Pilot Vanishing Point Decimo Fountain Pen Review

Over the past few years, I’ve gradually become a true fountain pen collector. I was warned that would happen! I think that’s how it is with collections, though, isn’t it? They do tend to grow.

I’ve had some fountain pens for years, but I’ve become more and more appreciative of the fact that there are so many beautiful or unique ones. So many different materials, sizes, nibs, etc. And, as someone who likes to journal, it’s just fun to write with pretty pens and ink. So, I have quite a few pens now…

Pilot Vanishing Point Pens

I’ve been intrigued by the idea of Pilot Vanishing Point retractable pens for a while but had never used one before. In the fountain pen world, the original Vanishing Point has long been an often wished for pen and a favorite of many because it’s unusual in that it’s clickable and “capless.” The nib retracts into the barrel with just a click. So, it’s portable and convenient like a ballpoint but with the beautiful qualities of a fountain pen.

The Vanishing Point Decimo is one of these Pilot retractable pens. I’ve been wanting to try a retractable fountain pen for so long, so I’m really excited to be bringing this review of the Pilot Vanishing Point Decimo fountain pen to you today. It was provided to me by Dayspring Pens, in exchange for my honest review.

What is the Decimo, and How Does it Differ from the Original VP?

The Decimo is the slimmer version of the original Vanishing Point, which is a heftier pen. (Both have the same retractable clicking feature, and both use the same type of nib unit.) The Decimo is also lighter than the original. I really like the size and feel of the Decimo. I prefer a slim pen to a wider, heavier one, so if that’s true of you, you might prefer the Decimo over the original Vanishing Point, and vice versa.

The Decimo’s Appearance

My Decimo has a black lacquer body, rhodium appointments, and I love that it’s engraved. The engraving is silver colored, to match the rhodium finishes. The pen looks classic, glossy, and beautiful. The engraving from Dayspring Pens is free and makes this especially well suited to gifting, either for someone special (or a treat for yourself.) It’s an elegant and unusual looking fountain pen (even without the engraving), but the engraving does make the pen look extra special.

Dayspring Pens offers the Decimo in either black lacquer with rhodium trim or pearlescent white lacquer with rhodium trim. (The pen is made in a few other colors, but Dayspring offers the classic colors of black and white.)

The Famous (Infamous?) Clip

The clip has an unusual position on the Vanishing Point Pens, and the Decimo is no exception. Some people don’t like the clip position at all, but at least on the Decimo (which is the only Vanishing Point pen I’ve used), for me the clip position isn’t a negative. It does take some getting used to. It’s a matter of the way you hold your pen.

If you have an unconventional grip, it could be an issue, so if you do, you might want to try one at a pen show or retailer first. (Not that that’s always easy to do!) I probably won’t be using it for long writing (and honestly, I don’t think it was designed for that, as it’s more of a pen to keep handy and use for jotting notes, shorter letters, journal entries, etc., because of the convenience of the click.)

I’m glad that after finally having one and trying it, the clip isn’t a negative for me.

The Nib

The nib is rhodium plated 18K gold. It’s tiny and unique in that it’s part of a nib unit, rather than just a nib (because of the pen’s retractable feature.) I don’t know whether to call the nib “cute” or “elegant,” but I think it’s both! The nib unit makes it very easy to swap the nib size, too.

Dayspring Pens sells their Decimos with a medium nib. I’m loving the way it writes. Nib sizes are so variable, based on pen brands, so it’s sometimes difficult to compare one medium nib to another. I’m honestly not sure if it’s a narrower than average or a wider than average medium, but it’s my first gold nib, and, it’s so smooth and fun to write with.

What’s Included with the Pen?

The Decimo comes with a blue cartridge, a cartridge cap (that protects the cartridge, if you’re using one), and a CON-40 converter. So you’re good to go when you receive it. It arrives in a lovely gift box. (Be sure to take the box apart completely, because the cartridge and the cartridge cap are in there.) I had a Pilot Iroshizuku cartridge in Kon-Peki colored ink on hand that I wanted to try, so I used it, rather than the blue cartridge that was included.

I do have lots of bottled ink, and I use it more often than cartridges because there are so many more colors of bottled ink, but sometimes I don’t like hassling with a converter (depending on the day and whether or not I want to have inky hands.)

The Pilot cartridges are proprietary, so keep in mind if you use cartridges, you need to have the right ones. (I’m loving the Pilot Iroshizuku cartridges that I picked up at a pen show last year, by the way. So many pretty colors, and they are great inks.)

The Verdict?

I love this pen! A lot. It’s unusual and pretty. The nib is incredibly smooth, and it’s a beautiful, quality pen. The click feature is very convenient and satisfying. The engraving is gorgeous.

Am I feeling kind of posh, now? A little bit!

I’ve heard so much about the Vanishing Point pens over the years, and I’m thrilled with my Decimo, the coolest pen in my growing arsenal.

Many thanks to Dayspring Pens for providing the pen for me to review. (These opinions are my own, and this post doesn’t contain affiliate links.)

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