Fountain Pen# 3 -- Platinum Century #3776 -- Chartres Blue (Fine Point)

Gear Review

Upgrading to the Platinum Century 3776

Why I chose this iconic Japanese fountain pen as my first major investment.

$67

Price

$8

Converter

3

Total Pens

Table of Contents

• ①Why the Platinum Century 3776?
• ②First Impressions
• ③What the 3776 Is Not
• ④Closing Thoughts

Section I

Why the Platinum Century 3776?

After enjoying both the Pilot Varsity and Metropolitan, I felt ready to invest in a higher-quality pen for a better writing experience and deeper understanding of fountain pens. The 3776 stood out as an excellent choice for me. It is a significant step up, but the cost is manageable. I had considered a pen in the $30–$40 range, but an extra $20 for the 3776 seemed worth it for the quality and craftsmanship.

 

Section II

First Impressions

Upon receiving the pen, I immediately filled it with Iroshizuku Kon-Peki Ink. The initial lines were a bit scratchy and thin, but after some time for the ink to saturate the nib and feeder, it began to write more smoothly. There’s a noticeable feedback to the writing experience, and some reviews describe it as feeling like writing with a pencil, which I found to be a fairly accurate comparison.

Performance and Aesthetics

• →Fine Point Nib — Not buttery smooth, but flows nicely across the paper with the right adjustments in hand placement and pressure.
• →Visual Design — A bit flashy and draws more attention than my black Pilot Metropolitan or Varsity, but it’s not overly large or loud.

Tip: The 3776 requires a "break-in" period. Let the ink saturate the nib and feeder thoroughly if your first lines feel scratchy.

I’m sure there are ways to improve the writing experience further, but as a novice, I’ll need to explore those options. I’m considering trying different inks and possibly having someone take a look at the 14K nib for any necessary adjustments.

   

Section III

What the 3776 Is Not

I quickly learned that the 3776 isn’t ideal for business meetings. The threaded cap is a nuisance, and constantly capping and uncapping the pen to jot down notes can be distracting. However, it shines in more contemplative settings where I can write freely with the cap off.

Feature	Performance
Contemplative Writing	Excellent
Quick Note-Taking	Poor
Business Utility	Limited

Section IV

Closing Thoughts

The Platinum Century 3776 has become my daily pen, and I carry it everywhere at work. I also bring along a separate ballpoint pen for quick notes or writing while standing. It may seem silly to carry the 3776 when a ballpoint can do the job, but that’s not the essence of the fountain pen hobby. Meanwhile, my Pilot Metropolitan will remain a reliable backup in my work bag.

Investing in the right tools makes the daily act of writing a more intentional, rewarding experience.