Posts filed under Pen Reviews

Marvy LePen Marker Pen Review

(Sarah Read is an author, editor, yarn artist, and pen/paper/ink addict. You can find more about her at her website and on Twitter.)

The Marvy LePen is one of those iconic pens that many of us remember from our childhoods--one that instantly drew our eyes with its bright hues and gave us hours of coloring bliss. A gateway drug for young pen addicts that soon led to gel pens and Sharpies. And it remains popular, even (mumbles) decades later. But I honestly can't quite figure out why--though perhaps the fact that it is inexpensive and comes in a lot of great colors is enough.

The Le Pen has an easy-to-spot, long, slim profile and a straight clip. The cap is friction-fit and snaps into place. It does post, precariously, on the narrow part of the end, but too much tipping or shaking (like, writing) causes it to fall off. There is a short section that is really more of a nose cone--the only way to hold it comfortably is back on the body. Even that may be too narrow for longer drawing or writing sessions. I find it fairly comfortable, though it feels like I'm holding the pen too far back for good control. The clip is springy--and a bit bendy. It's one of the more fragile metal clips I've ever met, but it does hold the pen securely in place. Just don't strain it, or it won't return to its original position. I have memories of my old LePens with clips winging out at odd angles--and it seems they haven't changed the recipe since then.

The plastic of the body matches the color of ink, which is always nice. There are quite a few ridges and shaggy bits left over from the plastic molding process, but they are easily removed if they're in a spot that interferes with comfortable use. "Le Pen Marvy Japan" is embossed in silver on the side, in keeping with its minimalist look.

The felt tip is at the end of a metal needlepoint sleeve. Some tips seem to protrude more than others, and I did find that, after some use, the felt tip was either disappearing into the metal casing or else squishing down. These are very delicate felt tips and require a pretty light hand in order to keep them nice. Even new, I did get a lot of line variation between the pens. Some wrote a finer line than others from the get-go, which makes them a little frustrating as tools for drafters, I'd think.

The ink itself has quite a lot of spread and bleed to it. Something about it just wants to travel through paper fibers. But the colors are very vibrant and well saturated. Even the pale colors show up nicely--which makes me want to use them for coloring books. That may indeed be their best use. There are reports of the ink fading very quickly or causing discoloration to the paper surrounding the lines. That isn't something I'd want in a piece of artwork or a scrapbook/memento designed to last. Though the ink is acid-free, it doesn't seem to be lightfast or very paper friendly.

So what is the appeal of these pens and what are they for? I think coloring books or zentangles would be a perfect fit. The low price point makes them a great entry-level fineliner for coloring enthusiasts both teen and adult. But if you need a fineliner for something more meaningful or lasting, there are much better options out there for not-that-much-more cost.

(JetPens provided this product at no charge to The Pen Addict for review purposes.)

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Posted on January 26, 2018 by Sarah Read and filed under Marvy LePen, Pen Reviews.

First Look: Wancher Dream Pen

Wancher launched a new fountain pen Kickstarter today, and I was one of the few who received a loaner pen to preview. If you couldn’t tell by now, they have put on the full-court press in the community around this launch, and for good reason: This pen is something else.

If there is any pen style that makes my heart go pitter-pat it is Japanese urushi pens. Keep that in mind as I discuss this pen because by nature I am predisposed to like it. This is the perfect style of pen for my tastes.

Normally, just saying the words “Japanese” and “urushi” put dollar sign thoughts in your head, and rightfully so. The Wancher Dream Pen itself is expensive, but relative to the time it takes to manufacture one of these pens and where similar pens in the market are priced, this one is intriguing.

What Wancher is trying to do with this project is to bring back the artistry around urushi pens. As with many once in demand skills and trades, the demand for labor and time intensive tasks has shrunk in our modern world. Anything we can do to help continue these valuable traditions I’m all for supporting.

I’ve had my Dream Pen for several weeks now and not only have I enjoyed using it, I can see the craftsmanship that went into making it. The fit and finish of the pen is outstanding, and the urushi application is as good as any that I have seen with my admittedly untrained eyes.

There are several different backer levels of this project, but two primary pen choices: Polished Ebonite or Urushi coated. The polished Ebonite pen ($175 Super Early Bird) alone is worth backing in my book. Yes, it’s “just” a plain black pen, but you get all the pleasure of the Dream Pen without the urushi pricing. Plus, you have the choice of a steel nib to save even more and swap in your own nib.

*L to R: Aurora Optima, Pilot 823, Nakaya Portable, Wancher Dream Pen, Eboya Houga, Edison Pearl, Sailor Professional Gear*

I will be backing one of the urushi coated pens ($350 Super Early Bird), most likely the red, although they don’t make it an easy choice. Blue, Black, and Tamenuri (the finish of my loaner pen) all look stunning. The nibs are Jowo so they are great quality, although I would like to see something added to the design to make a special pen more special. Even a simple logo stamping would help. The price is good enough that I’ll get over it quickly.

*It's right there with the Sailor King of Pen size-wise*

Wancher is a known quantity, but a still new-to-me brand. I’ve enjoyed the few products of theirs that have crossed my desk. I’ve seen nothing out of them so far that makes me think they aren’t going to delivery exactly what they promise in the Kickstarter project, but understand that this is Kickstarter. There are inherent risks with any project. Most of the time it works out as intended, other times there are bumps along the road.

I appreciate the work Wancher has put into this project ahead of time, and I look forward backing this project and owning a Dream Pen of my own.

(Wancher provided this product on loan to The Pen Addict for review purposes.)

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Posted on January 25, 2018 by Brad Dowdy and filed under Wancher, Kickstarter, Pen Reviews.

Retro 1951 Elephant and Rhino Rescue Ballpoint Review

(Sarah Read is an author, editor, yarn artist, and pen/paper/ink addict. You can find more about her at her website and on Twitter.)

Every time I think "I don't really need another Retro 51", they go and do something like the Elephant and Rhino Rescue Ballpoint. Beautiful pen? Check. Great writing experience? Check. Charity contribution that not only tugs at my heartstrings but pulls them out through my tear ducts? Double check.

Here's another edition of the Tornado that takes a quality pen build and turns it onto a work of art--something Retro 51 does so well. The gunmetal grey body has been acid-etched with a geometric elephant and rhino pattern that mimics the look of pachyderm skin. Clever and gorgeous--and functional, as the texture gives the pen excellent grip.

The build also includes the much beloved features of the Tornado--the knurled top with the twist mechanism to deploy the tip, and the sturdy but springy metal clip. The nose cone unscrews to remove the Easy Flow 9000 ballpoint refill.

The ink in the refill is intended as a ballpoint/rollerball hybrid--and I think it achieves that. It has the smoothness and darkness of liquid rollerball ink, but the drier, long-lasting properties of ballpoint ink. It is very smooth and pleasant to write with. I did get some slight smearing on the side of my hand at one point, but I was writing on coated paper and not being terribly careful. Once the ink had a moment to dry, I didn't have any more smearing. If the ballpoint ink isn't to your taste, it looks like the rollerball refill will also work, if you purchase it with a conversion pack--or you can use any parker-style refill.

Best of all, for every pen sold, donations will be made to ERP--Elephants, Rhinos & People--a nonprofit that helps save the endangered Elephants and Rhinos of Southern Africa. You can learn more about their fantastic work at ERP.ngo.

If I'm to find anything to criticize about this pen, I have to pick some nits. Because really, overall, it's swell. But. The texture is a little on the harsh side and can feel a bit sharp in the hand. And I wish they'd put a decorative finial on the top like they do for other special editions. Also, I found it a bit tricky to insert the refill properly. That's probably something the matter with me, rather than the pen, though.

It's a great new addition to the Tornado line. If you're a Retro collector, an animal lover, or a pen addict of any kind, this is one you don't want to miss.

(Vanness Pens provided this product at no charge to The Pen Addict for review purposes.)

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