The Pen Addict Shop Mega Update!

In case you missed it - which is not likely since I’ve discussed these products everywhere but on the blog - all of this year’s product collaborations arrived at nearly the same time. That means The Pen Addict Shop is loaded up with fun new goods!

The Pen Addict X Retro 51 “PEN” is my homage to sneaker culture and design, and it turned out wonderfully. This is a limited edition of 500, and I’m down to only 150 pens left. I wouldn’t wait too long on this one.

As part of this release, I have donated $1000 to the Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholarship Fund, which you can see below. Thank you all for making this possible.

I also created my dream hat, The Pen Addict x Ebbets Field Flannels Ballcap. Working with Ebbets was a breeze, and I look forward to rocking this hat as often as possible.

It’s been a while since I’ve collaborated o a fountain pen, and I was excited to work with Hinze Pen Co. on The Pen Addict X Hinze Pen Company Taschenstift “Breakadawn”. The colors are amazing, and the pocket size is perfect. I eyedroppered mine with Pen Addict Fire On Fire Fountain Pen Ink, by Robert Oster, of course.

Finally, I have my own Sinclair R now available with The Pen Addict X Rickshaw Sinclair Model R with an awesomely Orange grid exterior and grey interior. This has been my main carry case since I first received the prototype, and will be for a long time to come.

All of these goods are available in the shop right now, and Pen Addict Members can receive 25% off any or all of them. How do I become a Member? Head over to the membership page to read all of the details and get signed up.

It’s been a busy year so far, and the shipping department (aka me!) is working their hardest to get all of these orders packed up and headed your way. Progress has been excellent so far, so thanks for your support, and for your patience!

Caran d’Ache 849 Year of the Dragon Ballpoint Pen Giveaway

Not only do I love the Caran d’Ache 849, I want to spread the love of this great pen as well. I discussed the Caran d’Ache 849 Year of the Dragon Ballpoint in yesterday’s review, and today I’m giving away my review model of this pen to one reader. Read the rules below and enter away!

Caran d’Ache 849 Year of the Dragon Ballpoint Pen Giveaway

Caran d’Ache 849 Year of the Dragon Ballpoint Pen Review

“Brad, why do you like the Caran d’Ache 849 so much? I just don’t get it.”

I’ve reviewed the 849 before (back in 2019,) had my own Pen Addict Edition made, and yes, I keep bringing it up in conversation, and buy special editions of it. I’m a fan, but why?

For starters, the style. First launched in 1969, the design of the 849 is a stationery classic. Like a LAMY Safari or a Pelikan fountain pen, the design of the 849 is noticeable from across the room. That likely comes from the unique clip design, tailored perfectly to the fit the hexagonal barrel.

The size of the 849 is also an important factor. This is a small pen. Modern pen designs tell us that the market prefers slightly wider and longer pens, but designs like the 849 and Parker Jotter have sustained for decades by keeping their original silhouette. At 5 inches long and 0.5 oz. in weight it may not necessarily seem or feel small, but in comparison to similar pens it does land on that side of the ledger.

Attached to the Traveler’s Passport notebook.

Ballpoint refills sometimes get a bad rap, but the Goliath (yes, that’s what they named theirs,) is excellent. Only standard colors (Black, Blue, Red, Green,) and sizes (Fine, Medium, Broad,) are available, but the ones I’ve tried (Black and Blue, Fine and Medium,) have all been excellent.

I prefer the Fine Blue Goliath refill, but the Fine Black version may make me reconsider. The line is clean, consistent, and mess-free.

The sum of the above reasons I like the 849 brings us to main one: fun. Caran d’Ache makes fun pens. Look no further than this Caran d’Ache 849 Year of the Dragon Ballpoint for one example why these pens are so popular. This Limited Edition features a Red body with Gold trim, and is filled with dragon scales, including a random layout of gilded-edges. The entire package pops, including the Gold slimpack it ships in.

For all of the upside I see in the 849 lineup, the one downside is the price. The base single color models start at $22, with various Limited Editions on up from there. This Year of the Dragon model is $47. I paid over $100 for a chromed-out Keith Haring edition. So yeah, I’m way in on the Cd’A 849 lineup.

Left to right: Kaweco Sport, Cd’A 849, LAMY Safari.

Should you be? I think there is a checklist to run down if you are thinking about making a purchase. As I discussed above, think about how the size fits your hand, if you like ballpoint refills (the 849 is compatible with Parker-style refills,) and does the style match yours. Am I going to tell you that the 849 provides better performance for the price than the Jetstream Lite Touch that I just raved about? No. Am I going to tell you it’s cooler? I might.

I know that the Caran d’Ache 849 is a staple in my lineup, and I always look forward to what the brand will come up with next.

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