Pilot E95s - Burgundy

Pilot E95s - Burgundy and Ivory

First Thoughts

Before going forward, let me say this; the Pilot E95s is as good as people say. It absolutely lives up to its reputation as an elegant, effortless writing instrument. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about the size or the design, but the model is so highly praised that I knew I had to experience it for myself.

I normally prefer larger-sized pens. Visually, I liked the art deco and mid-century modern design elements of the E95s, but I wasn’t sure it would really be for me. The moment I posted the cap and started writing, my concerns faded!

Pilot E95s - A classic “short-long” or pocket pen

History

Compact fountain pens have been around for well over a hundred years. Kaweco started selling a small-sized Sport in 1911, and for the most part, the model’s current design has remained the same since 1935. Japan’s Big Three (Sailor, Platinum, and Pilot) each introduced pocket pens (or “long-shorts”, pens with long caps, long grip sections, and short barrels) in the early 1960s. During the 1960s and 1970s, they fiercely competed with a variety of models that took the same stream-lined shape.

For a deeper dive (much deeper) on the history and importance of this design, check out Richard Binder’s comprehensive article, or his book Japanese Pocket Pens on the topic.

Long cap and grip section, short barrel

Iconic Design

Pilot first launched the Elite S in 1964. There have been numerous variations in color, and nib shape, but it is essentially the same, tapered, long-short design. The modern E95s was released in 2014 as part of the company’s 95th anniversary. In almost every detail, it is largely the same as the earlier editions, including the word “Elite” just above the cap band.

Use a Con-40 Convertor or Pilot Cartridge

The E95 is nicely portable in size, but at first sight, everything seems out of proportion. The cap is longer than usual, and the barrel is much shorter. Uncapped, the grip section is much longer than you normally expect. When you cap the pen, however, it all makes sense. The result is a full-length pen. It’s longer than a Sailor Pro Gear Slim or a TWSBI Mini. It roughly matches a posted Pelikan M200 or M400 series pen in size, but coming from such a small starting point, it actually seems bigger. You never feel as if it’s too short for comfort.

The gorgeous, inlaid, 14 Kt gold nib

The gorgeous, 14 Kt, inlaid nib is what really makes the design for me. It gives the pen a strong personality, and a nostalgic appeal. From small to large, Pilot (and the other companies in the category) have tried a wide range of nib shapes and sizes. The longer, Shaeffer-style version on the E95s looks quite large when you hold the pen. I’ve never been particularly attracted to inlaid nibs, but I now see the beauty.

Capped-length comparisons (Kaweco Sport and TWSBI Eco)

Dimensions

Capped, the E95s comes to 118 mm. Uncapped, it’s a very small 105 mm. However, when you post the cap, it transforms into a very respectable 147 mm. In terms of diameter, it’s 12.8 mm at the widest point, and 11.1 mm at mid-grip. That isn’t enormous, but it isn’t particularly slim. As you can see below, at mid-grip, the section is about the same as the Kaweco Sport and the TWSBI Eco.

The lightweight cap is made of aluminum with a satiny coating. There’s a slim clutch mechanism inside that gives the friction fit a very satisfying connection, and a very secure fit. The overall weight of the pen is 15.5 g, but the bulk of that comes from the middle ring area and the grip section. Once posted, that and the long, lightweight cap gives the pen a very comfortable, slightly forward balance. It’s exactly what you want.

Posted-length comparisons (Kaweco Sport and TWSBI Eco)

Writing Experience

The E95s is a fantastic writer! The combination of the wonderfully smooth, 14 Kt nib and the balance of the design makes writing absolutely effortless. This is a pen that remains comfortable for even the longest writing sessions.

Pilot offers the E95s in medium, fine, and extra fine. I chose a medium nib with the expectation that it would be on the fine side, as most Japanese nibs tend to be. I was surprised to find that, at least in this case, linewidth is more like a western medium. There’s a bit more spring in the nib than I expected, too. Being an inlaid nib, I didn’t expect to find much at all, and definitely wouldn’t push the nib. For me, the E95s is at its best with no pressure at all. It does all the work for you.

Pilot E95s - “Elite” since the 1963 original

Final Thoughts

Pilot’s very well-regarded attention to detail is consistent and reliable. It’s hard to find fault with the E95s. However, a common complaint with Pilot pens are the convertors. The E95s uses the Pilot Con-40 convertor, and it doesn’t have the largest capacity. You’ll probably find yourself having to fill it frequently. Some people also mention a rattle from the tiny bearings within the convertor, when you near the end of the ink. I’ve never noticed, but I’m not in the habit of shaking my pens. You always have the option of using Pilot cartridges if you prefer.

I’ll also mention the price. In Japan, you can find this pen for US$100 (or even cheaper on the grey market). In my opinion, this is an amazing pen, and arguably the best at that price. It’s a wonderful writer with a 14 Kt nib. In the US, popular retailers generally charge $144 plus tax (and Pilot’s MSRP is $180). European prices seem to range from $110 to $170. It never hurts to shop around.

Regardless of where you buy the E95s, it’s a fantastic pen! Whether you pay $100 or $144, you won’t be disappointed. It’s hard to imagine a more graceful and sophisticated pocket pen.

Pilot E95s