.
That's a really pretty pen. I would agree, ditch the clip. I really like Urushi pens, no Nakaya yet; the two brands I have so far are Wancher and Taccia. Two are with raden and the third is made with flecks of synthetic opal instead of mother of pearl. It has an interesting look. The whole pen changes color depending on the direction of the light hitting it from deep ultramarine blue to shades of green. I really have a taste for the raden finish, needless to say, this makes collecting a practice in patience for obvious reasons.
What Wancher pen do you have? I’ve been eying the Diamond Dust Raden but I’ve read some things about Wancher’s shady business practices on Fountain Pen Network that has me concerned. What’s your view of them?
@@LisaPottinger , to be honest, I am not aware about any shady business practices, so you are one up on me. I have only one pen from them and it is the Kyoto Opal Turquoise Ice from fall of 2020. There were two versions of this made. The other is in shades of red, orange and yellow. This was quite the splurge on my end. Opal is my favorite gemstone and blue my favorite color and hence why I jumped on this. I think as a manufacturer, they have very nice workmanship. As a writer, I think there are better, but it all falls back on the nib. In my case I went with a gold nib. I don't think it really makes much of difference, however. It was the aesthetics of the particular pen that I attracted me. They were fresh out of ebonite feeds so it is what it is. Compared to the other manufacturers such as Namiki, Nakaya or Dani Trio (sp?), I don't have much of a reference point as I have never even held any of those in my hand. The other two that I have are by Taccia which interestingly use Sailor Nibs. I think these write much better than the Wancher. Please let me know what the issues with Wancher are. I am interested to know. Thank you in advance and thanks for asking. I hope you find this helpful.
Is Murray a merchant, or a fellow aficionado ?
He’s a pen lover - the head of our local Pen Club.
What a Breauty!!!
Hello. I love the culture this represents. I suggest looking up Urushi-e, since we are discussing the Japanese art. I also suggest looking into the history in the Middle Kingdom of old, the original influence.
Toxicodendron vernicifluum Lacquer Sap, containing urushiol...
* That scene with the pen 'hoard.. er.. 'Collectors' flies in the face of Urishi - the beauty meant to be used and appreciated and the softer finish would lead to what they call - wabisabi - or the imperfections that make the beauty of objects... Like why i love natural objects like wood and leather - they age - or patina - showing the true/inner beauty. Function and form united. Carl Jung's love of the East personified, his union of the opposites...
If only my wife would appreciate this, and why I keep underwear for ages?
Thanks for this Al!
@@InkquiringMinds Notice how I said 'Yin and Yang' - without ever mentioning it... Darn!
Wow! All that for $750!
A bargain at half the price! ;)
With regard to the cost of this pen ($750), I consider it a bargain given the labor hours and materials that go into making them. You could buy this work of art for 750 clams, or you could buy a plastic, industrial-produced Montblanc for even more. It's plastic impregnated by a bit of glass--there's nothing 'precious' about 'precious resin.'
Sure, the Decapod is a lot of money when you can buy a Bic for 75 cents, but with luxury artisanal fountain pens, as Calvin Broadus might say, you gots to pay da cost to be da boss. 😄
Very nice pen,too far out off my price range I’m afraid.
You and me both!
Elapsed time: 8 seconds 😂
LOL