The Pen Addict Podcast: Episode 276 - I Bought Seven Nakayas

How would you categorize pens like this in the Top 5 list?

Myke and I roll through the big Top 5 Pens update I posted on Monday, including categories with several changes, and those who changed none. We also discuss a new Kickstarter pencil I backed, the latest Blackwing Volumes release, and all of the fantastic Pelikan Hubs pictures from last week’s events.

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.

Harry’s: Claim your free trial set!

Zebra F-701 Ballpoint Pen Review

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

When you see a Zebra F-701 in the wild, you instantly recognize the stainless steel barrel and knurled grip section. It's been around quite a while, it's widely distributed and available in big-box stores, and it's very affordable. At around six bucks, some people might think it's a bit pricey, but they're comparing that to the number of Pilot G-2s they can purchase for the same price. If you've held a F-701, you know there's a big difference.

The F-701 has a special place in my heart because I used them in college for the majority of my classes. It was a reliable, durable, and classy-looking pen that I enjoyed using to take notes. The refill was never my favorite due to the typical ballpoint splotchiness, but it's a reliable refill despite the normal ballpoint downfalls.

In short, if you've never used a F-701, you should try one out. You can't come close in this price range, and it also has a nice trick up its sleeve to make it worth your while.

From the outside, the F-701 is all stainless steel except for the top section that houses the nock. If you're motivated enough, you can swap out that black piece for the stainless counterpart used in the F-402, but I haven't tried that modification yet. The grip has a pleasant knurling effect that makes it extremely easy to hold on to, but without being uncomfortable or stabby like more aggressive knurling patterns. Despite being metal, it's still light. The clip is strong, and you don't have to worry about this pen falling off your clothes or bags. The click mechanism is incredibly smooth and quiet. From an aesthetic point of view, this pen is sharp. You'll know immediately if you like it.

From a writing perspective, it performs along the same lines as other traditional ballpoints. The ink is a bit splotchy and light, and the 0.7mm size makes a very fine line. It never has issues starting or skipping, and I've never had any defective refills in my years of using this pen. Apart from the normal downsides of a ballpoint refill, this is a top notch example of a great performing refill.

But, what if you want something better? Well, you're in luck. The Fisher Space Pen refill fits this pen like a glove — it almost seems like Zebra had this in mind when making the pen. If you want my advice, throw a Fisher refill in the cart when you purchase the F-701 to cover your bases. The combination of this pen and the Fisher refill yield a cost-effective, durable, and attractive EDC writing instrument. If you're inclined, I'm sure other refills will fit this pen as well. The Schmidt EasyFlow seems like a good candidate if you can negotiate the plastic butt that extends the overall length.

The Zebra F-701 is a classic, and for good reason. It's a sturdy and affordable pen that most people recognize. Coming in at $6 means you can afford to take a chance, and you can probably find them at your local big-box retailer. If you haven't used one before, throw one in on your next order!

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Limited Edition Aurora and Lamy now at Fontoplumo (Sponsor)

If you are anything like me, once you find a great pen you immediately want a second one. I found that great one with the Aurora Optima, and the 2017 Aurora Optima 365 Limited Edition at Fontoplumo may be my next.

The light blue Aurolide material is stunning, and pairs wonderfully with the chrome trim and 18k nib, which is available in Fine, Medium, or Broad. As the name alludes to, there are only 365 of these beauties available, so the time to buy is now.

Lamy is introducing a special edition this fall as well, the new Lamy Studio in Racing Green. The Studio is the perfect upgrade to your Lamy Safari with its steel nib, or you can go for the gold with the shiny new Piano Black model and 14k nib. The recently released Lamy Aion is also in stock at Fontoplumo, and ready to ship worldwide.

Based in The Netherlands, Fontoplumo has all of the pens and ink you need, with many European releases showing up here before anywhere else. My thanks to Fontoplumo for sponsoring The Pen Addict this week.