Sailor Specialty Nib Comparison: Pre-2015 vs 2025 Generations
Sailor has reintroduced its Specialty Nibs in 2025 after they were discontinued in 2015, with a brief return in 2018. The nibs were originally created by Nobuyoshi Nagahara, inventor of the Naginata-Togi and Cross Point nibs, who worked at Sailor for over 60 years until his retirement in 2011. His son, Yukio Nagahara, took over fountain pen production until 2020, when he retired and founded The Nib Shaper. As of 2026, there are three generations of Sailor Specialty Nibs. The first generation (pre-2018) features thicker gold trim on the cap and the engraving "SAILOR JAPAN FOUNDED 1911" in gold. The second generation (post-2018) has different trim details. The 2025 reissue marks the third generation.
Key facts
- Sailor Specialty Nibs were discontinued in 2015.
- Nibs briefly returned in 2018.
- Nibs were reintroduced in 2025.
- Nobuyoshi Nagahara invented the Naginata-Togi and Cross Point nibs.
- Nobuyoshi Nagahara worked at Sailor for over 60 years.
- Nobuyoshi Nagahara retired in 2011.
- Yukio Nagahara took over production until 2020.
- Yukio Nagahara founded The Nib Shaper after retiring.
- Three generations of Sailor Specialty Nibs exist as of 2026.
- First generation (pre-2018) has thicker gold trim and 'SAILOR JAPAN FOUNDED 1911' engraving.
Entities
Artists
- Nobuyoshi Nagahara
- Yukio Nagahara
Institutions
- Sailor
- The Nib Shaper
Locations
- Japan