Pen Identification: Sailor 1911 vs. Pro Gear

One of the most frequent questions we get asked is what is the difference between the Sailor 1911 and the Pro Gear (or Professional Gear) models. Today we take a look at the two models and the different sizes offered, as well as comparing them to other pens you may be familiar with.

There is some confusion when talking about Sailor models due to the fact there are different names for the same models in Japan. The 1911 is called Profit, the 1911 Standard (or 1911S) is called the 1911 Mid-Sized (or 1911M) and the Pro Gear Slim is called the Sapporo. For this discussion we’ll use the names used in US imported product, despite the fact the boxes are actually still marked in some cases with the Japanese name.

Sailor Pro Gear Yellow

Sailor Pro Gear Yellow

The 1911 is easily recognizable by the tapered ends, or cigar or torpedo shape. It more closely resembles something like the Montblanc Meisterstuck. The Pro Gear has flatter cap and barrel ends and for you vintage pen aficionados, looks more like a Parker Streamlined Duofold.

Sailor Four Seasons Pro Gear Slim Green

Sailor Four Seasons Pro Gear Slim Green

Sailor 1911S Transparent

Sailor 1911S Transparent

Each model line comes in three different sizes, a Smaller sized (Pro Gear Slim or 1911S), Full sized (Pro Gear and 1911L), and the largest size called the King of Pen. In the US, the smaller size is easily identified by using a smaller 14kt nib, whereas the Full Size and King of Pen (sometimes abbreviated as KOP) offer larger 21kt nibs. With the King of Pen, the nibs are only offered in Medium and Broad nib sizes and the nib is somewhat soft, allowing for some line variation.

Sailor 1911 King of Pen

Sailor 1911 King of Pen

Sailor offers an additional model in their lineup with a piston.  Sailor calls a piston filling pen a Realo, and is available in both 1911 and Pro Gear styles, both based on the Full Sized model pen with a 21kt nib.  The Realo features a visible ink window below the cap when screwed on.  In the Pro Gear version, the barrel end is tapered a bit more than the standard cartridge/converter version to allow for an easier turning piston knob.

Sailor Pro Gear Realo

Sailor Pro Gear Realo

Sailor 1911 Realo

Sailor 1911 Realo

1911 (both Standard and Large) and Pro Gear Slim offer single tone nibs (14kt gold on 1911S and 1911L, Rhodium plated 21kt gold on Pro Gear Slim and 1911L), the Full Sized Pro Gear is offered in three different configurations: Rhodium plated 21kt gold, Tri-tone Rhodium/Gold/Rhodium 21kt gold, and Tri-tone Gold/Rhodium/Gold 21kt gold nibs. King of Pen nibs can be either Tri-tone or Rhodium plated, depending on model.

Sailor 1911 Large Lefty

Sailor 1911 Large Lefty

Size wise, the Sailor King of Pen is larger than the iconic Montblanc Meisterstuck 149, but posted, about the same length. The Full Sized 1911L fits in nicely with the Montblanc 146, and the Platinum 3776 Century.

We hope that clears up the differences between the two models!

Ink it up!
Brian & Lisa