Uni Mitsubishi 9800 Pencil Review

(Jeff Abbott is a regular contributor at The Pen Addict. You can find more from Jeff online at Draft Evolution and Twitter.)

When I started using pencils in school, they were all yellow cases with pink erasers and a "#2" stamped on the side. Later on, I was introduced to lead grades outside of the standard grade school pencils, and a whole new world opened up. The first time I became aware of anything besides a "#2" pencil was in high school art class. The graphite pencils we used during a semester to try our sketching skills were available in a dozen or so different grades. It was so much fun to use each different grade and see and feel the slight differences between each one.

Today, it's a little easier to find all kinds of pencils at different lead grades. But, if you're new to the concept of hard and soft lead grades, you probably don't know where to begin. Lead grades are a personal preference based on what you like for general writing, sketching, etc. Some grades work well for certain tasks, while other grades work better for others. One of the best ways to try out the different grades is to purchase a bundle of the same pencil in several grades. JetPens offers a bundle with the Uni Mitsubishi 9800 pencils. While the 9800 isn't my favorite pencil to use, it's still a very capable and high-quality pencil. The important thing is that you buy a bundle within the same pencil line. Even though there wouldn't be a huge difference between the lines or brands, it's best to stick to one line for testing.

This particular bundle includes six pencils with a lead range of 2H, H, F, HB, B, and 2B. There are many, many more lead grades available, but this is a great place to start. Once you use these for a while, you'll have a much better idea of how a 8B or 6H might behave.

For $5, you get a bundle of pencils that can cover the vast majority of graphite needs. The 9800 pencils are normally $0.85 a piece, so you're getting a small discount by purchasing the bundle. If the bundle happens to be out of stock, you can always spend the extra $0.10 and purchase them all separately.

On the outside, the 9800 is a standard pencil. It has a black finish with a mix of white and gold lettering on the hexagonal case. The end isn't capped and there isn't an eraser. This really is a no-frills pencil, but it does an excellent job. No matter which grade you use, the lead is smooth and strong. They're a pleasure to write and doodle with.

Personally, I enjoy the Uni Mitsubishi Hi-Uni pencils more, but they're almost three times as expensive as the 9800 line. Like I mentioned earlier, this is a great starter bundle for figuring out which lead grades suit you and your different needs. Pick up a bundle today and have fun experimenting on a blank sheet of paper!

(JetPens provided this product at no charge to The Pen Addict for review purposes.)

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Cleo Skribent Classic Palladium Fountain Pen Review

One of the best parts about this job is there is no shortage of products to review. Whether it is a new release of a favorite Japanese gel pen or a new-to-me German pen brand, I love exploring, learning, and sharing what they are all about.

Cleo Skribent falls into the latter category. I had heard the name in passing, but had never tried one until my friend Renso at Papier Plume sent me one to check out.

Founded in 1945, this brand is everything you would expect from a respected German manufacturer. The designs are classic, the build is quality, and the performance is excellent.

The model I have on loan is the Cleo Skribent Classic Palladium, one of their entry level steel nib models. While it looks simple on the outside, it has a few added touches that make it a very enjoyable writer.

First of all, it is a piston filler. Hidden under a blind cap at the end of the barrel, the piston works smoothly and effectively. I had no issues drawing a full barrel of ink into the pen on my first go. And I have a soft spot for any pen with a full, clear ink window like this pen does.

Secondly, the nib is fantastic. I shouldn't be surprised given its German heritage, but wow, this steel nib sings. The model I'm testing is a Fine nib, and from the moment it hit the page it was smooth, clean, and had excellent flow.

Finally, the price. At $110 it is cheaper than the pen it compares most favorably to: The Pelikan M200 series. I think the piston mechanism in the Pelikan is better, likely because it might be the best in the world, but other than that, these pens are very comparable.

The Cleo Skribent Classic is longer than Pelikan's entry level model, and has a straight-taper section as opposed to Pelikan's lip at the end of the section. And, gun to my head and recency bias and all that, I think I prefer the Cleo steel nib.

Even though the comparison is made most easily to Pelikan, there is one thought I couldn't get out of my head the entire time I held this pen: This is a bigger, awesomer Pilot Prera. The Prera XL if you will.

If you have ever used a Prera, you will understand what I am about to say. It is an airy pen to write with. Lightweight, but somehow rock solid. That's why it is so well loved. The Cleo Skribent Classic feels the same way to me, except in a larger size and with a better filling system. If this pen were stamped Pilot at this price point we would all be having puppies over it.

Consider me a fan of Cleo Skribent. I'd like to try a few of their other models, especially in the brighter barrel colors they offer. The Classic has been an excellent introduction.

My thanks to Papier Plume for loaning me this pen for purposes of this review.

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Enjoy reading The Pen Addict? Then consider becoming a member to receive additional weekly content, giveaways, and discounts in The Pen Addict shop. Plus, you support me and the site directly, which I am very grateful for.

Membership starts at just $5/month, with a discounted annual option available. To find out more about membership click here and join us!

PIUMA Fountain Pen

With just over 20 days to go, the PIUMA Fountain Pen Kickstarter project has cracked the $45,000 mark, well over its funding goal of $10,000. It is a success by any measure, which is no surprise given the quality of the pen and the maker behind it.

Ensso built this fountain pen with simplicity in mind. Each of the three barrel materials - Matte Black Aluminum, Brass, and Titanium - show off this commitment. The sleek lines and tight tolerances make the PIUMA an excellent every day writer.

Starting at just $45, the PIUMA Fountain Pen is a great value, especially at 40% off its future retail price. The time to buy is now.

My thanks to Ensso for sponsoring The Pen Addict this week.