The entry point to Japanese fountain pens — and why it matters
Sailor is one of Japan's three major fountain pen manufacturers, alongside Pilot and Platinum. The Junior is the entry model: smaller in body than the Profit Standard, fitted with a gold-plated steel nib, and priced to make Japanese manufacturing precision accessible. The reason this pen is stocked alongside the inks rather than separately is straightforward: the pen is the vehicle; the inks are the experience. A good pen makes the inks perform as intended — showing shading, producing sheen on the right papers, flowing without skipping or hard starts. The Profit Junior is at the price point where the pen stops being an obstacle and becomes a transparent conduit for what the ink does. Every Profit Junior sold is the beginning of an ongoing ink relationship.
Fine or medium nib — which to choose
For writing and showing ink character (shading, sheen), medium is the better choice. A broader line holds more ink at any point, meaning shading variation — from darker entry to lighter tail — and sheen in pooled ink are both more visible. For illustration or detailed linework where precision matters more than ink character, fine is correct. If you are buying this pen primarily to experience the inks you have chosen, medium shows them at their best.
Honest Note:
Who is it For?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUSTIONS (FAQ)
Is the gold-plated nib as good as a solid gold nib?
The nib material is the same steel alloy as a standard steel nib — the gold plating is cosmetic and does not affect writing performance. The Profit Junior's quality advantage over cheaper European pens is not the nib material but the manufacturing precision: the tipping, tine alignment, and feed consistency are all at a higher standard than pens at the same price point from European makers. For a solid 21kt gold nib with the conforming, personalising properties that gold provides, step up to the Sailor Profit Standard.
Which nib size — fine or medium?
For writing and showing ink shading and sheen, medium is the recommendation. A broader line holds more ink at any point, meaning the visual character of shading inks (Dominant Industry, 3 Oysters, Pilot Iroshizuku) is more visible. For illustration or detailed work where line precision matters more than ink character, choose fine.
What inks work best in this pen?
Any dye-based fountain pen ink in the range. Dominant Industry Standard Series, Pilot Iroshizuku, Diamine, 3 Oysters standard range, De Atramentis standard range, and R&K standard range are all safe and perform well. For the Dominant Industry Delicious and 3 Oysters Delicious series — use a medium or broader nib, not fine, as the elevated pigment load in these series requires adequate channel width. Kakimori pigment inks are safe with regular weekly flushing.