Ink Links

-- Changes in Hand Writing (East...West...Everywhere)

-- Zait Jerusalem Olive Wood Fountain Pen (No Pen Intended)

-- Word Notebooks Blue Floral Review (THE UNROYAL WARRANT)

-- Wahl Eversharp Wahlberry Ink Review (Ed Jelley)

-- Pilot Capless - 1963 - C-600MW (Crónicas Estilográficas) - I rarely editorialize my links but Bruno is starting a series to document all of the models in the 50 year history of the Pilot Capless model. The link above is the first in what is going to be an amazing project that will eventually spawn its own website.

-- nu: World – A5 Tradie Wiro Notebook (Informal Scribble)

-- Custom Notebooks Hand Crafted by imakenotebooks.com (OfficeSupplyGeek)

-- Handicraft with Bleistift IV – epic fail (Bleistift)

-- Review: Zebra nuSpiral 0.7mm Ballpoint Pen - Teal (Gourmet Pens)

-- Pilot Matte Black Vanishing Point Review (I Laike Pens)

-- OSD: Tricked-out Notebook update (Playing White Noise)

-- Ink Review: Rohrer & Klingner Alt-Goldgrün (A Penchant for Paper)

-- Namiki Blue (Inkdependence!)

-- TWSBI Vac 700 Fountain Pen Review (Write to Me Often)

-- Golden Bear #2 HB Pencil by Palomino (The Daily Carry)

-- Blue Monday: A comparison of six excellent blue inks (A fool with a pen)

-- Philadelphia Pen Show (That One Pen)

-- Sitting Pretty: ACME “Eames Chairs” Rollerball (From the Pen Cup)

-- My BIC Collection (My Supply Room)

-- Levenger L-Tech Stealth fountain pen review (Pens! Paper! Pencils!)

-- Sky High - Sailor Jentle Ink Review (Ink of Me Fondly)

-- Vintage Pen Review: ca. 1929 Parker Lady Duofold “Lucky Curve” (The Pen Habit)

-- rOtring Lava Multipen Review (The Clicky Post)

-- Inktastic: Kaweco carribean Turquoise Ink (The Pencil Case Blog)

-- My Flexible Common-Place Notebook Journaling System (Atramental Otaku)

-- Levenger Sunset Handwritten Review (Inktronics)

-- Stationery Store Series: Boesner of Dusseldorf (Palimpsest)

Yasutomo Y&C Stylist Gel Ink Pen Review

Yasutomo was a brand I was not familiar with until JetPens started stocking a few of their pens last year. They originally started out in the 1950's as an importer/exporter of Japanese and American goods between the two countries and later got in to designing their own products, such as this Y&C Stylist Gel.

While the Violet gel ink color looks nice on the page, there aren't too many other positives to be taken away from this pen. The design leans very much towards the Pentel R.S.V.P. and is right in the same price range. That's not a knock on the Stylist Gel per se, but if you are looking for innovation you are going to have to look elsewhere.

The writing experience is poor as well. The tip is scratchy and there is a persistent clicking sound when writing. There is also a sharp plastic ridge near the grip area of the pen. If you grip too low it will dig into your fingers and become uncomfortable.

You aren't going to go broke trying the Y&C Stylist Gel but I would pass and go for that extra cup of coffee the next time you are out.

Retro 51 Tornado Black Acrylic Fountain Pen Review

Retro 51 fountain pens have been on the market for a while now and I finally got my hands on one from JetPens. I went with the Black Acrylic - Fine Nib model and while it is beautiful and has a fantastic nib, there are a couple of issues keeping this pen from being a daily writer.

First off, the grip section is exceedingly poor for a pen of this quality. It is a cheap, slick plastic that does not fit in with the overall design of the pen. I'm assuming Retro 51 made this choice for a good reason, but for the life of me I don't know what it could be. Awkward looks aside, it is a bad gripping surface. My fingers slide constantly when writing.

Secondly, the balance is wrong in both posted and unposted writing modes. Unposted, the pen is too short, too light, and uncomfortable to write with. It is very close to an unposted Pilot Prera. I don't like writing with the Prera unposted either, but the difference is the Prera is perfectly weighted and balanced when posted. The Retro 51 is not. The sexy cap bling and knurling make the pen too top heavy.

The Schmidt nib, on the other hand, is good. As in really, really good. I chose a fine nib and it is smooth, consistent, and a true joy to write with. The barrel design outstanding as well, as we all have come to expect from this popular pen maker.

In the end, the problem with this pen is there is no middle ground. The nib and design are 10's, the section and balance are 1's. I expect a more functional pen than this from Retro 51.

(JetPens is an advertiser on The Pen Addict and I received this product at no charge.)