The Pen Addict Podcast: Episode 18 - Breaking the Bank

In Episode 18 of The Pen Addict Podcast Myke goes off the deep end with his latest purchases. We have been called enablers more than once in the past and this episode is likely to really get the tweets and comments flying.

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Also, don't forget to enter the Ti2 Pen Giveaway (ends Saturday) and be sure to check out my latest Top 5 Pens.

Top 5 Pens - Summer 2012

(Click the link in the top navigation bar to see my latest Top 5 Pens.)​

It has been too long since I have posted an update to my Top 5 Pens list, and honestly, I am not sure what has taken me so long. I think part of it is that I have gone through such a huge turnover in the types of pens I use on a daily basis (I’m looking at you fountain pens!) and wanted to be sure any new favorite gets a nice, long usage period. There is no doubt that this list marks a big change for me.

For those of you who are new to this list let me explain what it is and what it isn’t. This list represents a current snapshot of the pens I am enjoying and using the most, not what I think are the best pens of all-time. It is also not a list of pens that I think are the best for you and your writing needs. Everyone has individual requirements and this group is currently suiting my requirements very well.

1. Pilot Vanishing Point

Was there any real question? If I am going to spend this much on a pen I am certainly going to be using it a ton. It took me a year of reading and researching to finally pull the trigger on this pen and it was worth it. I use this pen every day at work and it has lived up to all expectations.

2. Moleskine Classic Roller Pen

My initial reaction to this pen was shock and amazement at how much I liked it and those feelings haven’t changed. I liked it so much that I now also have the Metal Roller and the recently introduced Click Roller. Are these pens overpriced for what they are? Absolutely. But the gel ink cartridge is one of the best I have used and that is what makes this pen work for me.

3. Pilot Hi-Tec-C 0.3 mm Grip Black

A long-time favorite, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. I keep one at work, one in my backpack, one at my desk at home, and a few more stashed away in the closet as backup. If you like ultra-fine gel ink lines and can put up with a small amount of finickiness you should try one too.

4. Sakura Pigma Micron 03 Black

Like the Pilot Hi-Tec-C above, the Sakura Pigma Micron has been, and will always be, a favorite of mine. The plastic tip provides a nice change of pace from my various metal-tipped pens, and the archival ink properties certainly come in handy. I have worn the lettering off the barrel on more than one of these.

5. Kaweco AL Sport Fountain Pen

This has been a go-to pen of mine for a while. Now that I have discovered the greatness of the Kaweco EF nib and how easy it is to change out the nib I am using it more than ever. Between this pen and the Vanishing Point I am having a tough time giving other fountain pens a fair shake.

Ti2 Stealth Tip Pen Giveaway

The Ti2 project on Kickstarter is down to its final week, and to mark that last push to the finish line the team behind the project has offered up a special giveaway to readers of The Pen Addict.

Up for grabs is one of the special models of the Ti2 Pen - the Ti2 with Stealth Tip. This is a limited run of the Ti2 featuring a chemically blackened Pilot Hi-Tec-C tip. As a bonus, if there are more than 500 entries on this post a second winner will be chosen and will also win a Stealth Tip Ti2!

Since I really want to give away that second pen, I am running this giveaway for a longer time frame than normal, so please read the rules below on how to enter.

1. Leave one comment on this post anytime between now, and Saturday night at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. You are limited to one entry. This contest is open to US and International readers!

2. For this contest, I will pick one winner 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 number of the winner. If there are over 500 entries, a second winner will be selected in the same manner.

3. The contest winner will be posted on Sunday, June 17th. The winner will have one week to email me via the Contact button at the top of the page.

Thank you to the Ti2 Pen team for providing these products for giveaway. Be sure to follow them on Facebook and Twitter for future updates.