The Pen Addict Podcast: Episode 242 - The Hype Man

We launched a Kickstarter project, funded it, and announced a stretch goal all since the last episode, so needless to say Myke and I had a lot to discuss today. We also talk about the Pen Show World Tour I am about to embark on, starting with Los Angeles in February and Little Rock in March.

Show Notes & Download Links

This episode of The Pen Addict is sponsored by:

Pen Chalet: Click the ‘podcast’ link at the top of the website and enter the password ‘penaddict’ for this week’s special offer, and to get your code for 10% off.

Blue Apron: A better way to cook. Get three free meals with free shipping.

Harry’s: Use code PENADDICT at checkout to claim your free trial set and bonus post-shave balm.

JetPens Mini Aluminum Fountain Pen Review

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

The mini fountain pen market is full of interesting, delightful pens that can easily fit in a pants pocket, wallet, and an endless amount of other tight spaces. From my experience, the main issue that mini fountain pens (or mini pens in general) face is usability. Sure, it's a small pen, but is it enjoyable to use or simply something to use in a pinch?

When I first picked up the JetPens Mini Aluminum fountain pen, I was charmed by how much it reminded me of a miniature Pilot Metropolitan. I'm a sucker for miniature versions of just about everything, so this immediately delighted me. The second thing that struck me about this pen was how solid it felt in the hand. For being so small, it has a perfect weight. The body is made of a laquered aluminum, which makes it heavier than plastic, but lighter than brass.

The model I have is black, but you can also get these little pens in white or gold. Regardless of the body color, the grip section is always black.

JetPens worked with Regal to produce these pens, and it looks like that partnership worked out great. I have another Regal fountain pen, and I was impressed by how well it performed for the price. Keeping this pen under $15 makes it very attractive to buyers who are new to fountain pens, but it also makes it attractive to anyone looking for an inexpensive pocket pen.

The cap of the pen is secured using a snap mechanism, and it has been solid in my use. Unfortunately, posted the cap isn't as secure as I'd like it to be. Several times while writing, the cap fell off and bounced across the table or onto the floor. I really wish the cap was secure when posted, but this just isn't the case. In most cases, I don't post my pens, but I normally always post when using a mini pen. With the JetPens Mini, the body by itself is too short for me to use comfortably for more than jotting down a quick note.

Being a mini pen, a strong clip is essential. Luckily, the Mini fountain pen has a great clip that keeps it secured to whatever you clip it to.

The grip section is plastic, and it feels comfortable to my hand. The grip on this pen is small, but that's to be expected. It feels like writing with a Kaweco Liliput to me. This isn't the ideal pen for writing a novel, but it works great if you're writing something between a short note to a page or two of notes. The key with any small pen is to remember to loosen your grip and not strain your fingers. Difficult advice for me to follow sometimes!

The JetPens Mini accepts international short cartridges, and it also accepts mini converters. On the JetPens site, they recommend a Monteverde Mini converter. I've never used this converter, but it has good reviews. I'll probably shell out the three dollars in my next order so I can have some more ink freedom with this fun little pen.

The Mini is only available with an EF nib, and I've been extremely happy with mine. The ink flows well, the nib feels smooth, and the lines are crisp. It's everything I expect from a steel EF nib. There's very little decoration on the nib apart from the Regal imprint and the nib size information.

At $12.50, this pen is an excellent deal. It's small, it writes well, and it feels great in the hand. In the mini fountain pen world, it's one of my favorites. It doesn't edge out the Kaweco Liliput or Sport, but it packs a solid punch. Throw one of these in your cart next time you place a JetPens order. It's a delightful pen!

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

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TiScribe-Bolt Now Live On Kickstarter (Sponsor)

With three successful Kickstarter projects under his belt, Kelvin Verrett of Urban Survival Gear is back with his latest design, the TiScribe-Bolt.

The highlight of the TiScribe-Bolt is the unique bolt action that is built right into the clip. A quick, single-handed push and flick of the clip and you are ready to write. Reverse that move and the refill retracts quickly and cleanly. The clip is designed to stay clear of the barrel as well, so the bolt-action with not leave any trace.

And, if you are a fidgeter like me, the TiScribe-Bolt will keep you occupied endlessly.

The TiScribe-Bolt is a 100% custom machined pen made from high quality Titanium, Copper, or Brass, with the pocket clip and bolt carriers machined from Grade 5 Titanium. It also uses the Pilot G2 refill as a base, which opens up a world of refill choices.

Starting at just $54, the TiScribe-Bolt is now live on Kickstarter, so head over and pick out your favorite.

My thanks to Urban Survival Gear for sponsoring The Pen Addict this week.