Pentel Graph Gear 1000 Ballpoint 0.7 - Pen Review

January 31, 2014

Many mechanical pencil fans are familiar with the Graph Gear line; weighty, grippy, and sturdy workhorses, but not many people know a pen exists in the line.

Pentel Graph Gear 1000 Ballpoint Pen Review

The fact that I even own this pen is definitely the fault of Brad Dowdy. On episode #71 of The Pen Addict Podcast he talked about how much he missed his beloved 0.5mm Graph Gear ballpoint and was disappointed that they weren't more available (or had been discontinued!).

Well, this piqued my interest and I started looking into where these pens could be found and stumbled upon some 0.7mm Graph Gear pens on Cult Pens. I was intrigued and ended up ordering two (as Brad said he wanted one when he found out...). I've been sitting on this pen for nearly 6 months now and can admit I haven't used it much, but thought it was a good time for a review.

The pen feels super sturdy as the grip (short the little rubber parts), barrel, and nock are all metal. I'm digging all that. The finish on the barrel is a matte silver, but the clip is a shiny chrome. The clip is just pressed metal, but feels solid enough.

One thing I really like about this pen is the nock mechanism. It is a click style pen, but the nock depresses with a really good "click" and locks into place. To release the tip it is of the variety that you squeeze the clip and it automatically snaps the nock back into the upright position. Kind of like the button on the Fisher AG7 or CH4 astronaut pens. This is a feature that you'll get loads of fun out of and probably annoy people around you (as the "click" is pretty substantial).

Now for the refill; well... it's ok I guess. Actually, it is pretty good and lays down a fine line. Brad prefers the 0.5mm and let me know he was able to order some refills through JetPens. I think that these pens really have been discontinued by Pentel, but there seems to be some NOS of both the pens and refills floating around in various places.

Regarding the writing experience, even though the nock locks into place, the tip of the pen has a considerable rattle while writing. It is noticeably audible which might drive many people nuts. I can tolerate it, but it really is pretty bad.

As you know, I've got a rOtring obsession and am pretty crazy about the knurled 600 models. I love knurling on pens. The grip of the Graph Gear is a blend of knurling and little rubber nubs placed in rows of four surrounding the barrel. With extended writing I've found the knurling on the Graph Gear to be somewhat sharp. I usually don't notice this with other knurled pens, but this one makes the inside of my middle finger hurt a bit while writing. This obviously isn't a great selling point, but I wouldn't really consider this pen to be in the long period writing category of purpose. It is more of a technical instrument for drawing lines and for making quick and precise notes.

Pros: solid build, metal barrel, good and precise refill

Cons: Audible movement of the tip, "prickly" knurling

Do I think the Graph Gear is a bad pen? Not at all. Probably won't be one I'll use terribly often, but it will find its way out and about from time to time.

TWSBI Classic 1.1 Stub - Pen Review (all iOS test...)

January 29, 2014

The TWSBI Classic is the company's newest offering and I was excited to pick one up when they were made available.

The Classic is actually my third TWSBI pen now, but my first to make it on The Clicky Post for a review. My other models, the 540 and Mini, have been reviewed pretty heavily on other blogs, but I'd imagine they'll make their way on the site at some point in the future.

If you are familiar with other TWSBI models, then you'll know what type of quality to expect from the Classic. The fit and finish is excellent and is very reasonably priced like their other pens. I think I paid $60 for mine shipped and am pleased.

As far as build quality, I feel that the Classic is a bit better than the others. The barrel feels a bit sturdier and the clip is very secure for a TWSBI. The clip is usually my only gripe with them as it tends to wiggle and doesn't feel solid. On the Classic, hardly any play at all which I like.

I opted for the blue barrel which looks excellent. It isn't a bright blue, but is a more subtle, dark blue finish. It gives it a more refined look in my opinion than if it was a more bright blue like a Safari or Prera would have. It also comes in black or maroon.

I ordered a 1.1 stub nib with mine and, although novel, I don't think I'll have a stub in heavy rotation, at least not with the TWSBI.

It is fun to write with, but not really my thing for extended writing periods or for daily use. The nib writes great though.

One of the big complaints about the Classic is TWSBIs decision to make the pen where the cap doesn't post. Maybe people are upset because they think they'll lose it? The Classic isn't a super long pen, but uncapped the end of the pen sits well into the fatty part of my hand. I find writing with it quite comfortable.

I love the metal accents on the pen which adds some weight not found in their other models. The barrel is actually faceted and has four flat sides that transition into rounded "corners". From the promotional photos, it is difficult to see this. Maybe I just missed it completely? I like this design element.

Overall, I think the Classic is a great pen for the price. If you're a TWSBI fan and can overcome the non-posting cap, I'd say you wouldn't be disappointed by picking one up.

Also, so kudos to Squarespace: this entire post was written, photographed, and published from my iPhone app. I won't likely be posting like this often, but wanted to give it a go. What do you think?

The Airfoil by Masterstroke - Aviation Inspired Kickstarter Pen

January 25, 2014

First things first, I want to thank Grant from Masterstroke for sending me one of his working pen prototypes to review and I wish him well in his Kickstarter campaign.

Upon first seeing the Airfoil, the pen really does take you by surprise with how bold and unique the design is. For some, there is a "shock" factor and thoughts of "that doesn't really look like a pen", but in my opinion that is what makes this pen different and kudos to Grant for stepping outside of the box. I'll admit that for a time I was in that camp, but I'm again thankful to Grant for letting me get a closer look at his new creation.

As noted in the Kickstarter campaign description, the Airfoil is an aviation inspired pen and I think it definitely portrays this well.

I've always thought to myself that in another life I could have been a pilot; helicopter, plane, whatever. Probably not an astronaut, but space and space flight have always been intriguing to me. There is something about aviation that makes our minds soar to new heights and believe that the impossible can happen.

Zeppelin over New York City.  Image from Wikipedia — Zeppelin over New York City. Image from **Wikipedia**

There are several areas of the pen that make my imagination think of the wondrous aviation machines of the last century. The tail of the pen has a deep concave section that tapers on the outside to form what appears to be a jet turbine of a fighter plane. The three support braces that connect the tail and tip make me think of the rigid duralumin girders and structures of the incredible airships of the early 20th century like the Graf Zeppelin and others. The tip of the pen could be reminiscent of a rocket propelling into orbit. Even the screws holding the pen together elude to the mechanical nature of the machines of our modern era that take flight.

Perhaps all of that is a bit philosophical, but I believe this is what Grant is intending to portray with his pen. Not that it is just any other metal pen, but is a pen he has designed around something that is important to him. I have great respect for this and I appreciate the effort he put into making this pen special.

The pen is a twist mechanism and comes standard with a Monteverde ballpoint (Cross style). The twist is very smooth and feels good. I don't know all of the Cross style refills on the market, but there are several. The Monteverde isn't a bad refill at all, but fits your standard ballpoint writing experience. Reliable and consistent, but a ballpoint which may not appeal to everyone.

From the pictures, the pen seems a bit stout which might be a concern for some, but upon handling and writing with it I don't find it to be too fat for your hands. It is actually smaller than you'd think from the images on Kickstarter.

There are a couple of areas of concern, the first being the support pieces having a somewhat sharp edge. I know that has been a point of concern for a couple of other bloggers as well and I think Grant is working through that on his end. This is a prototype after all and is still open to refinements.

The other is perhaps a mere aesthetic one, but I'm not really crazy about the placement of the logo. So much thought and influence went into the design of this unique pen, but it seems that the logo was sort of slapped on. Maybe if it was engraved in that spot it might fit a bit better. My thought for the logo is that it could wrap around the pen in the space above the support pieces. Also, a more unique font type might stand out. Again, just an aesthetic opinion.

I wouldn't consider this pen in the every day carry sort, but for a cool desk piece to have in the office; something that strikes up conversation or something to admire during those times of thinking. I could easily see this pen with a stand of some kind like a wooden block with a channel routed in it to hold just the Airfoil. A rocket launch pad scale model might be a bit over the top though... we can dream, right?

Grant has made something to break the mold, and that often is tough. I won't go so far as to say that "this pen requires a certain type of buyer" because I think most anyone could enjoy this pen if looking at it through the lens of creativity, design, and inspiration. If looking at it through the lens of what we discussed earlier as "that doesn't look like a pen", then we're likely missing the vision that Grant has for it.

As I admitted before, it took me some time to find the real appreciation for this pen, but once I looked at it in a different light I grew in my recognition of how interesting it really is. Thanks again Grant, and good luck!