shaneroberts
Shane Roberts
shaneroberts
Editor Emeritus, The Inventory

My favorite not-even-remotely-budget-friendly pen is the Namiki Pilot 823 (pic is of the transparent amber color). Like all my other faves — Blackwing pencils, Rhodia paper — I ordered my pen on jetpens.com and I get the ink, nibs, etc. there too.

My favorite not-even-remotely-budget-friendly pen is the Namiki Pilot 823 (pic is of the transparent amber color).

Why all the posting rules? Read more

Why all the posting rules?

Bic Atlantis ballpoint. Decent quality for the price, and the grip fits my giant hands and awkward writing style perfectly.
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Bic Atlantis ballpoint. Decent quality for the price, and the grip fits my giant hands and awkward writing style

Pentel K157. Basically a G2 07, but with a better design that disengages the tip whenever you clip it to something. If you occasionally ruin a shirt with an open pen, this thing can save you a lot of trouble. Unfortunately, they seem rather hard to find these days...

Pentel K157. Basically a G2 07, but with a better design that disengages the tip whenever you clip it to something.

I’m surprised there isn’t more fountain pen love here. My favorite cheap pen of the moment is a simple Platinum Preppy fine tip, converted to be an eyedropper pen. (So no need for an ink cartridge; the entire chamber is filled with ink.)

I’m surprised there isn’t more fountain pen love here. My favorite cheap pen of the moment is a simple Platinum

A fountain pen, always, for me. Ideally a Parker 51 like I used in grad school to take reams of notes, but failing that (and for a lot less bank) the Hero 616.

A fountain pen, always, for me. Ideally a Parker 51 like I used in grad school to take reams of notes, but failing

Classic Century pens by Cross in Lustrous Chrome, Satin Matte Black, or Classic Black finishes.

Classic Century pens by Cross in Lustrous Chrome, Satin Matte Black, or Classic Black finishes.

Why settle for 1 color pen when you can have 2 + a pencil + Stylus?! Cross Tech3+ Multifunction Pen with Stylus - Comes in several colors with my favorite being Satin Black.

Why settle for 1 color pen when you can have 2 + a pencil + Stylus?! Cross Tech3+ Multifunction Pen with Stylus -

The Zebra F-301.

The Zebra F-301.

I almost don’t want to post this, because it’s already hard enough to find this pen at times. But anyway..

I almost don’t want to post this, because it’s already hard enough to find this pen at times. But anyway..

My Mont Blanc Skywalker...ehhh Starwalker Read more

My Mont Blanc Skywalker...ehhh Starwalker

non-specialty, but most carryable all around rugged pen that is also aesthetically pleasing: Read more

non-specialty, but most carryable all around rugged pen that is also aesthetically pleasing:

Uni-ball Jetstream 3. I didn’t know I had a favorite pen until I tried this one. I like multi-colored pens for my engineering diagrams, and this one writes smoothly and is comfortable to use. Read more

Uni-ball Jetstream 3. I didn’t know I had a favorite pen until I tried this one. I like multi-colored pens for my

Parker Jotter. Great pen, looks slick and writes well. And it looks a lot more expensive than it is. But you still don’t want to lose it, at $10 a pop. Read more

Parker Jotter. Great pen, looks slick and writes well. And it looks a lot more expensive than it is. But you still

Uni Jetstream Alpha Gel

Uni Jetstream Alpha Gel