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March 24, 2005
Pen Freak
Yes, I'm a pen freak. I'm that guy at the pen section, mumbling about pen tip sizes, gel inks and barrel design. It's been an addiction of mine since grade school days, when Parker Jotter retractable ball pens were all the rage.
In high school, I became a fan of Flair pens for drawing and writing. I used to eat through those pens, drawing, writing reports and for everyday use. I read somewhere that Quentin Tarantino uses Flairs to write his scripts.
In my college days, when I was introduced to fountain pens. My design and drawing instructor, Mr. Bonifay, was a total sketch freak, toting his huge 12 x 14 bound black sketchbook with hundreds of drawings in it. Odd thing was, he religiously used a simple, black Sheaffer fountain pen (something like this one, but black plastic) for sketching, which further blew me away.
I bought one of those fountain pens myself and sketched with it, and you know what? It wasn't bad at all. I adapted to the quirks of a fountain pen for sketching. The old pen is now broken (pocket clip broke) and is in need of a trip back to the factory in Iowa for lifetime warranty repairs. (Note to self: send that Sheaffer pen in!)
When I began getting back into sketching and journaling with Moleskines a few years ago, I found my interest in pens reviving. I tried the ol' Sheaffer, but the Moleskine's paper couldn't handle the scratching of a fountain pen tip, nor the ink liquidity.
Next I bought some Pilot G2s on 0.5 and 0.7 widths, as these were so often mentioned by Moleskine users. I loved the gel ink — its density and the pen shape. However, after several months of use, I began to experience some issues with the G2. I disliked that the flow was not totally smooth on my Moleskine pages. The ink would flow nicely and then abruptly, thin out on me.
I put up with this for a while, until my most recent trip to Office Max, where I bought several pens for home and work use (I do a quite bit of sketching at work). One of the pens I took a liking to was the Sanford Uniball Signo 207 gel pen. It looked and felt very much like the Pilot G2, but the ink flow was much better. I bought one and have now switched over to the Uniball.
But the story goes on — my pen freak revival brought to mind yet another über-favorite pen: the Niji Stylist 100. This unassuming black plastic pen had a smoothest tip for sketching, never skipping on me. Apparently it has a unique plastic tip construction which makes it durable. All I know is, these things rock.
This weekend I hit the local art store and found the Niji Stylist 100, and immediately appreciated the smooth flow of ink it provided. I've been enjoying it so much, I've started carrying the Stylist around everywhere, using it for work and personal sketching, notes, my diaries and more.
So what are your favorite pens? Any suggestions for this pen freak? Please feel free to leave a comment — I'm always on the lookout for great new pens to feel my addiction. :-)
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March 24, 2005 12:55 PM | Pens | 
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Comments
I love the Lamy Safari fountain pens. They're fairly inexpensive (for a fountain pen), the ink is always flowing when you uncap (even after awhile) and they feel good in my hands. The aluminum is my favorite with the vista not far behind.
Posted by: Fred Beiderbecke at March 24, 2005 2:10 PM
I'm currently trying the G2 refills (.07) in a neatly styled Retro 51 pen that I had ordered for a customer give-away program a few years ago. But I do find that the G2 is fussy occasionally and skips on the ink flow. The pens that have been regularly excellent in operation for me have been the Uniball Vision Elite pens. I prefer the .05 tip for writing in Moleskine notebooks, but also use their .08 tip pens for writing in my Miquelrius journal that I use for general notes, sermon notes, and ministry purposes. I haven't seen many people comment on having used the Uniball Vision Elite pens, but I highly recommend them.
Posted by: Daniel Erickson at March 24, 2005 6:40 PM
Mike, Mike, Mike,
Go to Daly's, and get yourself a Namiki Vanishing Point fountain pen with a small nib. You get the same ink colors as the G2 series, only with a writing experience that is really awesome.
I also second the vote for Safari's, although they are no Namiki.
Steve
PS - why no trackbacks or permalinks?
Posted by: Steve at March 24, 2005 7:05 PM
Thanks for the tips guys! I used to have a Safari once upon a time too -- just remembered that. I'll have to hit Daly's and check out the Namikis there. I also want to try out a Fisher space Pen while I'm there.
Steve, no trackbacks because lately I've been hammered with tracckback spam. In fact, I'm in the (very slow) process of turning off trackback on every post here -- it's just noth worth the constant hassle of deletion. Oh well, another great technology ruined by spammers.
Posted by: Mike Rohde at March 24, 2005 7:32 PM
Not so much for sketching, but I want to try the PenAgain ergonomic pen. Ever since I broke my hand, holding most pens for any length of time has been a difficult and painful task. Yet the PenAgain pens look like they'd be great for writing, taking notes, etc. If you get one, please post a review (I'm dying to know how real pen users feel about them!). :)
Posted by: Kristin at March 24, 2005 8:04 PM
Daniel, I have a Vision Elite (0.7) and I'm moderately pleased with it, though it seems to dispense the ink a bit unevenly. Could just be this pen is a dud. I actually also like the plain od Vision, which has great ink flow and a nice smooth rolling action.
Posted by: Mike Rohde at March 24, 2005 8:52 PM
I like broad-nibbed, liquid pens from S.T. Dupont and Waterman best, but then again I don't use them for sketching, where a fine nib would be better indicated. The only fine nib I have is on a Caran d'Ache Ecridor, which is slim enough to be a good fit with a Moleskine.
Posted by: Fazal Majid at March 25, 2005 12:53 AM
In the UK, Muji sells fantastically cheap gel ink pens, that are the best I've come across (although I like a lot of the Pilot range as well).
http://www.mujionline.com/shop_uk/productpage.asp?PID=384
They come in a range of colours and have a really consistent flow.
Posted by: Jemima at March 25, 2005 7:56 AM
I'm a Cross Matrix man myself, I opted to swap the fountain pen for a highlighter though - I find that having the variety of writing options is a real winnner, I also like how it feels when I hold it. The one negative is its upside down design.
http://www.the-gadgeteer.com/cross-matrix-multipen-review.html
I'm on my third one now, I just can't seem to find anything better...!
Posted by: Rich...! at March 25, 2005 9:59 AM
The Retro 51 'Tornado' rollerball pens are superb and flow well with everything from a generic legal pad to my Molskine. I've got several, including the pencil. Beautiful, delicious, and nice to hold.
I also love the Faber Castell E-Motion ballpoint pens. Not quite as smooth as the rollerball, but light weight and fun to use.
Posted by: Dana VanDen Heuvel at March 25, 2005 2:02 PM
Back when I was sketching on paper more, I preferred the Pentel RSVP. It's wider barrel is more comfortable in my hands than the Pilot G2.
Posted by: Garrick Van Buren at March 26, 2005 6:29 PM
Thanks for sharing such great information. I would have expected to see this over at Journalisimo, but glad to see it where ever you chose to post!
Posted by: RT at March 28, 2005 1:00 AM
Well, I just got myself a Waterman Phileas medium point fountain pen to start the experimentation. I'm having fun so far. It's perfect for the Miquelrius journal paper and does well even on the Moleskine even though the line is a bit thicker than I'm used to writing. There's very little bleed through and I'm starting to fall in love with the feel of ink flowing onto paper without a little ball in between me and my paper. We'll see where it goes from here.
Posted by: Daniel Erickson at March 28, 2005 5:36 PM
Thanks everyone for the great suggestions! Jemima, I'll have to contact some friends of mine in the UK about the Muji. And I still need a field trip to the local Daly's Pen shop here in Milwaukee. That experience might be worth a whole post.
RT, as for Journalisimo, good idea. I'll propose to Armand to copy this one over there for some more exposure and to get some additional suggestions. :-)
Posted by: Mike Rohde at March 29, 2005 12:26 AM
For everyday writing, I've been a fan of the Bic Micro Metal. But, since I like them, they stopped making them.
Posted by: at March 29, 2005 7:43 AM
Mike,
I recently recommended the Lamy 2000 to you (didn't the marketing department know it'd be out of date after one year -- What did Oscar Wilde say -- "It is only the modern that becomes old"?). The design as subtly elegant as the Moleskine, and as complementary in one hand as the notebook is in the other. None of the status logos, gilded curves, feathers, or flora on so many otherwise excellent fountain pens.
- Chris
Posted by: Chris Halasz at March 29, 2005 12:38 PM
I'm another pen junkie: about 60 of the bloody things, covering about 100 years. Different pens for different seasons and situations: my current favourite is an oversized Sheaffer Balance from the 1930s, which shares my desk with a modern Pelikan M650 and a Lamy 2000. I've taught myself to repair older pens, which means I can get the odd bargain from flea markets, antique fairs and eBay.
(I'd be curious to know, by the way, if the people up in Fort Madison are still honouring those White Dot lifetime guarantees.)
Posted by: nick at March 30, 2005 9:38 AM
I highly recommend the Pilot Varsity disposable fountain pens. They write smooth and at $2.50 a pop you don't have to worry about losing them. The only caveat with this pen is the ink seems to be abnormally suceptible to fading after a couple of years - particularly the black.
Posted by: at March 30, 2005 10:11 AM
Nick, I do believe Sheaffer honors their warranty on white dots. I called them last year and they told me to send mine in. I intend to as well, because I love my fountain pen.
Thanks everyone else for the additional suggestions. Noodlers ink sounds intriguing and I'm getting the bug for a Lamy again... wonder if I can scrounge up the Lamy I used to have in one of my old boxes? ;-)
A visit to the Daly pen show downtown is going to happen soon, and that, I do think, is worth a complete post.
Thanks everyone! keep offering suggestions!
Posted by: Mike Rohde at March 30, 2005 2:10 PM
A Namiki Vanishing Point fan club! And here I thought I was all alone.
I adore mine -- fine nib, always Levenger bottled ink, currently loaded with Skies of Blue.
Haven't tried the ink/pen on a Moleskine yet. That's the next notebook in the pile.
Posted by: Janice at March 30, 2005 2:25 PM
Mike--
Sheaffer will honor the lifetime guarantee, likely not in a way that will please you: they will substitute a new fountain pen for your old one. It will not be as nice, as Sheaffer's quality is not what it was. If you really like the pen, I'd suggest sending it to a vintage pen repair person. There are a number listed at penhero.com and if you email me, I can recommend several.
Vis-a-vis Chris' comment about Lamy's naming of the 2000, this pen was introduced in the early 1960s, so Lamy was looking forward to 2000. And the design is as classic today as it was in the 1960s: timeless and elegant.
Dan Carmell
Posted by: Dan Carmell at March 30, 2005 4:21 PM
My workhorse pens during college were Pilot Uniball Visions. I still have a bunch, and most have been around my desk for a few years. I think they're the best cheap pens out there.
I tried G-2s when they got lots of talk earlier this year and was sorely disappointed by how long it takes their ink to dry.
I've since become a fan of Parker's Gel refills, as I find their ink as satisfactory as a G-2, but faster drying. And Jotters are awesome, inexpensive daily writing pens. I like my Charcoal Maze Jotter very much. :)
Posted by: Dave K. at March 30, 2005 11:24 PM
Hi Mike
Like you, I have the same problems with Pilot G2 pens - lovely pens, but the ink flow is not always smooth, and the ink takes so long to dry that I try not to use it in my Moleskine journal too much (though I think they're fine for everyday use writing checklists and such).
At the end of the day, I don't think you can beat a fountain pen, though they're not as convenient as gel pens. My "best" pen is a Waterman Hemisphere given to my for my last birthday. However, for my everyday use I'm currently a fan of the Pilot VPen disposable fountain pens. Got a job lot of red ones from eBay and I've been very impressed -- *almost* the convenience of a gel pen but with a fountain pen nib and ink.
Posted by: Neal Dench at March 30, 2005 11:24 PM
On the disposable side, I really like the Signo Gelstiks. The 0.7 are nice and wide, very crisp on a Moleskine page. I also use the 0.38 retractable... in theory. In reality, I have a Signo 0.7 or three near everywhere I sit and work, a few in my bag, and a couple in my pocket. One is clipped inside the Palm Pilot case I made out of a pocket folder Moleskine.
I also use a Sheaffer fountain, but not in my Moleskine; the ink goes through to the other side. It's beautiful on a good cream linen page though.
Posted by: Evan "JabberWokky" E. at March 30, 2005 11:46 PM
Daniel, you're right about the Vision Elite! And they're waterproof to boot!
Space Pens are great, Mike!
Check out the selection at http://www.thewritersedge.com
The gentleman that runs it is friends with Jim Fisher, the inventor, and his shop is actually now the official store for Space Pens (though Fisher still sells them, I hear).
This is a cool article about how Jim from The Writers' Edge saved the Space Pen company: http://www.inc.com/magazine/19960615/1965.html
I have tried the Uni-Ball 207, but I've found that the normal Gel RT (not the Impact RT) is even more comfortable to hold, and it takes the same refill as the 207. And there is no fake-metal tip. It is really really just like the G2.
Like you, I thank the stars that Office Max has singles for sale at the check-out. I never walk away empty-handed:)
Posted by: John[ny] at March 31, 2005 2:31 PM
My favorite fountain pens are Pelikans, an 800 and two 400s. The Lamy Safari is a great all-purpose everyday fountain pen, pretty indestructible.
Concerning ink and the Moleskine: Things will vary quite a bit depending on the ink. Sheaffer ink, for instance, is very thin; Pelikan much thicker. A pen that feathers and bleeds through with Sheaffer might perform very differently with another ink.
The pen your teacher was using could have been a Sheaffer PFM ("pen for men") or, perhaps more likely, a Triumph Imperial. The Triumph Imperial was made until just a few years ago, sold for about $35, and was ultra-reliable.
It's a shame that fountain pen production right now seems to lean toward the garish and gaudy. When I got hooked and was buying pens (roughly twelve years ago or so), there were many more excellent and practical choices in pen design. Now when I look at catalogues from the Fountain Pen Hospital, Joon, et al., I see fewer and fewer pens that look appealing (mostly Pelikans and Lamys).
Posted by: Michael Leddy at March 31, 2005 2:55 PM
Michael -- you nailed my Sheaffer pen -- it's the Triumph Imperial! It's black plastic, but has a very streamlined style and just keeps on going. A few years back the clip busted off the pen cap -- maybe I can locate a Triumph cap to replace my busted one.
Hmmm...
Posted by: Mike Rohde at March 31, 2005 4:03 PM
Try pendemonium.com. Sam Fiorella (Sam's a she) isn't a parts dealer per se, but she's in Ft Madison and might have a cap to sell. Her email will be somewhere on the site. The Triumph Imperials were made with some variations in size, so you should measure your cap to know exactly what you need. You could also send the whole thing to Sheaffer, but you're likely to just get a new pen, which might not be what you want (and who knows?--it might not even be a Triumph Imperial, unless they have old stock around).
Posted by: Michael Leddy at March 31, 2005 5:48 PM
"Hybrid Gel" pens (light blue and right orange) made in Japan and my Sensa pencil.
Posted by: Lo Szabo at April 2, 2005 1:06 AM
I have a Waterman Model 42 - rolled gold filigree encased pen in perfect condition, circa 1920-30. I didn't realize what I had for 20 years. If you would like pictures, send me instructions as to what e-mail address.
Posted by: Paul D'Angelo at April 3, 2005 12:22 PM
Cool discussion! I have a few pens, and have found myself using a couple of metal-shafted rollerballs most of the time: a Waterman Hemisphere with a Pelikan extra-fine cartridge; and a Parker Sonnet with a medium rollerball. The Waterman works exceedingly well in a Moleskine journal, and the Parker is great to take notes when larger writing is appropriate.
They both travel very well, give nice consistent lines, feel great to use, and aren't nearly as particular as a fountain pen. Still looking forward to a Sailor, though!
Posted by: Danny at April 6, 2005 12:41 PM
I use a 1948 Parker 51, last of the vacumatic 51s; very cool, very smooth pen. Noodler's Black ink works very well for me on Moleskine paper; doesn't feather or bleed, and once it hits the paper, it's there forever, which is nice in a fountain pen ink.
The 51 was produced for more than 40 years; good examples are easy to come by, and the '48-onward aerometric filler system is practically bulletproof. Nice pens.
Posted by: Allan at April 8, 2005 9:43 AM
Mike, have you tried the Pilot Hi-Tec-C pens? These pens are perfect for moleskin notebooks. You can find them at www.jetpens.com. Tell me what you think.
Thanks!
Posted by: Lily at April 11, 2005 3:14 AM
You really should try the Noodler's. Great ink on these notebooks. Check out www.fountainpenforum.com for an article on using fountain pens and Moleskine notesbooks. The best advice is to try a quick drying ink like Noodler's or Pelikan and a fine nibbed pen. There's a lot of options out there but I personally prefer vintage Sheaffer's. Parker 51's are great as well. In new pens you can't go wrong with a Namiki (Pilot) Vanishing Point or a host of more reasonable pens like the Pelikan M200.
Posted by: Ed Svoboda at April 11, 2005 9:06 PM
I was horrified by the fadeing ink in wall-posted
notes lately, so I started on a quest for
true archival-ink pens, and did my own
sunny-window testing.
The new Zebra Sarasa and Jimnie pens are
great for lasting and depest black, little
bleed. However, there are a bit wide-lined
for the stated 0.7mm size, and drink ink
fast, and take extra dry-time sometimes
(big deal because I'm a lefty).
I still like them for boldness.
But for finer lines and quicker drying, the
Pilot P-500 is my note-pen of choice now.
If you have a light touch, it makes
incredibly black and small lines.
As for ball-points, the Rose-Art X500 outlived
the Pentel RSVP easily (fade-wise), and
felt even smoother. It skips a bit at
work though....strange, something in the air.
I was unable to get proof on the lasting of
the Uni-Ball models. I will have to do
a sunny-window versus the P500 and Sarasa.
Posted by: Leonardo Menderes at April 20, 2005 1:35 PM
I'm a fan of the Signo uniball gelsticks 0.7(available at Staples). Used for sketching and drawing. Flow is great and great dark color that doesn't bleed much, but the only drawback is that in sketching the ink doesn't dry fast enough to prevent the occasional smudge.
Posted by: at May 7, 2005 3:07 PM
hello fellow pen freak! =D
my recent addiction is the pilot hi tec c pens. i haven't had a problem with inkflow yet, and i really like that they come in really fine-tipped sizes...the smallest size available is 0.25mm. they're awesome. the thing that sucks is that they're hard to find in the u.s...i found this website though, www.jetpens.com, that sells lots of them in a myriad of colors. check 'em out!!
Posted by: erin at June 27, 2005 1:42 PM
I was wondering what kind of pen this is at the top of the page? I have one but it needs replaced. I have had it for years and I love it but the writing is gone off the side. Can anyone help me?
Posted by: Tonya at August 9, 2005 9:09 AM
u can also use bic felt tip pens and pilot felt tip pens and office max felt tip pens.I collect pens to bst not alot of new ones.i hve a pen from the
Posted by: ariel at October 1, 2005 11:39 AM
hey i found a caran d ache pen yaers ago and i have been trying to find how much its worth theres a number in side and it says e695920 i would like to know if theres a nothere way i can search it on the internet or how much it worth
thanks alot
Posted by: anders at October 13, 2005 3:46 PM
I too vote for the Uniball Vision Elite for use in the Moleskine. I also use a Lamy fountain, but I've found that it's not as good in a Moleskine as it is on other types of paper.
Thinking about adding a Vanishing Point to the collection based on comments here and elsewhere..
Posted by: Greg at November 28, 2005 12:05 PM
I too am a pen man. I agree with the Lamy 2000 a good pen to use for your journal mine has a broad nib ( lays a nice thick line ).Or Sailor pens from http://www.andys-pens.co.uk/.
Have fun and keep it up. Paker 51 from ebay can also be fantastic.
Gregory
Posted by: Gregory at November 28, 2005 2:50 PM
Greg and Gregory -- thanks for the tips. I have recently moved back to the G2 line, preferring the nice inks there even if they dry slowly. I've found over time that all of these gel type inks dry somewhat slowly anyway, so it's a matter of me adjusting my drawing style a little bit.
Posted by: Mike Rohde at November 29, 2005 8:00 AM
Sorry it took me so long to get back on the
extra light-fading tests I was going to do.
I am concerned with fading because notes on my
wall are affected over months. Over years
there can be issues on concealed papers
although the correlation isn't clear.
I tried some pens, including the Sanford uni-ball
Onyx that is popular here and in the office, and
submitted them to light-fading by leaning them
up against a flourescent bulb for 10 days,
until the "RSVP" pen ink was mostly faded
away.
Here are the results:
---------------------------
Pentel "RSVP" balpoint benchmark:
--writing: takes some pressure to avoid skip,
but smooth and fairly skip-free.
Barrel somewhat big, but tip is stable
--fading: almost entirely gone after 10 days
...as mentioned. Similar fading to 1 year
on office cubicle wall
---------------------------
Sanford uni-ball Onyx (fine)
--writing: very light pressure skips, but
fine density under normal pressure..
..good density even at 45-deg angles
The barrel may be thin for some, but
the matte texture gives good grip.
---fading: TADA! it is finally tested..
there was slight fading, but otherwise
density was good. The hue shifted from
blue-black to ashen-black, so I suspect
a dye component was erased, but a strong
dye or a pigment component remained.
This is not bad for documents, and cheap.
--------------------------------
Pilot P-500
---writing: very nice steady solid lines,
finer than similar .05 pens.
..there is a 'pebbly feel' though..
..a thicker ink would give a
smoother feel..but this is the best
for writing very small notes, etc.
Long lines make it blob on tip..
..may need wiping. Drying good for .05
---fading: completely unaffected, like new
-----------------------------
Itoya XE-100PU "Xenon"
---writing: smooth and oily feel at first, nice!
but angle-sensitive, and needs pressure.
Density good (w/pressure)
The barrel is really bog, with rubber grips,
and the tip wobbles a little...this
means despite the small line, it is only
really good for larger writing. A shame,
given the beautiful ink feel.
They need a slimmer, tighter model..
..the cartridge is small enough.
...a bit smudgy sometimes..for 30 sec.
----fading: density stayed good, but a little
of the loss-of-blue like the uni-ball.
Small skips became more apparent.
----------------------------
s for ball-points, the Rose-Art X500 outlived
the Pentel RSVP easily (fade-wise), and
felt even smoother. It skips a bit at
work though....strange, something in the air.
(the rose-art preformed as before)
---------------------------
So, I'm still with with Pentel P-500, but
I'm hoping Itoya will come out with
a sleeker barreled pen with the same
cartridge as the Xenon. The hybrid
rollers have a nice feel and less
jinky-looking curves in writing.
The P-500 stylus/ribbed style body
is hard to beat for tiny writing..precise!
Uni-Ball lovers, your ink is not bad at all
for fade resistance.
Posted by: Leonardo Menderes at December 15, 2005 7:38 AM
Leonardo -- wow! Thanks for this helpful information! Have you done any tests with G2 pens by chance?
Posted by: Mike Rohde at December 16, 2005 1:11 PM
I have not tried the G2 yet, but I see information
that it has the same gel ink as the P-500 and
P-700. So that's good news
I found a Sanford (a la uniball) faq page that said their click models had different ink compared to the capped models, with a little less density. They compensate by not offering finer points in the click-pen style. So that might be true of the G2 compared with the P-500, but not I'm sure.
Good news, bad news: Good news: Itoya really does make a capped (non-click) version of their Xenon, so I can get the improved smoothness and better precision than a retractable. The name to look for is: "Gripper IQ". They even have a narrower barrel than the Xenon (thank God). Bad news: they are hard to find at normal office supply stores etc. I can buy via online sources, but I've got the urge real bad to buy a "Gripper IQ" at a brick-n-mortar store. If somebody knows of one in Mass, post word of it. The P-500 is quite nice, but the Aqua-roller cartridge in the Itoyas is ...well...a super-smooth experience (drool)... I might ask the Crane Store at the Burlington Mall where I got the Xenon if they can get the Gripper....that's the ticket.
Posted by: Leonardo Menderes at December 16, 2005 1:54 PM
PS: phooey, they don't have the Gripper, and won't, at Crane's stores. BTW, the Aqua-roller does not saturate rougher paper as well as the P-500. I'm tempted to fiddle with a G-2, but I'm a lefty, so the 0.5 and quicker dry on the capped P-500 is important to me. I am tempted to improvise a stick pen from the Aqua-roller cartridge, a tube, and epoxy. The Xenon body is like a big ham-hock.
Posted by: Leonardo Menderes at December 16, 2005 2:26 PM
The "Paper Store" Hallmark stores here are a surprising source of high-grade pens. No Itoyas, but I got to really test a G2 0.5 (the size most stores don't carry) ...Almost identical to the P500 in density and thin line, slightly better saturation, a little longer drying, and a smoother feeling ride. I bought the 0.5 G2..hopefully that will quench my Aqua-roller obsession. The Aqua-roller doesn't lay as dense a line, anyhow. I'll start an age-test now, but I have no doubt as to the lasting power...but just in case....
Posted by: Leonardo Menderes at December 16, 2005 5:25 PM
Has anyone got any comments on the Sensa line? I am interested in the fountain pens & ballpoints. Thanks
Posted by: at December 18, 2005 7:59 PM
I am a fan of the Pilot Hi-Tec-C pens as well. I love the precision of the very fine tips, and ink flow is perfect!
Posted by: beaucoup_fish at December 21, 2005 2:18 AM
Five days into the latest light-fade trial(leaning against GE Brightstick light), and all is going as predicted.
--> The benchmark RSVP pen is already well-faded.
--> The Pilot G2 has rock-steady blackness
--> I added a uni-ball Vision Exact to the testing.
It starts blacker than the Onyx, and lasts well.
Writing notes on the new pens:
The G-2 is mechanically very tight at the point,
and so doesn't suffer the imprecision of other retractables like the Itoya Xenon. Line is as good as the P-500, in all ways. Feel is less scratchy. For tiny writing, the P-500 still has an edge though, due to its stylus tip.
I loved the uni-ball VISION EXACT micro (0.2) at first. It puts out a line of liquid ink same width as the P-500 0.5, at the start. But after a few days of poetry and tech. notes, the line bleeds a little, and fattens out, and gets too stainy for tiny work. Oh well. Good if your ball-speed stays moderate (no slow bits or hesitation at corners)...cursive notes, for example... not great otherwise, for me at least. Curvy drawings would go well with this, and jotted cursive memos.
So, for notes and block-lettered prose on 4-1/4 x 5-1/2 sheets of paper, the P-500 still reins supreme. My search can't go too far...too many new archival quality pens out there. The uni-ball 205 might be worth a look.
Posted by: Leonardo Menderes at December 22, 2005 8:39 AM
After a few days, the uni-ball Vision Exact got
wetter and ran wider....I'm dropping that.
I'm on the uni-ball Signo micro 207 now...it is
a nice smooth pen, if not as skip-free as the
P-500. Feel is great though.
Light age testing on the Pilot G-2 (0.5), and
the Signo micro 207, and uni-ball Vision Exact
confirm: these are all quite unaffected by
7 days on a fluorescent bulb, when the RSVP
ink has almost disappeared.
Posted by: Leonardo Menderes at December 29, 2005 12:44 AM
i don't know if you have ever tried the "asian" ease-ey pens. i get them from stores in chinatown. most of them are really fine tipped like 0.38 or 0.48. i am a nurse, and since i do a lot of documenting, i just love these pens. They have cartoon designs of characters of pukka or blue bear, most of the time i ask my friends who go to taiwan or korea to bring me back a grip of them. I think you could get them from "morning glory" in los angeles too. but for sketching, i think they might ruin the paper.
Posted by: marsh at January 9, 2006 7:05 PM
I have been a great fan of the Hi-Tec pens, but
they are so expensive in the US.
Anyone knows how the P-500 compare to say
a 0.5mm Hi-Tec C?
If they are close in performance the P-500 is
going to be a great steal for me at
Posted by: vic lam at January 22, 2006 2:17 AM
Wow - this is about the longest comment list I've seen on any blog so far. And all about pens! I thought I had a soft spot for writing equipment (currently a Cross fountain pen, a Rotring VisuPencil 0.5 and a Rotring VisuPoint fine marker)... You guys should definitely pay a visit to Paperworld in Frankfurt (Germany) when you're ever "in the neighbourhood".
Posted by: Serge at January 22, 2006 12:52 PM
You should try Pilot Easytouch.
Posted by: Jenna at January 26, 2006 7:09 PM
Man...I have been thinking about starting a pen review section on my site. I'm glad I found your post.
I avidly and exclusively, for now, right in Moleskine lined journals.
The Uniball Signo Micro 207 is currently my top ranked pen. I haven't found anything that writes as smoothly and consistently. I'm glad we agree there. I used to use G2's exclusively for years. But, I've found it is far inferior to the 207. Don't get this pen confused with it's more expensive brother, the fancy gel grip Premier 207. I have had nothing but problems with this pen skipping and terrible consistency. And, why spend $8 on one pen when you can get several micro 207's for the same price.
My second contendor would have to be the Staedtler Mars Professional set with .25, .35, .5, and .7 tips. They write with great precision at any line width you might need. They are great for sketching. I got this set at Staple's for under $20. However, for everyday writing, I still don't think you can be the Signo 207.
Another absolute favorite of mine are the Staedtler Triplus Fineliners. I got a set of 10 in very vibrant colors for cheap at Staples. They are also great for sketching, drawing, color writing in the Moleskine.
The Sanford Liquid Expresso is the only felt type pen I have used, and it does an excellent job. I constantly find myself going back to it for lettering and sketching.
Fisher Space Pen--don't waste your money. They claim to write on any surface, and this is almost true. The only problem is THEY HATE MOLESKINE's!!! This thing just will not write worth a dern in my Moleskine.
I really enjoyed this post. Someone should start a good pen review website.
Posted by: kurt at March 6, 2006 9:54 AM
I'm journaling journals for my kids. I want it last for them of course. So I'm using acid free paper. But I'm having trouble determining what type of pen and ink to use that is "archival", won't fade, is acid free, etc.
I like the Mars pens, I just can't find any proof it has life long ink. Any ink junkies out there can give me some advice???
Posted by: GP at March 27, 2006 11:17 PM
I just purchased an Acme rollerball pen with the design from a woman designer (Genie Debora Jedwab), and a Pilot Vanishing Point Fountain pen. Should be arriving any day. Can't wait to use them in my Moleskines. Check out the pen at: http://www.dalyspenshop.com/store2005/product_detail.asp
Posted by: Lainey at March 31, 2006 8:18 PM
i'm with you on the uniball... this is my favorite... fits comfortably because of the grip.. is attractive... and you can buy a refill for a fraction of the pen price... and writes and draws well on a moleskin ...
http://www.uniball-na.com/main.taf?p=2,2,7
Posted by: sali at April 9, 2006 9:13 PM
Yep, fellow pen freak.. currently using the RoseArt X500 ball point pen. California price, 5 for $2.48. THEE Only pen i've used that doesn't leak, smear, smudge, you can use it to the last drop of ink, and expect the same if you buy it again. I've used every pen listed here by all those chiming in. Have too many boxes of pens from .99 cents for a hundred to one single pen for $50.00 and i've never found anything as smooth as the RoseArt. It comes in gel's but I find their gels aren't great, they don't write smoothly, the ball point is excellent, creamy thick black ink that glides, great for journaling in the thin paged moleskine without dropping through the back, Excellent pen, pick it up if you like quality. Think you'll be surprised that something as cheap in cost writes with such quality. I'll be damned if they stop making it and have stocked up. Cheers all.
Posted by: Ana at April 10, 2006 7:43 PM
I put in a vote for the Zebra Sarasa gel pen. Smoother than the G2 or Uniball 207 and I find the colors to usually be darker and richer.
Also, if you look around, the Sakura Gelly Roll is also a nice gel pen. I use a black one with my checkbook, since they're supposed to be completely forgery proof (chemical and light resistant).
Posted by: ratan at April 13, 2006 2:44 PM
Kurt, GP, Lainey, Sali, Ana and Ratan, thanks for the great comments! I'm jst amazed how this post has a life of its own now and seems a great resource for people looking for pens! :-)
Posted by: Mike Rohde at April 15, 2006 8:42 AM
AT LAST!! A website where I can reveal my obessions with pens!! I cannot go into a shop without buying a pen. I currently love pens from the Uni-ball range...Visionlite, Signo, Jetstream...they write soo smoothly I have literally 100s of their pens at home. I have passed on my obsession to my sister who loves the range aswell....
Posted by: Anne-Marie at June 1, 2006 12:34 PM
Anne-Marie, welcome! We're glad you could join PFA, Pen Freaks Anonymous! :-)
Posted by: Mike Rohde at June 1, 2006 1:02 PM
Forgot to mention 2 pen websites I would recommend especially for the UK are Cult Pens, www.cultpens.com and Pen Connection, www.penconnection.co.uk
Posted by: Anne-Marie at June 1, 2006 1:14 PM
I thought i was the only one with a pen obsession. There must be a dozen within reach at all times or the universe isn't complete! Even though i've cheated around with others, the Niji Stylist is the one i've been turning to for the past 18 years. good call!
Posted by: scott at June 6, 2006 12:55 AM
Thanks Scott! I still use the Niji from time to time, though lately my passion is for the Uniball Signo RT Gel Micro (0.38mm) pens.
Posted by: Mike Rohde at June 6, 2006 7:28 AM
I've had the chance to try the G-tec-C4, Sarasa 0.5, G2 0.5, G-tecmatic 0.5, Jetstream 0.7 all at the same time.
Suprisingly, I am able to write the smallest print with the Jetstream. The reason is because the ball is so smooth that I can write legible, crisp, and consistent lines with it. Requires a light touch. Black is smoother and more consistent than blue. It has the worst "first-touch" skip though.
The Sarasa is smoother and richer than everything else. For everyday use I pick this one. No "first-touch" skip, consistent and very quality feel.
The G2 is lighter and does not seem as consistent as the sarasa. But without a back to back comparison, no one would be able to tell the difference.
The G-tec-C4 is best for journaling. Consistent and lays down a solid thin line (not as thin as the Jetstream) with less effort than the Jetstream.
G-techmatic is the least impressive of the bunch. It has too much tip wobble, and a significant "first-touch" skip similiar to the Jetstream and other regular ballpoints.
I'll be getting some Signo 207 0.5 and Signo Gel RT 0.38 in the next week. Will post results.
Great thread! I thought I was the only pen freak in the world!
Posted by: MikeM at June 22, 2006 10:01 PM
Thanks for stopping MikeM!
Posted by: Mike Rohde at June 29, 2006 11:16 PM
I'm loving the Jetstream lately and it's just come out (I found it at Staples) in a retractable version -- which I've been waiting for!!! Love them -- so far I've seen them in packs of three -- all black and one with red/black/blue. I don't hear much about Jetstream in the posts above. I do love a broad point and it seems like many others like a fine point.
Posted by: Pam at July 1, 2006 12:37 PM
Pam I love the Jetstream too... bought one on a whim and love it for my daily journal. I need to check out the retractables! :-)
Posted by: Mike Rohde at July 1, 2006 12:59 PM
Has anyone considered Pigma Pens? The ink is permanent and waterproof and fade proof. I tested these for use in the laboratory environment (genetic trait mapping) where the ink from Pigma pens were used to label nylon sheets for identification and withstood multiple (as many as 30 1-hour washes at 65C). I actually don't know how many total washing the ink will withstand since the labels are still intact.
They come in a variety of colors and line widths. The lab use was only with black ink.
Posted by: Kirayn at July 2, 2006 9:13 PM
Oh, by the way, I love my Namiki Vanishing Point (EX Fine) too, though I am on my second because the first finally started leaking after several years of abuse.
I treat this one a bit better and it has been going strong for 5 years.
Posted by: Kirayn at July 2, 2006 9:16 PM
Mike -- I know I just said (above) I liked the broad point better -- BUT -- at Staples today, I bought what might be my new favorite pen. Uniball signo bit .7 -- it's a small, thin pen -- not quite 5.5 inches long. It comes in I think 8 different colors. At Staples you could buy them separately or in a rainbow pack!! Thin point for me but smooooooooth and compact pen -- feels good in the hand. Don't know about fading, etc. as it's brand new! Try it out! Pam
Posted by: Pam at July 3, 2006 3:14 PM
I am a Namiki (Pilot) Vanishing Point fountain Pen user for 13 + years. One reason is fountain pens force you to write with less pressure and that is helpful for arthritis/lupus patients. But since I found the Uniball 207 micro Black, I am in love again, only to have my hopes dashed since there are no refills made yet. Have you found any refills for black micros? How much fun to talk to other pen freaks! Penny
Posted by: Penny at July 5, 2006 2:41 AM
I'll check it out Pam, thanks!
Penny, I think depending on the Uniball signo, refills are out there, sometimes online... but you might have to dig a bit. :-)
Thanks for stoppung by and leaving comments!
Posted by: Mike Rohde at July 5, 2006 7:29 AM
Just curious, does anyone know how to clean a pen tip? I mean i have had a ton of these Uni-ball vision pen tips just stop working eventhough they have a lot of ink still left in them.
I'm an artist and i like the fine line this pen gives (its the .5mm ones i think, its been a while). Does anyone have any good tips on cleaning pen tips(heads)?
My email is: virendra_c81@hotmail.com, if you could kindly email me some tips, i would really appreciate it.
I'm a pen freak, i have over 5,000 pens (yes i like pens).
Posted by: Viren at July 5, 2006 9:57 PM
Viren — not sure how to clean those guys out except maybe if you could locate a ultrsonic pen cleaner (check an art store) that might shake loose the goop in the tips.
What about alcohol?
Seems like you need something to break up the clog and then suck it out... what about a little heat on the tip (candle?) and then drawing with the pen while warm?
Posted by: Mike Rohde at July 6, 2006 10:05 PM
No kidding, I was googling for some neet-o pens (still inspired by the moleskine thing) and ended up here earlier. I just now realized it was the same site.
Ok, I've really got to find a new hobby ;) Glas to know I'm not the only organized/pen freak out there.
Posted by: megan at July 11, 2006 5:55 PM
Mike
Here is the Pigma Pen Source I use:
http://www.shopatron.com/index/294.0.8816.9956.0.0.0
The tip sizes range from o.2 mm line (Pigma 005) to 0.5 mm line (Pigma 08), and 8 colors with Pigma 005 to 15 colors with Pigma 05
Posted by: Kiryan at July 11, 2006 9:32 PM
So I recieved the Signo 207 0.5 and 0.7, the Uniball gel RT 0.38, and the Gel Impact 1.0 Here are my impressions:
Signo: these pens are SMOOTH. Even the 0.5mm version. It lays down a solid line that doesnt feather at all! Nice grip and looks cool as well. However, the blue colour is too "girly" - not as dark a blue as I"d like. Of course, that is a personal preference.
Gel RT: It is slightly finer then the G-tec-C4, tho barely. I use it in my moleskine, works great. The rubber grip design gives much better leverage when writing small. Wicked pen, I wish I have more colours!
Gel Impact RT: ok obvisouly this is a THICK pen. 1mm ball writes very very large prints. But the smoothness is out of this world. The black is very dark and solid. Also uses up the ink FAST because it lays down so much.
Pilot multiball: very useful pen if you write on objects other than paper. The medium version writes fairly thick lines, and once it gets going it lays a very consistent and solid line.
Posted by: MikeM at July 12, 2006 12:13 PM
Tidbits:
*I got email asking about where the RoseArt X500
(premium ballpoint) could be found. It faded from
WalMart in the middle of a signo vs. G-2
shelf-war. But I have found it (07/2006) at
Walgreens Drug Stores.
Signo and G-2 Bargain hunters:: keep your eyes
out at WalMart: if if there is a war forming,
and mas quantities, and they appear to pricey
for the back-to-school set, there could
be some price-slashing sometime soon.
They were on a dozen pegs apiece, and extras
were lying in the floor bin/shelf! Good cuts
on G-2 already. The signo might follow suit.
* I've settled on the G-2 .05 now. Almost as tiny
writing as the P-500, and the retractable is nice.
The uniball signo micro is smoother feeling, but
skips on paper at work. Something in the air
maybe. For tiny writing, more that ball size
effects it: the ink cueing-distance is key.
Did a fade-test on the BIC Cristal for fun.
It does write smoothly, but it faded mostly
away (the black) after 10 days on the
fluorescent bulb. A bit better resistance than
RSVP however.
I'm really getting into my note-pockets.
I make them out of thin binder plastic and
electrician's tape. 1/8 sheets and 1/4
sheets of paper are stacked inside the pocket.
It bends smoothly and fits in your pocket,
is tough, and you can insert and pull pages
with not tearing out: it's a stack.
The paper is all protected, with a little
finger-pull cutaway in the middle. Great
notepad/book/archive. With different color
tape you can categorize pockets.
I really want to fade-test the Easy-Touch.
Sorry I havn't done it yet...too many pens
about the house still, lol..
Posted by: leonardo menderes at July 31, 2006 11:34 AM
Nakimi (Pilot) Vanishing Point- great pen and you can interchange nibs I store my extra nibs with pieces of plastic drinking straw over the business end in a resealable plastic bag-
I'm awaiting delivery of my first Moleskine Large Sketch-
Oh- Richard Binder (www.richardspens.com) has custom ground nibs for the VP. I bought his "ItaliFine" gives me .9mm Cursive italic AND a Fine point in ONE nib!
Also have a plain Fine and Medium nib- as well as another .7mm Cursive Italic Oblique..... I figure if the wider (more ink) of the Cursive is too much for the Moleskine, I can switch to the Fine nib and be ok....
Posted by: bob Keene at August 6, 2006 3:33 PM
Oh yes, one other note- I fill my Vanishing Point with Noodler's "BulletProof" or "Eternal" inks- these inks wil NOT run even if submersed in water! Handy in case your out in 'weather'...
Posted by: bob Keene at August 6, 2006 3:36 PM
I finally fade-tested the Pilot Easy Touch!
(24hr x 10days touching a GE BrightStik bulb)
It is a regular ballpoint, and thus not as
dense as the gel pens, but it lays down a
crisp black line, and has quicker start-up
and finer cornering than the X500. Very smooth.
But, about the fading: after the full 10-day
exposure, the ink was slightly faded, but
almost as strong as when written.
I'll keep testing it for extra time, but it
is clearly a fade-resistant pen with very
nice characteristics. The X500 and Itoya
Xenon are denser and have wide bodies, but
the EasyTouch is great for note-jotting, if
you want to trade off initial density for
the long mileage of a ballpoint, and reduced
price. A very nice pen for a ballpoint!
Posted by: Leonardo Menderes at August 19, 2006 7:29 AM
Leonardo, thanks for the update. Next time I'm at the store I may check this one out.
Posted by: Mike Rohde at August 19, 2006 9:25 AM
I have all but given up on the Pilot pens despite a huge stack of refills. It was the endless splodges and their inability to dry quickly enough.
Try the Parker gel refills. Brilliant in my Parker Vector XL. A really black black! The ink dries really quick and the price for the refills on eBay is very reasonable.
Alternately I am now using a Lamy Safari with Noodlers black. The blackest ink I have come across in a fountain pen.
My Fisher Space Pen might look stylish, but I just hate the ink and the way that it writes.
Posted by: Andy at August 28, 2006 1:09 PM
Rohdesign is the site of designer Mike Rohde, who writes about design, sketching, writing, mobile computing, technology, travel, cycling, books, music and more.