Ink Links

– Spheres (Cronicas Estilograficas)

– The MUJI Pencil Making Kit (Palimpsest)

– Review: Uni-ball Signo Gel RT 0.7mm Blue (Gourmet Pens)

– Video Review: Levenger Circa Leverage Punch (Patrick Rhone)

– My Planner of the Year 2011 (Plannerisms)

– Uni-ball Style Fit Mystar 3 Color Multi Pen (No Pen Intended)

– Art Supplies (Keep on Truckin’)

– Pilot Addiction (Passport to Sanity)

– Review -€“ Pentel P205 (Recording Thoughts)

– FPGeeks Podcast Episode #3 (FPGeeks)

– Comparing Rapidograph Pens (Keep on Truckin’)

– Parker Jotter Ballpoint Pen Review (Tiger Pens Blog)

– Review: Retro 51 Tornado - Natural Bamboo Rollerball Pen (Goumet Pens)

– Coleto vs. Lamy Multipen (Design)

– Pelle Leather Journals from JetPens (Office Supply Geek)

– Pilot Iroshizuku Yama-budo (Greasemonkeyhands)

– Kaweco Sketch Up Clutch Pencil (Drawing with a Squirrel)

– Pilot FriXion Ball Knock Retractable Gel Ink Pen 0.5mm Black (Multi Pen Dimensions)

New at Kickstarter: Render K

The Render K is the latest machined pen to hit Kickstarter, built to take advantage of the world-famous Pilot Hi-Tec-C refill. I have been lucky to be able to test drive a prototype of the Render K for the last few days, so let me explain a few differences this pen has over previous Kickstarter projects.

The Render K is manufactured in the US by KarasKustoms. I have chatted with Dan from KarasKustoms via email several times and he made it clear: the guy selling you the pen is the same guy manufacturing it in his shop in Mesa, Arizona. This is one of the reasons I was able to get an early prototype.

The Kickstarter page is full of details, drawings, and videos of the Render K for you to check out, but let me tell you what sets it apart. First of all, the design is portable. I backed both the Pen Type-A and PHX-1 projects and can’t wait to get both of those pens. The thing is, neither one is going to leave the house with me. The Render K is based around a standard pen design. Standard length, standard weight - hey look - a pen clip! Toss it in your shirt or pants pocket and you are ready to go.

Another unique feature is the ability to swap out the Pilot Hi-Tec-C refill for a Parker compatible refill. KarasKustoms provides a spacer and a spring to make this happen, giving you more flexibility and choice in your ink.

I have been really happy with my prototype so far. I included a few pictures so you can see it for yourself. Dan made it perfectly clear that the pen I have is not in its final production state, so keep that in mind when looking at the photos. My untrained eye is hard pressed to find any flaws.

Thanks to Dan and KarasKustoms for giving me an early look, and don’t forget to check out the Render K project on Kickstarter.

Rotring Tikky Graphic Drawing Pen 0.4 mm Review

Rotring makes some of the best looking pens on the market. I am a big fan of the high quality construction and clean design. Yes, you do pay a premium for them compared to other similar pens on the market, but in most cases I think it is worth it.

The Rotring Tikky Graphic Drawing Pen is a relatively new item at JetPens. It had been requested a few times by artists and art students because of its durability. I certainly don’t put these pens through the rigors and stress that an artists does, so I take their word when they say how durable the tip of the pen is. Like your favorite coffee, they are good down to the last drop of ink.

I use this pen mostly for writing. My lettering looks amazing, but since the ink flows so fast and heavy it tends to bleed through regular weight paper like the Doane Writing Pad I use for reviews. Compared to the Sakura Pigma Micron, the Rotring Tikky is a true artists pen, made to be used on heavier weight sketch paper. I can get away with simple note taking with the Micron where I can’t with the Tikky.

There are always so many different things to consider when purchasing a pen. If you are a writer this pen might not be for you. But if you are an artist this might be your new favorite pen.