I often ask myself—what would Porsche be without its iconic 911 or Rolex without its legendary Submariner? Probably just as high-quality, but far less recognizable in terms of cultural impact. The same goes for pens, and I’ll give you an example: Montblanc has its Meisterstück, while Pelikan is known for the classic Souverän. In today’s article, we’ll dive into a series that has captivated me ever since I entered the world of pens—the Sailor 1911. What makes this time-honored classic so iconic, and why should you consider it for your next fountain pen? Let’s find out!
A Brief History of Sailor
Sailor Pen Company was founded in 1911 in Hiroshima, Japan, and has, over the years, become one of the most respected leaders in the luxury writing instrument industry. Renowned for the craftsmanship of its in-house-made nibs, it is also among the few that carry on the traditional Urushi art through their designs. The company’s name was inspired by a British sailor who introduced founder Kyugoro Sakata to pens, and its anchor symbol remains a core element of the brand, engraved on every pen’s nib.
Shape and Design: A Timeless Classic
The Sailor 1911 is the most popular series in the Japanese brand’s portfolio, featuring a cigar-shaped body that will look just as good in 100 years as it does today—it’s simply timeless. Its smooth, rounded-edge design is not only aesthetically appealing but also plays a practical role, making handling a pleasure—at least for the majority of users, myself included.
The understated design of this series is complemented by elegant embellishments, such as gold or rhodium trim options, as well as the more elaborate Urushi designs found on limited edition versions. While I must admit that you shouldn’t expect out-of-the-ordinary aesthetics—at least from the standard models—there’s one aspect where the 1911 series truly excels: writing performance and reliability. And when I say that, I mean you could pass a Sailor 1911 down to your grandchildren, and it would still write properly (if well-maintained).
From my perspective, the design of the Sailor 1911 is nearly perfect—simple, elegant, and classic. Would I have liked to see more material options? Probably yes, and Sailor has recently addressed that if we look at the most recent editions they launched, including a 1911 version in Sterling Silver. But even as it stands, I find the 1911’s design just perfect.
Similarities with Other Brands
Sailor is often compared to other luxury pen manufacturers, such as Montblanc and Pilot, in terms of aesthetics. While they share some design similarities, Sailor’s DNA remains distinct, and the writing experience sets it apart, and I personally find Sailor nibs to be among the smoothest in the game.
Model Varieties
Sailor has made its iconic 1911 series in various sizes, designs, and materials that range from standard options to demonstrators allowing users to explore a broader variety. The lineup currently includes offers the 1911 in three sizes: Standard, Large, and King of Pen. The Standard version is the most compact, measuring just 11.7 cm in length (uncapped) and weighing 17g. It is ideal for those who prefer smaller pens and prioritize portability. Compared to the Standard version, the 1911 Large is slightly longer, thicker, and heavier, measuring 12.3 cm (uncapped) and weighing around 21g. The 1911 King of Pen, the largest in the lineup, features a more substantial nib as well. It measures 13.2 cm (uncapped) and weighs 29g, offering a more comfortable grip for those who prefer heftier pens.
There are also several Limited Editions built on the 1911 chassis, such as Animals in the Moonlight, Waterfalls and Nature, and Seasons Under the Stars.
Nib Options
This is the first aspect you should look for when purchasing a Sailor pen. Unlike other brands that outsource their nibs, Sailor makes them in-house, and they do it the Japanese-precise way. The nibs range from 14k to 21k gold, from smaller versions to larger ones (like those on the King of Pen). As for nib sizes, you can choose from a needle-point-like Extra Fine to Naginata Togi variants (a special nib that allows for varying line widths).
- Extra Fine (EF): Perfect for those who require precision and fine lines, particularly useful for note-taking and intricate writing.
- Fine (F): A smooth but delicate line, ideal for daily writing with minimal feedback.
- Medium-Fine (MF): A balance between fine and medium, providing a comfortable writing experience with moderate ink flow.
- Medium (M): A versatile choice, great for both everyday writing and expressive strokes.
- Broad (B): A thicker, bolder line, perfect for signatures and expressive handwriting.
- Zoom (Z): Changes line thickness depending on the angle of writing.
- Music (MS): A nib designed for calligraphic and musical notation purposes, creating broad, expressive strokes.
- Naginata Togi Variants: These specialty nibs developed by Sailor are designed to provide a unique writing experience with varying line widths depending on the writing angle and direction.
If you like your handwriting to have character, then you should try the Naginata Togi nib. I prefer the finer options (extra-fine and fine) due to my handwriting style, but you can explore what works best for you.
Is It Worth It?
If you’re new to the hobby, the Sailor 1911 is more than a great choice and you’ll likely start with the Standard or Large version. Whether you go for the 14k gold nib or the 21k gold option, I’m sure you’ll find the writing experience enjoyable. Collectors, on the other hand, have a more diverse range to explore, including the King of Pen variations and limited editions, which I find incredibly valuable. With the Standard version starting at €220.00 and the regular King of Pen versions at €900.00, the Sailor 1911 offers options for every budget.
Conclusion
In the end, I’d like to share my experience with the Sailor 1911 series, as I’ve had one in my collection for almost four years now and use it regularly. It was love at first stroke—I remember considering the Montblanc 146 at the time, but when I compared the two nibs on paper, I felt a stronger connection with the Sailor. I own the Large version with a Fine nib, and it feels incredibly comfortable in hand. The 21k gold nib is a dream and writes just as smoothly as it did on day one. I use it for note-taking, journaling, and occasionally sketching. It is also the most used fountain pen in my collection.
That being said, if you haven’t yet, I think it’s time for you to consider trying a Sailor, either in a boutique or by ordering one. You’ll thank me later. By the way, I’m planning to get a Sailor 1911 Realo (piston-filling) in Bordeaux soon.
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