One of the truly stunning pens made by Pilot is the Grance, a slender flat top pen with a graceful curve to barrel. It's a beautiful pen, as you can see here (scroll to the middle) but unfortunately it isn't sold in the United States.
This Limited Edition Grance is in a finish called Yamabouki Koi, for the golden orange koi fish. The pictures don't quite capture the color, which isn't as deep an orange as the above would have it. The pen takes a CON-50 converter or international cartridges, and the nib (which I can't quite read, 14K something) is my favorite fine point.
I was lucky, as I won the auction on eBay having lost twice before. This was the last time, and I was amazed when no one outbid me--the golden orange fish was mine! It makes an impression when showing off to pen people. One of my best moments was at Art Brown, when I showed it to the assistant. He mentioned that people show him their pens all day and he didn't think much about them, but this was definitely an impressive pen. He's right, it is.
The golden orange really picks up the black tip of the cap and barrel, and the silver accents don't class with the warm overall color scheme. After all this, I almost couldn't care if it skipped and scratched across the paper, but it doesn't: it's one of the best pens in my daily arsenal. If you come across the Pilot Grance, whatever the color or nib size, try and get it. It's one of the best writing tools ever made.
Very nice!
ReplyDeletePontiac GTO Judge (circa 1970), or some VW Beetles around the same period. That's what came to mind when I saw your Pilot. I'm not color-hip. Does anyone know anything about the use of orange in manufactured products? Is there some cultural cha-ching when a manufacturer uses orange? Jack/Youngstown
ReplyDeleteGood questions all, Jack. I've noticed a few pens in this color. Orange is a warm, energetic color that can be used to symbolize joy. Other than that, I tend to think of juice or Tang first.
ReplyDeleteFound this on Rakuten (I think - Japanese is not my strong suit). Now let's see what they deliver.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely gorgeous pen, especially the color. Too bad it's not available in the US. I would estimate the price to be around $100, am I right?
ReplyDeleteJoy, I agree, Diane. Orange = ebullience/exuberance/super-confidence. Just some word association. Welcome aboard, Peninkcillin. Jack/Youngstown
ReplyDeleteHi Peninkcillin (love that name, and your blog),
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure of the retail price, but I've seen it at Rakuten for $127 (that's discounted). On eBay, I've seen this pen run between $110 and $140.
It's nice pen,I think.
ReplyDeleteI did not know there is such a vibrant color for this pen until I see your blog.
By the way,Pilot Grance In japan street price is $120(10,000yen).