In Episode 15 of The Pen Addict Podcast I discuss some of my favorite pen cases as well as a new competitor to the Pilot Hi-Tec-C. Myke gives a Vanishing Point update now that he has spent some time with it and professes his undying love for all things Retro 51.
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Have you ever lusted after a product that you know good and well you are not going to use to its fullest capacity? The Midori Brass Bullet Pencil Holder is that item for me. My friend Patrick Ng at Scription has made them look so glamorous over the years I knew I had to have one no matter how little action it might see in my arsenal.
What makes the Brass Bullet so cool in my book is the way the barrel ages over time. It starts out as a bright gold and with only moderate use it transforms into a uniquely styled vintage writing instrument. Age and wear is a huge positive for this pencil holder. Remind me to take another set of photos a year from now.
From a practicality standpoint, it gives wood case pencil fans the option of portability. That doesn’t come without scarifies though. Not all pencil stubs fit in the holder (some do, and Midori does sell their own refills), and the eraser is poor at best. But wow, this is one cool pencil holder!
The sacrifices are worth it to me, but you will have to make that call for yourself. I also wonder what TSA would think if you tried to board a plane with one? Regardless, the Midori Brass Bullet is worth checking out if you are looking for something outside the ordinary.
Any time a new drawing pen hits the market I get an itchy trigger finger. I ordered the Deleter Neopiko Line 2 when it first came in stock at JetPens, reviewed it shortly thereafter, then completely forgot to post the review in a timely fashion. It was only when I saw Alex’s review at Economy Pens that I remembered I needed to post this.
My main concern with this pen is the softness and flexibility of the tip. I’m not sure if this is a design feature as opposed to a personal annoyance, but the tip is very different from the standard bearing Sakura Pigma Micron. The Micron sports a firm, rounded tip while the Deleter has almost a mini-brush pen type of feel. It is not quite that extreme but it doesn’t lend itself to writing, which is my primary use for this type of pen.
If you are using the Deleter Neopiko for its intended purpose - manga art - then the value question may not come into play. For me, since I use it for writing, value is an issue. It is much more costly in comparison to the aforementioned Micron, the Uni Pin, and a few other quality pigment liners. Be sure you know what you are getting into when checking out the Line 2.
For a third take on the Deleter Neopiko check out Brian’s guest post in April. There seems to be a recurring theme.
