So we're back with another Wancher review... or actually it's a Sailor! These two Japanese brands recently did another collab (not their first rodeo) for a series of brightly colored demonstrators.
While that's pretty awesome, there are a few caveats: this collection of Wancher x Sailor pens (you can find the entire collection here) is uniquely available to the Japanese market, which means you'll have to go through some trouble to get your hands on one (unless you live in Japan, of course). To make matters worse, they are also limited editions (not numbered) and they seem to sell out FAST (the colorway I'm reviewing here is sadly already sold out!).
While that's pretty awesome, there are a few caveats: this collection of Wancher x Sailor pens (you can find the entire collection here) is uniquely available to the Japanese market, which means you'll have to go through some trouble to get your hands on one (unless you live in Japan, of course). To make matters worse, they are also limited editions (not numbered) and they seem to sell out FAST (the colorway I'm reviewing here is sadly already sold out!).
Anyway, enough talking! Let's take a look at the pen Wancher sent me!
Being based around the Sailor 1911 Large model, it's of course not a newcomer, and I already reviewed it once before (a looong time ago). It's one of those classic designs that hasn't changed over the years, and probably won't change in the near future either: A very simple yet classy tapered cigar shaped pen that is as traditional as pen designs go. With this Wancher exclusive however, they went for a slightly less understated finish that'll probably turn some heads!
Where the 1911 is a rather conservative (I'd even dare to say, boring) design, this demonstrator version has a bit more kick to it due to the blue-green translucent material. The gold trim stands out, but the color combo doesn't look out of place. I think they did well choosing a color that isn't overly flashy yet still vivid. The combination of a no-nonsense design with a slightly more vibrant color palate works well. I wouldn't mind taking this pen into a more formal setting. Especially compared to some other Sailor store exclusives that aren't afraid of glitter and multiple colors... I think this one remains a solid middle ground.
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| L to R: Pelikan M805, Pilot Custom 823, Wancher x Sailor 1911L, Sailor Pro Gear, Lamy Safari, Lamy 2000 |
The 1911L measures 14 cm (5.5") capped, and 12.3 cm (4.84") uncapped. As a comparison, the Sailor Pro Gear is about 1 cm (0.4") shorter. The lightweight construction (23 g total) is well-balanced both posted and unposted. The added length compared to the Pro Gear is a huge benefit in terms of comfort. Having owned and used both the 1911L and Pro Gear, the 1911L certainly has my preference. While I like the flattop design of the Pro Gear, the shape and size of the 1911L suits my hand a bit better, and is a bit more forgiving. Whereas the Pro Gear almost dissapears in your hand when unposted, the 1911L is just long enough to be held comfortably (at least in my hand, your mileage may vary).
Even though it's a comfortable size unposted, I do still enjoy writing with this pen posted. It's in fact one of the very few pens that I prefer to use posted, even though I usually never do this! Because it's a very lightweight pen, the extra heft of the cap makes it feel a touch more substantial in the hand.
The nib was a new experience for me. I have tried a couple 21k nibs from Sailor (all excellent), but never used one of their hard medium-fines (H-MF). It's exactly as the name describes it: hard as a nail, and it lays down a rather fine line. In Western standards, this is probably in line with an EF or even a hair finer, but compared to other Sailors it definitely matches my expectations (broad feels like medium, medium feels like fine,...).
In true Sailor style, it also has a very apparent pencil-like feedback to it. For a nib this fine, I wouldn't expect anything else, but it does feel kind of 'sharp' -if that makes any sense. Consistency is always key with Japanese brands, and this Sailor follows in that same tradition with a very reliable and consistent writer.
The Wancher x Sailor range of pens are a clear winner (pun intended) in my book. I'm not usually one for flashy pens, but I think they did a good job keeping this exclusive color combo balanced between joyful and no-nonsense. In terms of writing experience, Sailors ARE no-nonsense. They do what they have to do, and sometimes that's all you need from a pen.
Pricing is a bit weird, as they are much cheaper than comparable Western offerings. But then again, if you don't live in Japan, you'll need to go through quite a bit of trouble to get one. Prices hover around 150€ for the Pro gear and 1911L models, which is an excellent deal If you want one, you should check out forwarding services like White Rabbit or Tenso, which can send products to anywhere in the world.
This product was sent to me by Wancher so I could write this review. I was in no way influenced in the making of this review, the opinions shared in this review are completely my own! This post does not contain affiliate links.
