Sailor
| Sailor Pen | |
|---|---|
| |
| Founded: | 1911 |
| Founder: | Kyugoro Sakata |
| Headquarters: | Hiroshima, Japan |
| Key People: | |
| Products: | fountain pens, inks |
| Website: | http://www.sailor.co.jp/ |
History
1910s
Sailor started in 1911 when Mr. Kyugoro Sakata, an engineer from the historic naval port of Hiroshima, was introduced to a Fountain Pen brought from England by a sailor friend. He soon became determined to produce finely crafted writing instruments in Japan with the highest specification and writing performance. [1] In the same year he and his brother started Sakata-Manufactory to produce gold nibs. [2] In 1917 the factory relocated to the next town Hamadacho and the company changed the name to "Sailor Pen Sakata-Manufactory Co., Ltd.". In this year company started manufacturing fountain pens.[2]
1920s
in 1929, Sailor's fountain pens with gold nibs became very popular and the company continuously developed unique innovative products for the Japanese stationery industry.[3]
1940s
Shortly after the Second World War and two years after starting this project Mr.Kyugoro Sakata launched the first Japanese produced ballpoint pens in 1948. [3]
In 1949 Sailor started producing Japan's first plastic fountain pens using plastic injection moulding. At that time, the materials of caps and barrels were all made of ebonite or celluloid. [4]
1950s
In 1954 the Sailor Pen Company invented Japan's first ink cartridges for the fountain pen and introduced them in 1958. [4]
1960s
In 1963 the Company introduced a mini type portable fountain pen that could be carried in the chest pocket. [4] In 1969 the world's first fountain pens with 21 gold nibs were developed by the Sailor Pen Company. The features of smoothness and elasticity were well-accepted and more than one million pieces were sold. [4]
1970s
In 1972 the Fude Pen (Brush Pen) went on sale by the Sailor Pen Company for the first time in the world.[5] In the late 70's the trend of fountain pens had started declining. In order to overcome this situation the Sailor Pen Company introduced the "Candy" series for the younger generations in 1976. This was a big hit worldwide and the Sailor sold more than 15 million pens during four years.[5]
1980s
In 1981 the famous 1911 was created using the accumulated technology and "know how" of the previous 70 year.[6]
Fountain pen models
1911
The 1911 pen features a rounded cigar shape and it’s also known as the Profit in Japan. Available in three sizes, 1911 King of Pens with 21k gold nibs, 1911L (large) with 21k gold nibs and 1911S (standard) with 14k gold nibs. Other versions 1911L ringless, presents the same body as the 1911L minus the cap ring.
Pro gear
The Pro gear (short for Professional gear) pen features flat end of the barrel and cap. It’s available in four sizes, Pro gear King of pens with 21k gold nibs, standard, with 21k gold nibs, slim, with 14k gold nibs (but occasionally also available with 21k gold nibs), and slim mini, with 14k gold nibs. Other versions Pro gear realo: uses a piston-filling mechanism instead of cartridges and converters and it’s slightly thicker than the standard Pro gear pen.
Compass
Available in two designs, Compass 1911, a budget version of the 1911, and Compass TUZU adjustable, both with steel nibs.
Fountain pens released
Shikiori line
Breath of the seasons
- Haruzora (spring)
- Manyou (summer)
- Meigetsu (autumn)
- Yukitsubaki (winter)
Tsukuyo-no-Minamo
Unlike other fountain pens from the Shikiori line, the are based on the 1911.
- Yozakura
- Yodaki
- Yonaga
- Shimoyo
Japanese fairytale
- Dragon Palace (spring)
- Vega (summer)
- Princess Kaguya (autumn)
- Grateful crane (winter)
Sound of rain
- Haru-same (spring)
- Sui-u (summer)
- Kiri-same (autumn)
- Tou-u (winter)
Sansui
- Yuu-tsubame(spring)
- Komakusa (summer)
- Nadeshiko (autumn)
- Kamoshika (winter)
Other pens
- Minori
Themed pens
Solar term
Seasonal festival
Japanese sweets
Smoothie
Princess raden
Decorated with maki-e and raden.
Stand alone pens
- Too hot Habanero, North America exclusive
- Follow the mermaid
- Umi to gekko
- First snow
- Over the ocean
- Every rose has its thorn, exclusive to North America
- 4am transparent
Tea series
Afternoon tea: Three tiers and Scone Moroccan tea: Moroccan mint tea and Mint & sugar Christmas tea time: Christmas spice tea and Christmas pudding
Sky series
- Spring sky
- Winter sky
- Autumn sky
Universe series
- Blue green nebula
- Blue dwarf
- Iris nebula
Manyo
Pen of the year
- Celestial grey (2024)
- Golden olive (2023)
- Sparkle Cranberry (2021)
Partnerships
Line friends
- Cony
- Sally
- Brown
Nibs
- Medium fine nib
- Zoom nib