I recently bought a Namiki Vanishing Point Fountain Pen, for using at University, because although I own many traditional fountain pens, I didn't have a retractable.

As I saw it, a retractable fountain pen doesn't have any worries with an eager person grabbing it and checking it out, and them jamming the lid back on at an angle harmful for the nib (something one of my siblings did once and now i'm terrified whenever anyone touches my f.p's).

I also didn't previously own any pens with gold nibs, and although one of my friends forked out 250 AUD for a Lamy Studio gold nib fountain pen, I didn't fancy one of those (they don't look particularly nice/unique, and they still had a cap)

Lamy make a funky pen called the Dialog 3 which is also a retractable fountain pen, but with a twist mechanism.

In terms of aesthetics however, it looks more like a surgical operating instrument as opposed to the interesting but not over the top look of the Namiki Vanishing Point.

To the Point: This pen writes the best (of any fountain pens i have used before, including the dialog 3 etc.) I am using it with Lamy blue-black ink (as this ink is very pure and smooth on fine nibs, and i heard tell that the Namiki v.p. nibs are highly sensitive to thicker inks)

It is light to hold, very very smooth to write with, and although the clip is upside down compared to other pens, it doesn't interfere with how i hold the pen (but i can see it potentially annoying other people)

The screw in upper part of the barrel is very smooth, towards the limits of the threads, the turning becomes firm and smooth as though it's being turned against rubber, which I like because it is firm and prevents overtightening.

The nib is very small, projecting very slightly from the end of the pen (much less than the lamy Dialog 3) but this doesn't interfere with writing in any way shape or form. The mechanism that seals it back into the pen is a small springloaded trapdoor that is pushed down by the nib when the pen is clicked. Must be a very light spring because the nib is so fine.

The click mechanism is great. Smooth and Profound click, with no rattling with writing, and no weakness in the feeling of push mechanism.

I can highly recommend this pen, of all the pens i have researched before buying, the only drawbacks I heard about this pen (and have yet to experience) are that certain converters only hold a little ink and they run out quick, but I've spent the day writing with a converter 1/4 full, so I'm unconvinced.