Pilot Fountain Pen Falcon black (nib LUIBAN-checked)

The Pilot Falcon is a fountain pen with a nib that actually gives way to the stroke – not in a figurative sense, but physically: The 14-carat gold nib with rhodium coating opens under pressure and produces wider lines on the downstroke, springs back to its original thickness on the upstroke. The shaft made of lacquered steel features a silky matte, black high-gloss surface with rhodinized decorative details. Available in nib sizes EF (Extra Fine) and F (Fine) – both in Japanese fineness, which is one grade finer compared to European standards.

Highlights

• Soft 14-carat gold nib, rhodinized: The nib tines spread apart when increased pressure is applied on the downstroke and return to their original width when released. This creates line variation directly from hand movement, without nib preparation or adjustments.
• Falcon-shaped nib: The silhouette of the nib is modeled after a falcon's beak – this curved grind is not a decorative detail, but a prerequisite for the soft, flexible writing behavior.
• Nib size EF – finest baseline, strongest line variation: The EF nib lays down a hairline in normal writing, but produces clearly visible width differences when flexed – the most pronounced line variation of all Falcon nib sizes.
• Nib size F – fine line, consistent ink flow: The F nib writes noticeably smoother than the EF, produces less paper friction, and is suitable for longer daily writing with controlled line variation.
• Screw cap: The cap is twisted on, not posted – this securely seals the nib and protects against unwanted drying out. The cap can also be posted on the barrel at the back without significantly shifting the center of gravity.
• Lacquered steel barrel, black high-gloss lacquer: The polished surface feels cool and smooth in the hand. Rhodinized accents on the clip and trim rings complement the black without color breaks.
• Filling system cartridges/converter: Compatible with Pilot ink cartridges and the included CON-70N converter for bottled ink. The converter works with a rotary piston system.

Application & Tips

• Line variation without preparation: In normal everyday writing, the Falcon writes like a fine standard fountain pen. For those who want line variation, simply increase pressure on the downstroke – that's enough to produce noticeably wider lines.
• For hand lettering and calligraphic scripts: With the EF nib, you can draw very precise hairlines and combine them with broad downstrokes – a contrast that works well for script fonts and Western calligraphic forms.
• Paper with low absorbency recommended: Smooth, ink-resistant paper – such as Tomoe River – supports ink flow when flexing better than highly absorbent paper. Those who want to maximize line width should also opt for wetter, free-flowing inks.
• Pace when flexing: If you move too quickly across the paper while the nib tines are spread apart, you risk ink skipping. A calm, deliberate writing movement on the downstroke gives the ink flow time to follow the nib opening.
• Choose EF or F: EF for maximum line variation and finest baseline, F for more consistent everyday writing with a pleasant smooth feel across the paper.
• Filling the converter: Unscrew the grip section, insert converter, dip nib in ink bottle, turn piston until converter is full. Let drip briefly, wipe nib – done.

For Calligraphy Enthusiasts

The Falcon nib is classified in the fountain pen community as a "soft nib" – Pilot itself does not market it as a flex nib, but the mechanism is the same: increased pressure on the downstroke spreads the nib tines, increases ink flow, and widens the line. The EF nib produces the most dramatic contrast between hairline and shadow stroke, making it interesting for Western pointed pen forms such as Copperplate or Spencerian – with considerably more robust handling than a classic steel pointed nib. Japanese nib sizes are finer than their European equivalents: a Falcon EF writes comparable to a very fine European EF or even a pointed needle's eye. Those who use the nib daily without flexing benefit from the gold alloy: 14-carat gold dampens paper feedback more than steel, which is particularly noticeable on rougher paper surfaces in a quieter writing feel. The Falcon is well-suited for flowing, wetter inks – color-intensive iron gall inks or heavily pigmented inks can clog the fine gap of the EF nib over time and should be rinsed regularly.

Technical Data