Ink Links

-- April 2013 Carnival of Pen, Pencil and Paper (Goldspot Pens)

-- Review: Kaweco Ice Sport Fountain Pen - Fine Nib (delectable pens)

-- Did You Know I’m a Fountain Pen Geek? (SurfBits)

-- A few more Caran D'Ache Grafwood pencils, Technik eraser, and updated value chart (Lung Sketching Scrolls)

-- Lamy Al-Star Pearl (Write to Me Often)

-- Snug as pens in a rug (Leigh Reyes)

-- Review: Stabilo Point 88 Fineiner 0.4 mm Marker Pen - Turquoise Blue (Gourmet Pens)

-- LE Morgan Manufacturing Progress, and Stealthy Sneak Peek! (Edison Pen Company)

-- Keeping Things Sharp (Rhodia Drive)

-- Travel Kit (East...West...Everywhere)

-- Pilot iroshizuku inks dip penned (JustDaveyB)

-- Nebotek (Cronicas Estilograficas)

-- Pelikan Edelstein Amber Fountain Pen Ink (Office Supply Geek)

-- hero 383 fountain pen review (inktronics)

-- Top 5 Ergonomic Pens (Penfan.ru)

-- Parker Quink in Black (Ed Jelley)

-- Field Notes: America the Beautiful Edition (The Well-Appointed Desk)

-- Luke Bott (What Do You Carry?)

-- An Ink Rotation And Its Worksheet (Inkophile)

-- Moleskine Monday: A Discussion (Notebook Stories)

-- Laurentien Coloured Pencils (A Penchant for Paper)

Posted on April 13, 2013 by Brad Dowdy and filed under Links.

Caran D'ache 849 Ballpoint Review

Caran d'Ache 849

A Pen Addict reader requested months ago that I review a pen from the Caran d'Ache 849 series, and I was more than happy to oblige. I had my eyes on this pen for a while, and it didn't take much for me to hit the buy button.

I ordered the Black Metal version from Amazon and the photos don't do justice to how great looking this pen is. And honestly, I didn't expect anything less from a company that manufactures very high end pens. The 849 series is a way for us common folk to get in on a well-made and highly-respected Swiss pen.

The hexagonal aluminum barrel enhances the clean lines of the pen, and the chrome clip and knock add a sharp touch. My only issue with the design is that I would prefer more feedback from the knock. Maybe it is a Swiss thing, but there is no audible feedback when engaging or retracting. It is more of a squish-down, squish-up feeling and I would like to hear a more solid click when the ballpoint is engaged.

About that ballpoint ink cartridge - it is terrible. The tip is scratchy and there is a lot of white space in the line. That is normal ballpoint cartridge performance, but I expect more from a company like Caran d'Ache. I will be looking for a suitable replacement soon because this barrel deserves to be used.

One sentence review: The barrel is built to last but swap out the refill to protect your sanity.

Posted on April 11, 2013 by Brad Dowdy and filed under Ballpoint, Pen Reviews, Caran d'Ache.