Bittersweet

[Juantxo]

Almost two months ago I received a new Nakaya Piccolo from Classic Fountain Pens (nibs.com) The pen is very nice with perfect urushi tameruni finish. I ordered a double broad nib. However, I found the line from that nib a bit too broad and sent the pen back for a change of nibs according to the pen's warranty. I also requested a stub custom job, for which I paid extra.

After over a month of waiting I just got the pen back. I'm quite pleased to have the pen back. However, upon close inspection I found that the tip of the rhodium finished nib is chipped and marred. Moreover, the nib is stained in parts which makes it look as if it isn't a new nib.

And the clip on the cap is loose.

I wrote the people at CFP about my findings and received a rather non-committal response. Of course, I'm somewhat disappointed. The pen writes fine, except that it burped a few drops of ink when I first started writing with it. But that might just be a bit of air in the section somewhere.

This type of story is all too common in our world of expensive hobbies and so on. And my tendency is to shrug my shoulders and let things be. However, in this case I'm a bit irked because I have gone out of my way to be nice to the CFP people, even praising their business here and in other places. In return I get a shrug of the shoulders of sorts.

I have written the Nakaya people in Tokyo asking if I can send them the pen for a replacement nib. It'll cost me a pretty penny but I want this pen looking and working as new, new as I paid for it.

In summary, I'd guess the moral of the story is that when money is at stake nice flies out of the window. What a drag. But I should be old enough to know that and then some.

[blue16613]

Nibs.com is John Mottishaw's shop. Mottishaw is THE supreme nibmeister in the USA. His reputation is flawless.

I recommend you communicate with him directly. And please let us know if he is not appropriately responsive.

[Bisquitlips]

Juan,

You need to press it with Mottishaw.

That pen should be perfect for the $$$$ you spent for it. And then to have it modified and pay extra and it not be completely to your satisfaction is not acceptable in any regard.

[Formulansx]

I have to say fountain pens have been the most finicky hobby I've ever had. These pens are unpredictable! They run great one day and then bite the next. They're like cats Reflecting on this, I have to say, I have just ONE pen in my collection that has been flawless since I got it. Oddly enough an Omas made in the last year of production. I feel for you Sir. It will all work out though. I'm confident

[Bisquitlips]

Originally Posted by Formulansx

I have to say fountain pens have been the most finicky hobby I've ever had. These pens are unpredictable! They run great one day and then bite the next. They're like cats Reflecting on this, I have to say, I have just ONE pen in my collection that has been flawless since I got it. Oddly enough an Omas made in the last year of production. I feel for you Sir. It will all work out though. I'm confident

You would be correct when it comes to finicky, but that to me is part of the joy.

I remember there was a time when I had just about given up on the hobby due to frustration with my pens wonkiness, but then read about guys that simply increased their knowledge about how to service them.

FPs really do need to be serviced, and again that is part of the enjoyment. I had two BMW Roadsters and enjoyed servicing them as much as driving them.

Instead of moving on to some other hobby, I purchased a few tools and some brass sheets and other things that allowed me to do more than just clean them on occasion. I also tuned into some good You Tube vids that really helped me to understand why FPs do what they do and then how to correct and adjust them.

Build yourself a little tool kit and keep it handy. Then break it out and enjoy the satisfaction of tuning a rebellious pen into one that is likely to move to a favored position in your rotation!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuq9tuKRbCY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRvKrrZdXLs

[Juantxo]

Originally Posted by Bisquitlips

You would be correct when it comes to finicky, but that to me is part of the joy.

I remember there was a time when I had just about given up on the hobby due to frustration with my pens wonkiness, but then read about guys that simply increased their knowledge about how to service them.

FPs really do need to be serviced, and again that is part of the enjoyment. I had two BMW Roadsters and enjoyed servicing them as much as driving them.

Instead of moving on to some other hobby, I purchased a few tools and some brass sheets and other things that allowed me to do more than just clean them on occasion. I also tuned into some good You Tube vids that really helped me to understand why FPs do what they do and then how to correct and adjust them.

Build yourself a little tool kit and keep it handy. Then break it out and enjoy the satisfaction of tuning a rebellious pen into one that is likely to move to a favored position in your rotation!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuq9tuKRbCY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRvKrrZdXLs

Excellent links, Richard. Thank you so much. Saw them all and then some. Very useful knowledge. NO PLIERS, huh...???

[Bisquitlips]

Originally Posted by Juantxo

Excellent links, Richard. Thank you so much. Saw them all and then some. Very useful knowledge. NO PLIERS, huh...???

No never! Pliers are not necessary.

[blue16613]

Did Matt say that in the videos?
Gosh, must have missed it.......



Seriously, these were great links. I watched all three videos and learned a lot!
Thanks!

[Juantxo]

Originally Posted by Bisquitlips

No never! Pliers are not necessary.

So many sayings in Spanish that come to mind. That is, no one is perfect. Poop happens, etc. I believe John Mottishaw is a hell of a nice guy and the Pelikan nibs he has tweaked for me write wonderfully. Nonetheless, I just talked to some very obliging Japanese lady at the factory and I might just send the pen back to them. It'll cost me, though.

I'll wait a couple of days and see if I get a satisfactory response from nibs.com, if not I'll just FedEx this baby to Japan. No one except nibs.com will handle a Nakaya in the US; I tried contacting a few people Jim recommended but it was a fruitless effort.

I think I mostly regret this experience because I had a Nakaya Portable in my sights. But then there are other pens that interest me.

Again, great links, Richard. Thank you.

[blue16613]

Do what you feel is best but I still say you should talk directly with John Mottishaw directly before you take any next (especially expensive next) steps.

It sounds like you already have a relationship with him.....why wouldn't you????

[Bisquitlips]

Originally Posted by blue16613

Do what you feel is best but I still say you should talk directly with John Mottishaw directly before you take any next (especially expensive next) steps.

It sounds like you already have a relationship with him.....why wouldn't you????

Exactly! Yes!

[Juantxo]

Originally Posted by Bisquitlips

Exactly! Yes!

I already wrote to nibs.com and received a non-committal response from John. In his response he didn't even acknowledge the blemished nib. He made reference to the blotting, that I have to dry the nib after filling up the pen, which I do, but nothing about the marred nib.

It is not my way of doing things to beg anyone to do what's right or to be forthcoming about what no doubt is a mistake. Furthermore, the nib not only has the rhodium chipped at the tip, it is also stained and shows shallow scratches all over. The nibs doesn't look like a new nib. Mind you, it doesn't look like a new nib. It's up to them to do what's right, not up to me to beg.

If I don't get a proper response from nibs.com in the next few days, I'll just send the pen back to Tokyo to get the nib fixed properly. The clip on the cap also needs to be tightened. It's a shame that these things happen as I've already bought three additional Platinum pens and some Pelikan custom nibs from them. It's a bummer like when your barber or dentist move out of town and you need to find someone else to cut your hair or work on your teeth. Hey, but it's only a darn pen.

[blue16613]

Originally Posted by Juantxo

I already wrote to nibs.com and received a non-committal response from John. In his response he didn't even acknowledge the blemished nib. He made reference to the blotting, that I have to dry the nib after filling up the pen, which I do, but nothing about the marred nib.

It is not my way of doing things to beg anyone to do what's right or to be forthcoming about what no doubt is a mistake. Furthermore, the nib not only has the rhodium chipped at the tip, it is also stained and shows shallow scratches all over. The nibs doesn't look like a new nib. Mind you, it doesn't look like a new nib. It's up to them to do what's right, not up to me to beg.

If I don't get a proper response from nibs.com in the next few days, I'll just send the pen back to Tokyo to get the nib fixed properly. The clip on the cap also needs to be tightened. It's a shame that these things happen as I've already bought three additional Platinum pens and some Pelikan custom nibs from them. It's a bummer like when your barber or dentist move out of town and you need to find someone else to cut your hair or work on your teeth. Hey, but it's only a darn pen.

I know what you mean and it seems to happen more and more frequently with all kinds of things. In many ways, the pride of quality and good craftmanship means less & less to people...yet they think they should be paid more and more to do the same job.

That having been said, and with all due respect to you, I think this is something John would WANT to know. My bet is someone "ghosted" that response and he did not write it himself. He is a gentleman who takes genuine pride in his high quality workmanship.

Just my thought.....do what makes you feel best. I'd just be remiss to not point out that the response you received does not sound like John!!

Good luck!

[jar]

They have a phone.

[tifosi]

I agree with what others have said. That response does not sound like John at all.

Definitely give them a call and speak to John.

So, you got a new nib then had it custom ground? What modification did you get out of curiosity?

[Juantxo]

Originally Posted by tifosi

I agree with what others have said. That response does not sound like John at all.

Definitely give them a call and speak to John.

So, you got a new nib then had it custom ground? What modification did you get out of curiosity?

Stub on the broad Nakata nib.

I've spoken to John, although not about this more recent matter. We both attended Antioch College, albeit at different times. I agree he is a gentleman... All the more reason to be surprised that he has preferred to not address the shoddy job on that nib.

[tifosi]

Originally Posted by Juantxo

Stub on the broad Nakata nib.

I've spoken to John, although not about this more recent matter. We both attended Antioch College, albeit at different times. I agree he is a gentleman... All the more reason to be surprised that he has preferred to not address the shoddy job on that nib.

I hope you get it sorted out. That is a dreamy nib. Love mine.

[Juantxo]

Originally Posted by tifosi

I hope you get it sorted out. That is a dreamy nib. Love mine.

I'm sending the pen back to Nibs.con. It's all been sorted out and I'm very glad that's the case.

[jar]

Fantastic.

[tifosi]

Originally Posted by Juantxo

I'm sending the pen back to Nibs.con. It's all been sorted out and I'm very glad that's the case.

That's the outcome I was hoping for. Hopefully you'll get a quick turnaround.

[blue16613]

Originally Posted by Juantxo

I'm sending the pen back to Nibs.con. It's all been sorted out and I'm very glad that's the case.

Great! I felt quite confident about this outcome given that you and John could talk about it. Thanks for the follow-up.

[Bisquitlips]

Very glad to hear that.

Remember that the great nibmeisters are very busy, but very honest! In this astute community they would not survive.