Sailor has long been at the forefront of the fine writing industry, as one of the very few manufacturers that design, produce, and finish their nibs entirely in-house. The Japanese brand has earned its reputation among users worldwide who value Sailor nibs for their exceptional writing experience as well as their reliability. For many, Sailor nibs have become a true benchmark. And for decades, this benchmark has been closely tied to one defining element: the 21k gold nib.
Recently, Sailor made an announcement that will likely give many of its fans pause.
With the latest evolution of its classic 1911 series, the brand is introducing large-sized nibs in 14k gold and, more notably, in 18k gold.
The new models come with a clear visual distinction. The 1911 Large 14k versions are offered in blue, green, red, and black, maintaining a restrained, traditional palette. The 1911 Large 18k models, by contrast, are presented in Shining Blue, Shining Green, Shining Red, and Shining Black, featuring a more refined, subtly brighter finish created by fine pearl particles beneath the surface, underscoring their positioning within the range.
Until now, the 1911 line has been largely defined by 14k nibs in standard formats and 21k nibs at the upper end of the spectrum. The newly introduced large 18k nib positions itself precisely between these two worlds. Compared to 21k gold, 18k gold should offer slightly greater structural rigidity while still retaining a refined elasticity, which, according to the manufacturer, would result in a softer writing feel.
“The 1911 18K Gold Trim fountain pens are equipped with an 18K gold nib, recommended for those who enjoy a soft writing feel, thanks to the flexibility that comes from its large-sized nib.” — Sailor
While I had expected a slightly more varied color selection, I must admit that the green, blue, and red hues work surprisingly well on the 1911’s signature cigar-shaped silhouette. I can hardly speak of any limitation when it comes to nib options, as Sailor offers a generous range of seven nib widths, from EF to MS.
To conclude, although the introduction of an 18k gold nib may appear a natural step at first glance, the move raises an inevitable question: what will be the fate of the 21k gold nib?
Since Sailor has not made any further statements on the matter, it is reasonable to assume that the 21k nib range will remain part of the brand’s portfolio.
What are your thoughts on Sailor’s new 18k gold nib?