Pentel Vicuna Super Smooth Multi Pen + Pencil

I'll cut right to the chase: The Pentel Vicuna Super Smooth Multi Pen + Pencil is an excellent pen.

I want to make that point early on, because I didn't have high expectations of this pen going into it, but I was pleasantly surprised. In fact, I have had a hard time putting it down.

My experience with the single cartridge Vicuna was completely fine, but not exceptional. I say not exceptional, but only in the fact that I would put it behind several of the Jetstreams and Acroballs I use so frequently. I'm not sure if it was the grip, or if the ink wasn't just right, but whatever it was, none of it bothers me in the multi pen version.

I cannot find my original Vicuna to compare this one too directly, but first of all, the grip seems better on the multi pen. It is a little softer, more comfortable, and overall allows for a better gripping experience. The ink performance was better than I remembered as well. The lines were much cleaner and tighter, and there was no mess to speak of. And look how vibrant that red ink is!

The Vicuna Multi Pen may never be a Top Fiver, but this is a pen I highly recommend. In fact, I have done so several times already.

Zebra Surari 4 Color Multi Pen Video Review

This is a guest post by Bryan Gushikawa.

Multi pens are hugely popular and exist in many different formats and styles. This pen basically combines a best-of-both-worlds concept (the gel smoothness with ballpoint ink) with the utility of multiple colors. Aimed at office workers and students, this pen seeks to get people hooked not only on color, but also on performance.

The appearance of the Zebra Surari 4C is sort of a standard style. Translucent barrel, elastomer grip, and ink selection up top. The addition of a spring-loaded clip is a godsend to people who clip to journals and shirt pockets. Although it doesn't have the same visual impressiveness as a Ferrari, it's stylish enough to be at home in the classroom, office or coffee shop. The click mechanism is tight, but sometimes the clip clicker has to be pushed a little hard to stay down. The thicker barrel of the pen fits well in the hand and offers more comfort than skinny pens might.

Where the 4C shines is in the performance department. The Surari ink is an even match for the Jetstream and the colors are rich and vibrant. Zebra's Sarasa gel ink is legendary for smoothness and the 4C Surari ink is likewise smooth. It's like writing on icy glass with a butter-coated Teflon stick. Seriously. It doesn't blob or skip and is a real joy to write with.

Any problems with this pen? Not really, although with similar offerings from Zebra's competition, you might be wondering what sets this pen apart enough to make it worth a purchase. Well, the answer is that there IS nothing really distinct, but this pen is an excellent enough performer in its class to merit a top score...you'd compare other pens to this one. A DEFINITE recommend!

I am glad I have one of these (thanks, Jetpens!) and I'd encourage everyone to go ahead and get one. You'll thank me for it once you write with it!

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Uni-Ball Signo DX Bordeaux Black 0.38mm Review

The list of Uni-Ball Signo DX colors that I have reviewed is loooong, but until Carmen grabbed the Bordeaux Black for me on a recent NYC trip, I had never used this one. I don't have a good answer as to why it has taken me this long to try it, other than the fact I don't use a lot of reds on a daily basis.

The entire Signo DX line is top quality, and I have yet to have one disappoint me for any reason. If this is your first foray into micro tip pens, you might find the 0.28mm and 0.38mm a little scratchy for your tastes, but give the 0.5mm a chance. I promise you won't be disappointed.

"Naomi" by Neutral Milk Hotel

I was first introduced to Neutral Milk Hotel by my sister and brother-in-law when they were in school in Athens, GA in the early to mid-90's. They were a mind blowing band then, and their music still resonates with me to this day. My sweet little niece is even named after this song.

Their second, and last, album In The Aeroplane Over the Sea (1998) continually pops up on all kinds of Top Album lists, but one of my favorite recordings is elusive lead singer Jeff Mangum's Live at Jittery Joe's (2001) release. It is a set of Neutral Milk Hotel songs performed acoustically by Mangum in a small little coffee shop, and is brilliant. The video quality isn't so hot, but Mangum's voice really shines.

Enough of my fawning - check it out.