PILOTMaki-e Matsu (Pine) [nib : Fine]

An absolute thing of artistic beauty. This is going to be the most affordable Maki-e pen you can get. Normally, Pilot Maki-e prices start at around $600.oo or so. This design is a bit simpler than what Maki-e artists are used to. On this pen, you can definitely feel the raised cherry blossoms.There's a less time-consuming and less expensive Maki-e process out there called "Modern Maki-e." A combination of mostly silk screened images applied to a pen with (usually) a minimum of hand-drawn work. This is what you'll find on Platinum's lower-end and simplistic Maki-e line of pens. But this Pilot model is done in the traditional style. Mine even has the artist's signature on the pen. You can tell the difference between the two Maki-e styles by simply touching the pen. The traditional style will have the images raised above the body and cap of the pen. The modern style will be far more flush with the pen.To the surprise, or horror, of pen collectors; I've actually carried and used my Pilot Maki-e pen at work. You do have to be careful with this pen. It is a delicate work or art. The body itself is quite thin and very light-weight. Lighter than what I was expecting. But the raised artwork on the pen is more delicate. You can write with it. Just use more caution than usual when setting it down. Forget about posting the cap on the other end. Yes, you can do it. But again, "robust" is definitely not a word I'd ever use to describe this pen. Best not to post the cap on the other end. Writing with the cap unposted is not an issue. The body of the pen is long enough.Despite the 14k gold nib, the writing experience could have been better. It was good, but not great. Nib should have been smoothed out just a bit more before being shipped out. It comes with the Pilot CON-70 converter included. Which is one the worst converters I've ever had the displeasure to use! Seriously, it is a giant, throbbing, pain in the neck to use when filling the fountain pen. And, is an even bigger headache when you need to clean the converter. Honestly, Pilot's significantly less expensive and lower quality CON-40 converter is a better choice, even though it holds less ink. Filling the converter is easier, and later cleaning the converter of ink is also much easier compared to the CON-70. If you decide to order this pen, and actually plan to write with it, do yourself a BIG favor; buy a separate CON-40 converter for it.I decided not to take away any stars from this review because despite the minor issues mentioned above, I have to be realistic. This is not a pen you buy to write with on a daily basis at work or the office. It's not one you carry around during your off-hours to enjoy. For most, this will be a pen to look at, and proudly show off to others as it sits in your pen case; without going into debt to afford it. Most owners aren't even going to ink this pen up at all. For what it is, a work of Art on a Pilot Custom 74 pen body, there's absolutely nothing wrong with it.

The pen is so vey nice but on the small side. It is also light and the nib is very stiff. I love looking at it and I don't mind writing with it. I would not suggest it as a daily driver however. It may be good for someone who likes' small light pens.

Product as described, beautiful pen!

Beautifully crafted. Writes amazing!

Beautiful fountain pen, very well made.

Nice package. Luv the pen. Like what I expected.