rOtring 600 Ballpoint Pen Review

A while back I picked up some Field Notes Expedition notebooks and became quite enthralled with their essentially indestructible nature.  The Expedition achieves this unprecedented durability through the use of a synthetic paper that, while incredibly robust, is a bit finicky when it comes to writing upon it.  The paper accepts pencil and some inks.  Through trial and error I found a number of solutions but remained disappointed with my choice of writing instrument.

The easiest and most prolific ink solution is the Fisher Space Pen refill; with its Parker style adapter the cartridge can fit into the wide variety of pens that accept the Parker refill, leaving options relatively wide open.  The trouble is this: while carrying around a Stainless Parker Jotter or other such widely available pen can certainly work it's just not exciting.

In an effort to find a solution a bit more my style I began searching for refills compatible with my rOtring 600 rollerball that has been lying around unused.  My hope was that I could find something that would be compatible with both the Expedition's synthetic paper and my rOtring rollerball.

Instead, I quickly discovered that the rOtring 600 ballpoint pens were designed around the Parker style refills.  Being quite content with the Fisher Space Pen refills I had been using I found a reasonable deal on a rOtring 600 ballpoint and hoped for the best.  I paid approximately $75.00 for the first one I picked up and about $60.00 for a second on eBay.  A simple search will yield quite a few results.

To be brief, the rOtring 600 ballpoint is nothing short of excellent and has been an excellent companion in the weeks it has been in my pocket.

As always, I'm utilizing my writing instrument review template found here.

Materials:  2/2

The 600 ballpoint's body is all metal.  This lends to a nice feel in-hand and enhances the user experience.

I greatly prefer all-metal pens as I don't find the additional weight troublesome (when compared to plastic pens) , even when carrying the pen daily.  From a construction, durability, and comfort standpoint the all-metal construction is superb.

Fit:  2/2

The barrel of the 600 screws together just above the grip section.  It mounts together quite well without any wiggle or other such annoyance.

Mechanism:  2/2

The 600 uses a standard Parker style click mechanism.  It is well-constructed and fits within my idea of how click-type mechanisms should work on pens.  The pressure required to click the pen is relatively firm and the plunger springs upward to its tallest position when the point is deployed.

Line:  2/2

The rOtring ink cartridge that was bundled with the pen (they are still available either through third party retailers or directly from rOtring) has a nice blue hue and lays down an excellent, smooth line.  For the purposes of scoring this category here, I must give the pen a 2, despite the fact that I am not using the rOtring cartridge.

Unfortunately, as much as I like the rOtring cartridge, the ink does not work very well with the Expedition series of Field Notes notebooks.  As such, I am running the Fisher Space Pen refill predominantly.  The Fisher refill leaves a bit to be desired as it is a bit inconsistent.  This, however, does not detract from the 600 as it is designed to be.

Writing Comfort:  2/2

I very much like the design of the grip section of the later 600 series (I don't have any experience with the knurled grip sections of earlier models, perhaps in time I'll pick one up).  The smooth grip area is comfortable and the slight flare toward the point of the pen gives excellent tactile feedback as to where your fingers are on the grip and allows for precise control without slipping down the whole grip.

Design Concept:  2/2

It is no secret that I absolutely love the 600 series from a design perspective.  The design is clean without unnecessary and ultimately annoying flourishes.

Markings and Insignia:  2/2

The rOtring logo is present on the pocket clip and their red ring adorns the top of the barrel.  Short of these markings the pen is clean.  It's understated and beautiful.

Carry Method:  2/2

A sturdy pocket clip towards the top of the barrel facilitates pocket carry.

Carry Durability:  1/2

The sturdiness of an all-metal pen like the 600 is unprecedented when it comes to carry durability.  You're not going to encounter any stress fractures as you might in a plastic pen and an all-metal clip isn't going to fail if you accidentally scrape it against something.

The one thing that prevents a two in this category is the fact that the 600, as with many other click-type pens, has a tendency to open in the pocket if your movement depresses the plunger.  In my time carrying the pen thus far I have had a few instances where I have pulled the pen out and found that it had been riding in my pocket with the point deployed.  Due to the fact that it's a ballpoint there is limited inking of my pocket (a fact that is further aided by the fact that I'm running a Fisher refill as opposed to a gel or other type of ink).  However, it's an annoyance that has resulted in my checking of the pen occasionally to verify that it's not in fact open.

Carry Comfort:  2/2

The 600 is quite comfortable to carry.  The ballpoint is slightly slimmer than the other models in the line (the rollerball and fountain pen, for example, are slightly thicker in the barrel).  It's not a bulky pen and the weight isn't noticeable.

Total:  19/20

Without reservation I would recommend the rOtring 600 ballpoint to anyone looking for a great everyday carry writing instrument.  Its elegant design features coupled with robust construction and versatile Parker-type refill compatibility are unprecedented in the writing world and make the rOtring 600 ballpoint an excellent addition to any pocket.

Elegant Solutions - Wallet Space Pen

I've carried two pens on my person for a while now, a fountain pen and, as a go-anywhere, do-anything backup, a Fisher Bullet Space Pen.

In recent history alone I misplaced the Space Pen at least twice.  That is, until I started to carry it differently.

Being a pen that I didn't use frequently there was no reason to keep it incredibly accessible.  So, I thought, why not tuck it away in my wallet.  Most bi-fold wallets I've encountered have a perfect place just at the fold.  To allow for expansion and the like the wallet is typically designed with a hinge of sorts consisting of a bit more material; the perfect place to stash a small pen.

If a full-sized Bullet Space Pen is still too much, there's always this option, a great way to have the dependability of a pressurized pen without the bulk.  Of course, there's always the cap issue; something I'll start thinking about.  I will share any brilliant ideas here, of course.

Needless to say, where ever I go I now have a pen.  I haven't misplaced it recently, either!

______________________________________________________________

I'm hoping to have a series of "elegant solutions," this, of course, being the first.

LAMY Safari Fountain Pen EF Nib Review

I picked up another LAMY Safari fountain pen this past summer.  I've owned a Safari with a F nib for quite some time and, liking the line but wanting something a bit more precise, thought that picking up an EF nibbed version would be an excellent choice.

Materials:  1

LAMY's Safari line is manufactured from plastic.  It's a particularly robust plastic that doesn't have the "cheapness" feel of other inexpensive pens on the market.  I haven't experienced any cracking or other such damage in the years that I've owned Safaris.  It's nothing too exciting but it's functional as all get out.

Fit:  2

The Safari line is impeccably constructed.  There are no unwanted wiggles, rattles (it's a fountain pen, there usually aren't any rattles as there usually aren't any internal moving parts to rattle about), or other such undesirables.

The barrel screws down onto the grip section smoothly and tightens down to align the nib with the two facets of the barrel.  The "LAMY" logo on the top of the barrel can either find itself facing upward or downward but the shape of the pen remains the same consistently.

Mechanism:  2

The pen utilizes a capped design, as do most fountain pens.  Unlike most, however, the cap snaps on well and posts tight when open.

Line:  2

Initially, I owned a F nib Safari and found that it wasn't nearly as fine as I would have wanted.  The EF nib on this particular model is more to my liking.

I have been using Noodler's "Bad Belted Kingfisher."  It's just the right kind of blue...

The nib lays down an impeccably smooth line of a consistent thickness and color.

Writing Comfort:  1

There's technically a "right way" to hold fountain pens which LAMY has embraced in the design of their Safari series of pens.  Featuring two flattened grip areas ever so slightly flanking the top of the grip, the Safari promotes "proper" technique, allowing one to properly align the pen within one's fingers.

I do like this grip design, but occasionally, when feeling lazy or otherwise attempting to write with a different pen orientation, I find the grip to be unforgiving.  The crisp edges, while comfortable when writing "correctly," can be quite uncomfortable even when ever so slightly misaligned.

Design Concept:  2

The Safari series is a rather well-received line primarily because of LAMY's impeccable attention to its design.  It's easy to say that the LAMY Safari line is iconic in the world of writing instruments.

Its clean and thoughtful lines are exactly what I look for in a pen.

Markings and Insignia:  2

LAMY has their logo molded into the top of the barrel.  It pops just enough to be noticed but not enough to be gaudy.  The nib sports LAMY's logo, too, and also features the size (EF, in this case).  On the very top of the pen LAMY notes their German origins.

It's a very clean pen without any superfluous text or logos.

Carry Method:  2

The Safari uses a large pocket clip that mounts to the pen very high on the cap.  This allows it to sit low in the pocket, a feature that I prefer.

Carry Durability:  1

The clip works well.  However, it does lose tension over time and if consistently clipped to thicker fabrics (jeans, for example) will begin to show signs that the mount is being over-stressed.

I haven't experienced a failure of the pocket clip in any of the Safaris I own, but they do appear to wear faster than other designs on the market (the rOtring 600 series, for example).

Carry Comfort:  1

The body and cap of the pen are relatively wide making the Safari feel rather large when clipped in a front pocket.  It is, however, exceptionally lightweight.  Its volume is really the only thing that makes it noticeable when carried.

Total:  16/20

The LAMY Safari is a great pen for the money.  The EF nib performs as expected and will meet the needs of most writers without fuss.  It's an excellent pen for both those new to fountain pens and long-time veterans.

LAMY Safari Fountain Pen (EF)

In a rather impulsive moment I bought a LAMY Safari fountain pen with an extra fine nib from JetPens.com.  It arrived in the mail earlier this week.

I've been pining over an EF Safari for quite some time.  Owning a Safari with a fine nib, I've grown to write with the nib upside down to achieve a finer, more precise line.  Of course, this encourages scratching and snagging of the nib on the paper.  While I've learned to live with it, it's not the best of solutions.

It was time to pick up a Safari with an EF nib.

I'll run it through the pipeline and have a review sometime after the Massachusetts Bar Exam...

Rotring 600 Fountain Pen Review Updated

I'm slowly updating the first few reviews I posted so they will comport with the updated review outlines based on a 10 category, 20 point method.

In any event, I updated the first writing instrument review I posted - the review for the rOtring 600 fountain pen - such that it will comply with the updated method.  The score hasn't changed and much of the content is the same but it will be far easier to compare reviews.

It is available here, if anyone feels compelled to look at the new format as applied.

Anyway, here's a fancy picture of the 600 juxtaposed with a cup of tea and a pile of work.

Zebra F-701 Review

I've seen the Zebra F-701 in plenty of pocket dumps in various corners of the internet.  It seemed to be a relatively well-liked pen so, being me, I decided to pick one up on a recent trip to Staples.

The F-701 is relatively inexpensive as far as I'm concerned.  I paid about $7.00 for it from Staples and imagine that's about the going rate in brick and mortar stores.  Online it's typically less expensive; it is, for example, available on JetPens.com for $5.30.

Of course, I'm using the review system for writing instruments found here to evaluate this pen.

Materials:  2

The exterior of the F-701 is predominantly stainless steel.  I say "exterior" because the core of the barrel is plastic.  A few places have touted the F-701 as a poor man's tactical pen only to be berated by comments disparaging the plastic core and two-part barrel section.  I don't hold much (or any) stock in "tactical pens" so this revelation isn't too disappointing.

In any event, the F-701 is constructed from durable materials.  I haven't encountered any problems in terms of durability and don't expect to, either.

Fit:  1

There aren't any fit problems with the pen; everything is fits together well and doesn't shift when writing or otherwise.

The pocket clip can rotate a slight bit, most likely due to its design.  It's not something that is noticeable unless you're deliberately fiddling with it, but is annoying nonetheless.

Mechanism:  1

The F-701 uses a click-type mechanism.  Zebra calls it a "soft-clicking mechanism."  As far as I've read it's intended to be quieter than other click-type mechanisms.  It is a bit quieter than other pens that I have in my drawer but it's not incredibly quiet.  If you desperately need a quiet pen you should probably consider something other than a click-type mechanism.

Truth be told, I find the "soft-clicking mechanism" a bit muddy; it doesn't have as crisp of a click as I might prefer.  The mechanism has gotten better with use but straight out of the package I wasn't the biggest fan.

The plunger does return to the upright position when the point is extended.  As I've said in the past, I love this feature in click-type pens.

Line:  1

The F-701 retails with a 0.7mm cartridge.  It performs as expected.  It doesn't drag or skip.  I always find myself wanting more from a ballpoint, though.  I can't seem to find one that exceeds my expectations.

Writing Comfort:  2

Compared to the Parker Jotter this pen is far better.  The F-701's grip section doesn't taper, resulting in a consistent hold regardless of where my fingers land.  Also, the F-701's grip has relatively aggressive knurling, a feature I have come to appreciate.  The knurling facilitates a great non-slip grip and I find the texture to be rather pleasant.

Design Concept:  1

While it's a nice looking pen I do believe it's a bit little clunky.  I don't understand why Zebra chose to use a brushed stainless barrel and a glossy pocket clip; I think it would have been a much better choice to maintain the brushed look throughout.  Also, the point of the pen has a series of interesting bevel choices.  While one or two tapered sections would typically suffice, Zebra chose to reduce the diameter in six distinct steps.

Markings and Insignia:  2

The barrel of the pen is absent any markings.  The pocket clip features a small font reading "ZEBRA" and a larger, slightly italicized font with the pen's model designation, "F-701."  The terminus of the pen just below the plunger reads "INDONESIA," the manufacturing origin.

I appreciate the minimalist style Zebra has adopted with respect to branding the F-701.  It's nice to see a cheaper pen without a ton of intrusive markings.

Carry Method:  2

The F-701 uses a traditional pocket clip that's fastened to the very top of the barrel.  Due to its placement only the plunger and a very small portion of the pen body sticks out above the top of a pocket (just over half an inch, by my measure).

The deep carry facilitated by the placement of the pocket clip is a great asset to the F-701.  Deep carry means greater comfort and less snagging.  Also important to note is the fact that the F-701 isn't difficult to retrieve from the pocket; the plunger and pocket clip are more than enough to get a good purchase on the pen.

Carry Durability:  2

The stainless steel construction surely contributes to the F-701's durability in a pocket.  The barrel isn't likely to suffer any significant damage during normal carry.  The clip itself is also robust; it hasn't lost tension in the time I have been carrying the pen.

Carry Comfort:  2

The F-701 isn't uncomfortable to carry.  It sits well in a pocket and doesn't shift its place.  Short of that, there isn't much to say about this particular pen...

Total:  16/20

In the grand scheme of things, this pen is a great value.  For under $10.00 you're getting quite a bit of pen.  The F-701 is probably a better value than the Parker Jotter (despite the 1 point discrepancy, the Jotter having received a 17/20 due to a slightly better mechanism; although, it seems as if the soft-click isn't too terrible compared to the Jotter's mechanism).

There are also a bunch of end-user modifications that can enhance the usefulness of the pen.  There is, for example, a method of installing a Fisher pressurized ink cartridge into the F-701.  Roughly the same system is described at Gear Journal where they also discuss installing the all-metal click-type mechanism from an F-402 into the F-701.

If you're looking for a pen that's better than the cheap ones you've been dragging around but don't want to break the bank, the F-701 would be a great start.

Field Notes Brand Clic Pen Review

I picked up a six-pack of Field Notes Brand Clic Pens when I ordered a set of their notebooks from Huckberry . I really wasn’t too interested in the pens themselves, but was saving some money by ordering the package.  As Field Notes is a relatively well-received brand, I thought I would carry one for a bit and type up a review.

Essentially, the Field Notes Brand Clic Pen is a Bic Clic with the Field Notes logo printed on the barrel.  There isn't much else to it...

Materials: 1

The barrel is plastic.  It’s not particularly sturdy; using the G-2 I reviewed a couple weeks back as a metric, it’s more prone to flex and perhaps breakage.   I don’t expect the barrel to break during normal use, though.  In the grand scheme of things, I've had less durable pens but also far more durable ones.

Fit: 1

There’s nothing particularly poor about the fit of the parts on this pen.   The barrel screws together tightly without any play.  There is, however, a bit of play between the point, when extended, and the barrel.  This can result in some movement of the tip when writing.

Mechanism: 1

Following the name “Clic,” the pen utilizes a click-type mechanism.  It works, but it’s nothing special.  The plunger doesn’t return to the upright position when the point is deployed.   Also, there is significant play between the sides of the barrel and the plunger.

Line: 1

The included cartridge is a medium point black ball-point.   As far as ball-points go it’s average.  The line it lays down is relatively smooth and doesn’t skip.   The point does feel like it drags a bit on the page, though.

The ink itself isn’t as black as a black should be, in my opinion.

Writing Comfort: 1

The dragging feeling of the point causes my hand to fatigue quicker than it normally does.  It almost feels like I have to fight the pen a little bit.  Instead of gliding through through my thoughts I have to pull it around.

Design Concept: 1

Nothing special.  The Bic Clic is a time-tested design but it’s not terribly attractive.  The silver ring around the middle is a nice embellishment.

Markings and Insignia: 0

Emblazoned on the barrel of the pen are the words “FIELD NOTES” and “fieldnotesbrand.com” each on its own line.  The text is pretty intrusive and doesn’t seem to fit well with the pen itself.  Moreover, the printing isn’t stellar; the ink isn’t consistently laid upon the barrel.  The pocket clip has BIc’s Trademarks, the “Clic” branding, and the “MEXICO” manufacturing origin.

If the printing was better executed I would probably give the pen a 1 in this category but, alas, the printing isn’t that great.

Carry Method: 1

A simple stamped and folded metal pocket clip is fastened into the plastic barrel.  The design of the clip causes approximately an inch of the pen to stick out above the pocket line.  Retrieving the pen, when clipped, is simple due to this protrusion.

Carry Durability: 1

After carrying this pen in my front pocket for a couple weeks the clip has loosened slightly.  This isn’t due to bending of the clip itself, but is due to the clip’s mounting pulling away from the barrel.  As such, it’s not something that could be corrected by simply bending the clip back.

That said, it’s not a complete failure.   It holds up pretty well and, unless you’re wearing pants with incredibly thick fabric, there won’t be a problem.

Carry Comfort: 1

The portion of the pen that actually sits in the pocket is comfortable, but I’ve found that the large section outside the pocket to get in the way.  It protrudes just enough to be annoying. I would prefer it to sit a bit lower in the pocket.


Total: 9/20

The Field Notes Brand Clic Pen isn't anything special.  There are definitely better pens on the market, particularly for everyday carry.  I'm certainly happy to have something else in my pocket.

Fisher Bullet Space Pen Review

Many, many years ago - over a decade now (wow) - I was given my first Fisher Space Pen. I carried it in my pocket all the time until I (tragically) lost it on a flight from France nearly eight years ago.

Earlier in 2011 my girlfriend - who seems to do more to support my gear habit than I do - purchased me a replacement. Since then, it has been in one pocket or another everyday.

The Fisher Space Pen line is relatively iconic. Most people are aware of its existence and are familiar with the pressurized ink cartridge and its versatile performance. For those of you that aren’t familiar, it’s touted to write in zero gravity, underwater, over wet or greasy paper, at any angle, and in exceptionally extreme temperatures. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to test all these claims myself.

It’s a great little pen; versatile, compact, and relatively stylish.

Materials: 2

The pen is constructed of brass. My particular model has a chromed finish. There are plenty of other colors available.

The cap’s walls are relatively thin and can sustain minor damage if mistreated. Even so, it’s a robust construction that isn’t prone to failure.

Fit: 2

The two barrel sections screw together without any play or wiggle between the parts. The cap is a simple slide-on design but doesn’t have much play when fully capped or posted.

Mechanism: 2

As mentioned, the pen uses a simple cap-type design. There isn’t much to mention short of saying “it’s well-executed.”

There is, of course, the longstanding question of whether capped pens are “right” for EDC, but that’s a different discussion for a different time that has no bearing on the quality of the Fisher’s build.



Line: 1

I’m currently using a medium point black cartridge. There are other sizes available, but the pen retails with the medium point.

It performs as one would expect a ball-point to perform. There isn’t anything too particularly special about it. The ink is relatively viscous and has a slightly longer dry-time, it seems, than others. Occasionally the ink will “clump” on the point and find its way onto the page.

Due to the pressurized nature of the cartridge some ink can “bleed” from the point if it’s unused for long periods of time (or so I’ve noticed). It’s not a major annoyance and can be avoided if you use the pen with relative frequency.

Writing Comfort: 2

The grip section of the pen is knurled with a tight spiral. It’s abrasive enough to achieve a non-slip grip but not so aggressive as to be uncomfortable. The grip gradually tapers to the point.

The pen has a nice heft to it, despite its small stature.  The knurling is one of my favorites on all the pens I own.  I filled a page with text during a recent class (over the course of about an hour) and didn't find it to be uncomfortable.  The knurling makes it possible to write for a decent amount of time without having to readjust your grip because of finger-slipping.

I haven’t used this pen for long periods of time (writing for more than 10 consecutive minutes, say), but I haven’t found it to be uncomfortable.

Design: 2

The overarching design concept of this particular pen seems to emphasize minimalism, both in terms of size and appearance. The knurling on the grip section is clever; I do appreciate the spiral design. There is a black o-ring on the middle of the barrel which serves to secure the cap when it’s on. Short of the grip section and the o-ring the pen is streamlined.

Markings & Insignia: 2

The only markings on the pen itself are the words “SPACE PEN by Fisher … USA …” on the cap. They appear to be stamped or rolled into the brass. Without reasonably close inspection one doesn’t notice the text. Overall, this pen is adorned with the most minimal of text.


Carry Method: 0 (without clip)

In terms of a primary carry pen the model I have isn’t the greatest. It didn’t retail with a pocket clip. There are some that do, depending on which store you choose to purchase from. There are also aftermarket clips available at places like Jetpens.com. In any case, I’m evaluating the Fisher Bullet Space Pen as-is: without a clip.

Without a clip, the pen sits at the bottom of whatever pocket you’ve stashed it in. This can severely inhibit retrieval depending on what else is in the pocket.

I have carried this pen in my front pocket for quite some time; it’s hard to get out of that pocket quickly or otherwise, particularly when it manages to find its way to the very bottom and rotate itself to sit horizontally. If there’s anything else in the pocket besides the pen it’s even harder to retrieve. You find yourself jamming your hand into the pocket, fishing around, and hoping to get a hold on it.

Without a clip, this pen isn’t great for primary carry.

Carry Durability: 2

Even when sitting in the bottom of a pocket, this pen is practically indestructible. Its solid brass construction is robust and doesn’t damage easily. Even the cap, which has substantially thinner walls than the rest of the barrel, cannot be damaged easily.

Carry Comfort: 1

The size of this pen significantly affects how comfortable it is to have in a pocket. Due to its size, it all but disappears in a pocket - right up until it orients itself horizontally. Then, it’s a bit annoying and has the possibility to sit uncomfortably. A pocket clip would eliminate this problem, of course, but this model didn’t include one...

Total: 16/20


I use the Fisher Bullet Space Pen as a secondary pen; it’s always in one of my pockets and it is used occasionally. It’s small enough not to be noticed and, due to its performance in “extreme” conditions, it makes a great backup.

Perhaps, in the future, I’ll purchase a pocket clip and revisit this review.

Parker Jotter Stainless Review

The Parker Jotter is a classic with a long history.  I've had one for a while and it's always been a go-to pen when I want to carry a ballpoint and need something sturdy and reliable.  The Jotter is available nearly everywhere, it seems.  It's reasonably inexpensive (typically around $10) and is a great pen for the price.

Materials:  2

The Jotter uses stainless steel throughout the barrel, pocket clip, and plunger mechanism.  It's not heavy, per se, but feels more sturdy and substantial than plastic or thinner-walled metal pens (like some of Zebra's offerings).

Fit: 1

The barrel screws together well and doesn't exhibit any wiggle.  My biggest problem with this particular pen is this: when it's oriented in a certain way it makes a clicking noise while writing.  Presumably, this clicking is from the ink cartridge moving slightly in the barrel.  It can be avoided - when the pen is oriented with the upward the noise stops - but it's incredibly irritating.

Mechanism:  2

Utilizing your basic click-type mechanism, the Jotter surpasses general expectations in one major way.  When the point is deployed the plunger springs back up into position.  This spring-loaded mechanism prevents the plunger from rattling around while the pen is "open."  I have grown quite attached to this feature, and wish it was more frequently utilized on other pens.

Line:  1

I'm currently using a medium blue cartridge from Parker - the pen typically retails with a medium black cartridge.  The medium Parker cartridge isn't anything to write home about.  It doesn't write exceptionally well or exceptionally poorly.  It's exactly what someone would expect from a ballpoint pen.

There are many alternative cartridges available for the Parker Jotter in a variety of colors, sizes, and ink types.

Writing Comfort:  1

The barrel gradually tapers to the tip of the pen.  There is not a "grip" area, per se.  Using this pen for prolonged periods can become a bit uncomfortable because of these design elements.  For most writing tasks it's not particularly uncomfortable.

Design Concept:  2

The Jotter is a very "clean" pen.  There aren't any unnecessary design elements.  The shape has a certain aesthetic appeal to it and the Jotter line itself has a rich design history.  The completely stainless body is far more attractive, in my opinion, than the half-plastic barrels that are available.

Markings & Insignia:  2

The upper portion of the barrel has the words "PARKER" with their stylized "P" trademark and "MADE IN UK E III" stamped into the area closest to the seam between the parts.  The pocket clip features an arrow motif.  The plunger also sports the Parker "P" on the very top.  The markings aren't too aggressive or intrusive and still convey the pen's design and manufacturing origins.

Carry Method:  2

A simple pocket clip is located high on the barrel of the jotter.  It facilitates relatively deep pocket carry and retrieval is not difficult.  Compared to other pocket clips on click-type pens, the Jotter's is among the best.  Many click-type pens utilize a clip system that causes a greater amount of the pen to sit above the pocket line which can become a nuisance.  In that regard, the Jotter's clip design far exceeds the competition.

Carry Durability:  2

The all stainless construction makes this particular model more durable than its plastic-barreled brethren.  It's not going to receive damage that will induce catastrophic failure while sitting in a pocket, even if it shares that pocket with other hard goods.  The clip itself if stamped steel and the slight bend down the middle of it facilitates rigidity and mitigates premature bending that could occur on other thinner clips.  I haven't abused it, but I haven't been particularly nice, either, and I haven't experienced failure or signs of distress.

Carry Comfort:  2

There's nothing particularly uncomfortable about this pen while it's sitting in a pocket.  It's small, lightweight, and streamlined.  The fact that the clip allows deep carry is a plus on the comfort side of things because the portion of the pen that's sitting outside the pocket is minimized which, in turn, minimizes snagging and other undesirables.


Total:  17 / 20

Pilot G-2 Review

The Pilot G-2 is a favorite with many and for good reason; it’s an affordable pen that writes well and can take a bit of a beating compared to others in its class.

Consider this review a foray into the world of affordable pens...

Materials: 1

The G-2 is constructed from relatively robust plastic. The walls of the barrel are relatively thick making the pen more sturdy than others in its class. That said, it’s still plastic and plastic is prone to breakage when compared to other materials. I have experienced some cracking on older G-2s (around the seam between the two barrel parts and on the pocket clip).

Fit: 1

Everything fits together well on the G-2. The barrel screws together without any noticeable play.  The pocket clip assembly (the blue section at the top of the pen) rotates slightly if lightly pushed.

Mechanism: 1

The click mechanism is executed pretty well. The point deploys crisply with a relatively loud “click-click.” The plunger travel isn’t too long - one might say it’s average. The plunger doesn’t spring back up when the point is deployed; it’s a minor detail, but annoying nonetheless.

Line: 2

The G-2 I’m using is a 0.5mm model. The ink is of the gel type. The pen writes very well, laying down a clean, smooth line without any skips or scratching.  The G-2's writing performance is probably one of its biggest selling-points.

The drying time is average, it can smear slightly if you quickly attack a line you've just laid.

Writing Comfort: 2

The G-2 is comfortable when writing. It features a rubber grip area which is contoured slightly. I would prefer the grip area to extend further toward the point to accommodate a greater variety of writing styles, but this is more subjective than anything; as it currently sits the grip’s placement is not detrimental.  Sometimes I find myself placing only my thumb on the grip section and my index and middle finger on the plastic below it.

Design Concept: 1

It’s not an exceptionally beautiful pen by any stretch, but it’s not exceptionally ugly, either. For the price, it’s relatively well-designed. It’s an average pen in most respects.

Markings and Insignia: 2

The only well-visible markings on the G-2 are on the pocket clip. “PILOT G-2 05,” it reads. There are embossed markings reading “PILOT JAPAN” by the seam between the two body sections; they are not readily visible and blend with the barrel. Overall, the markings are relatively minimal and are not intrusive.

Of course, as the pen barrel is predominantly clear, markings on the ink cartridge are also partially visible.

Carry Method: 1

The G-2 is secured into the pocket by way of a traditional pocket clip. It protrudes approximately ¾ of an inch from the top of the pocket. Most of this (about ½ an inch) is the plunger, the remainder being the upper portion of the barrel / pocket clip assembly. The inherent nature of a pocket clip that is molded into the barrel causes extra material to sit above the pocket-line.

It’s certainly easy to retrieve as the plunger offers enough space for a decent purchase with one’s fingers. The clip itself isn’t overly intrusive but I would prefer less of the pen to sit outside the pocket.  Occasionally, I have found the contours of my jeans pushing the plunger when I sit or bend; never enough to fully click the pen, though.,

Carry Durability: 1

Like the rest of the G-2, the pocket clip is plastic. It appears to be durable simply due to the thickness of the clip itself. I haven’t encountered any breakage problems when carrying this particular pen for the past week or so but can attest to the fact that the G-2 plastic clips do fail quicker than their metal counterparts.

Carry Comfort:  2

The G-2 isn’t burdensome to have in one’s pocket. It’s not particularly uncomfortable or irritating.  The grip isn't sticky enough to catch in the pocket, but it does collect a bit of pocket fuzz; again, a minor detail that doesn't really detract from the pen itself.


Total:   14/20

The Pilot G-2 is a well-rounded and affordable pen.  The pocket clip's styling and plastic construction don't make it an ideal pen for everyday carry, in my opinion, but it's certainly a favorite among many.

It's available in most retail stores (usually in packs of 4 or 12) and typically for just over a dollar per pen.  Alternatively, they're available individually (in many colors and line widths) from JetPens.com.

Writing Instrument Review Methodology Reconsidered

I've reconsidered the system I'm using to evaluate writing instruments.

It occurred to me that the subcategory system was improperly emphasizing certain things and resulted in less-than-accurate results.

I have kept the same categories (roughly) and adjusted the scoring system.  There are 10 categories which will be scored between zero and two; zero being a failure in all respects, one being "well-executed," and two being exceptional execution.

The updated system can be found here: writing instrument review methodology.

rOtring 600 Fountain Pen Review

My first rOtring product was a silver rOtring 600 series 3 rollerball.  I've had it for quite some time - over 10 years, I think - and I love it.  Ever since I picked it up I've had an obsession with the 600s but haven't found myself in a position to buy any more.

This past Christmas, though, was a surprise.  My girlfriend found me a rOtring 600 series 2 fountain pen and, pairing it with a few bottles of Noodler's Ink, put together an exceptional gift.

 
I'll be sticking to my review template which is available here.

Materials:  2

There's a good reason why the rOtring 600 has a cult-like following.  It's incredibly well-constructed and exudes quality.  Upon picking up the pen, one immediately realizes the quality of the build.

The body and cap are machines from brass and are chrome plated in a silver satin-tone finish.  The nib is constructed of steel.

Brass is the preeminent material for pen construction, or so it would seem.  It has a great weight to it, resists corrosion, and is incredibly robust.

Fit of Parts:  2

As mentioned, the build of the 600 line is impeccable.  The body sections screw together tightly without any play or wiggle.

The fit between the section and the barrel is as perfect as it can be.  There is no wiggle whatsoever between these parts.  I can say from experiece that the fit here does not loosen over time; my 600 rollerball has not noticeably loosened in the decade I've owned it.

 

Mechanism:  2

The 600 uses a simple snap-on design; two "snaps" on the body of the pen interface with the cap.  The pen cannot be capped without properly aligning the sides.  When capped, there is no noticeable play between the cap and the body of the pen.  Also, the cap cannot rotate while it is on.

When posted, the cap is secured by an o-ring; it can wiggle slightly if prompted, but it feels quite secure.  I haven't noticed it when writing thus far.  It's certainly not a wiggle worthy of condemnation.

 

Line:  2

Currently, I'm using Noodler's Blue-Black ink.  It's new to me, so I'm relatively unfamiliar with its performance in other pens.

The pen lays down a smooth, skip-free line.  This is the first fountain pen I've owned with an EF nib.  Until now I've had a drawer full of F nibs and a head full of EF dreams; for ages I turned my LAMY Safari upside-down to achieve a thinner line (who knows what kind of damage I did to that poor nib).  I have heard some people complain about scratchiness or other such problems with EF nibs.  I'm happy to say that I haven't encountered any such things with this particular pen.

I'm also pleased to report that the Noodler's Blue-Black ink has managed to tackle Moleskine paper without feathering, as I (and others, I believe) have experienced with other inks.  This is certainly a pleasant surprise as I wasn't planning on purchasing a new notebook any time soon.  The ink does appear to take a bit longer to dry on Moleskine paper than compared to others (20 lb. copy paper, for example); being right-handed, this doesn't bother me too much.

Writing Comfort:  2

The rOtring 600 series 2 is quite comfortable to write with.  The grip section, as aforementioned, is smooth (as compared to the rOtring 600 series 1 which featured a knurled grip) and slightly tapered toward the nib.

When the cap is not posted the balance of the pen sits approximately 3 inches from the nib (when the reservoir is full).  When the cap is posted to the top of the pen the balance point shifts to approximately 4 inches from the nib; on my hand, the balance point rests on the web between my thumb and index finger.  This is a very comfortable balance point, in my opinion, as it allows me to manipulate the nib as if it were almost weightless.

In the long-term the pen retains its comfort.  Over the past two weeks I have spent many consecutive hours writing notes and have not encountered any discomfort.

Design Concept:  2

If it hasn't been evident, I adore the design of this pen.  It's a perfect marriage of form and function; it seems as if every aspect of the pen has a purpose.

The pen measures 5.5 inches when capped; 5 inches when uncapped; and 6.75 inches when the cap is posted.  It features a hexagonal barrel which is the iconic feature of the rOtring 600 line.  The grip portion of the pen is smooth and slightly tapered toward the nib.  Just before the terminus of the grip there is a small raised ridge.

The nib is simple, particularly when compared to other fountain pens.  It's about as streamlined as I've seen (discounting hooded nibs, of course).

 

The underlying design philosophy (as I understand it) epitomizes the minimalistic teachings of the German Bauhaus school.  Conceived and founded in the early 20th century, the Bauhaus school focused on the unification of crafts, art, and technology.  The ultimate goal of such design was to create a "purely organic [product], boldly emanating its inner laws, free of untruths and ornamentation."  The philosophy embraced the machine culture of the period and attempted to reduce designs to their most basic essentials; this required the excision of sentimental choices and visual distractions.

I would have to say that the rOtring 600 line is an embodiment of the Bauhaus teachings.  The pen is uncompromisingly simple, it has been stripped down to its constituent parts with nothing more.

Markings and Insignia:  2

This pen is clean.  When capped, the only visible markings are those of the rOtring logo on the pocket clip and a small, laser-engraved "Germany" on the portion of the pocket clip attaching to the cap.  rOtring's signature red ring adorns the top of the cap while the black cap-retention o-ring is seated at the end of the barrel.  Uncapped, the nib has a small rOtring logo on the left side and the size designation (EF) on the right.

There is nothing on the pen that shouldn't be there; the logos are crisp and the signature "red ring" is unobtrusive and marries well with the design of the pen.  The design of the pen really speaks for itself; rOtring did not have to include any flashy trademark branding to identify this pen as one of theirs.

Carry Method: 2

The pocket clip is very well designed.  It offers enough space for thicker fabrics (denim hasn't been a problem) but remains streamlined outside the pocket (it hasn't caught on anything in the weeks I've been carrying it).  It sits low in the pocket but protrudes just enough to get a good purchase on it for retrieval.

Carry Durability: 2

The pen is bomb-proof in a pocket.  I haven't found any problems with the carry of this pen.  While it has only been a couple weeks of daily carry with this particular pen I can say positively that it hasn't given me any trouble

One concern articulated by some has been that of, "won't that thing leak in your pocket?"  While I strongly doubt I'll ever abuse this pen to a point of such catastrophic failure, here are a few observations.  The pen is designed for "tip-up" carry, meaning that the nib of the pen is situated at the top of the pocket - this is true of nearly all "capped" pens.  As such, there isn't the opportunity for the pen to be placed into the pocket while "open" as there is with click-type pens.  Arguably, the pen body could uncap itself while in your pocket and, assuming you have deep enough pockets, could become fully uncapped thereby exposing the nib and, through the capillary action of the fabric of your pants, empty a sizable quantity of ink.  I don't fret over that possibility, however, because the capping mechanism is quite strong.  Moreover, assuming catastrophic failure of the capping mechanism were to occur the body of the pen would have to drop over 1.5 inches before the nib could contact fabric.  In my analysis, it's simply not within the realm of possibilities to be overwhelmingly concerned about.  I would be more concerned with a "cheaper" pen cracking or otherwise failing in my pocket.

Carry Comfort:  2

It's a hefty pen but it's not cumbersome.  It sits nicely against the rear of my left front pocket and stays put.

Total:  20/20

Conclusions and Parting Thoughts:

While my wallet didn't feel this one, it's an expensive pen.  My girlfriend says she paid $150, buying from this seller through eBay.  It's also available here for $215.

It's quite the investment but it can survive a lifetime (this thread here has a great photo of an incredibly beat-up rOtring 600 series 1 fountain pen and it's (apparently) still going strong).

Part of me is tempted to knock a point off for the sheer "WOW" factor of the price point on these pens but, after consideration, I'm not willing to.  The saying I've run into before is, "Buy once, cry once."  I truly think that sentiment resonates here; if you're willing to spend the money, you'll get everything and more out of this pen.

While I have a nagging feeling that assessing a perfect score for my first review could give the wrong impression, this pen is nothing short of exceptional.  I have not found any flaws.  In the event that I encounter a glaring defect I'll be sure to pass it along.

The rOtring 600 is the pen to have if you're interested in EDCing a fountain pen.  Moreover, it epitomizes great industrial design.  This isn't an accessory for a desk; it's not something to keep in a pretty case with a bunch of vintage pens and old leather-bound books; it's a pen to use.  Anything less would be a waste.

Writing Instrument Review Methodology

In an effort to keep reviews consistent and objective, I will be adhering to outlines devised for various categories of gear (e.g., writing instruments; knives; flashlights; bags and backpacks; etc.).

I'll evaluate writing products based on ten categories, each on a scale of zero to two.  Zero being a complete failure, one being an average and workable, and two being exceptional.  This will result in an overall score between zero and twenty; zero being a complete failure in every way and twenty being product perfection (or as close to perfection as possible).

Being focused on everyday carry, I'll be testing most products by carrying them on my person - typically in a pocket.  I'm sure I'll come across some things worth reviewing that I don't typically carry in my pockets (highlighters, for example; I use a ton of highlighters); in those cases I will focus on how I principally carry them (in a backpack, for example) but will do some in-pocket carry for good measure.

I'll try to test a product for a minimum of two weeks before posting results.  This will include use through my everyday tasks, including various law classes and work (reading, strangely enough, is writing intensive) as well as my experiences tossing things into my gym bag at the end of most days.  I'll be sure to detail anything out of the ordinary that happens if it weighs heavily on my consideration of the product.

I'll keep an open mind when trying new products and leave as much prejudice at the proverbial door as possible.

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Writing Instruments

Materials:

In scoring the materials used in construction I'll try to remain objective. Certainly, a modicum of subjectivity falls into this category if the pen itself feels "cheap" in my hand.  I'll make sure to address any and all concerns and qualify the score I give with a well-reasoned opinion.


Fit:

Just what it seems.  Do the pen's parts fit well together?  Or, do they parts fit poorly as evidenced by rattling, wiggling, or other such annoyances?


Mechanism:

The mechanism used to "deploy" the pen (i.e., click, capped, twist, etc.).  This will evaluate how the mechanism has been executed in terms of quality and performance.

Line:

I'll be evaluating consistency, thickness (expectation v. actual), and ink quality.  With fountain pens the ink itself won't become too big a consideration (as it's really what I'm loading into it) whereas "disposable" pens will receive greater scrutiny.


Writing Comfort:

Both in short- and long-term use.  Basic ergonomics, I think; whether the grip section is easy to become accustomed to, whether the pen itself is well-balanced and fits nicely into the hand, etc.

Design Concept:

The overarching design concept of the pen.  I'm a bit of a minimalist when it comes to design; I'm sure my personal tastes will weigh slightly into the consideration of this factor.  Clean lines and well-executed design will receive higher scores while kitschy design will be scored lower.


Markings and Insignia:

I'll look to the text and markings on the pen itself (e.g., instructions, bar-codes, etc.).  Overly cluttered and superfluous markings will receive lower scores.


Carry Method:

This will principally focus on the pocket clip and how it functions.  Clips that allow deeper carry and easy access will receive higher scores while more intrusive clips that inhibit retrieval will score lower.


Carry Durability:

Durability will be measured in terms of both the carry method (i.e., the pocket clips durability) and the design of the pen itself.  If it's easily damaged or broken it will receive a lower score.


Carry Comfort:

Evaluated in front pocket carry (I don't believe pens should be carried in back pockets as normal movement can cause premature damage).  Comfort will be a metric of the pen's shape, size, weight, and how it sits in a pocket.  Bulky and oddly shaped designs will likely score lower.

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I'm sure I've missed something or neglected to consider something important; as such, comments and critiques are welcome and appreciated.