Pilot Kakuno Fountain Pen | Clear

The Clear Kakuno is completely transparent — the cartridge sits right there in the barrel, so you can watch the ink level drop as you use it and you always know exactly what's loaded. In the fountain pen world these are called demonstrators, and they usually cost a great deal more than fifteen dollars.

It's the Kakuno underneath, the pen I hand to everyone who asks where to start. Lightweight, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed, with a hexagonal grip that guides your fingers to the right spot and a little smiling face stamped into the nib so you always know which way is up. Reliable ink flow, smooth writing, no learning curve.

Details:

• Smooth stainless steel nib in Extra Fine, Fine, or Medium
• Fully transparent barrel and cap — a true demonstrator
• Hexagonal shape prevents rolling and improves control
• Refillable with Pilot ink cartridges or a converter
• Made in Japan

If you rotate through inks, this is the one to reach for. No guessing what's loaded, and whatever color you put in becomes the pen's color that week.

The clear series also comes in Clear Blue, Clear Pink, and Clear Green if you'd like a little tint.

Specs

• Length: about 5.1 inches capped (13 cm); posts to about 6.3 inches
• Weight: about 11 grams — light enough to disappear in your hand during long journaling sessions
• Nib: stainless steel in Extra Fine, Fine, or Medium (Japanese sizing runs about one size finer than Western — a Pilot Fine writes closer to a Western Extra Fine)
• Cap: snap-on, and yes, it posts
• Fills with Pilot ink cartridges (one black cartridge included) or a Pilot CON-40 or CON-70 converter for bottled ink (converter sold separately)
• Made in Japan

FAQ

Can you really see the ink inside?

The barrel is completely clear, so the cartridge is visible the moment you snap it in and you can watch the level drop as the week goes on. Load a shimmer ink and it's a pleasure to look at.

Is the Kakuno a good first fountain pen?

It's a great first fountain pen. The grip guides your fingers to the right spot, the nib has a little smile that shows you which way is up, and the ink flows without any fuss. There's no learning curve — just pick it up and write.

How do I refill it?

A black Pilot cartridge comes in the box. Snap it into the grip section, give the ink a minute to reach the nib, and you're writing. When you're ready for color, all six Iroshizuku cartridge colors are here. A Pilot CON-40 or CON-70 converter swaps in the same way for bottled ink. If you'd like to see the whole process with photos: How to Load Your Pilot Kakuno with an Ink Cartridge.