Not the Same Falcon — A Genuinely More Flexible Nib
This is a frequent point of confusion worth addressing directly: the FA nib and the Pilot Falcon pen's nib share a name but are different nibs with a different mechanism. The Falcon pen has a distinctively curved, beak-shaped nib offering a soft, springy feel. The FA nib is flat with cutouts machined into the sides of the tines — the same flexibility-increasing technique used on other modern flex nibs — and is noticeably more pliant and free-flowing than the Falcon's nib. It represents a genuine step up in flex character for someone who has tried the Falcon and wants more pronounced line variation, while remaining more reliable and durable than a true vintage flex nib.
Honest Note:
Who is it For?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUSTIONS (FAQ)
Is this the same kind of "flex" as the Pilot Falcon?
No — the Falcon's line variation comes from writing pressure flexing the nib tines; the Naginata's comes from the angle at which the nib meets the paper. They produce different effects and suit different styles.
Does it work on rough paper?
Yes — reviewers note it performs well on both smooth and textured surfaces, with rough paper producing more visibly textured strokes, useful for expressive sketching.
Is the nib fragile?
The curved grind is more forgiving than the sharply-bent fude nibs found on cheaper pens, giving smoother, more reliable ink flow across a wider range of angles, though as with any fine nib, a light touch preserves it longest.