Pilot Capless Fermo Retractable Fountain Pen - F Nib

Pilot is certainly becoming one of my favorite brands.  On my recent review of the Falcon I mentioned this, but I have simply been impressed time and time again with the overall quality and experience I get while using their writing instruments.

When we think of retractable fountain pens, the first one that usually pops into everyone's mind is another product by Pilot/Namiki, the Vanishing Point.  I have definitely been a fan of the Vanishing Point since I first got my hands on one due to its functionality, unique design, and excellent writing.  For around $140 from most pen retailers you can get yourself one of these in a wide variety of colors and finishes, and with an 18k gold nib.

Being a fan of the Vanishing Point, upon first seeing the Fermo on Pen Chalet's website (odd how I hadn't heard much about it before?) I was very interested in seeing what it was all about.  Being made by the same brand, having a very similar "function", and the same nib I thought, "what makes it different from the Vanishing Point?"  Is there an additional appeal to it that perhaps I was missing?  I took the plunge and ordered a blue model with an F nib from Pen Chalet and am excited to give my thoughts on it.

The full retail price on the Fermo is $325 which is nearly double that of a full priced Vanishing Point at $175.  That is a massive jump considering the similarities...

The first and major difference that stands out is the actual mechanism used to extend and retract the tip.  The Fermo has a built in twist mechanism that sits at the bottom of the pen instead of the click mechanism of the Vanishing Point.  Mechanically, the twist is extremely smooth and feels very fluid.  When ready to retract the tip, one must only get the "twist" started and the pen does the rest with a sort of self-assist feature. 

I really enjoy this as it ensures that the nib retracts completely so there is no guess work as to whether I've twisted it completely.  In contrast to the Vanishing Point, this is a two hand gesture versus a single push with your thumb.  Not a terrible inconvenience I suppose, but is a major experience change.  As shown in the photos, the twist has ridges for added grip.

The barrel of the Fermo is glossy, polished and very elegant looking.  It is very smooth and feels extremely comfortable to hold and write with.  The right amount of rhodium accents make the rich blue color contrast beautifully.  From a design standpoint, I think this is what distinguishes the Fermo from the Vanishing Point.  In a way, it seems to have a bit more of a sophistication and stands out as being more upscale or classy?  The clip of the pen is in the grip which may cause the same issue as its retractable counterpart for some.    

Several friends of mine abhor the Pilot Vanishing Point design and feel it looks a bit awkward and clunky.  I don't quite share this sentiment as I view it as unique and functional, but the design lines of the Fermo seem a bit smoother, a little more refined, and extremely stylish.  I'll just say it; sexy.

The real question: is it worth the extra price for a twist mechanism and perhaps being a bit more easy on the eyes?  These are very subjective questions that I'm still a bit indifferent in my opinions on.  Again, design wise the Fermo is like the Vanishing Point, but perhaps with some of the rough edges smoothed out.  I also feel that the tip of the Fermo is a bit less aquatic looking than the VP tip (which reminds me of a whale shark mouth...).

The fine nib is 18k gold and is a lovely writer.  Being a Japanese nib, the fine runs at around a 0.5mm in comparison to your standard gel pen, but is a satisfying size and is not too small.  I don't believe I could handle an EF nib with one of these...  

I've been using the included blue Namiki cartridge which is a very comfortable blue, but I am excited to switch it out for some other ink colors and brands.  The nib comes with an included Namiki converter which is easy to use and fill.  I enjoy the fact that with the Capless pens you take the nib unit out of the pen to fill it which means you don't have to wipe off the grip section of the pen itself like you do with most converter or piston fillers.

I do enjoy the Fermo and I've found myself going to it more so than the Vanishing Point.  Perhaps some of that is because it is newer and I've been getting my bearings with it, but it feels good to write with not just functionally, but visually.  It is very stunning in my opinion.

As mentioned, I purchased my Fermo from Pen Chalet which always seems to have a good deal going.  As always, the use of the promo code CLICKYPOST at checkout will get an additional 10% off any purchase.




Discontinued Sailor Jentle Inks Giveaway by Pen Chalet

With my growing obsession with the Sailor brand (thanks Dowdy...) and all the commotion regarding the discontinuation of several of the Sailor Jentle line, I thought it a good idea to mention a little giveaway going on from Pen Chalet...

They are down to their last bottles of a few of these colors and opted to do a giveaway to 3 winners.  Awesome!

The included Sailor Jentle Ink colors are: Sky High, Peche, and Ultra Marine

Visit their giveaway page for details...

The Stryker - Anti-Microbial Tactical Pen on Kickstarter

I've got to admit, I've been excited to see this pen come about.  Nolan reached out to me early on for thoughts and opinions during his development process and it's been great to see his idea come into fruition.  There is an excitement and, I'd dare say, inspiration that comes from seeing people accomplish things like this.  What can I say?  I'm a sucker for entrepreneurship.

The Stryker is a new pen on the Kickstarter market by Nolan Brundige that is described as a tactical, anti-microbial rollerball pen.  Nolan himself works in the medical field, so the idea came from wanting a pen that looked tough, but also kicked serious butt against germs.  With a pen that looks and feels like this one, these grimy things don't stand a chance.  Whether you're working a shift at the hospital or fighting a zombie apocalypse, I'm thinking Stryker will have you covered. 

The metal itself doesn't have any germ fighting properties, but a coating is put over the pen which provides this protective barrier.  This is kind of the "secret sauce" of the pen which does make it unique in the market.  

Brass and copper barreled pens can carry germ fighting properties, but do patina and tarnish over time which not all people are fond of.  Whatever the coating is, it puts almost a clear, lacquer finish over the entire pen which makes it smooth, almost glossy, which creates a comfortable surface. 

From looks alone, the Stryker carries a very assault and tactical aesthetic (as it should) with the sample he sent me being milled from titanium.  Like many pens of this kind, the body is covered in machined lines and grooves that act as grip, but also some visual texture.  The tip is surrounded by 12 "holes" which look like the vents of a machine gun that add looks and grip if you hold your pen really close to the tip.  The Stryker doesn't have any sharp protrusions, "glass breakers", or stabbers of any kind, but follows the styling that a lot of EDC people should really enjoy.  The pen also comes in aluminum.

The pen is very big and quite weighty.  The weight overall of the titanium model with a cartridge is 2.3 oz, which is hefty to say the least.  For really long writing stints this would absolutely cause some hand fatigue, but for quick notes or filling out charts/paperwork it should do fine.  

In length, the pen comes in at over 6 inches which, for a retractable pen, is quite long, but mixed with the weight is bound to make a statement in a big way.  The added length could lend itself to being a bit top heavy for smaller hands.

The refill that comes standard in The Stryker is the Schmidt Safety Ceramic Roller which is dark and smooth, a solid choice for a nice writer.  With the size of the refill being nearly equivalent to that of the Pilot G2, I wonder which options we could fit in there...

The current clip looks killer and is one of Stryker's more noticeable features, but isn't quite as functional in it's current state.  It is bolted to the barrel with two hex screws, but doesn't have any spring which makes clipping near impossible in a shirt pocket.  Nolan did let me know that he has worked out a redesign on spring loading the clip as to make it easier to use which is not found on my prototype.  This is good news as it will make for a better experience.  Still, I like the design and I hope the overall look sticks even with the changes.

Progress, right?  Love this stuff...

The knock presses into place with a stiff "click" (or clunk) and is substantial.  You definitely know that you are pressing something.

The cap of the knock on the prototype does sit slightly higher than the barrel which creates a small visible gap, but this is another design element that Nolan has already worked out and will be resolving in the final production models.  This slight design nuance creates a little drag when clicking as it catches on the lip of the barrel a bit, but this should be a non issue in the end.

One thing I've noticed is just how secure everything feels on the pen.  A big part of this is probably due to the weight and heft, but it doesn't feel shaky, rattly, or like parts are cheap.  Fit and finish: top notch.

Overall, I give Stryker a thumbs up.  I do enjoy the "just enough" tactical to make it look cool, the materials chosen, and the refill.  Concerns I would have might be simply regarding it's size and how that might limit some people's enjoyment who have small hands.  Maybe another model, The Stryker Mini might be in the future?...

Well done, Nolan, and thanks for sending Stryker my way to check out. 

Visit the official Stryker Kickstarter page for more info!