(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. And check out her latest book, Out of Water, now available where books are sold!)
Once upon a time I was minding my own business, stuck in quarantine and scrolling Instagram, when my eyes landed on the most beautiful pen in the kingdom. It's not exactly an uncommon story. I'd say this happens a few times a week. But this time was different! Because it was almost Mother's Day, and I was supposed to be thinking about what I'd like for a gift. Within the next few days, the Anderson Pens newsletter said they had them and they were offering curbside pickup. With the means, motive, and opportunity secured--reader, I bought the pen.
I admit, this is not my first Pro Gear Slim. It's my favorite mass-produced pen make and model, and this is my 5th one, so I generally know what to expect from them. Still, each one manages to surprise me with how delightful it is, and this one is the most delightful yet.
Part of the allure is definitely the story behind the inspiration for the series. I'm a sucker for a good story! I've bought pens just for their names before, and I regret nothing. I adore fairy tales, frequently immerse myself in them, and they're a big part of my life every day. It wasn't likely I could resist a line of pens inspired by fairy tales, especially not when they make one in my favorite color.
The Dragon Palace pen is inspired by Ryugu-jo—the palace of the dragon spirit Ryujin, which is said to exist three-days swim under the water off the coast of Cape Nagasakibana. It's the setting for numerous tales and legends, and I've been enjoying reading them as I learn more about the stories that inspired this pen.
The color is somewhere between mint and seafoam, with gold flecks that look like sunlight sparkling on the water. The body and cap are resin, with gold-plated accents. The center band reads "Sailor Japan Founded 1911" and it has the signature anchor logo on the finial. The grip section is made in the same green resin, with a gentle taper. The nib is 14k gold, with Sailor's signature scrollwork and logos. This series only comes in the MF nib, which is a great size, though it would not have been my first choice. It's a very practical size, the goldilocks of nibs--not too fine, but fine enough. Like all Sailor nibs I've used, it writes perfectly. It's a wet writer, but it doesn't gush. It's enough to show the shading and characteristics of the ink while maintaining a crisp line. It's wonderfully smooth, but not too smooth, so there's no baby's bottom or feeling like your writing is about to float out of control. The pens fit Sailor's proprietary cartridges or converters, and come with both.
The Fairy Tale series, like the four seasons series before it, is limited, so if you're as besotted as I was, you won't want to wait to grab one. The MSRP for these pens is $225, though online prices are around $180. That puts them in the same price neighborhood as a lot of steel-nib pens. It's still very expensive, but for the quality and materials, it's a great deal.
I'm sure there are more Pro Gears in my future, but this one came along at just the right time, bringing a bit of beauty and a whole new family of stories just when I needed them. This is the part where we live happily ever after.
(I purchased this pen at Anderson Pens at the regular retail price.)
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