I built this Top 5 Pens list originally to discuss what some of my favorite pens are in various categories. That worked well for a while, but as this page has grown I realized it was time for a change in how it is presented.

The Top 5 Pens list represents my recommendations in the categories below. That differentiates it from my personal favorites, while giving readers more clarity on products they may want to check out.

That said, just because I recommend a product doesn’t mean it is perfect for your needs. As I said previously: Use these lists as guidelines. Do your research. Ask questions. Test them out if at all possible. Only then will you find the pen that is the perfect match for you.

Aside from the lists below, here are some great places to get your research started:

JetPens Guide to Fine-Tip Gel Pens

Goldspot Guide to Perfect Pen Personalization

Goulet Pens Nib Nook

Anderson Pens Ink Comparison Tool

Pen Chalet Fountain Pen How To

A few ink swabs…

Top 5 Micro Gel Ink Pens

  1. Uni-Ball Signo DX 0.38 mm - The Uni-ball Signo DX 0.38 mm is the micro gel ink pen that I measure all micro gel ink pens against. It is extremely consistent, and glides across the page for such a small tip size. The basic barrel is also better than much of the competition, and I even helped design an upgraded one. (Buy)
  2. Zebra Sarasa Clip 0.4 mm - It is the one pen barrel that is better than the Signo DX barrel, and sharper lines than comparable tip sizes as well. That is a negative for some people, as it gives the Sarasa Clip a scratchier feel on the page. I think the tradeoff is worth it. (Buy)
  3. Pilot Juice Up 0.4 mm - It’s the first needle tip on the list, and both the 0.3 mm and 0.4 mm write wonderfully. Tons of colors options, too. (Buy)
  4. Uni-ball Signo RT1 0.38 mm - It “only” has 10 colors available, which is lower than the pens listed ahead of it, but the quality of writing experience is equal to most. I do like the barrel and knock better than the Juice, but I prefer the needle tip style of the Juice more than the RT1. (Buy)
  5. Pentel EnerGel Clena Gel Pen - 0.3/0.4 mm - I have a dream scenario EnerGel that I would like to see. The Clena doesn’t get all the way there, which is why it is at number five, not number two. I’m still holding out hope for a full Euro Needle style and color expansion for Pentel, which would rocket them up the charts because the refill is exceptional. (Buy)

(Notes: The Pilot Hi-Tec-C has been dropped from this list. It hasn’t been dropped by me, but it is too particular to recommend to users who aren’t looking for a technical-style gel ink pen. Updated 8/16/2022.)

Top 5 Pens In The Store

  1. Pentel EnerGel - If I’m being completely honest, I don’t think it is close. I’ve never used an 0.7 mm gel ink pen that is as consistent as the EnerGel. The ink is smooth and dark, the barrel is comfortable to use, and the color range is spectacular. Start here on your next visit to the stationery aisle. (Buy)
  2. Pilot Precise V5/V7 - It’s so darn good. I tend to recommend gel or hybrid ballpoint ink pens before rollerball ink pens, but it’s hard to argue with a 40 year run of this great pen. (Buy)
  3. Uni-ball Signo 207 - I thought the 307 was going to be it, but the ink formulation is better in the 207. I’m guessing that’s why it is still widely available and not completely cannibalized by the newer model. (Buy)
  4. Paper Mate InkJoy - Surprise! But only if you haven’t used one before. If you have, then you might argue for it higher up the list. For colorful gel ink, it ranks only behind the EnerGel. (Buy)
  5. Uni-ball Jetstream - Formerly number one, it hasn’t fallen in quality, but I think it falls into a narrower category of recommendations. Its hybrid ballpoint ink makes it a more specific use case than many of the pens above it. (Buy)

(Notes: This list could easily go 10 deep. The Sharpie S-Pen is excellent, as is the Uni-ball Vision Elite. I have no issues with the Pilot G2 either, but I think there are better choices. Store brands like the TUL (shoutout @strowhiro!) are too limited in availability to be considered for this list, but are independently good.) My only wish for this category is for Zebra to crack the top 2 or 3 in any ink type (gel, ballpoint, roller.) They aren’t there yet in the US, but in Japan they are very competitive. Finally, a special nod to the Paper Mate Flair and Sharpie Pen, who handle specific tasks well, but land in the second tier. Updated 10/4/2022.)

Top 5 Fountain Pens For Beginners

  1. Platinum Preppy - Want to know how good this fountain pen is? Even the most experienced users keep several of these handy at all times. This is the best pen to buy to see if you like fountain pens, and will only cost you $5 to try. (Buy)
  2. Pilot Metropolitan - For a more traditional fountain pen look and feel, the Metropolitan is the choice. At around four times the cost of the Preppy it is far from the cheapest pen on this list, but still provides a great bang for the buck. (Buy)
  3. Pilot Kakuno - Style is the primary difference between the Kakuno and Metropolitan. This is the fun, modern Pilot entry-level pen, but offered an identical nib and performance as the more expensive Metro. (Buy)
  4. Kaweco Perkeo - If there is an underdog on an underdog-filled list, then it is the Perkeo. Kaweco makes quality, affordable pens, and this full-sized barrel is a better choice for beginners than the more popular Kaweco Sport. (Buy)
  5. Faber-Castell Grip - It just works. That’s high-praise in the world of fountain pens, where new users may profess them to be fussy. This is a rock-solid and stylish choice for your first fountain pen. (Buy)

(Notes: Platinum could practically fill this list on its own with the addition of the Prefounte and Plasir models. There are equally as nice as the Preppy, with only aesthetics playing a role in the price difference. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend either. The TWSBI Swipe deserves to be on this list on merit alone, but I think there are a couple of things that make it a better choice for the next list. (Updated 10/18/2022))

Top 5 “Next” Fountain Pens

  1. TWSBI ECO - Have you discovered that you like fountain pens and want to explore more of what they have to offer? The ECO is the answer. Not only is it a well-priced piston-filler, you will get to explore ink that doesn’t come in cartridge form. That’s right, you will need to buy a bottle of ink with this pen, opening up a whole new world. Welcome! (Buy)
  2. Lamy Safari - The Safari could have easily made the Beginner’s list if it weren’t for one thing: the molded grip section. That makes it perfect for this list, as that is a feature that you have to consider if it works for you. If it does, you will find yourself with a new workhorse pen. (Buy)
  3. Lamy Studio - At around $80, the Studio is a bigger jump in price than the two pens before it, but if you like the Pilot Metropolitan from the Beginner list, the Studio is a solid next choice. Classic design, full-metal barrel, and a rounded grip section set this one apart. (Buy)
  4. Kaweco AL Sport - This is one of the biggest design outliers on the list, and answers a very specific question: I liked my first fountain pen, is there a pocketable/EDC option that will give me a similar experience? Yes, there is. (Buy)
  5. TWSBI Vac700R - Is this a stretch for someone’s second fountain pen? Maybe. But if you are enamored with your first fountain pen and want to dive into the deep end, why not grab an awesome vacuum filling system for about $70? It’s fun, and functional! (Buy)

(Notes: Outside of the ECO, I think you could load all of these pens up in a dice cup, shake it, and re-order this list without losing much effect. You can even add in other pens like the Opus 88, TWSBI 580, Kaweco Student, TWSBI Swipe, and more-all while staying under $100, which was the goal here. (Updated 10/25/2022))

Top 5 Fountain Pens $100-$200

  1. Pilot Custom 74 - From unlisted, to the top recommendation-for a pen over a decade old? How did you overlook that, Brad? I goofed, but I’m correcting it now. The Custom 74 is number one in this list, with a bullet. (Buy)
  2. Platinum 3776 - If your list has the 3776 ahead of the 74 you won’t hear a peep from me. The nib has a slightly different feedback than the glassy 74, which is a feature many people enjoy, myself included. There are a few more nib size options, too, but the barrel color choice and lower price edges the Custom 74 ahead of it. (Buy)
  3. Lamy 2000 - This pen has been all over this list, from top to bottom. Why the movement? Right now, price. It is merely pennies from cracking the $200 barrier, but for a gold nib, piston-filling fountain pen, it is still a great choice. And a workhorse. (Buy)
  4. Leonardo Momento Zero - This one one of the best fountain pens on the market, regardless of price. Why only fourth on this list? I do think the gold nibs on the three pens above give them a recommendation advantage. The steel Jowo nibs on all Leonardo Pens are chefs kiss great. (Buy)
  5. Diplomat Aero - Like the Lamy 2000, the Aero is a rock-solid example of fine German writing instruments. And, unlike the rest of the pens on this list, it features a metal barrel. (Buy)

(Notes: As with the previous update to this list, we are running into some real pricing headwinds. The Esterbrook Estie, which is similar to the Leonardo, is creeping up to $195 as a starting point. The new versions of the Montegrappa Elmo are well beyond $200 now, when they were formerly a lock for this list. And that list keeps growing. Right now, the Pilot Custom 92 (in certain colors) is one of the best fountain pen deals on the planet, but I hesitate to add it to the list because the product line seems dormant. We will continue to see a lot of change here for the foreseeable future. (Updated 11/15/2022))

Top 5 Fountain Pens $200-$500

  1. Pilot Custom 823 - It may not be for you, but I at least think you should consider it first, and then move on from there. Why? This is a writers pen. Built for smooth lines, high ink capacity, and long sessions. It also has the best filling system in this group with Pilot’s Vacuum filler. As great as it is, it is also priced very well for all it has to offer. (Buy)
  2. Pilot Custom 912 - Boring? On the outside, maybe. But put the 912 in any fountain pen users hand and hear them go “oh!” It is a classic design that checks all of the right boxes. As a bonus, there are 15 nib options to customize your writing experience with. And, like the 823, provides great value. (Buy)
  3. Sailor Pro Gear Standard/1911 Large - Despite some of the largest price increases in the industry, I still think Sailor makes great pens. They also make the most personal pens, with a huge array of colors to match any style or preference. The only decision to make is if they are worth the premium they require. (Buy)
  4. Pelikan Souveran M600 - Pelikan’s are always worth the premium in my mind, and the 600 series is the sweet spot-especially for your first. Pelikan’s quality is unimpeachable, right down to the piston-filling mechanism found in their fountain pens. Depending on the model you like, and where you shop, the price of the 600 can run the entire gamut of this category. (Buy)
  5. Leonardo Momento Zero Grande - If you like the Momento Zero, then why not take a look at its gold nib, piston-filling counterpart? This is a larger pen, hence the “Grande” name, and retains the high quality, functionality, and style I’ve come to expect from the brand. (Buy)

(Notes: Due to the price point, this is a very personal bracket. Take this list less as a pure ranking from 1 to 5, and more as a group of options to research. Spend some time to find the experience that fits you the best before you spend your money. (Updated 11/18/2022))

Top 5 Fountain Pen Ink Brands

  1. Robert Oster - I think this is the easiest starting point for finding your next favorite ink. The quality and value are great, and the colors run the gamut from the basics to loaded with character. I’ll accept arguments that the bottle is not the greatest, but I like it as a way to manage costs, which is key when shipping from Australia to all corners of the globe. (Buy) (Disclosure: Robert Oster manufactures the Pen Addict ink I sell, for good reason.)
  2. Diamine - The classic default ink. Similar to Robert Oster, the colors are Pantone catalog-esque in volume, and I love that Diamine has turned up their experimentation over the last several years. I have no problem swapping the order of the first two inks in this list. (Buy)
  3. Pilot Iroshizuku - With the wide range of releases from the above two brands, there is something to say for stability. Iroshizuku has been one of the best, most consistent, ink brands over the past decade. They did add three new colors in 2022, so maybe there are more on the horizon? There doesn’t need to be-what they have is excellent across the board. (Buy)
  4. Sailor - They belong here on quality, character, and experimentation, but their ink lineup is by far the most confusing. It’s self-inflicted, with product types and prices all over the place. But dang it if they don’t make some great inks. Don’t get stuck with paralysis by analysis. You’ll be happy with whichever shade you choose. (Buy)
  5. P.W. Akkerman - This brand could easily be first on the list, or off completely due to its lack of widespread availability. Or I could just tell you it is Diamine in a fancy bottle and slot it in at number two. Allegedly. (Buy)

(Notes: It’s never wrong to start with an in-house ink to match your pen-for example Lamy ink in your Safari. But once you get a look at what else is out there on the market, this list is a great place to begin expanding your color palette. (Updated 1/12/2023.))

Top 5 Plastic Tip Pens

  1. Sakura Pigma Micron - This list is one of the few where you could take all five entries, shake them up, sort them blindly, and still have a solid ranking. The Micron gets the top spot because it has the most options for tip size and color, and is the most widely available. Oh, and it is really freaking good, too. (Buy)
  2. Kuretake Zig Cartoonist Mangaka - The best pen tip on the list for firmness and durability. That’s the kicker for a lot of these pens by nature-the tips break down fast. This one keeps it’s original state longer than most. (Buy)
  3. Copic Multiliner - From off the list to number three, this Copic model deserves the ranking. It is a great quality fineliner, with a range of tip sizes and colors not found in other lineups. (Buy)
  4. Staedtler Pigment Liner - Could be first on this list on quality, but given the way their price is tracking (almost 2x some of these other pens,) it requires more thought before purchasing. (Buy)
  5. Uni Pin - It’s the Pin Pen! Uni has expanded this lineup, as well as the price, but it deserves a spot on this list on quality alone. Be wary not to purchase case the oil-based ink model unless that is what you are looking for. (Buy)

(Notes: The Copic Mulitliner SP could be number one of this list if price weren’t an issue, but at over $10 per marker I can’t find a spot for them. They are refillable, and do have replaceable tips, so if you think of them as an investment, then well, maybe? The Rotring Tikky and Pilot Drawing Pen are decent options, but I’d pick the Stabilo Point 88 over both. (Updated 1/12/2023.))

Top 5 Paper Brands

  1. Midori - The best combination of quality, style, choice, and price on the list. The paper found in all of their products is friendly to nearly anything you want to use, from fountain pens to pencils. It’s a wonderful brand that has seen a wide expansion over the last few years. (Buy)
  2. Maruman - Paper quality is as high as any on this list, but with fewer binding options. The mostly spiral lineup makes them great for the desk, and the smaller sizes are wonderfully portable. (Buy)
  3. Life - Their standard paper is of the same quality as the two above it, plus they add other paper types such as Bank paper. Another huge range of formats and styles, with a little less availability. (Buy)
  4. Leuchtturm1917 - Far and away the best Moleskine replacement candidate, with premium options that leave the famed Italian brand in the dust. Hardbound, softbound, journal, planner, sketch - any type or format you want is available. Slightly less fountain pen friendly than other options, but it handles most. (Buy)
  5. Kokuyo - Like Maruman, they offer simpler binding types than some other brands, but also like Maruman, the quality of the paper found within that binding is excellent. One of the best choices for students as well for format, and value. (Buy)

(Notes: Wither Rhodia? No, but given the extra-coated paper, it’s not as widely useable as the brands list above. I’d even rank its stablemate Clairefontaine ahead of it. It’s not bad by any stretch, it’s just specific. (Updated 1/12/2023.))

Top 5 Multi Pens

  1. Uni Jetstream 3 Color - Keeping it simple is the way to go with multi pens, and the base Jetstream model makes the best case for the top. High quality ink, multiple tip sizes (0.38 mm. 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm) and barrel designs, and a great price. That’s a good formula. (Buy)

  2. Tombow Mono Graph Multi 2 - This one is even simpler with two refill choices-0.5 mm ballpoint and 0.5 mm pencil-and sometimes, that’s all you need. The build quality is the best of the plastic barrel models, too. (Buy)

  3. Pilot Hi-Tec-C Coleto - If you are someone who needs lots of color choices, then the Coleto should be your number one choice. The refills are also gel, which gives those brighter colors on your notes even more pop. Barrel options range from 3 to 5 refill capacity. (Buy)

  4. Rotring 600 3-in-1 - At some point, the higher-priced models are going to appear in this list, and I think the Rotring is the best of the bunch. I don’t even think $46 is out of line for a pen of this quality. (Buy)

  5. Pilot Juice Up 3 Gel - Pilot is on to something with this barrel design, and 0.4 mm Juice gel ink option. It doesn’t have the color variety of the Coleto, but the quality is as good as any. (Buy)

(Notes: If you have a favorite manufacturer of single refill pens, it is likely you will be a fan of their multi pen option. Pentel, Pilot, Tombow, Uni-ball, and Zebra all make great models that could easily make the list. Updated 2/1/2023.)

Top 5 Ballpoint Pens

  1. Uni-ball Jetstream - To be the best, you have to beat the best. Any size, shape, or design, this is the best ballpoint pen on the market. Wooooo!!! (Buy)

  2. Pilot Acroball - Pilot has a competitor to the Jetstream, but it seems to play second fiddle in its own product lineup to the G2, Juice, and FriXion gel ink pens. Performance-wise, it competes, but fewer options keep it in the two spot. (Buy)

  3. Zebra bLen - A challenger that could compete with the Acroball in another year or two. Zebra certainly seems to be leaning into it more than Pilot is with the Acroball. Watch this space. (Buy)

  4. Bic Cristal - The first non-hybrid ballpoint ink on the list, and the only one you should seriously consider. Ok, that’s admittedly hyperbolic, but I love it that much. (Buy)

  5. Fisher Space Pen - I think any ballpoint pen list should have a spot for the Space Pen somewhere. It fits a need-writing anywhere-that comes up more than you think it would, even if it isn’t the best pure writer in the bunch. (Buy)

(Notes: I don’t believe hybrid ballpoint inks deserve their own category, but it is clear by this list how superior they are. And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the Parker Jotter. Another all-time classic that may not crack this list, but is worth your time. Updated 2/1/2023.)

Top 5 Liquid Ink (aka Roller Ball) Pens

  1. Retro 51 Tornado - This may be the most recommended pen on this entire page. (Buy)
  2. Pilot Precise V5 - This pen should be number one on popularity alone. (Buy)
  3. Uni-ball Vision Elite - A great writer with an impressive feature set. (Buy)
  4. Morning Glory Mach 3 - Extremely underrated pen. In fact, I need to stock up on a few more. (Buy)
  5. Ohto Graphic Liner - Somewhat of an outlier compared to the rest, but really great. (Buy)

(Notes: The remainder of Pilot’s V-Series should be on the list, as they are all tried and true writers and easy to get.)

Top 5 Mechanical Pencils

  1. Rotring 600 - This is the best mechanical pencil on the market, and it has been since the moment it launched in 1989. In those 30+ years Rotring has changed hands, but no one has dared touch this design classic. (Buy)

  2. Pentel Sharp - The Sharp series of mechanical pencils has a couple of decades on the 600. That it is second on this list after all of those years shows how perfect this design is, albeit in a different way. It is slim, light, and comfortable, and has a wider variety options than many other pencils on the market. And the value can’t be beat. (Buy)

  3. Uni-ball Kuru Toga - A decade in the trenches makes the Kuru Toga a relative newbie in the mechanical pencil world. If you find the lead-rotating mechanism idea compelling, let me be the first to tell you that it works flawlessly. It is the modern standard. (Buy)

  4. Tombow Mono Graph Shaker - This one caught me by surprise several years ago, and it has continued to impress since. It’s built like a workhorse, and has added features like a shaker lead-advance mechanism, and an oversized eraser. A flat-out steal at its price. (Buy)

  5. Pentel Kerry - As old as the Sharp, and even more unique. The Kerry is not only a great mechanical pencil, but it is capped. Yes, like a pen. And it is amazing. If you are here for a recommendation, you absolutely need to consider the Kerry when you are doing your due diligence. (Buy)

(Notes: Pentel GraphGear where? With its overly technical design it is a bit more difficult to outright recommend, but if it is your style, then you will be happy with its quality. Special shout-out to the Uni Shift Pipe Lock. It is a personal favorite of mine, but is clearly in the 6 to 10 range at this point with all of the quality choices above. Updated 2/1/2023.)

Top 5 Wooden Pencils

  1. Mitsubishi Office 9850 HB - I tried not to put this pencil in the number one spot, but couldn’t find a good reason not too. Yes, the second pencil on this list features a knockout design, but is it a better pencil? I don’t think so. The 9850 impresses me every time I pick it up. So much so that I frequently give it the side-eye, as if to say “Really? Is it really that good?” Yes, it really is. And let’s not forget a key recommendation consideration: price. It falls in the $1 standard pencil price bracket, not the $2 and up premium pencil bracket. (Buy)

  2. Blackwing 602 - If you want to jump right in to the premium market, the 602 is the choice. It will top many lists, even my own personal list, but not this list. There is no doubt it is an amazing writer, but I do push it down to the number two spot due to the weaker eraser, and higher cost. The great thing about wooden pencils is that even the expensive ones are relatively inexpensive. Feel free to try a handful to see what works best for you. (Buy)

  3. Tombow Mono 100 HB - If you don’t have an eraser, you can’t be penalized for the eraser. (Taps forehead.) The eraser-less Mono 100 is a work of art from a design perspective, with the internal graphite core matching the external beauty. Like the 602, it is well into premium pencil pricing, but worth it. (Buy)

  4. Tombow 2558 HB - If you are looking for another high-quality, bulk-buying option like the 9850, then consider the 2558. This is Tombow’s version of the “Office Pencil” and it is a darn good one. HB core to HB core, I think the 9850 is superior, but the 2558 is close. (Buy)

  5. Faber-Castell 9000 HB - The beauty of this category is that I could list one of about a dozen pencils in this spot. The 9000 features a classic design, and an oddly sturdy build. It feels durable, maybe more so than some of the other pencils on this list. The only odd thing is the price, which falls somewhere between the two office pencils on this list, and the two premium options. (Buy)

(Notes: The Camel HB pencil would be number three on this list if you could actually buy it. It is out of stock everywhere, but if it ever becomes accessible again, I wouldn’t hesitate to jump it way up on this list. Other options in the five-spot would be the Staedtler Mars Lumograph, Uni Mitsubishi Hi-Uni, standard Palomino pencils, many Musgraves, and just about any Caran d’Ache you can find - or afford. (Updated 3/1/12023))

Archived/No Longer Updated

Top 5 Most Useful Pens

  1. Fisher Space Pen - This is more about the pressurized refill that the pen barrel, although the standard barrel is perfect for how this pen needs to be used. I use the refill in my Schon DSGN pen, which is the pen I carry the most on a daily basis. (Buy)
  2. Uni-ball Signo DX 0.38 - My love for micro-tipped gel ink pen knows no bounds, and the DX is the runaway winner in this category. (Buy)
  3. Sakura Pigma Micron - The Micron is not actually my top pick for best plastic tip pen, but for some reason I find it with me the most because it can take a beating. (Buy)
  4. Uni-ball Jetstream 0.7 mm - Regardless of your opinion on ballpoint pens, there are situations in life where they are the best tool for the job. Make it the Jetstream. (Buy)
  5. Sharpie Permanent Marker - This pen doesn’t fit on any of the other lists, but it belongs in the conversation. When you need it, it is because it’s the only pen that can do the job. (Buy)

Top 5 Blue Black Fountain Pen Inks

  1. Pilot Iroshizuku Shin-Kai - It’s rare when the premium ink is also my top recommendation, but with the Iroshizuku price drop, Shin-kai is hard to beat. One of the best color ranges in a blue black ink while remaining traditional. (Buy)
  2. Pilot Blue Black - A smart man once told me that this is the only ink he trusts explicitly in all of his pens. And, with Sailor doing who knows what with it’s stock blue black, this is the easy stock ink choice. (Buy)
  3. Rohrer & Klinger Salix - Maybe the best iron gall ink I have ever used. The words iron gall turn off some people, but if you make this your first, you will be happy. (Buy)
  4. Akkerman #8 Diep-Duinwaterblauw - There is a brightness that peeks out from under the covers that many other blue blacks don’t possess. The bottle alone is worth the price of admission. (Buy)
  5. Lamy Blue Black - I think this ink has been on and off the list more than any other over the years. It’s a bit drier and lighter than some of the inks up top, but is such a classic color it sneaks into the back of the list when there is a shake up. (Buy)

(Notes: What happened to Sailor Blue Black, the former number one on this list? That’s a great question! Sailor has been reshuffling its ink lineup over the past couple of years, and their stock ink colors appear and disappear at random intervals, and at different prices and sizes. If they made it easier to sort out, they would still be near the top of the list. Updated 2/4/2020.)

Top 5 Orange Fountain Pen Inks

  1. Sailor Apricot - The first orange ink I ever latched on to, and the one I measure all others by. A perfect light shade with great character. (Buy)
  2. Papier Plume Sazerac - I didn’t realize what I was in for when I was handed a sample of Sazerac a couple of years ago in San Francisco. The most unique orange I use on a regular basis. (Buy)
  3. Akkerman #16 Oranje Boven - My idea of a pure orange. Few, if any, undertones of yellow, red, or brown, which are common. Not here. It’s just orange. (Buy)
  4. Pilot Iroshizuku Yu-Yake - It’s darker than Apricot, but has similar shading characteristics. (Buy)
  5. Montblanc Lucky Orange - I hesitate to put special editions on any list, but this one has been around a while, and doesn’t look like it is going anywhere any time soon. (Buy)

Top 5 Machined Pens

  1. Ti2 TechLiner - It’s the ugly duckling that turns into the beautiful swan when you actually use it. (Buy)
  2. Schon DSGN 01A - I use this pen all the time when I just want to grab and go. (Buy)
  3. Sunderland mk1 - I really love this pen, especially as one of the few machined pens designed to post properly. (Buy)
  4. BIGiDESIGN Ti Arto - It fits all the refills! (Buy)
  5. Ajoto The Pen - This is such a well-made product it delights every time I use it. Only downside is the price. (Buy)

(Notes: The Pen Type-B is my personal favorite, and the Tactile Turn Mover is another great build that is Pilot Juice compatible.)