There’s a growing trend towards using wood for writing instruments, and a lot of brands have started adopting it in their designs. One recent example that caught my attention comes from the Japanese brand Sailor. Their latest limited edition draws inspiration from the rich textures of Brier wood, blending tradition with innovation.
What I can tell you from the start is that the images simply don’t do justice to this fantastic pen, which is even more beautiful in person, but we’ll get there soon.
The Material
Sourced from the root burl of the Erica arborea plant, native to the Mediterranean region, the Brier wood has been used in various objects over the years. In fact, the first recorded use dates back to the early 19th century, when pipe makers discovered that the dense, heat-resistant properties of this wood were exceptionally well-suited for smoking pipes. This revolutionized the pipe-making industry, as brier wood proved far superior to other materials not only for its charming aesthetic but also for its durability.
Since its adoption for pipes, this material has become so cherished for its beauty and has expanded into other luxury goods and artisan creations. What is particularly interesting – and not often discussed by manufacturers – is the selection and preparation process of the brier wood for design. This labor-intensive process can take anywhere from 1 to 3 years, starting from the harvest of the briar burl until it is fully ready for crafting.
The Pen
Sailor’s new design brings together nature’s raw beauty and craftsmanship. According to the brand, each pen is made from trunks aged 25 to 100 years – a testament to the timeless value of nature’s artistry and a reminder that art requires patience. Each wooden part showcases unique swirl patterns therefore, no two editions are alike. My favorite feature is the pen’s beautiful shine, which is quite difficult to capture in words. Not to mention that with use, the wooden elements will age gracefully, much like fine wine.
The limited edition is crafted on a 1911 King of Pen-sized chassis, featuring two black precious resin components that beautifully contrast with the brier wooden elements. I still wonder what it would have looked like if Sailor had made the whole pen out of wood, like the SCRIBO La Tradizionale, although I can understand the aesthetic reasons behind it, the black parts guiding the eye towards the wooden sections. The trim is finished in gold, perfectly complementing the two-tone 21k gold nib, which features the new anchor logo and comes available in medium size.
Maybe I’m getting a bit too emotional, but looking at this pen, I can’t help but picture a writing session in the company of a fine cigar. You see, the pattern of this pen bears a striking resemblance to the texture of a cigar, making the connection almost irresistible.
It will be interesting to see how this edition will be received among collectors, as I personally believe in its potential. I’m a big fan of wood when it comes to writing instruments, and I’m glad to see another approach from the Japanese brand other than their signature Urushi. What are your thoughts on this edition?
Technical Data
Brand: Sailor
Refill Type: Cartridge/Converter
Material: Wood
Finishing: Gold plated
Nib Material: 21k gold
Diameter: 20 mm
Length Closed: 153 mm
Length Uncapped: 131 mm
Cap Mechanism: Screw
Pricing & Availability
Price: €1,160
Availability: Immediately
Limited Edition: 300 pieces, available exclusively through authorized Sailor dealers.
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