I cannot believe I have waited so long to write a review of the Kakimori Stainless Steel Dip Nib. Some of this may be that the nib was released in the last few years and I have a very established method for doing ink swatching and ink testing. That said, I can no longer ignore its existence.
One of my issues with the Kakimori nibs ($58) that kept me from picking one up is that they are expensive. When compared with a dip nib, the price is staggering. A dip nib from John Neal Books ranges in price from $0.60 to about $25 for a set. A standard nib holder is usually less the $10 for a standard holder and some are as cheap as $1.64. So, reasonably speaking, for under $5, you can get a dip nib set up but Kakimori nibs are not exactly a dip nib so its a bit of an unfair comparison.
The Kakimori nibs are probably a little more similar to a glass dip pen which are more expensive than a standard dip nib and can be much more fragile. A stainless steel nib is much more durable.
Finally, my experience with Kakimori dip nibs (while I only have the stainless steel here, I have used both the brass and stainless steel) is that the line quality can be inconsistent and the nibs can be scratchy.
The Kakimori nibs will fit into any standard dip nib holder so you are not required to purchase the Kakimori nib holders ($34-$92). If you already have a dip nib holder, you do not need a holder. You can buy a fancy one if you want, its just not required.
After doing a more in-depth test, I did discover an advantage for the Kakimori nib. By changing the angle you hold the pen/nib, you can make a wider or finer line. This makes a more flexible tool since you can do a large swatch of color and write with one tool. Also, you can change the angle to show a fine and wider writing sample.
My suggestion is that there are so many tools available for quickly swatching and testing inks that you can choose what your needs are and what your budget is.
I recently tested the Dominant Industry Ink Muddler/Glass Dip Pen, while fragile glass so there is a risk for breakage, is only $17. Its a flexible tool with easy clean up as well.
The Sailor Hocoro dip pens are also reasonably priced and are available in a variety of nib sizes and are durable with a flip nib to make it great for protecting the nib and travel.
I don’t mean to be a party pooper about the Kakimori dip nibs but I can also offer so many other options that I have a hard time recommending the Kakimori nibs without these caveats.
I know Colorverse has introduced their own metal dip nib called the Shuttle ($42) which is slightly more affordable and I’ll test it soon. The Colorverse nib holders ($60-$80) are super fancy and pricey!
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I don’t know if you know or not but the Kakimori dip nibs can also be used in clutch pencils/lead holders. I learned this little trick from TheGentlemanStationer [https://www.youtube.com/shorts/5-lq3cEwNuo] and it really upped my dip nib usage since I love using lead holders and have a ton of them around. A lead holder (Pacific Arc, $1.50 on clearance), the Kakimori brass nib (gifted, admittedly), and some of my fountain pen inks in little travel pots are a great addition to my field sketching kit.