Sailor 1911 Large: A Refined Fountain Pen with a Rare 18K Nib

Introduction

The Sailor 1911 Large is a pen that quietly earns its reputation. Sailor is famous for its 21-karat gold nibs, which is already unusual in the fountain pen world, and this particular 1911 Large does something a little different: it comes with an 18-karat gold nib instead. That may sound like a step down, but in practice it is the standout reason this pen is so pleasant to write with.

The version reviewed here is the shining black finish, with refined specks of pearl particles embedded in the cap and barrel. It is not flashy, but there is real depth to the look. If you have been considering an upgrade to a premium everyday writer, this one deserves a closer look.

Who This Product Is For

This is a pen for writers who want a comfortable, understated daily carry that is not ostentatious. The 1911 Large is not huge. It is a very comfortable size that works for a lot of people, and it posts very securely, so you end up with a nicely sized pen in the hand either way.

It also suits anyone curious about Sailor’s famously distinctive nib feel. If you are after a workhorse that simply starts up every time, this fits that brief too: it does not skip, it does not hard start, and it just writes straight away.

Design and Build Quality

The 1911 Large ships in a beautiful, simple, functional cardboard box. If you do not want it, you can recycle it, which is a nice touch. Inside you get the pen seated in a pen bed, a converter in a small bag with clear instructions on how to use it, an information pamphlet covering bottle ink, and a couple of stickers.

The shining black finish is the fancy twist on an otherwise classic pen. Tiny pearl particles sit in the cap and barrel, and they only really show when the light catches them properly. It is not a glittery effect. The refined word fits: from a distance you see a plain black pen, but up close it looks like stargazing. It adds a layer of elegance you do not notice immediately.

The design details are classic Sailor throughout. The finial matches the rest of the cap, there is the classic Sailor clip, and a center band reading Sailor Japan founded in 1911, which is where the model number comes from. The barrel tapers in that beautiful cigar shape down to gold-plated rings, the section tapers and flares slightly, and the nib carries the gold content marking of 18K 750 alongside Sailor’s charming anchor logo. It runs on the proprietary Sailor converter included in the box, and it accepts cartridges as well. One minor nitpick: the standard converter trim does not match the gold trim of the rest of the pen, and a gold-trim converter would have been a nicer match.

The 18K Gold Nib: The Real Story

Here is what makes this pen genuinely interesting. Sailor is, as far as widely known, the only company that really makes 21-karat gold nibs, and it occasionally uses 14-karat ones. But an 18-karat nib from Sailor is new territory, and the result is impressive.

The 18K nib is available in extra fine, fine, medium, broad, zoom, and music, so there is a lot of choice depending on your writing style. Sailor also does things its own way when it comes to nib sizes, which is worth remembering before ordering.

Keep in mind the usual rule of thumb: Japanese nibs tend to run one grade finer than their European counterparts. So a Japanese fine is closer to a European extra fine, and so on. This medium nib is fascinating in that context, and it rewards slower, deliberate writing.

Writing Performance

On paper, this is a very, very pleasant writer. Sailor nibs are known for their feedback, and this one is no different. It has a unique type of feedback, a different feeling from writing with many other pens. If you prefer super smooth nibs, you should probably pass this one by. But if you want to try something that feels a little different and is still delicious to write with, it is really good.

The consistency is what sells it. The nib does not skip, it does not hard start, and it lays down ink immediately every time. That reliability, combined with the comfortable size and the secure posting, makes it a genuinely special everyday writer.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The price is the main hurdle. This is not a cheap 1911. You have to be able to get past the price, and for some buyers that will be the deciding factor.

The proprietary converter system is another consideration. It is proprietary, so you are locked into Sailor’s own converter and cartridges, though since one comes included with the pen, this matters less in practice.

Finally, the nib feel itself is polarizing. The Sailor feedback is distinctive, and writers who chase glassy-smooth nibs may not love it. Everyone else should try it before dismissing it.

Buying Advice

If you love everything else about the pen, as the reviewer of this example clearly did, the 1911 Large model is a wonderful writer and a very comfortable one. It is not too big, not too small, posts securely, and offers an understated look that works anywhere from an office to a coffee shop.

If you can find a deal, a discount code, or any chance to pick one up at a reduced price, it is easy to recommend. The premium price stings less with a 10% discount, and the writing experience more than justifies the spend once it is in hand.

Conclusion

The Sailor 1911 Large in shining black is a refined package: understated pearl-flecked resin, classic Sailor styling, a comfortable and secure posting design, and an 18-karat gold nib that writes with distinctive feedback and flawless reliability. It is a lot of money, but it is also a lot of pen. If you get the chance, pick one up. You are unlikely to regret it.