Pilot Ishime Urushi Fountain Pen

As a new Pilot retailer, I have not been given access to items that are in high demand...such as new Vanishing Point Limited Editions and urushi products. Urushi laquer craft is in crisis right now because of environmental and natural disaster factors and that's probably going to be another post. I noticed I do have access to one urushi pen, the Pilot Ishime Fountain Pen. They are pricey so before jumping in to buy some I took a look around the internet and read some reviews of the pen. I was left thinking that many people do not understand that there is a lot of time and work spent on each pen...maybe it gives the impression of not being handmade? It is though...-Ishime means "stone path" and each pen is hand made with its own pattern and it's made with Urushi laquer so that accounts for many hours of labor as well. I figured, well ok, lets buy a few and see if they sell. When the order arrived, I first chose one for myself...which was difficult because I really like the jewel tones of these pens. In the end I chose a Navy blue with the Fine nib. I have been writing with this pen for a week now in my work journal (Tomoe River paper) and I love it! It's got a #10 18k gold nib that's so wonderfully bouncy when writing. I like large diameter pens, and I thought this looked just a bit small for me but it's perfect.  It feels very neutral when I am writing, like I am not exerting any effort to hold it and keeping the writing flowing (I am a fast cursive writer). I read one review commenting that the texture felt like sandpaper to them. I do not get that experience at all. The pen does have a texture to it, but the grip section is smooth, and I don't even notice the texture on the barrel when I am writing. This pen has a good weight to it, but I don't think it's heavy unless you post the cap. Overall, I am very happy with this fountain pen. If you read this far, I would like to offer you a discount on this pen if you plan to purchase one from this shop. Send me an email or fill out the contact form and I will get you a great price on this!