Workhorse Pens: Vanishing Point or Decimo for a Capless Fountain Pen?

A handful of iconic fountain pens appear on everyone’s “you-need-to-try-it-at-least-once” list. The Pilot Vanishing Point is one of those pens. Not only has it been around since the 1960s, making the original design approximately the same vintage as the Lamy 2000, but after all these years it remains the default option for a retractable nib fountain pen.

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I did a review of the Pilot Decimo several years ago, so I won’t go into the nuts-and-bolts details again. I will, however, spend today’s post talking about 5 specific things to understand about the Vanishing Point and Decimo, including what I consider to be key differences between the classic VP and the slimmer Decimo, and how those differences have impacted the pens’ functionality for me over the years. The purpose here isn’t to say that one is better than the other - it’s purely a matter of preference and what will work for you based on how you hold and intend to use the pen. Both pens are the same price, after all, so it’s not a question of saving money by going for one as opposed to the other.

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No, this “Harvest Green/Yellow” color isn’t available anymore. And no, my pen is not for sale. :)

Vanishing Point vs. Decimo: 5 Considerations

• Both Pens Use the Same Nib, Cartridge, and Converter. Since the Pilot Vanishing Point and the Pilot Decimo use the same nib units, ink cartridge, and converter system, you can experiment with both pens without worrying that your parts and accessories will only fit one or the other. This also means that you can easily move nib units between pens, and purchase additional nib units for more versatility without accumulating additional pens that you won’t use. As an aside, you can check out this short video showing how to install a cartridge in both pens. (They work the same way.)

• The Decimo is Slimmer. The Decimo is lighter weight and slimmer than the Vanishing Point, which means that it will fit many people’s hands better. This is purely a matter of personal preference, since the pens otherwise function in the same manner and use identical components, as noted above.

• Both Pens Feature the Same Clip (But Consider…). One “controversial” aspect of both the Pilot Vanishing Point and Decimo is the clip placement. The clip necessarily has to sit on the nib end, since the pen must be carried nib-up, but some find that it interferes with their grip due to finger placement. This is yet another matter of personal preference, but I tend to find the Decimo more comfortable because the slimmer barrel alters how the clip fits in my grip. (And, yes, you can remove the clip entirely, but understand that it will void your warranty.)

• The Decimo Fits More “Pen Loops,” Including on Plotters. One reason I absolutely love the Decimo is that it fits my Plotter pen loop and in most other planners. The extra-fine nib writes well on most papers, regardless of quality. This makes it a perfect “planner pen” for me.

• The Vanishing Point Comes in a Wider Range of Colors. If you’re looking for matte black trim or the iridescent “carbonesque” finishes, you’ll be limited to the Vanishing Point model. That said, Pilot periodically releases Japan-only Decimos in gradients and other unique finishes, though you may have to pay a premium.

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A comparison between Vanishing Point/Decimo nibs (top) and the E95s nib (bottom).

TLDR Version: Pilot’s retractable nib Vanishing Point and Decimo Capless fountain pens are the best version of the “Retractable Nib Fountain Pens” product segment. Over the years, I’ve gravitated towards the Decimo, since a slimmer pen better fits how I use retractable fountain pens, but I do own and use both. As you can see from the photos, I’m also experimenting with the E95s, which is not retractable but highly portable, and which also features an excellent inlaid nib that’s the spiritual successor to the Pilot Myu.

We currently carry select models of the Pilot Vanishing Point (Matte-Black Trim and Carbonesque) and Decimo, with most nib sizes available in pens and as separate nib units. If you enjoy our content, we are entirely self-supported through our online shop and physical store, as well as the T.G.S. Patreon Program.

The Jetstream Is THAT Good: Hands on with the Uni M17 Lamy Refill

It baffles me why Uni’s Jetstream Ink still hasn’t caught on as the default ballpoint pen ink outside of Japan. For those not in the know, the Uni Jetstream is the original “hybrid gel” or “low viscosity” ballpoint pen, which combines the smoothness of a gel pen with the write-anywhere capability and quick-dry features of a standard ballpoint. For me, the Jetstream has everything you would want in a refill: It writes a dark, solid line. It flows well. It dries nearly instantaneously and does not smear. Importantly, it works reliably in a range of tip sizes, from .38mm all the way up to 1.0mm. Yet we are still largely forced to import pretty much everything other than standard disposable Jetstreams click pens from Japan, despite Uni manufacturing a multitude of different refill formats that fit not just Uni pens but third-party brands.

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I have new and vintage Lamy ballpoints, and the M17 refill works well in both of them. Shown here is the Lamy Unic (“Unicorn”? - now discontinued), as well as a standard Safari.

The much-publicized, Japan-only 2025 release of the Uni Jetstream M17 ballpoint refill - designed to fit M16-compatible Lamy pens, merely reinforces the absurdity of this situation. Look, I don’t mind the standard Lamy M16 ballpoint refill. There may have been some spotty QC years ago, and the current version is quite good, but it remains a standard ballpoint writing experience that’s never going to rise above the limitations of that technology. By adding the Jetstream ink, the M17 refill improves the writing experience significantly. But as with other Jetstream formats, there’s still no indication that this refill will be consistently available to markets outside of Japan. In the Japanese market, retailers now have a Safari Ballpoint option with “Jetstream Inside”, i.e. the Jetstream refill is included with the pen. Yeah, that probably won’t happen here. But I hope I’m wrong. :)

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Many love the black Jetstream refills for their solid black line.

Takeaways and Where to Buy

I won’t beat the Jetstream drum any more than I already have. I especially love the Jetstream Multi Pens - mainly because they’re the way to get colors other than black - and Uni recently released an even smoother Jetstream ink (the “Lite Touch”) that some believe outperforms the original formulation. Most of my personal pens that take Parker-style refills now use the SXR-600, and my Lamy 2000 Multi Pen (4-Color Ballpoint) has long held the SXR-200 D1 refills. I’m a bit worried about falling too hard for the M17, because I don’t know how stable the supply will be given the current trade situation, but for right now I’m going to enjoy what I have. If you’re a Lamy fan and want to up your ballpoint game, grab some of them if you have the opportunity.

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Only one part of our Jetstream selection!

Our store carries a wide variety of Jetstream pens as well as refills in as many formats as we are able to source. We still have a few Uni M17 refills in stock from the small shipment I managed to source. (Update: These are now sold out.) I'll try to find more, but timing of a resupply is uncertain at best. Stay tuned!

If you’re ever in the Nashville, Tennessee area, please stop in and see us! We’d love to welcome you in store and answer any questions you may have. The Gentleman Stationer is open this week Thursday (1-4) and Friday (1-6) and Saturday from 10-4. Our site is entirely self-supported through the shop and the T.G.S. Patreon Program.

Yes, Micarta for me! I finally got my hands on Some Micarta Pens, Plus My Own Special Edition

So right off the bat, for those who may not have been with me back in 2015, the title of today’s post is a throwback reference to my one guest appearance on Episode #161 of the Pen Addict: No Micarta for You, in which I lamented my inability to get my hands on one of the rare TWSBI Micarta pens. Though I haven’t listened to this episode in a while, it offers some insight into the origins of T.G.S., how it began, and how my interests have evolved over time. And, no, I never did get my hands on one of the TWSBI Micarta pens, from either of the two releases, but I may have something better to discuss today: More micarta!

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A Leonardo Momento Zero fountain pen in brown canvas Micarta, which was an exclusive to Stilo e Stile and is no longer available, unfortunately.

What the heck is “micarta”, and why do people like it?

Micarta is a lightweight, durable material used to make anything from pool cues to guitar nuts to knife handles, in addition to smaller “everyday carry” items such as pens. Micarta’s cloth-like texture is due to the fact that it’s actually made by compressing fiber (cloth, canvas, paper), infusing it with resin and curing it under heat and pressure into blocks or rods that can be machined. The resulting material lends a tactile feel to fountain pens and will patina nicely over time. (Especially if you don’t baby it and worry about ink splatters.) In the decade since the Pen Addict podcast episode was originally recorded, I’ve accumulated a few different “micarta” fountain pens, as well as handful of other micarta products such as pocket knives.

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Two fountain pens made of canvas micarta: A Skogsy pen (top) and the Leonardo. Note that the Leonardo paired metal threads with a plastic-lined inner cap for increased durability, though I’ve not had issues with the Skogsy threads wearing and they remain functional two years in.

A note on terminology: Micarta has been around for a century or more. When capitalized, “Micarta” typically refers to the trade name of the original product. The lower-case “micarta” more generally refers to the broader category of resin-infused fabric materials that share the same general properties but each of which may have its own unique look and feel. I enjoy micarta in the same way I enjoy other tactile materials such as waxed canvas and wood. As the products age, they will take on their own character, and generally will darken due to exposure to things like ink and hand oil. Because micarta is durable, it’s unlikely to break, though you may get some stray threads and minor fraying over time. All of my personal pens shown here have held up well.

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Another shot of my Skogsy Cholla in black canvas Micarta. If you look hard enough, you will see that the section and cap have an awesome greenish hue (due to me filling them with green ink). :)

Despite its popularity, micarta pens still remain relatively uncommon. Because the material can be hard on tooling and difficult to work with, some penmakers can’t or won’t use it, and the pens end up being relatively expensive as a result. Also, as I referenced above, because it’s a fiber-based material, micarta can absorb ink if you dip the section into an ink bottle or have a spill/inksplosion into the cap. This tendency to “stain” drives away some consumers, but I personally think of it as more of a feature. I dip my micarta pens into ink bottles all the time (especially the black ones), and over time the pens develop a unique patina as a result. If you’re someone who loves the look of aged/worn leather or canvas, consider adding a micarta pen to your collection.

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No matter how careful you are, you will get a drop of ink somewhere on the pen. This red splotch was either transfer from my desk or the result of posting the pen.

Where can you get micarta pens today?

While the TWSBI Micarta was a bit of a unicorn at the time, as more penmakers gain familiarity with the material, you have started to see micarta pens released in small batches by smaller specialty makers. Leonardo did the micarta Momento Zero collaboration with Italian retailer Stilo e Stile, and Skogsy Pens and Hinze Pens actually sub-specialize in micarta pens (though you may have to visit a pen show to get the best ones). In addition to traditional “canvas micarta”, suppliers such as CrazyFiber are now making micarta-style materials in a variety of colors and even some wild patterns. I have three micarta fountain pens in my collection: a Skogsy Cholla in black canvas micarta, one of the Leonardos, and two Hinze Taschenstift prototypes from the development of our latest exclusive release.

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A better shot of the green-toned section on my black Skogsy.

to Conclude, a Shamless Plug for the latest TGS x Hinze RElease

Given my history, I felt like I had to do a micarta pen as one of our special editions. For our latest collaboration, we worked with Hinze Pens on a pocket-sized fountain pen in a dark purple and black CrazyFiber material they call “Violet Tendencies.” This particular design features a cap that friction-posts, as opposed to the threaded barrel that Hinze typically uses. In my experience, CrazyFiber isn’t quite as absorbent as the canvas-style micarta, but given that this pen includes a metal section, those of you who might be squeamish about staining your pens won’t have to worry about this one. Especially if you use purple ink. I hope to do more with micarta in the future, including adding some full-sized pens to the shop.

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We went all-in on the purple as something different. Believe me, it’s purple.

The Gentleman Stationer is supported entirely by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and pledges via the T.G.S. Patreon Program. You can also swing by our brick and mortar location and see this pen and more in person!

Pen Review: Lamy Swift Retractable Rollerball

Lately I’ve surprised myself by discovering that there is a fairly deep back catalogue of pens from major brands that I’ve never tried. Take today’s pen, for example: the Lamy Swift Retractable Rollerball. I’ve only recently “rediscovered” rollerballs, as manufacturers have seemingly been tweaking their ink formulations to reduce smearing, feathering, and bleedthrough. Or maybe I’m use using more rollerball-friendly paper, but for whatever reason this category of pens has been working much better for me than in the past. In addition to the Ohto CR series, I’ve added an Imperial Blue Lamy Swift to the mix.

The spring-loaded clip on the Lamy Swift easily slips over most pockets, pen holders, and cases. It also functions as a roll-stop.

What Makes the Swift Unique? The Interaction Between the Knock and Clip

By far the coolest thing about the Lamy Swift is the fact that the clip retracts into the barrel when you depress the knock and deploy the tip for writing. Not only does this get the clip out of the way of your hand, but it prevents you from accidentally clipping the pen to your shirt pocket, pen case, or bag with the tip extended. I can’t tell you how many dress shirts I’ve personally ruined over the years with retractable liquid and gel ink pens like Sensas, Retro 51s, and even Pilot G2s.

The Matte Black Lamy Swift, shown here in “writing mode” with the knock depressed and the clip retracted.

Because the Swift is round with a matte texture, I find it comfortable to use. There is no real “grip section,” but the lower part of the barrel uses a punched-out pattern to create some additional texture. I’ve had no issues with slippage or other discomfort/inconvenience when writing.

The added texture on the aluminum barrel.

Writing Experience and the Lamy M66 Capless Refill

Lamy’s M66 capless rollerball refill - one of which is included with the Swift - is only available in a medium tip size, but it does come in black, blue, red, and green, offering a range of color options not typically found in many rollerball refills. I would rate the M66 a solid performer, and I’ve had no trouble with skipping or the refill drying out in the four months that this pen has been in rotation.

If capless rollerballs aren’t your thing, the Swift is relatively versatile in that it will fit a Pilot G2 refill or any of the other G2-like cartridges such as the Pilot Juice and the retractable version of the Pilot Hi-Tec-C. While I’ve not experimented extensively with different options, I’ve read that you can modify other cartridges (such as the Zebra Sarasa) to fit the Swift by cutting off a small bit of the plastic tubing. In other words, if a cartridge can be modified to fit a retractable Pilot G2 pen, you can probably make it fit the Swift.

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The Lamy Swift (center) compared against a Montblanc 144 Fineliner/Rollerball (top) and a Lamy Safari Ballpoint (Bottom).

Takeaways and Where to Buy

With it’s minimalist, industrial design (a Lamy hallmark) and practicality, the Swift is a sound choice for those looking for a rollerball pen to use in professional settings, as well as those looking for a nice, but not extravagant, gift for anyone who appreciates a good pen. I’ve been looking for a mid-tier retractable rollerball to fill this niche in our shop lineup, and the Swift has done nicely. Of the four standard colors, the Matte Black and Imperial Blue are my favorites, though the Graphite and Palladium options also look nice.

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You can purchase the Lamy Swift directly from the T.G.S. Curated Shop, where it’s priced at $52. It has a prime spot in our rotating Lamy display, so if you’d like to swing by and see one in person, it’s available for testing! We also have the M66 refill available in all colors.

We are 100% self-supported. If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us by purchasing directly through the T.G.S. Curated Shop, or by pledging via Patreon.

The Jetstream Prime Lite Touch 3: Can Uni Improve on the Jetstream Experience?

The Jetstream Prime is the upscale version of Uni’s ubiquitous Jetstream low viscosity ballpoint pen, featuring sleeker barrels in more stylish colors. While I love pretty much everything Jetstream, I truly enjoy the Jetstream Prime lineup, and the standard Jetstream Prime Twist Ballpoint is one of my most recommended pens for those looking for a no-nonsense everyday writer to use in the professional context. Regardless of the new Lite Touch ink, the Jetstream Prime Lite Touch 3 multi pen was inevitably going to end up in my pen case.

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I’ll talk about the pen first, then offer my thoughts on the Jetstream Lite Touch ink, which is a new ink formulation Uni introduced last year. The Jetstream Prime Lite Touch 3 multi pen is a three-slot multi pen (no mechanical pencil option) that uses a rotational mechanism to switch ink colors. In other words, you rotate the barrel until the clip points to the color you want. As far as multi pens go, this one is far more compact and lightweight than what you usually find. Many multi pens are either oversized or on the heavier side, due to both the relative complexity of the mechanism and the weight of the additional refills, so the comfort and usability of this pen made for a pleasant surprise. The matte texture on the coated metal barrel makes the Lite Touch 3 easy to grip and minimizes slippage. The overall length is such that it sits well in my hand, and the pen fits easily into most pen loops I’ve tried. A couple weeks back I carried this one around New York City in my Lochby Field Journal Mini, and for the past few days it’s been in my Plotter A5.

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So now about the ink. Uni introduced the Jetstream “Lite Touch” as a smoother version of the Jetstream low-viscosity ballpoint, engineered for increased darkness and less resistance on the paper. In other words, if the Jetstream was originally designed as a “hybrid gel-ballpoint” pen, then the Jetstream Lite Touch takes things even further towards the “gel” end of the spectrum. The Lite Touch ink flows exceptionally well, leaves a dark line with all three colors (black, blue, and red) that shipped with the pen, and still dried almost instantly. I guess the only question I have is why introduce this particular ink as a new product, as opposed to modifying the formulation of the original Jetstream cartridge? The Jetstream Lite Touch is different for sure, but I’m not sure that it’s so different the average person would remark on it. That may change as I try different Lite Touch formats, which I currently have on order.

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Of all the colors, I found the difference most pronounced in the black ink, which was smoother and noticeably darker. The difference was less pronounced in blue, and honestly almost indistinguishable in red.

Takeaways and Where to Buy

I’m not sure that I like the Jetstream Lite Touch ink “better” than the standard Jetstream - I’m one of those people who actually does enjoy the tactile feel of a standard ballpoint cartridge so the additional smoothness isn’t a huge selling point for me, as I’d typically just use a gel pen. That said, if what you’re looking for is a ballpoint that writes a smooth, dark, quick-dry line and is as close to a gel pen as you can get, give this cartridge a try. Those who can’t write with heavier pressure may also find the Lite Touch to work better for them. For me personally, I will probably continue to buy either Jetstream or Jetstream Lite Touch pens based on whether I enjoy the form factor of the pen itself, since I can happily use either ink.

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Both the Jetstream 4+1 and the Jetstream Prime Lite Touch 3 come in muted yellow colors, which I love.

As far as the pen itself, The Jetstream Prime Lite Touch 3 is one of the better multi pens that I’ve used. The slimmer, more classic profile fits my own personal preferences, and I love the rotational mechanism. Plus it comes in yellow. If you make it in yellow, I will buy one. Now just make it in dark red too. We currently have a small number of these pens in the shop, with more on the way, as well as Lite Touch versions of the classic Jetstream 4+1 Multi Pen. These pens take the SXR-L80 refills, which are currently on order and will also be available. Each of these pens ship with three .5mm refills already installed in the pen, which should last you a while before you need extras.

Thank you for reading! The Gentleman Stationer is supported by the T.G.S. Curated Shop and the T.G.S. Patreon Program. If you’d like to visit our in-person location, you can view directions and up-to-date hours here. Please note that we are experiencing inclement weather (ice and snow) on Feb. 18 and 19, so shipments may be delayed in going out by a day or so.