This is an edit of my previous 4 star review.

After doing a bit of research and testing other VP products, the converter is indeed supposed to leave a bit of air, and is working correctly.

I have been using this as my primary writting insturment for months and love it more every day. The quality is impecable.

The only issue I've had was some minor (I mean just a few drops) leaking when I flew on 4 different airplanes with a full converter. I would expect this from such frequent changes in pressure, and now just put it in a plastic bag with a tissue around the nib end or empty the converter before a flight.

If I was going to be sensible (which I'm not), I'd stop buying fountain pens right now, because this one is perfect for me. Writes smoothly, ready to go in an instant, looks fantastic. A bit of advice on the converter...I found that the Pilot CON-20 squeeze type converter works better for me, and is well worth the couple of extra dollars. I get a good fill with no hassle every time.

I have been using this pen for a few weeks now, and all I can say is "wow". The nib so smooth, and it never skips... it almost seems intuitive as it glides across paper. As handsome as it is, it is a performance pen!

The body is metallic and dense, and so there is a helpful amount of weight in the pen to help balance your hand as you write. And the retractable nib is a marvel in its own right. The push-button nib clicks, extends, and contracts like a cheap disposable pen would, but with the Pilot, it almost feels like your pressing the launch button on a space vehicle, as the nib comes out of its shudder with such pleasurable ease.

The matte black Pilot VP is so elegantly designed, and so functional, that it seems like more than just a pen. To me, it is a small treasure.

This was a birthday gift from my mom. It is a beautiful pen. It writes smoothly and is well balanced. The point is very fine. I would estimate that is is around a 0.4

I took off a star because the converter is not air tight so it only fills partially with well ink; and putting on the cartridges takes a bit of muscle.

I anticipate this being my go to pen for years to come because of the one-handed operation and the quality.

Take a fountain pen nib and a retractable mechanism = the ultimate quick draw reusable stylish pen. I don't know why this took me so long to finally get- oh wait now I remember. The position of the clip, but honestly after a few lines of writing, I adjust and then I don't seem to really notice the clip hump.
But seriously for quick (or long) notes on hand, this is truly ingenious. Especially if you're taking notes and you have breaks where you're not writing, this is nice because you can quickly retract the nib when needed to jot something down. The nib...I thought I'd try, this is really one of my first fine Japanese nibs, since I usually write with broad nibs, I thought for this I'll try a fine nib...and it's not bad. Very smooth and wet, it has a nice consistent flow, but I am thinking about getting a broad replacement, just because I do prefer broad nibs.But really straight out of the box, the fine is quite nice and surprisingly smooth. Glad I finally got this and especially like that it came with the ink converter. Worth every penny.

Love the Pilot vanishing pens. My only complaint is that the casing begins to look crappy. I carry all of my pens in a leather case, but when I put this next to one of my other metal fountain pens the black matte finish began to chip; thus, the pen looks crappy but works perfectly.

This is by far the best fountain pen I have ever owned. It is great for daily use. I was a bit cautious at first due to the clip being at the end where the nib is for writing, but I found that the clip actually helps greatly in grasping the pen when writing. I also like that A.) it does not leak, even when dropped and B.) it doesn't dry up when left over night or for a couple days without writing.

I predict this pen will end up being my above-all-else, everyday-carry pen. It's an absolute joy to use. I am a left-handed writer who has struggled with a Pilot Vanishing Point Decimo in EF for months - trying to like it, and just ... failing. The EF nib is super fiddly and extremely scratchy. That, coupled with a clip that interfered with my four-fingered, modified-tripod grip, made me think that perhaps the Vanishing Point / Capless line just wasn't for me.

But... the Matte Black Vanishing Point was a siren call that could be ignored forever. I had to try it.

What I found as a lefthanded writer (sometimes overwriter, sometimes underwriter):
- The matte texture helps keep my hand properly positioned. With the Decimo, my grip constantly ends up near the nib, no matter how far back I start. It just slides around on the slippery surface, leaving my hand numb and cramped, and my mind frustrated. Contrast that with the slightly toothy, tactile surface of this Matte Black Vanishing Point-- my hand stays exactly where intended, and I don't feel writing fatigue after completing one journal page.
- The slight cut-in on the clip's sides also serves its purpose in keeping my hand properly positioned. Additionally, my four-fingered grip can accomodate the clip without it feeling awkward or cramping, especially since the clip also appears to have a slightly lower profile than the Decimo. The clip would be even less of an issue for a traditional tripod grip, as it comfortably rests between the two top fingers. A total non-issue (or so I've found when dabbling with a grip change).
- The F nib is worlds above the EF in terms of smoothness. It still has audible feedback, but the nib *glides* across the paper - even when used by this lefty - and I have only encountered unintended nib flexing (where the stroke unexpectedly jumps a size or two in thickness) maybe 2-3 times at all, rather than every sentence or two with my Decimo. It's reliable, instantly starting, with zero railroading or skipping.
All this to say, as a left-handed writer, I treasure pens that take zero effort or concentration. That's absolutely the case here. I do not have to worry about making it work -- it just does its thing and leaves me alone to enjoy the pleasure of writing.

With regards to the diameter thickness of the VP: I'm a petite, 5'4" woman with short fingers/a small hand. Because of this, I automatically assumed the Decimo would fit more comfortably than the broader in diameter Vanishing Point. Not so. While the Sailor's Pro Gear line feels chunky and oversized (I greatly prefer Pro Gear Slims), the Vanishing Point feels just right. Nicely weighted, nicely proportioned, and not too thick to feel like I don't have a solid grip on the pen. It feels so much better in-hand than the Decimo.

And, come on. It has to be said. The Matte Black is sleek, stealthy perfection. This pen is a beautiful ninja pen -- an understated, sophisticated, professional beauty.

The Fine nib is roughly equivalent to a TWSBI EF.

Would I buy this one again? In a heartbeat. If I had to choose just one pen from my collection, this would be it.

WOW!
If you could ever buy 1 fountain pen, make sure it is THIS!
Gold nib is definitely a big step up from Steel nibs for me.
There's just something about it (other than being 7 times expensive). that makes it special. No matter how fast I do my signature, this pen doesn't breath. No scratchiness whatsoever.
I was contemplating between this and LAMY 2000. I read a review on LAMY 2000 that it felt scratchy. I wasn't ready to spend this much to feel the same "scratchiness" that I feel with LAMY Safari. I decided to go with Vanishing point and I am so glad I did.
I am spending my weekend writing with this pen.

Most amazing purchase! Shipped in the allotted time, came impeccably wrapped, two layers of bubble envelopes. This is my first fountain pen purchase, and I use it daily. Stealth, but if someone recognizes it, they will comment. Cartridge that came with it was a bit leaky, but nothing to fault thepen for at all. Once my coworker showed me the refilling ease of the included converter, I was hooked. Writing for no reason at all. Exaggeratedly pulling out from my chest pocket just to get that satisfying click. Using it to sign credit receipts at bars, even when provided with one. Also, the price I got this pen for, including two-day shipping across the country, was cheaper than any other brand new Matte Black VP I could find, especially in a fine nib. Speaking of nibs, it works fine for me on all but the cheapest papers. My advice, if this pen has been tempting you, bite the bullet. I have no doubt in my mind I will carry this pen for the rest of my natural life.

PS - The clip will not get in your grip's way at all.