Pilot Fountain Pen Capless Decimo black (B, nib optimized by LUIBAN)

The Pilot Capless Decimo is a fountain pen with a retractable nib – extended at the push of a button, retracted back into the barrel at the push of a button. No cap to search for, no laying down, no drying out. The Decimo is the slimmer variant of the Capless family: an aluminum housing with polished lacquer, rhodium-plated accents, and an 18-karat gold nib that glides effortlessly across paper. Black gives the torpedo-shaped body a restrained precision – the housing looks more like a well-crafted instrument than a prestige object.

Features

• Retractable nib mechanism: A button at the end of the barrel extends and retracts the writing nib. An integrated valve seals the nib chamber when retracted – the nib does not dry out and remains immediately ready to write, even after prolonged periods of non-use.
• 18-karat gold nib, rhodium-plated: Rhodium plating protects the nib long-term and gives it a silver shimmer. The gold nib itself has minimal flex and noticeably dampens writing pressure on hard surfaces. Available in three nib sizes: F (fine), M (medium), and B (broad).
• Slim aluminum housing: Lower weight (approx. 20 g) and narrower diameter (approx. 10–11 mm) than the standard Capless – the Decimo feels comfortable in the hand even with a smaller grip and causes less fatigue during extended writing.
• Clip at the nib tip: The clip is located at the writing tip rather than on the button. In the writing position it points upward and simultaneously serves as an orientation guide for correct nib alignment.
• Compatible with cartridges and converter: Works with Pilot IC-50 ink cartridges and the included CON-40 converter for bottled fountain pen ink. The nib unit is interchangeable as a single assembly.

Use & Tips

• One-handed operation in everyday use: The push mechanism makes the Capless Decimo the ideal companion for quick note-taking – in meetings, in class, or at the desk where searching for a cap is a nuisance. Once internalized, the transition from pocket to paper takes seconds.
• Choose nib size: Pilot nibs tend to write finer than comparable European sizes. Those accustomed to European F nibs usually choose M; those who write small, precise script are well-served by F. The B nib gives handwriting more width and expression on smooth, ink-fast paper.
• Ink selection: Watery inks with good flow characteristics work particularly reliably in the Capless system. Pigmented inks are only conditionally recommended due to the valve mechanism – they can strain the valve flap long-term. Water-based document-archival inks generally work without problems.
• Cleaning: The nib unit can be completely unscrewed from the barrel and rinsed separately with lukewarm, clear water – particularly practical when changing ink colors.
• Clip and writing posture: The clip located at the tip is positioned at the top during writing. If you hold the pen with the clip pointing upward, the nib is automatically correctly aligned. Left-handed writers and right-handed writers with an oblique grip should consider their own grip position before purchasing.

For Fountain Pen Enthusiasts

The nib unit of the Capless Decimo – nib, ink feed, and converter socket as one unscrewable assembly – is compatible with the nib units of the standard Capless series. This allows easy nib swaps between sizes or after damage. Those who own a B nib can have the unit reworked by an experienced nibmeister into a broad nib with line variation – the geometry of the unit is well-suited for this work. Japanese Pilot nibs in M often correspond in line width to a European F to EF, making the Decimo particularly interesting for writers with fine, tight handwriting.

Technical Specifications