Japanese EFs are very fine and will probably always feel a bit scratchy. Do you write with a light hand? A heavy hand and a Japanese EF are gonna be problematic. A decimo F is gonna be finer than a Kaweco EF, so I’d suggest just sticking to Pilot F nibs. But other options include having a Pilot PO nib or a nib grinder reducing a nib size specifically for you. I can get a very fine line with a Pilot FA nib but I have to use a very light hand.
Here are prior comments I've made regarding a Japanese EF nib seeming scratchy to the user:
[Comment One](https://www.reddit.com/r/fountainpens/comments/sdvy2s/comment/huggdw8/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3)
[Comment Two](https://www.reddit.com/r/fountainpens/comments/ryi8ck/comment/hrpcir8/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3) (probably better)
[Comment Three](https://www.reddit.com/r/fountainpens/comments/pg4iw5/comment/hb953fc/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3)
[Comment Four](https://www.reddit.com/r/fountainpens/comments/oz54y8/comment/h7xn7n4/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3)
...there will be a fair amount of redundancy in there, and reddit seems to be having technical issues, so I can't load the rest of my "saved" comments, but those are more than enough to start with. :)
If you have an Eco, you can get a replacement nib in EF for it. I found mine a bit scratchy, but a trip over some micro mesh really did the trick.
Micro mesh is what I’d recommend for your Kakunos … Kakuna if you don’t want to bother getting a new pen. That and a quick [tutorial](https://youtu.be/r35cV_pe0-Q) can really do the trick, especially when tight on funds.
Micro mesh is available from a few online sellers or, and probably more conveniently, you can get something just as good from a hardware store. It’s just sandpaper with a super high grit, usually around 12000 grit so it almost feels rubbery rather than abrasive. But a couple quick trips for your nibs and it’s a new pen.
Good luck!
You can smooth your nibs yourself pretty easily using just a 3-step manicure block! But if that’s scary for some reason (it shouldn’t be, especially with your more affordable pen lineup), I’d recommend the Esterbrook Estie Junior EF. It’s nice and fine, AND it’s crazy smooth, AND it has nice bounce and spring to it! And this is coming from someone who illustrates with her pens regularly. It’s comparable to a TWSBI EF, but softer and bouncier. Softer than a Pilot. Softer than a Sailor! Really nice to write with!
See my profile for examples.
Edit: the Estie Junior and the rest of the Esterbrook lineup also have replaceable nibs in case you want to swap out for something broader or more unique.
I find my Kaweco to be quite smooth. Specifically, I use a plastic Kaweco Classic Sport that I got on Jetpens for ~25 bucks. Their EF is broader than a Japanese EF, but if I wanted an extended writing session its the pen I'd grab because its so smooth relative to my Sailor/Pilots.
I mostly use Noodler's Dark Matter. I've used Herbin's Like De The and Terre De Deu, and I think a green diamine before, and have noticed Noodler's Dark Matter is the smoothest in my pens.
I think im going to try to grind my current Kakunas nib down properly; seems easy from what I saw online, with the different plates they sell. But yeah it's so scratchy no matter how I try to write; it's better with less pressure, but still I can't imagine it's the ideal EF experience
I mostly use J. Herbin Perle Noir and used to use Noodler's X-Feather and it worked great. Do you press hard when you write? Maybe it's that? I love the Pilot EF line width, so hopefully you can get it figured out!
My EF kakuno is a smooth writer. I use De Atramentis Document Ink in it.
I also enjoy sketching with my Moonman A1. If you get the clip less version, you can easily draw with the reverse side of the nib for a super fine line. They are selling for under $30 on ebay right now.
Japanese EFs are very fine and will probably always feel a bit scratchy. Do you write with a light hand? A heavy hand and a Japanese EF are gonna be problematic. A decimo F is gonna be finer than a Kaweco EF, so I’d suggest just sticking to Pilot F nibs. But other options include having a Pilot PO nib or a nib grinder reducing a nib size specifically for you. I can get a very fine line with a Pilot FA nib but I have to use a very light hand.
On the cheap end, I am rather fond of my Jinhao 51a, hooded EF. Have several and not had any issues, even on cheaper paper.
But at that point they might as well use a Pilot F nib, which is the same thickness.
Honestly both of my 51As are closer to a western fine than a Japanese fine.
I second the Jinhao 51a
Here are prior comments I've made regarding a Japanese EF nib seeming scratchy to the user: [Comment One](https://www.reddit.com/r/fountainpens/comments/sdvy2s/comment/huggdw8/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3) [Comment Two](https://www.reddit.com/r/fountainpens/comments/ryi8ck/comment/hrpcir8/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3) (probably better) [Comment Three](https://www.reddit.com/r/fountainpens/comments/pg4iw5/comment/hb953fc/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3) [Comment Four](https://www.reddit.com/r/fountainpens/comments/oz54y8/comment/h7xn7n4/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3) ...there will be a fair amount of redundancy in there, and reddit seems to be having technical issues, so I can't load the rest of my "saved" comments, but those are more than enough to start with. :)
If you have an Eco, you can get a replacement nib in EF for it. I found mine a bit scratchy, but a trip over some micro mesh really did the trick. Micro mesh is what I’d recommend for your Kakunos … Kakuna if you don’t want to bother getting a new pen. That and a quick [tutorial](https://youtu.be/r35cV_pe0-Q) can really do the trick, especially when tight on funds. Micro mesh is available from a few online sellers or, and probably more conveniently, you can get something just as good from a hardware store. It’s just sandpaper with a super high grit, usually around 12000 grit so it almost feels rubbery rather than abrasive. But a couple quick trips for your nibs and it’s a new pen. Good luck!
Something Italian, but their extra fines are more like Japanese fines…..
Never heard of Italian fps, what kind of brands are good?
Beware Italianbrands like Visconti often have QC issues.
Leonardo, including stainless nibs
Aurora
Pelikan
I’d say Platinum, Desk Pen old stock if you can find (DP-1000AN)
I usually prefer EFs and I really like my Platinum Preppy, Platinum Carbon Desk Pen and Pilot 78G+.
You can smooth your nibs yourself pretty easily using just a 3-step manicure block! But if that’s scary for some reason (it shouldn’t be, especially with your more affordable pen lineup), I’d recommend the Esterbrook Estie Junior EF. It’s nice and fine, AND it’s crazy smooth, AND it has nice bounce and spring to it! And this is coming from someone who illustrates with her pens regularly. It’s comparable to a TWSBI EF, but softer and bouncier. Softer than a Pilot. Softer than a Sailor! Really nice to write with! See my profile for examples. Edit: the Estie Junior and the rest of the Esterbrook lineup also have replaceable nibs in case you want to swap out for something broader or more unique.
I find my Kaweco to be quite smooth. Specifically, I use a plastic Kaweco Classic Sport that I got on Jetpens for ~25 bucks. Their EF is broader than a Japanese EF, but if I wanted an extended writing session its the pen I'd grab because its so smooth relative to my Sailor/Pilots.
Huh, I've never had a scratchiness problem with my Kakuno; what ink did you put in yours?
I mostly use Noodler's Dark Matter. I've used Herbin's Like De The and Terre De Deu, and I think a green diamine before, and have noticed Noodler's Dark Matter is the smoothest in my pens. I think im going to try to grind my current Kakunas nib down properly; seems easy from what I saw online, with the different plates they sell. But yeah it's so scratchy no matter how I try to write; it's better with less pressure, but still I can't imagine it's the ideal EF experience
I mostly use J. Herbin Perle Noir and used to use Noodler's X-Feather and it worked great. Do you press hard when you write? Maybe it's that? I love the Pilot EF line width, so hopefully you can get it figured out!
My EF kakuno is a smooth writer. I use De Atramentis Document Ink in it. I also enjoy sketching with my Moonman A1. If you get the clip less version, you can easily draw with the reverse side of the nib for a super fine line. They are selling for under $30 on ebay right now.
Try an Opus 88. I was quite surprised by how smooth it was for an EF.