Ohto Multi-Smart Multi Pen Review

Working on my Pilot Hi-Tec-C Coleto N 3 review last week made me realize I did not have a multi pen list on my Top 5 Pens page. I would have bet money it was there. In fact, it was only when I went to make sure that the Coleto was locked in at number one that I realized no such list existed. That will change soon because the Ohto Multi-Smart needs to be on it.

The Ohto Multi-Smart succeeds in packing four total cartridges - black, blue, and red ballpoint, plus pencil - in what I consider to be a standard size diameter barrel. This is no small feat but Ohto has pulled it off well. The failing of many multi pens is that poor design often leads to the pen tip coming out of the barrel at an angle (the Pentel Sliccies has this problem) and I actually wonder if the narrower barrel helps with that. There is no room for play in the Multi-Smart and the pen and pencil cartridges deploy at a perfectly straight angle for writing.

The Multi-Smart uses a gravity knock mechanism, meaning you turn the pen to where you can read the color label and press the knock to deploy that cartridge. It works smoothly, and a quick press down of a small button on the clip retracts the cartridge quickly. The knock itself hides an eraser. You would think that would be standard with multi pen + pencil combos but many companies can't seem to fit it into their design.

To top it off, this is an aluminum barrel pen so it is lightweight and easily pocketable. The aluminum construction may also explain the almost $25 price tag, which is the only downside I can find with this pen.

Job well done Ohto! Now send some of your multi pen designers over to help out your fountain pen team. They could use it.

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

The Pen Addict Podcast: Episode 92 - Awinkening

In this episode I try to define what an EDC pen is. Is it purely a utilty object, the one pen that writes better than any other, or a combination of the two? It's not so easy to define in the big picture but individually everyone knows what is best for them. We also talk about two new products on the market and my current ink problem.

Show Notes & Download Links

Maxmadco Bolt Action Retractable

Retro 51 Tornado Vintage Metalsmith Franklin Review

Most of us can agree that the Retro 51 is one of the finest and most accessible roller ball pens on the market today. Brad did a great job of reviewing the classic model in 2012. The point of this review is to showcase the art and beauty of the Franklin version of the Vintage Metalsmith series of the Tornado line. Let me just say, I completely agree with the people that say the Schmidt refill that Retro 51 use in these pens is absolutely fantastic. Like Myke, this isn't my first Retro 51, and it likely won't be my last. They're like the Pringles of pens: once you pop, you can't stop.

Once I decided that I wanted to try one of the more expensive Retro 51 models, I had to decide which of the three in the metalsmith line. I really liked the looks of the Lincoln and the Jefferson, but I decided to take a chance on the Franklin because I liked the subtle ivy relief on the barrel. This is a hunch that I'm extremely happy I followed. The pictures on the JetPens website don't do this pen justice. In person, it's much more elegant and gorgeous.

A few things are different about this pen than the regular lacquer version. For one, it's just a teensy bit heavier, but not in a bad way. For me, the texture of the ivy relief on the barrel makes for a more enjoyable writing experience. It gives my fingers something to hold onto. The metal barrel also adds gobs of class to the already classy pen. I've gotten more than a few compliments on this pen, even from people who don't care about pens. This is an object of beauty, and it also happens to offer one of the best writing experiences for the money.

If I had any negative comments, it would be that this pen is a little more expensive than the regular line of Tornados. It's not much, though -- just a few dollars. To me, the few extra dollars is more than worth it. I actually bought a Jefferson version of the pen as a gift for someone else, so I can say that I prefer the looks and feel of the Franklin. Don't get me wrong, the Jefferson is still a gorgeous pen, but it has a different look.

Retro 51 certainly have a lot to offer in the way of variety, but keep the Franklin in mind if you're thinking of expanding or even starting a collection.

(You can find more from Jeff online at Draft Evolution, Twitter, and App.net.)