Today's journey is about finding the ultimate writing instrument. After exploring an array of pens, I've identified 6 essential categories that every pen lover should consider. Whether you're a novice writer or a seasoned pen collector, this video will guide you through the diverse world of pens, ensuring you find the perfect match for every occasion and need.
1. Budget Friendly Pens
Uni-ball Vision Micro - amzn.to/47wA85D
PIGMA Micron 05 - amzn.to/3G4ZdbK
Pilot G-2 07 - amzn.to/3SRUK3o
2. Everyday Writers
Lamy Saffari Fountain - amzn.to/3R43yCj
Parker Fountain - amzn.to/3SKZPKV
3. Everyday Carry
Olight O’Pen Mini - 10% Discount Code 'MOB10' -
Bastion Bolt Action Aluminum - Discount Code 'MOB20' - bit.ly/3FS3A9W
Bastion Bolt Action Steel - Discount Code 'MOB20' - bit.ly/3FS3A9W
Montblanc Ballpoint - amzn.to/3R2mhOk
4. Special Occasions
Montblanc Meisterstück Le Petit Prince
Sheaffer Fountain - amzn.to/3SFnxZ6
5. Specialty Tools
Staedtler Mars Micro 0.5mm - amzn.to/3SKivus
Pentel Kerry 0.5mm - amzn.to/3R4id0i
Faber Castell TK4600 - amzn.to/46oGKBj
Bastion Mechanical Pencil - Discount Code MOB20 - bit.ly/3FS3A9W
6. Desktop Beaters
Refyne EP1 Stonewashed Titanium - Discount Code 'MOB10' - bit.ly/40G3XOa
Refyne ES1 Desktop Spinner - Discount Code 'MOB10' - bit.ly/40G3XOa
00:00 Intro
01:10 Video Overview
01:19 Budget Friendly Basics
04:00 Everyday Writers
05:52 Everyday Carry
08:55 Special Occasions Pens
11:59 Speciality Pens
14:22 Desktop Beaters
Some of the links listed are affiliate links - meaning that if you click on of these URL’s and purchase a product, I may or may not get a small lock back from the seller. It doesn’t cost you any more, and helps support the content that I create in this channel. Thank you!
KZhead: @marcuscreates
Instagram: @marcuscreates_
X: @marcuscreates_
Website: marcus-creates.com
9:30 “It brings a little bit of joy into my life so why won’t I do it?” is such a beautiful sentiment. True for all of us who love silly little things like pens
Absolute the definition for a Good Pen in Life
I do it for things that aren't pens it's worth it.
When I was 14 I found a box of old fountain pens in my grandma’s house that she used when she was a teacher. Nobody wanted them, so I took them and got them working again for fun during lockdown. Two years later and now I’m 16, currently toiling away in my neighbours gardens on the weekends so I can afford to buy a Montblanc 149 in rose gold. You have to love fountain pens to justify buying one, but I’ll never write with a pen in the same way now that I’ve written with a quality fountain pen.
Anyone who writes the way you do at just 16 is the exact target demographic for a quality pen. Write on!
Montblanc
dude, if you have to save up for ages to afford a $1,000 fountain pen, you're getting played hard by montblanc. it's a $100 pen with a $900 overcharge for the brand name. at least wait until you have a well paying job so if won't be as big of a deal
Do yourself a favour and scout the used market for a vintage Montblanc, they will definitely be better built than the new ones they are selling now...
When I was your age, I was completely captivated by Montblanc pens. I probably dreamed about them. I would gawk at images in magazines featuring a Montblanc 149. I'd entice friends or relatives, looking for any pretext whatsoever, to go to a store that sells them, so I could stalk the pen counter and gaze at Montblancs. I pestered my parents for a year until they agreed to buy me a Montblanc 144 (about $100 back then, a few decades ago), as a birthday or holiday gift, at Pearl Paint, a small New York chain store that sold Montblancs for about 30% less than the department store prices (it was an amazing market phenomenon; one legitimate retailer selling the same exact luxury product for 30% less than competitors, yet market forces never evening out the pricing as one might expect). Well, my story doesn't really go anywhere, no exciting punchline, moral, denoument or anything. Except this: Certain artisan luxury items are so undeniably beautiful that it's nearly hopeless to overcome the obsession about acquiring one, without actually acquiring it, especially at your age. This obsession can hit you especially hard in late adolescence, midway between puberty and adulthood. It's probably rooted in sexual longing at some level. But you crave that item like sex or a drug. The bottom line is, you only live once, and you might as well satisfy this dream of owning a Montblanc 149, and thereby - hopefully - you will overcome this obsession. Hopefully this will sate you and you won't be distracted anymore. But some people can become addicted, looking to recreate that thrill, perhaps longing to own a Patek Phillipe watch, or a Bugatti automobile. I hope in your case, you get a beautiful 149, and are so satisfied with it you don't need to chase after other luxury items beyond your financial means. I hope you get inspiration from your Montblanc to write beautiful and profound works of scholarship and/or imaginative literature and poetry, or a love letter to someone you fall in love with. In the end, people are much more precious than any pen or any other luxury item. (By the way, take others' advice about resourcefully seeking out ways to get your pen for less; you may find online auctions for mint condition vintage items, or other approaches; at the very least, see if there is a legitimate discount store like Pearl Paint when I got mine, if you're determined to buy brand new, retail; good luck!)
People being passion about stuff, makes them so much cooler! Great video:)
Thanks Patrick. 😊
Enjoyed your video as a pen newbie. I’ve seen some comments that don’t prefer expanded commentary but again as a new user I found detailed info helpful. Thanks, I’ve subscribed.
This was absolutely wonderful!! Thanks for taking the time 😊
Glad I found your survey as I'm looking for a new fountain pen and wondered about trying the Lamy. Watched the whole review after you kicked off with the Uniball. Totally agree with your comments to end on - can't live without my Uniball nearby but will now leave it behind next plane trip!
Thanks for watching. The best pen doesn’t have to be the most expensive one. 👍🏻☺️
Thanks to the algorithm that led me to this channel! Great video! I mostly use the BIC Roundstik ballpoint for sketching, and I always have a Parker Jotter stainless steel ballpoint with me. Uni Kuru Toga and Faber Castell TK 4900 mechanical pencils are my favorite too.
Awesome! Thank you! And welcome aboard.
It’s like you knew I’ve been crushing on pens lately. Just grabbed a couple of Lamy Safaris for journaling (inspired by your journal video) but my day to day carries are fisher space pens, either black or chrome depending on my watch. Keep up the great vids mate :)
Thanks for all the positivity buddy! Appreciate it and keeps me making the videos. Costs me a future mind because every time I do a review I get recommendations and I end up getting more things 😂
carrying matching fountain pens with your watch is straight class. respect
@@MarcusCreatesthe perfect pen i found for me is raynolds jetter, it's a ball point pen and we'll it's very good at what it does and it's refillable
@anshumansahoo4869 A ball point pen ? Oh my Oh me !!!
@@timothy4557 ?
Definitly grabing a Refyne EP1 ! Been loving the rotring 800 - the modern re-edition of the 600 Gold - the past year, in both ballpoint and mechanical pencil.
I'm so happy you are posting more now. Love the content. Would love to see your camping setup and best productivity tools!
Thanks buddy. You’re always so supportive. Much appreciated. Hopefully get an Office Productivity Tour out next Friday which might be something you’re interested in. 👍🏻
you are the man @@MarcusCreates
LIKED YOUR VIDEO. I BOUGHT BACK IN THE YEAR 2000 A MONTBLANC YEHUDI MENUHIN BALLPOINT TO SIGN MY DAUGHTERS BIRTH CERTIFICATE AND NOW ITS HER PEN 🖊️
I love that!!!
That's nice to know! Wishes to your daughter 😊
My dad did the same with his 88 rialto. Easily one of my most treasured items!
why u writing in all caps ffs
I always enjoy your shows. I almost always find an item or a tip that helps me out in my writing interests. I write comic books and graphic novels for a living as well as Television and I do all my notes and ideas on paper before going to my keyboard. Thanks for helping out my EDC life.
You’re very welcome. Thanks for watching and commenting. What items have you enjoyed the most so far?
Love the uniball too. Also, it fits neatly in the spiral top of my notebook.
I have narrowed my ultimate single writing instrument down to the Uni Jetstream 4&1 Metal (or Pure malt wood) with Pentel Energel refills. It's great for note taking with multiple colors, and the energel refills are super smooth and the colors pop off the page. The metal barrel is slightly less in diameter yet slightly weightier than the normal version, for a comfortable, rugged and luxurious feel. The added benefit of having an onboard mechanical pencil and eraser when needed is a total plus too.
Would you mind confirming which refills you're referring to? I've just looked around and Pentel Energel refills I can find look like they're too big to fit in a multipen (I'm in the UK, so that might be the problem). I've found Pentel Sliccies refills which are for multipens and look like they should fit the Uni Jetstream if they were cut down to the right lenth
I haven’t tried the Jetstream yet but a couple of people have mentioned it across some of my videos. Will add it to the list.
One mechanical pencil you should try is the Kurutoga by Uni. It has a mechanism that slightly rotates the lead every time your touch the lead to the page, it basically keeps your lead sharp. Very consistent lines. It's hands down my favorite pencil
Love that. Love it. Thanks for the suggestion.
I teach English, and the Kurutoga is a truly fantastic writing device. I refuse to use anything else to mark with now!
Waiting on my first, should be here Friday.
Thanks for this video! Love the thorough pen exploration and totally get the desire for a special occasion pen. For daily use I just started trying out the Sharpie S-Gel, and really like it so far. I also have a heavy body ballpoint pen I got from the Hay Adams in DC that I love using, but don't particularly like using ballpoints. The heavy body makes it feel special, even though it's a hotel branded pen.
Amazing. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to write with your favorite pen every day. Thanks for sharing.
My go -to is also the Uniball Eye/Vision in micro. Love them. My students have one-by-one all asked their parents to buy them some too this year as they have seen me using them constantly and love how 'juicy' the ink is.
Uni-ball owes you some affiliate marketing commissions it sounds like 😂. Glad we’re both on team Vision Micro.
Oh, that would be too good😂
Nice collection! This week I got my first Montblanc Meisterstuck Classique 😊
At least honorable mention for the EDC / desktop beater pen I'd like ro put out there is the Parker IM. It uses the same refills as the Jotter so you can have either ballpoint or gel in it depending on your preference. The refills are very common so you can get them anywhere, And they're refillable instead of disposable so if that's something you care about there ya' go. They write very well, and a lot of companies make refills for these pens so you can find a pretty good variety of inks or change makers if you don't like the flow or feel of a particular refill. People seem to sleep on the IM because it's not as well known as the more popular Jotter, but if you like ballpoints or gel pens it's definitely worth giving a try.
Excellent capture to all that great selection you choose
My favourite is still the classic metal-bodied Parker Jotter, with a Schmidt EasyFlow 9000 refill inside. Perfection!
People love those pens. My dad uses them all the time. Classic.
I’m not sure if you mentioned it, but in my opinion, the Lamy 2000 fountain pen provides an amazing experience in day-to-day writing and note-taking.
Seems like you’re not alone here. 👍🏻
Really good pens. Nice to be able to see the ink level as well without opening the pen up. The way they integrate that ink view window and the borderline invisible filling mechanism (until you unscrew it) is a superb piece of industrial design and material selection. There's a reason many consider them a design classic. I'm super happy with mine.
Flash backs to my school days (over 30 years ago) with the Parker fountain pens! Memories unlocked
My daily is a Uniball Jetstream RT with 1.0mm ball. I have gone through dozens of these. The clip is great too. I bought a Mont Blanc ballpoint around 1994 and used it daily for many years. After having Mont Blanc rebuild it twice, I only use it for nice occasions. I also use 1.0mm Mont Blanc refills which I like better than the finer points. Writing on multi-layer invoices for decades will make you press down hard.
Going to try out the Saffari fountain pen… had a fountain pen that was too scratchy and very messy. Looking forward to seeing how this one handles. Thank you for the recommendation! Happy holidays 😁
Lamy Safari is a fantastic option. It has a variety of swapable nibs.
I've been using a Parker Jotter in stainless steel as my edc for years. About $20, small and durable, writes well and takes easy-to-find refills. Very satisfying click too.
These pens are great from budget to top tier! My top EDC pens so far are a combination of the Tactile Turn Bolt Action Pen with a Pilot Juice Up or Pentel Energel Refill & the Pilot Decimo for quick notes, I keep a Pilot CH 912 for desk writing where I'm least likely to misplace it.
That’s for the positivity and for sharing your pen system. Every time I make a video I learn about other awesome products I want to try out. 👍🏻
Thank you for sharing. Great selection. I also used the Pilot G-2 07 as my everyday pen, but the pen that took over was the Sharpie S-Gel 07. The Marspark 26 Pieces Disposable Fountain pens in different ink colors are great for daily use. They are better and faster to sign than the Pelikan Toledo M910 Old Style, which is okay but not great. I'm glad to see others use a pen these days. Thanks again.
I love how everyone has their own perfect pen. Something so personal about writing. ✍️
@@MarcusCreates You're absolutely right. Something to talk about 🙂
Great job on this video. Very informative and interesting! You definitely win the prize for most pen categories. 😂 Yeah, I just have three categories: 1) Good cheap pens that I would let a friend borrow ($1 to $4) range. 2) Good inexpensive every-day (that can also be sued for carry) pens I won't let my friends borrow ($6 to $12), and status pens ($500+) that are like your "special occasion" category -- meant for show or special occasions. Pilot fills my needs for #1 and #2. Pilot Dr. Grip pens (and some Pilot variants like the G2 Pro, and the Dr. Grip 4+1) -- all of which I love, and for everyday carry use -- something like a Pilot G2 is fine (never had a carry problem with any Pilots and carry them all the time -- even though they are click tops -- maybe just lucky I guess.) That Bastion pen you showed looks very interesting. Will have to check it out. In your video -- I guess I'll look it up -- that pen stand that had that spinner -- what is the spinner part of it for?
I have a Lamy safari rollerball, which I find writes quite thick, but then plot twist....with some very minor modifications, it takes a Pilot G2 refill and it is just perfect.
A Graphgear 500 was my first proper mech pencil, a gift, and has been my go to favorite writing/sketching implement ever since
Cross Townsend (discontinued) sterling silver fountain pen 18k fine nib is listed on eBay today for $1,250 but I'm sure I didn't pay that much in 1992 at Stevdan Stationers on West 72nd Street, after an early windfall. It's been in my hand ever since. Ahhhhh, the finer points in life. Nice video, thanks so much for doing it. Writing with a fountain pen is one of the secrets of success.
Wow! Just wow!
I agree with you on the Uniball, and it is my main till this day. However, I never fell in love with a pen like I did with the Zebra Sarasa; I suggest you give it a go. Good video by the way.
That’s a good heads up. Will check it out. Thanks for the recommendation.
It really depends. My gold standard has split like 4 ways and 1 is a vintage parker fountain pen, 1 is a franken pen from 2 vintage pens (an Esterbrook body and a Schaffeer nib), 1 is my Platinum Century 3776 UEF in Green, and lastly the Pilot VP in Matt Black and Blue EF. Bonus is a great vintage pen found in my grandmother's basement that I have used as a fountain pen and it's original dip config. That's actually my best nib by far. Personally, for an EDC I recommend the VP if you like a classy modern look with a smooth as silk nib plus the quick click action rather than dealing with a cap, or the 3776 if you like an old school lady with a massive perty nib with a bit more feedback. The 3776 is better for longer writing sessions due to the weight. And lastly the Pilot Metropolitan is the best for the price and they write their weight in gold. I just like the idea of Gold because I have almost none, so it didn't make the list. Plus I tend to give them away to try and convert people to fountain pens.
15 or so years ago i got a cheap pen from someone and used it every day for 2 years. It was the most reliable and solid pen ive ever had write that well for that long. I totall forgot about it until about a week ago when i saw someone recommend it on youtube. Its the zebra f-301. I bought some for my office, and i find myself using them over pens 20x the price.
That’s what I’m talking about!!! Sounds like you’ve found your perfect pen. 👍🏻
I love Zebra’s Steel line! I personally daily a G-402, but the F-301 is the first pen I remember really leaving a positive impact on writing experience!
I love my pilot g-2 1.0 mm bold. Just throws so much ink out. If I’m using a fountain pen, love my TWSBI ECO 1.1 stub nib - such a smooth creamy flow.
I love pens from Parker to AT Cross, and of course, Montblanc. I do agree the Montblanc is the most perfect pen made, especially for the executive level. Some of my favorites are the Parker Jotter, and the 51 fountain pen; the Parker Sonnet fountain pen; and the Cross Townsend ballpoint.
Cross pens are my favourite writing tool. Fountain pen, ballpoint pen or rollerball - they are the best.
Glad you’ve found what you love
Your explanations are reasonable. Basically they all write. And are all right for writing.
Good summary. Thanks for watching 😊
For writing or sketching/drawing (I don't have such talent), it has to be the Uni Pin 02, or 01. It's waterproof, archival and inexpensive, looks beautiful. If you lose it, it won't break your heart, but I have tried over 120 ball point pens, gel, fineliners, pencils on different papers and if I had to pick one for multi uses, it would be the Uni Pin. It's more comfortable to hold than the Sigma Micron Sakura. To mark the smallest notes in a book, the 005, and 001 comes in blue which makes the notes standout.
Love it. Thanks for sharing.
I love the Uniball suggestion. I will try that one next. I've tried the Pilot G2, but have not been impressed. My CHEAP everyday go to is the old, clear Bic Crystal. They write so smoothly and I like the medium point. I just don't like the ink globs that you have to occasionally clean off the tip.
The Bic Crystal is a heavyweight classic for sure. Reminds me of learning to write cursive as a kid. Try the uniball and let me know what you think. Probably not for everyone (nothing ever is), but worth a shot for the money. 👍🏻
I'm definitely a "stylophile" with more than 45 fountain pens in my collection, with pens at a whole variety of price points including some expensive ones (e.g. Yard-O-Led Viceroy, Pelikan M1000, Parker Duofold, Pilot Custom 823). I also have a whole variety of ballpoints including a Cross Lapis Lazuli. Also numerous mechanical pencils. I journal every day and enjoy switching between writing instruments and the 60+ inks that I have in my collection. All that being said if I could have only one fountain pen it would be my Pilot Elabo (aka Falcon) with its Soft-Fine nib. It's very reasonably priced, and an absolute joy to write with. It's light and comfortable in the hand for long writing sessions, provides a certain amount of line variation, and is easy to clean and fill. For me it's one of my two perfect pens. The other perfect pen in my collection, one that I carry on my person for ad hoc use (notes, crosswords, etc), is my Lamy Pico ballpoint. German made, it is a quality and innovative pocket pen, which transforms to a full-grown ballpoint pen thanks to its sophisticated push mechanism.
Yes I just got a Pilot Custom 823 and am very happy with it. How do you like the Yard-O-Led?
@@jtjt210 I have two Pilot Custom 823s, a Smoke Fine and an Amber Medium. Both are always inked, Noodler's Blue-Black for the Smoke, and J. Herbin Lie de The in the Amber. The Amber is a prettier pen, I feel. The Yard-O-Led Viceroy is very special to me as it was a farewell gift to me from my team when I retired from corporate life. It's an elegant pen, and writes well.
Now there’s a resounding recommendation. I’ve just added the Pilot Falcon to my shopping cart.
@@MarcusCreates hmmm. I will try again (my comments keep dropping out). Definitely KZhead has an issue with anything I post on your channel. Hopefully this one will go through. If you haven't pulled the trigger yet, do a search on the Pilot Grance with a 14k nib. They are super inexpensive and write like a dream and the 823 has a remarkable ink capacity and nib. Let's see if this comment goes through. If so, I'll try to include a little more information in another one lol... (I'm genuinely laughing at this point at how difficult this has been (lots of reattempts at comments as I have really got into the pen thing in the last couple of years...)) 😝
Rotring 600 for both clutch pencils and edc ballpoint. They just feel good. Heavy metal, hexagonal barrels with knurled grips. I'm not really a fan of fountain pens, I've had a few over the years and they always just feel like the bastard midway point between something convenient like a felt tip or ball point. And something more technical or traditional, like a dip pen or even a needle feed. For drawing, I'll always choose a dip pen with either a maru or g-pen nib. Recently started using glass dip pens, which are even better, much smoother experience but usually a thicker line than a maru atleast. Rotring also did a run of pens called isographs which were essentially needle nib actions. Which I think are a valid alternative to fountain pens if you absolutely must have a cartridge ink pen.
My favorite writing/everything pen is the Retro 51 Tornado Lincoln. It is a retractable rollerball and the ergonomics and ink are unbeatable. I have more expensive pens but it is awesome. Another is the Schmidt capless rollerball. My favorite fountain is the Lamy 2000. I had a Mont Blanc in the 90's when it was $120 and I wasn't impressed and I sold it. To think that it costs $400 is nuts.
Thanks for sharing some of your favorite picks. Writing is such a personal experience and everybody enjoys something slightly different.
The Schneider Slider Rave XB also performs really smooth and THICC. That pen is great for studying (taking notes)
Thanks for the heads up 😊
My inexpensive daily carry is the Zebra F-301. Strong barrel and decent ball point pen.
Nice ballpoint for sure. Have tried them in the past.
Great video. I have spent around $500 in the last few years. My go to is pilot G2 1.0mm refill inside my custom titanium pen. Love my Lamy fountain pen but the G2 is the GOAT.
That’s a lot of money on pens for sure. Glad you’re landing in what you love.
That’s a nice collection thank you!
Excellent overview. I too keep a Montblanc for important signings, it is romantic and as a salesperson for many decades a signature on a document was always a big deal. I still have a few good instruments and as a kid I used to envy a friend who was so passionate about his pen choice… however I am a tech nerd who has moved to all digital when it comes to drawings and note taking. I am in search of a writing experience that mirrors the feel and flow of a great pencil on paper while still allowing me to search and send. The saga continues.
I have twsbi 580 for everything, pilot custom 823 for more festive sht and sailor pro gear for journaling. From time to time, on a weird paper, I like to use uniball air, but I don`t even have any ballpoints.
Uniball Vision has been my go-to pen since high school. I always find myself popping the little round part on the cap off and on with my teeth. Great pen, fidget friendly, and oral fixation friendly lol
LoveD this!….my favorite fountain pen is Montegrappa♥️
For me, the bic Crystal is classic and dependable and has many uses. I use the Rotring Rapid Pro 2.0 mm lead holder That Pentel looks nice!
I love how many people have commented that the Bic Crystal is their every day driver. What a classic!!
Great way of dividing up your pens into 'use' categories (similar to how you could categories watches). I'm on the same page as you for most of the pens and I agree that the Montblanc ballpoints are not great writers, so I have opted for their StarWalker fineliners for my EDCs.
And how do you like then?
@@MarcusCreatesI predominantly use Fineliners or Gels (love the LEGO gel pens for doodling) but the Montblanc Starwalkers are superb writers - smooth, fast and non-scratching. Refills are also super quick to change and come in different colours and thicknesses. I have one in white, yellow and rose gold - to match the particular watch of the day 😬😬
@@BrendanIhmig love it 👍🏻
This was the first video of yours I’ve seen. I sort of got caught up in the fountain pen as EDC thing. After your video I realized the pen I carried every day this year is an Everyman Mini Twist with a Schmidt Easyflow 9000 refill. Love the look of written FP and will keep using them but not to carry.
That’s super cool. Thanks for sharing. 😊
Great overview! My favourite budget everyday pen is a Uniball RT in 0.38mm size - beautifully fine and smooth. Then I put those same refills in nicer Rollerball pens like the Lamy Safari RB, Visconti Homo Sapiens Lava and even some Montblanc RB will fit the Uniball size (“standard Euro size”) because like you said … sometimes the Montblanc refills are sub-par!
Love it. Thanks for sharing.
I have found my trusty Fisher Space pen to be my favorite all around pen. Perfect for pocket, purse, and travel. Filling out papers while traveling in weird positions, bad conditions, and, to me, writes amazingly. My two Space Pens are in brass and have developed a lovely patina. I’ve had the black one before, but lost it. I have my eyes on a titanium-ish (blued) one.
There are so many budget fountain pens on the market now. Anyone can try out using a fountain pen with a very low entry cost. I think the Platinum Preppy is great. I have four in different colours with the ink matching the body colour which I really like. I do find that writing quality varies though - three of my Preppy's write like stars and one is just rubbish. I would also recommend the Pilot Varsity disposable fountain pens, quite fun. But quality does come at a cost - I've been writing with these cheap fountain pens and and enjoying it and then was gifted a Waterman a few days ago for Christmas. The writing experience is out of this world. So smooth I couldn't believe it.
I have a Montblanc Writer's Edition Sir Arthur Conan Doyle with a fine nib. Its fine nib is quite broad, actually. It looks like a medium nib. I'm glad I bought a fine nib because a medium would be too broad. But I keep returning to a Platinum Preppy with medium nib (which writes finer than the Montblanc fine nib). My most used pens are that Montblanc, Platinum Preppy, Kaweco Sport, Pilot Vanishing Point, Pilot Kakuno, and Lamy Safari/Al-Star/Lx (I find the three quite similar). When I can't use a fountain pen (for instance, I had post-graduate exams using a paper that feathered and bled with fountain pens), I use Pilot Pop'lol or Zebra Sarasa gel pens.
You know your pens. I just started writing with a Kaweco Sport based on some of the recommendations on here and I love it. In fact I’m going to include it in a video set to go live in January.
I'm a big fan of the rOtring 800 pen and mechanical pencil. The pen uses the Parker G2 style refill, I normally run a Fisher Space Pen refill. If you like the Vision Micro, they make a Vision Elite which has airplane safe on the packaging. I've never seen one leak. I'm not a fan of lower end Lamy pens, they feel too scratchy for me, but I'm a Kaweco Sport fountain pen fan in extra broad on the affordable end of the market.
I wish the Vision Elite didn’t look so naff. Would love if they made a more expensive, nicer looking version. Thanks for sharing your favorites and for watching.
Re: Fisher Space Pen. While I have a "bullet" Space Pen with a clip, I now use only the refill itself. It slips into my wallet, and basically disappears till I need it. The cartridge I tend to buy is the slim "universal" type; less ink, though it can be shortened by breaking off part of the end if needed.
I LOVE your studio! 😍 So jealous right now
Thank you!! 😊 I’m currently editing a studio tour video. Hoping to go live with it on Friday. Watch this space. 👍🏻
@@MarcusCreates Will do! Greets from across the pond! 😁
The Uniball Jetstream Retractable is the one i carry and use: cheap, replaceable and writes smooth
I've found mine in the Montblanc 22. It stays with me everywhere I go.
Big idea Design EDC Fountain Pen is one of my most favorite pens of all time. Very well designed
I haven’t got anything from Big Idea Design but I hear great things.
Zebra F-xMD Ballpoint is a good EDC Pen, I like the Parker Jotter. Also like OHTO Needle Point NBR-507R, but its not built as well as it should be. Other I love mech pencils like Rotring 600, Pentel Graphgear 1000, Alvin Draftmatic and Faber-Castell Grip 1345.. Quite a few others. Thanks for the video!
Two pens I strongly recommend are Sharpie’s S-Gel, and the Kaweco Sport are both budget friendly and fantastic writers.
I forgot about the s-gel. Use one everyday. Great pen. I prefer the Kaweco Student but Sport is a great affordable pen.
I bought a Kaweco Sport (actually I bought a couple of them) after this video. Thanks for the heads up.
Fisher space pens, the clicker version. It's made of brass so it has a good weight, not too expensive at $15-20. Pressurized catridges works great in planes. Combined with rite in the rain notebooks, you can write in any condition. Writes well too with its ballpoint design. Great EDC, desktop beater, and budget friendly.
Yep. While I have a "bullet" Space Pen with a clip, I now use only the refill itself. It slips into my wallet, and basically disappears till I need it. The cartridge I tend to buy is the slim "universal" type; less ink, though it can be shortened by breaking off part of the end if needed.
My special occasion pen is a Pelikan M800 with a fine point 18 carat two tone gold nib. It always writes the first time you put the nib to paper, no matter how long it has been since you used it last.
Love it!!!
I'm currently using a Montblanc Starwalker Rollerball with a Pilot Frixion refill, I did have an Energel 0.38 needlepoint in it, very similar writing experience to those Uni-pins. Anyhow, best of both worlds.
I loved this video! Do have notebook/notepad recommendations as well?
I've been on this journey too. You really need to try Rotring 600 pencils, especially the 2mm lead one. Also, try Pilot Custom fountain pens. I've found the Customs to write even nicer than my Mont Blancs or Parker Duofolds. Each to thier own though.
If you are looking for a good refill for the montblanc ballpoint I would totally recommend the Monteverde capless gel refills. They work in all Montblanc ballpoint pens.
Now there’s a great heads up. Will order a couple and try them out. Thanks 🙏
That "chunky" Faber Castell pencil at 13:48 can actually be sharpened to a very fine point with a specialized sharpener. My mom still has a bunch of those pens and the sharpener from her work as a technical draftswoman in the 70ies.
For me, it's the Uni-ball One F white body loaded with 0.5mm blue-black Uni-ball gel pen refills. It's a very nice premium-feeling body, minimizes waste with refills. I do lots of physical paperwork, filling out forms, etc. for work. Great workhorse. Uni jetstream ballpoint is a close second for me.
Love it. Have tried the combo but will keep it in mind. Glad you’ve found what you love. ❤️
very interesting choices. I like many of them. I carry a Fisher Space pen in the fold of my wallet. It's a classic chrome bullet version with medium black ink. Compact and never fails to write great.
I’ve got a couple of Fisher Space pens in my collection for sure. Never fell in love with with writing experience but awesome form factor for wallet carry.
I got the Cap-o-matic and I have to say the writing experience was a major disappointment. It is in a pencil case and never really used. Been keen to get the bullet but if it is the same refill/ink/nib then I would not like it.
> I carry a Fisher Space pen in the fold of my wallet. Same here. I skip the pen body, and just carry the refill. It's ideal and always available when I'm out.
I must be pretty utilitarian, my top 5 pens are the parker jotter, fisher original and cap-o-matic all with the fine point fisher PR cartridge and the uni-ball and pilot you mentioned in the beginning of the video. I did want to try a Cross Century II as a desk or suit pen.
Every one of those is a classic. Reliable, great writers and never let you down. Glad you know what you like.
My personal philosophy is to get high quality tools for the job. Over the years I’ve used many types and brands of pens. For some reason I’ve really fallen in love with Rotring pens and pencils. Something about how they feel in the hand and their reliability. For note taking I mostly use a Rotring 500 mechanical pencil. I kind of prefer it to the 600 even though the 600 is metal, simply because of the lighter weight. For signing documents or whenever I want to use a ballpoint pen I like the Rotring rapid PRO which uses Parker cartridges. I just love the quality of Rotring pens and pencils, and they are surprisingly affordable. Never once have they disappointed me. However, there are a few other pens I enjoy in particular settings, such as Waterman Hemisphere ballpoint (lovely flow but slippery grip), LAMY Safari / AL-star fountain pens (when fountain pens are convenient to use) and Sakura Pigma Micron pens for lettering and illustration.
Absolutely great video ! Keep it up !
Thank you! Will do!
For perfect pen, two words; parker jotter! Greetings from Spain.😊
Hello 👋🏻
my go to pen is Jet Stream from Uni. It writes so smooth, I cannot go back to anything other.
Just because a pen is more expensive, it doesn't mean it writes better. Just like a Rolex won't show time more precisely than a Casio (the opposite is the case). To a certain point, the price (for both: pens and watches) is justified, in my opinion. You get better material, a better maker, etc. But at a certain price level, you pay only for the brand and/or material that won't add any function. I always like to buy the best product in my price range, that if I were to lose it tomorrow, I wouldn't shed a tear. Back to topic: I always carry at least two pens: A fountain pen (Travelers's Company or LAMY) and a Space Pen (even though I hate to write with it) because it just writes, always, everywhere. If I have an extra pocket or bag with me, I might throw in a Pokka Pen, just because they're light/cheap and I don't mind handing them to people. 😊 Really like your channel, just discovered it yesterday and already subscribed! Really like your sweatshirt too!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I agree with you to be honest. Except the bit about not stressing if I lose things. I know it’s nuts but I get attached to things. Even cheap things. Carrying something for 10 years makes it become an extension of you somewhat. And replacing it starts from zero. But that’s just me being sentimental.
I have a tub of Pilot G2's in 0.7 size. I love them with all my heart.
A tub. 😂. Love it.
Great video. I’m glad you included Montblanc. In my opinion they’re the nicest pens made.
I should look into them more. Personally Pilot has been my gold-standard, Platinum is wonderful in my limited experience, and I assume Sailor is nice since it's the last of the Japanese pen trifecta that I hear about all the time. But i can't get a thin enough line, so I basically need a Japanese EF or UEF to begin to be satisfied. And only old antique shop finds really get those beautiful needle-thin lines that are still smooth and wet.
Great vid as normal. Thank you. Enjoyed it. Disagree slightly but it is all down to opinion I guess. Some great pens which I will certainly try out. I use my Montblanc Starwalker ballpoint 90% of the time with Montblanc refill, M black. It runs for well over 2 months of constant daily use, is always consistent right to the last letter. It was a gift so perhaps that influences my preference. I write all day in a Smythson Panama Notebook.
I agree regarding the Uni-ball, its always in my pen jar. My basic writer is the Lamy NEXX instead of the Lamy Safari as the rubber grip works better for me and the NEXX is much nicer to hold and look at! My EDC is Ensso's natural ultem XL Minimalist because I love the black Bock nib contrasting with the see through amber colour of the pen. The Bock nib is a step up from the more scratchy Lamy steel nib. My one and only grail pen will be Schon DSGN's Black Ultem with the polished blue titanium Monoc nib. The pen is stunning and looks like some kind of magical item. Inking this pen with an eydropper would take the experience to another level!
For my EDC I use my Parker Jotter. I love that pen.
That and the BIC Cristal are the two most commented pens on here. People love them.
Got a great budget friendly tip....Rite in Rain Mechanical Pencil No. 15. About 18 bucks. My most prized EDC item. I kid you not. Indispensable. As for a mid-range EDC pen, the Everyman Grafton in regular size or mini. Comes in around 40.
Couple of great shout outs here. Glad you know what you like. 👍🏻
I trained with Mont Blanc on their pens and watches. They really are overpriced for what you’re getting in terms of materials. So the black part of the pen is quite an inexpensive resin. The white or yellow metal parts are just a base metal with either a gold plating or platinum plating. The nibs on the FPs are however lovely and are usually solid 18ct Gold with an iridium tip. Each one is hand crafted and tested by a very specialized nib maker. Also interestingly you should always let out some of the ink after filling, at least a 6th of the amount. This allows for temperature and pressure changes and helps eliminate leakage. Also Roller ball pens are generally water based inks, these come with lids as the ink can dry up- they give a more fountain pen feel. Ball point pens are oil based inks so don’t flow as easily but are far more practical. Tbh most BP pens will write in a very similar way no matter what they cost. It’s just how much you want to spend on the name or the “jewellery” of the holder. I’ve had numerous Mont Blanc pens and love them but really only for the luxury name and price. Mont Blanc themselves admit during training that it’s the price that makes them special lol.
Very cool. Thanks for sharing.
Great vid! my EDC is my parker jotter (multiple colors, plastic bottom, not slippery metal) with Fisher ink. My special pen is my Rotring 600 Japan roller I got in college decades ago with Fisher ink. Have yet to experiment with fountain pens will try a few you recommended, though I don't baby my pens too much so durability is key for me.
Do it. Maybe start with a Kaweko Sport so you’re not spending a lot. But it’s so worth it.
Any opinions on the uniball jetstream prime 3&1? Been told that one end is a stylus and was thinking of getting one in the bright hecking pink for my mum but thought it'd be best to ask advice before dropping $80 AUD on ebay.
Haven’t tried it but will keep an eye out
I used to carry at least a dozen pens with me all the time. But then I got an iPad, so for the last 6 years that pain has been apple pencil for me. Jokes aside I do still carry a lamy 2000 combo (a pencil for annotation and sidenotes and a fountain pen for my notes) with me all the time. And if I'm at home I will use my beloved 146. I still have a lot of other fountain pens and rollerballs laying around, but those are my favorites.
I’m a big Apple iPad user too. But it’s not the same.
I can totally see myself doing this video when I am his age. It shows when people talk about the things they love
❤️
The Uni-Ball Vision is great and is my go to, but I use the "Vision Elite"...Those are a step above the standard Vision Micro.
The Vision Elite is a great pen. Best of all, it's designed to not leak on planes so you can travel with it.
Great video congratulations !! My edc is pentel energel-x 0.7 blue colour.
Great pen and thanks for sharing.
The Pentel Kerry is the smoothest pencil I've ever used and one of my favorite writing instruments. I saved up my money and I bought one when I was 12 and I got compliments all the time. I recall it being very expensive. Then when I went to grad school at 37, I used the same pencil and got a ton more compliments, 25 years later! The clip on it finally broke and I contacted Pentel and they sent me a new one plus a pack of erasers and lead, second to customer service! I plan to hand it down to my kids when they're responsible enough not to lose it.
I found a "store brand" knock off of the G2 that is absolutely excellent. Thanks for these reviews. I've been using the Pilot Metro Retro with cartridges. I will order the Safari. I prefer tools that are very good and inexpensive.
That’s exciting. Some folks have commented that you can get decent knockoffs at Lidl and Aldi
H.E.B.@@MarcusCreates
Such a great video, thank you!
You are so welcome!
I use Muji's gel pens. They are .5 mm, transparent, lightweight, and don't feel mushy. The design is also very unique.
I use Zebra Sarasa refills in G2 pens. The Sarasa ink is very good. In 10 seconds you can use a colored pencil highlighter over it and it won't smear. Uniball smears and blots and runs, though it is a great utility pen. My desert island pen is not a disposable. It would be a fountain or technical pen with a jug of good ink. Merry Christmas.
Thanks for sharing!
Zebra Sharbo X with .07 black and blue emulsion ink pen inserts and the .07 pencil insert and a Pilot Vanishing Point fountain pen....all I need forever.