Pilot Namiki Nippon Art Collection Fountain Pen, Chinese Phoenix Design, Medium Nib (60509)

I've used the Pilot Vanishing Point pins for years, and love them. Finally sprung for the rather pricy Namiki, and have now been using it for more than a year. Yes, it is beautiful; an almost museum quality to the design and execution. But even more, I was amazed at how fantastic this instrument writes! Weight and balance are superb, but the nib is surprisingly smooth! Very little effort is required, but the way this nib glides across the page is truly impressive - makes writing a pleasure. The refillable cartridge is also impressive - easier to fill (don't have to remove it from barrel) and holds a lot more ink than most, so needs less frequent refills.As for durability; I've dropped it a few times (to my horror!). But not a chip or scratch. Like a clear varnish over the artwork, keeping it solid. Yes, this pen is expensive (to me), but work every cent is you enjoy writing. By that, I mean such an instrument actually encourages you to write!