Review: Sailor Ink Pen

Sailor Ink PenWhen I first started exchanging emails with Bryan from Okinawa, he mentioned that I just had to try this Sailor disposable fountain pen.  He had a tough time finding one prior to sending me my first package of pens, but he came through big time with the second envelope, sending me this Sailor Ink Pen plus some refill cartridges.

I didn't know what to make of this pen at first.  It is very plain looking, with just "Ink Pen" stamped on the deep blue barrel.  Aside from the nib, the rest of the pen is plastic, so it is lightweight as well.  Where this pen shines though is when the nib hits the page.  I love how fine and how sharp the nib writes, so much so that it took me a while to put it down after first trying it.  I don't have a lot of experience with fountain pens, but I'm guessing this would translate into an extra fine nib, and a stiff one at that.  Apparently that is exactly what I like, because this pen is a real treat to write with.  Thanks Bryan!

A quick note:  When I add an image to a post, most of you know to click on it to see the larger size photo.  What I haven't been doing is linking to the original size photo for you to take a look at.  You can always get to it from my Flickr page, but I will try to start linking the original size photo at the bottom of the post for those who are interested.  Just remember, it is a pretty large file, so you are forewarned.

Click here for the original size photo.

Posted on March 19, 2009 .

Left-Handed Pens - What's the Best?

I received a great email from a left-handed reader that I wanted to share and see if the readers have any suggestions:

I use many pens in typical daily use and have one primary problem.  A pen may write wonderfully for the first few strokes – the tip becomes clogged with paper and that is the end of the pens usefulness.  I have learned to quickly throw them away…wasteful but more efficient.  Three pens that work fair are the Pilot P-700, the Pilot V700 and now I am trying the Sharpie Pen.  The P-700 works the best except I have been unable to find the pen in red except in a color combo pack…other colors are nice but not that nice…The V700 works okay but will clog before the P-700 and the Sharpie is okay so far except I have only seen it in black and possibly blue…

I edit documents, reports, drawings etc. and need the pens to have a reasonably fine line, not run and not bleed…I stay away from the micro tips they are almost useless for a left hand person…

I have used sharpie off and on for years, their drying out and bleed through has always been a problem…the new pen will hopefully resolve this…

Left hand people push the pen more causing the clogging of the tip with paper…

Some pens reportedly are made for left hand people such that the ink dries faster therefore not smearing…not that big of an issue…

Clogging tips are the biggest problem for me

I responded back, mentioning that the Sharpie Pen was a good choice, and in fact does come in red, green, purple, and orange besides black and blue.  But, since I'm not a lefty myself, I really don't know what makes for a good left-handed writing instrument.  Any lefty readers willing to share what works best for them?

Posted on March 18, 2009 .

March Giveaway Madness: Pilot Hi-Tec-C Couleur (x2)

Pilot Hi-Tec-CI reviewed the Pilot Hi-Tec-C Couleur just a couple of weeks back and realized that it is not the pen for me, but for a lucky reader - or two in this case - you can find out if it is right for you.  Up for grabs is the Violet body as shown in the photo (thanks JetPens!), and the Soft Blue body, as I reviewed earlier.  I will be picking two winners from the comments section, and once the winners have been posted, the first to respond to that post can choose the color they like best.  You know the rules, but here they are for all the new players:

1. Leave one comment on this post anytime between now, and Thursday night at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.  You are limited to one entry.  Feel free to link this giveaway on your blog, or share it with anyone you feel is a true pen addict.  If you have a blog, I would love a link back, but it is certainly not required for entry into the contest.

2. For this contest, I will pick two winners at random from the comments section of this post.  The comments will be numbered in the order they are received, i.e. the first comment is #1, the second #2, and so on.  The Random Integer Generator at random.org will be used to pick the numbers of the winners.

3. The contest winners will be posted on Friday, March 20th.  The winners will have one week to email me at the address posted in the right sidebar.

4. I will ship internationally.  I know there are many international readers and fans of The Pen Addict, and I will gladly ship to you at my expense.

Thanks, and good luck!

Posted on March 17, 2009 .