Top 5 Pens - Fall 2011

Pilot Hi-Tec-C


Time for an update to my current Top 5 pens list. As I always state about this particular list, it is a snapshot of the pens I am currently enjoying the most, not a list of what I think are the best pens of all time.


One thing I am finding now that I am working from the house full time is that I haven’t been using multi pens as frequently. I’m not exactly sure why, but for my daily note taking requirements, there isn’t as much of a need to mix up the colors as there was when I was in the IT field. My pen needs have definitely morphed to fit my work needs.


On to the list…


1) Pilot Hi-Tec-C 0.3mm Grip Black


This pen (and #2) have far and away made the most appearances on this list. I keep going back to the well time and time again - why is that? Quality never goes out of style. From short notes, to page after page of details, I never get tired of how this pen writes. Black ink, micro fine 0.3mm tip, and a rubber grip. I reach for this pen constantly. It’s crazy how often I use this pen and don’t have a review on The Pen Addict of this exact model. Same with #2 - I must correct this asap!


2) Uni-Ball Signo DX 0.38mm Black


As much as I enjoy #1 on the list, this is the pen that leaves the house with me the most. It is a more durable and less sensitive to the environment choice. I don’t have to worry about banging it around, and it writes great outside when I’m watching soccer practice. I have said it a million times, but this is the pen I recommend the most to new micro tip users.


3) Kuretake Fudegokochi Brush Pen Super Fine


The lone shocker on this list. I never would have thought that a brush pen would be good for note taking, but this one is extremely versatile. I find myself reaching for it more and more, and while I keep waiting for it to break down, it is showing no signs so far. If you want to mix it up a bit, this is the way to go.


4) Pilot Acroball 0.7mm Blue


My lack of color ink use is disturbing. I have historically been a fan of writing with non-standard colors, but I have gone back to basics recently. The Acroball not only has supplanted the Uni-Ball Jetstream as my go to ballpoint, it is the lone non-black ink pen I have been using recently.


5) Uni-Ball Signo 207 Micro Needle Tip Black


A long time standby, now in a not so easy to find needle tip. If the exact same pen comes in both a conical and a needle tip, I am going to pick the needle tip 100% of the time. The only problem you might have with this 207 is finding it. Some readers are able to find them in their local office supply stores, I have only been able to find them on Amazon.

Posted on September 14, 2011 and filed under 207, Acroball, Hi-Tec-C, Kuretake, Pilot, Signo DX, Top 5, Uni-Ball.

Metaphys Locus 3Way Multi Pen + Pencil Review

Metaphys Locus 3Way Multi Pen


I have been fascinated by the design of the Metaphys Locus ever since it showed up on JetPens a few years ago. I wasn’t familiar with the brand, but after a little digging and reading, I learned that Metaphys is essentially a collaborative design shop involving some of Japan’s top design talent. Their goal is to rethink and rebuild common every day objects in innovative ways, and the Locus Multi Pen is the result of one of their projects.


A 2008 Good Design Award winner, the Locus is beautiful to look at. But as with all good writing instruments, performance is where it is at - for me anyway. The 0.5mm ballpoint writes wonderfully, the 0.5mm pencil functions well, and the most unique part of this pencil - the eraser - is incredibly handy. It feels great in the hand, and is a real head turner.


All of that said, there is one kicker - the price. At over $80 you are making a real commitment to this multi pen. The pen I reviewed is one of our test samples at JetPens, so I didn’t come out of pocket for it myself. I’m not sure that I would either, mainly because I have a hard time sticking with just one pen, and therefore the cost would be hard to justify. If you are looking for a unique pen for yourself or as a gift though, then the Metaphys Locus might be just what you are looking for.


Metaphys Locus 3Way Multi Pen - Ballpoint


Metaphys Locus 3Way Multi Pen - Pencil


Metaphys Locus 3Way Multi Pen - Eraser

Posted on September 12, 2011 and filed under Metaphys, Multi Pen, Pen Reviews.

Ink Links

– Be sure to enter JetPens Facebook Giveaway, where you can win a $50 prize pack plus a chance at a $25 gift certificate!


– Fountain Pens, Hand Fatigue and Long Sessions (An Inkophile’s Blog)


– Celebrating My Birthday in the Pen Aisle (Rachelskirts)


– Coast LED Lenser- LL7590 Write & Light Pen Flashlight (Multi Pen Dimensions)


– Muji Aluminum Round Fountain Pen (No Pen Intended)


– Don't Get Shouped (From Grind to Whine)


– Rotring 600 vs Rapid Pro (Saarer.com)


– The New Yorker on the Blackwing 602 (BoingBoing)


– Doane Paper arrives at our first Japanese Official Outfitter (Doane Paper Feed)


– Review : Kum PenCut Pen-Style Scissors (Pensandmore)


– Comparison: Micro Tips Pilot Hi-Tec C vs. Uni-Ball Signo DX (Gourmet Pens)


– Pilot Down Force .7 (Economy Pens)


– Pilot Frixion Ball 0.7 (Penfan.ru)


– September Carnival of Pen, Pencil, and Paper (A Penchant for Paper)


– New Arrivals (PencilWrap)


– CamiApp Lets You Digitize Notes On Paper Notepads With Your Smartphone (TechCrunch)


– What does handwriting have to do with Steve Jobs? (Strikethru)


– Some new pens (Deadend Detour)


– Pens and Buckles (Projects)


– The Uni Kuru Toga 0.5mm Mechanical Pencil (Rhonda Eudaly)


– Ink is the new black (Leigh Reyes)


– New Faber Castell Pitt Artist Pens (Drawing with a Squirrel)


– Restocking Time! (Good Pens)

Posted on September 10, 2011 and filed under Links.