Zebra B2A1 2 Color Multi Pen Silver

Zebra's B2A1 2 Color Multi Pen Silver, is an attractive, slim aluminum multi pen offering, but is not without a few issues.  Having used Zebra's F - 701 Ballpoint with the knurled grip, I felt Zebra had a better sense of aluminum barrel creeping issues.  Apparently I was mistaken.  After using the B2A1 for a week, my only resolve is to incorporate a rubber grip sleeve to circumvent the creeping which is perpetual when using this pen.  Writer's fatigue is an inevitability when using this pen for an extended period.  What's interesting to note is Zebra offers this pen in matte black and matte blue, which probably have less of this issue.

                                        (Photo courtesy of Winning Pen)

All that said, B2A1 Silver inks well on paper.  Incorporating Zebra's 4C - 0.7 mm cartridges, inking is a smooth but slippery experience.  Coming with blue and red refills, each is engaged by twisting the center barrel in either direction.  The blue ink cartridge produced a vivid ink line on paper.  An equal result occurred with the red cartridge.

The pen is rather short at 12 cm, and slim in diameter at 8 mm,  causing large hands to really make unnatural like adjustments when holding.  Had the creeping issue been a non-issue, this problem would be considered less of one.  Don't get me wrong, this is not a cheaply constructed writing instrument, and from cap to tip, B2A1 Silver is quite the looker.  I do however judge a pen by overall performance as well.  As such, it is with some reservation that I recommend the Zebra B2A1 2 Color Multi Pen Silver.

(Update: I have since applied a rubber grip sleeve to the barrel which has now given this pen an upgraded rating of good). 

Zebra SK - Sharbo + 1 2 Color 0.7 mm Ballpoint Multi Pen + 0.5 mm Pencil Black

The Zebra SK - Sharbo + 1 Multi Pen Black, constructed from a quality black plastic material, delivers a thin, vivid ink line on paper.  A three point multi pen, the SK Sharbo + 1 is a solidly built writing implement, and has comfortable gripping potential.  Packing black and red 0.7 mm ink cartridges, SK Sharbo + 1 is as versatile as any multi pen, including its 0.5 mm lead holder to boot.  The pen engages its functions by twisting the pocket clip in either direction, indicating below it which function is being engaged when  pointing to the labeling posted there.

                                          (Photos courtesy of Jet Pens)
Below that lies the rubber gripping section, which provides a comfortable zone for writing.  When engaging the mechanical pencil, the lead is advanced by pressing down the knock mechanism on the pen cap.  Beneath the cap resides a white eraser, of adequate size.  After using the SK - Sharbo + 1 for a while, I find it a great pen for everyday use.  It is light in weight, and has a girth which is substantial, perfect for writing lengthy narratives.

The Zebra SK - Sharbo + 1 Multi Pen is a solid performing writing instrument, as such I highly recommend it. 

Muji Wooden Hexagonal Ballpoint Pen, 0.5 Natural

The Muji Wooden Hexagonal Ballpoint Pen is an easy pen to like.  It is however a bit diminutive in stature, especially for those with large hands.  What compensates for the lack of girth and overall size, are several different attributes it possesses.  First is its form factor.  Being hexagonal in shape, allows easy gripping and easy hand paper coordination.  Second, it is constructed from California cedar wood (incense cedar), which is placed around an aluminum core. Tip and knock mechanism are both constructed from light weight  matte aluminum.  This also contributes to the pen's comfortable gripping feel during the writing experience.  The pen is very light weight, even lighter than a number two pencil of the same length.  At 12.5 cm, it is less than average in size.  It is the wood version of its brother, the Muji Aluminum Hexagonal Ballpoint. Also available as a mechanical pencil.  This is a pen that is effortless to carry and even comfortable when writing narratives of some length.

                                                       (Photo courtesy of Muji)
When deconstructing, inside resides a 0.5 mm needle point cartridge.  Currently both pen and cartridge are out of stock on Muji's web site.  A problem that seems to be a recurring theme with Muji writing instruments.  None the less, writing with this pen is more than efficient.  It inks a rather thin line on paper, and the ink is not washed out, but appears vivid and clear.  This pen is one that definitely gets used on a regular basis as it gets carried back and forth, and sits in an non-designated spot on my desk as well. 

At $6.50, it is reasonably priced, and performs like a pen worth twice that amount.  As such, I highly recommend the Muji Wooden Hexagonal Ballpoint Pen. 

Ohto NBP - 507R Promecha Ballpoint Pen, Blue

At first glance, the Ohto  Promecha Ballpoint Pen appears to look much like a mechanical pencil. And indeed it does closely resemble its mechanical pencil Promecha brother.  But don't let the knurled grip or the needle point tip fool you.  This is a finely crafted aluminum body pen, and precision writing instrument. 
Packing a 0.7mm needle point tip ink cartridge, Promecha delivers a thin, tight ink line.  At 135mm in length, and a slender barrel diameter of 7.5mm, this pen is balanced and feels comfortable when applying to paper.  Weighing in at 18 grams, Promecha is on the light weight side.  None the less, it feels substantial when gripping to write on paper.  The stainless steel knurled grip provides secure holding power, giving the writer a feeling of solid penmanship ability.

                                                     (Photo courtesy of iPen Store)
Promecha is available in four different colors, including: black, silver, gold and metallic blue, which I have chosen for review.  The pen cap is matte silver.  The knock mechanism working flawlessly when pressed to engage the ink cartridge.  Below it resides a removable shiny chrome metal pocket clip, which adds to the pen's flare and appeal.  To its side and further below, is the pen model and Ohto logo stamped in white.  Moving down its barrel, next is the knurled stainless steel grip section.  It is ribbed, allowing for an even better gripping ability when writing.  Directly below lies the metal tip housing section which screws off to reveal the ink cartridge and spring.

What's interesting is how the tip section is made to look telescopic, narrowing to the cartridge needle point tip.  This unique style feature sets Promecha apart from other needle point ballpoints indicative of its precision build and penning accuracy. 

Writing with the Ohto Promecha is simply a pleasurable experience.  It is a near perfect writing implement.  Could it be improved at all?  Probably.  But presently, I can't think of any addons I would make.  I personally like it as is.  And to that end, I highly recommend the Ohto Promecha Ballpoint Pen. 

Pilot Hi - Tec - C Slim Knock 0.4mm Gel Ink Pen

Every now and then, I come across a pen that really just surpasses its appearance by leaps and bounds.  The Pilot Hi - Tec - C Slim Knock 0.4mm Gel Ink Pen is one such pen.
A slim, compact plastic body, 4.75 inches, holds the coveted Hi-Tec - C 0.4mm Gel Ink cartridge, that simply glides on paper, not unlike an ice skater on an ice skating rink.

                                            (Photo courtesy of Jet Pens)
Hi-Tec - C Slim Knock does one thing and does it exceptionally well.  It lays down a nice thin, dark line on paper.  While the body is a little too slim for my large hands, I still enjoy using this diminutive pen to write short, sprint - like paragraphs.  Surprisingly, I wrote out this review using it and had no writers cramp afterwards.  This is a pen I would keep in my pocket portfolio, in order to have on hand when I need to take notes or write down info at meetings, etc. 

While not an overly fragile plastic pen, if I had my druthers, I would have Pilot produce an aluminum Slim Knock version, soon.  I would even love to see Pilot consider a Multi Pen Slim Knock aluminum version, preferably a three point pen.  I think that would strike a fancy with a lot of stylophiles.

But until then, I am content with using this little gem, which in case you hadn't guessed, I highly recommend!

Ohto Multi Pen Hexagonal Barrel 3 Points, Matte Black

The Ohto Multi Pen Hexagonal Barrel 3 Points, Matte Black has a tactical defense weapon appeal to it.  Maybe its the design combination of the hexagonal upper mid-section,  blended with the lower round, sculpted grip section.  All is covered with a matte black paint job.  The only contrast being the white model label on its side, and the function indicators at the pen top.  Also, the ribbed grip section has black glossy paint applied to each rib,  which sort of detracts from the overall stealthiness of its ninja-like appearance.

                                     (Photos courtesy of iPen Store)
Touted as a professional multi pen, and constructed from a brass material, it feels well balanced and substantial when holding.  Its features include: a black fine 0.7mm needle point D1 cartridge, a red D1 of the same variety, and a 0.5 mm lead holder.  The needle points are really effective when applying ink to paper, gliding smoothly, they bring out the best in my penmanship, and when filling out forms, makes the task an easy one.  Even the lead holder performs quite the same without breaking lead during mid-stroke.  There also lies a small eraser included under the pen cap.

The Ohto Multi Pen has a two step knock mechanism for engaging and retracting the pen's functions.  It engages by pushing down its cap, and disengages by pressing a side release button, both operate flawlessly.  The pen is deconstructed by unscrewing the hexagonal barrel section from the round barrel section.  The brass threads have quite a solid feel when performing this task, confirming the quality of craftsmanship used in this pen's engineering.  And while not designed to be a defense weapon, one gets the sense when holding it, that if need be, this pen could very well double as both a formidable tactical weapon, and an effective writing implement, all rolled in one.

The Ohto Multi Pen Hexagonal Barrel 3 Points is somewhat of a cult pen, due to its unusual design, and its elusive availability, at least here in the U.S.  Its been seen available on several websites, including Ebay.  Available in red, silver, gunmetal, glossy black, and of course matte black.  The D1 fine 0.7mm needle point cartridges are available in black, blue and red, to my knowledge.

The Ohto Multi Pen Hexagonal Barrel 3 Points is clearly a pen that I could get used to calling on for a number of writing tasks.  Its a versatile writing instrument, with the potential to do duty if needed as a defense weapon as well.  As such, I highly recommend it. 

Swan Neck Pen

I have wanted to review the Swan Neck Pen for sometime now.  Ever since I reviewed the Yoropen and several readers commented that they really preferred the Swan Neck Pen over Yoropen because they said it is constructed more specifically for the left hand writer.  So I was curious why there was such loyalty to this particular writing instrument.

So I emailed M.A.D. Associates, Ltd. in the U.K. and asked for a sample to review.  I soon received a reply from Heather, a M.A.D. Associate, who agreed to send me a Swan Neck Pen for review. 
Well, I have been using the Swan Neck Pen for over a week now and have some interesting results to share. 

First, let me thank Heather and the M.A.D. Associates, Ltd. for sending me their latest version of the Swan Neck Pen in both the yellow plastic variety, and the chrome plated aluminum model. 
The aluminum model came in a very lovely black presentation box, complete with white satin lining inside.  The M.A.D. Associates, Ltd. emblem and web address was stamped on the upper lid.  The two plastic versions I received came adhered to a promotional ad which bills Swan Neck as "the logical writing solution."  Swan Neck employs a patented "S" bend tip and rubberized ergonomic grip.  This gives the pen an angle and holding advantage, allowing the writer to see his / her writing in real time.  Swan Neck inventor Anthony Hemmings developed this innovation as a result of his left hand daughter Amy's hand-writing challenges.   After years of hard work and investment, Anthony and friend Mike, along with Dillion and recent M.A.D. Associates addition Heather, have  brought to fruition Swan Neck Pen's worldwide launch.  So, let's take a look at this innovative, left hand friendly writing tool.

The chrome plated aluminum model of Swan Neck has an industrial, minimilistic appeal and is thin and stealthy looking in appearance.  The pen measures 14 cm capped, and is not of substantial weight.  The cap is constructed of black plastic, and has a somewhat delicate pocket clip attached.  The tip of the pocket clip comes to an open end, undoubtedly for child safety reasons.  At the lower barrel portion, lies the rubber grip sleeve which is well made and is ribbed for extra holding potential.  Below it lies the "S" bend that extends to the ink cartridge tip.  What is interesting about writing with this pen is its learning curve.  That mainly has to do with how the writer HOLDS the pen.  That said, writing with it is pleasurable, and not at all a chore.  As a left hand writer, I really appreciate Swan Neck's ability to allow me, the writer,  visibility of my written text during the writing experience.  The ink cartridge is a ballpoint, but is smooth, and not at all scratchy when putting pen to paper.  However, if I had my druthers, I would employ a gel ink cartridge for this pen type, including a darker, more striking black ink color as well. 

So, how does Swan Neck stack up with Yoropen?  It's the "S" bend versus the "Z" bend in the Yoropen.  It's also the tightly fitting rubber grip with ribbed sides on the Swan Neck versus the thick rotatable rubber grip of Yoropen.  These seem to be the main deciding features of commonality that each share.  Well in my humble opinion, it's really a matter of individual preference, based on comfortability.  I can see how the average 12 - 13 year old left hand writer may feel more comfortable holding the Swan Neck, as it has a smaller diameter at its grip section.  While an adult with larger hands might enjoy the thickness Yoropen's grip possesses. 

I personally find Swan Neck enjoyable and comfortable to use on a regular basis, especially when writing narratives, as the fatigue factor is minimalized.  It will definitely have a well deserved place in my collection's daily rotation.  I highly recommend the Swan Neck Pen.