Pen Review: The Pokka Pen

January 25, 2017

The Pokka Pen is the pen that you want to stash everywhere: in your car, in every bag you own, in desk drawers, and next to the telephone (assuming you still have one that isn't a cell). Developed by Terry O'Connor as an inexpensive replacement for his Fisher Space Pens (which he kept losing), the Pokka Pen is a fun and convenient tool that's received rave reviews from everyone I know who's tried it, including my non-pen-obsessed family members.

The Pokka Pen is extremely portable: closed it measures just over 3.3", shorter than a Kaweco Sport and much narrower. Open, it extends to 5.5", slightly longer than a Sport and more than sufficient for most writing tasks. The pen feels sturdy and well-made, and makes a satisfying "pop" when it closes and posts due to the o-rings that hold the cap on. I found it very comfortable to write with, including for fairly long spells. While you're probably not going to want to use the Pokka pen to write your dissertation longhand, that's not the point. The Pokka is designed for ultimate portability.

The Pokka Pen offers a fairly standard ballpoint writing experience.

The Pokka's writing experience is very similar to that of a standard BIC crystal, which I enjoy. It writes a relatively dark line for a standard ballpoint pen, and would be suitable for most notetaking and signing purposes. The Pokka would be a great addition to an everyday carry kit, especially for those who don't want to shell out a lot of money for an expensive pen, or who tend to misplace pens very easily.

Where to Buy

Update: The Gentleman Stationer is now an authorized retailer of Pokka Pens, and you can purchase three-packs in our curated shop for $8.45 US. Also check out the Pokka site for regular releases of limited edition Pokka pens, as well as to buy in bulk packs of 10, 15, or 20 pens. Pokka pens come in a range of fun colors, including EDK Blaze (orange), EDK Earth (brown), EDK Klear (yellow/clear), Kustom Kryptek (camo), EDK Blakk ("stealth") and more.

For further reading, I'd encourage you to visit the Pokka Pens website and watch Terry's video in which he tells the story about how Pokka came to be. Also, check out Brad's review of the Pokka Pen over at The Pen Addict, as well as this review at The Gadgeteer.

Disclaimer: Terry at Pokka Pens sent me these pens free of charge for review purposes. I was not otherwise compensated for this review.

Parker-Sonnet-Great-Expectations-Subtle-Big-Red

Pen Review: Parker Sonnet Great Expectations Edition

January 11, 2017

Parker recently announced that they would revamp their entire pen lineup, including not only their lower-priced IM and Urban line, but their flagship Duofold and Sonnet lines as well. The Sonnet "Great Expectations" special editions would be discontinued. Since I'd been eyeing the "Subtle Big Red" model, I jumped before they disappeared from stores. While I enjoy this pen - it's beautiful and a nice writer - Parker's current pricing structure makes this Sonnet difficult to recommend, unless you're a red pen nut (like me) or you can find one on clearance or at a discount.

The red brushed metal cap band is my favorite aspect of this pen. It's a simple design, but the pen really pops.

The name "Subtle Big Red" is an allusion to Parker's traditional "Big Red" hard rubber Duofold from the 1920s, which has become iconic in the world of fountain pens. Parker seems to be going all-in on the nostalgia - their updated lineup features a "Big Red" Duofold tribute. This version of the Sonnet, however, offers a more modern take on the classic, sporting a polished black metal body and cap with a brushed red cap band. The "Big Red" aspect is indeed quite "subtle" and understated, and in my opinion makes the pen quite attractive. This pen does have a metal section, but it's finished with a matte coating that makes it very easy to grip. No slipping and sliding here.

The clip, section band, and nib are a darker nickel color, which blends nicely with the black and red color scheme.

Writing Experience

My writing experience with this pen was fine overall, but still a bit of a mixed bag in some respects. As with other Sonnets that have passed through my hands, this fine nib had a slight baby's bottom straight out of the box, leading to a few hard starts and skips. The issue wasn't severe, and eased up after a few days of writing on rougher paper as the nib smoothed out and the tines loosened up a bit. While this sort of issue isn't uncommon with modern pens, and can be fairly simple to fix, Parker's aggressive pricing of this pen towards the luxury end of the spectrum raised my expectations (pun intended) and I found it annoying.

One difference I noticed from other Sonnets I have owned: the nib slit is not cut all the way to the keyhole, which reduces the springiness that 1980s and 1990s-vintage Sonnets were known for. As a result, this nib is firm, and a relatively dry writ… — One difference I noticed from other Sonnets I have owned: the nib slit is not cut all the way to the keyhole, which reduces the springiness that 1980s and 1990s-vintage Sonnets were known for. As a result, this nib is firm, and a relatively dry writer.

In terms of comfort, I really like the Sonnet as a daily writer. I used this pen at work for a full week and enjoyed it. The size and shape is close to that of a classic Vacumatic Major, my favorite vintage Parker and perhaps my favorite vintage pen overall. The pen sits well in the hand, though unposted the Sonnet feels a touch too light. The friction-fit cap posts easily.

Takeaways and Where to Buy

Parker's Great Expectations line of Sonnets surprised a lot of people with it's adventurous (for Parker) design, showcasing what appears to be a desire to move away from the same general look that Parker has had since the 1990s. Overall, I'd say that I'm happy with the purchase. The design of the Subtle Big Red spoke to me, and since the pen was a special edition I wanted to be sure that I grabbed one before they went away forever. I bought the pen expecting that I might have to do some nib tweaking.

That said, in terms of recommending that other people buy this pen, it really depends on how much the design of this special edition pen speaks to you. As I hinted earlier, the price point is too high. Parker priced this pen at $320 MSRP, with the street price at a slightly less insane $250 or so. While you can typically get that price down even further with a coupon code, I can't help but think that the apparent the desire to aggressively price this pen as a "luxury special edition" entry in the Sonnet line resulted in a big missed opportunity for Parker. The designs of the various "Great Expectations" pens are very attractive and modern, but I can't say they justify paying the huge premium the company is asking.

If, like me, you still want to grab one of these special edition pens before they disappear, Ron at Pen Chalet has them priced at $256 (and you can use whatever great Pen Chalet coupon code or promotional discount Ron is running at any given time to reduce that further).

Kaweco Classic Sport Refresh: New Colors!

December 28, 2016

I can't believe that I've being writing this blog for going on three years without ever having properly reviewed the Kaweco Classic Sport. It's not as bad as it sounds - I've reviewed many variations on Kaweco's popular pocket pen, including the aluminum AL Sport, the aluminum/carbon fiber AC Sport, and the Brass Sport, not to mention countless other Kaweco pens. The classic Sport, however, is considered Kaweco's flagship, and probably the pen that first comes to mind when I'm asked for a recommendation on a pocket fountain pen.

All Kaweco Sports - and all Kaweco pens in general - feature the Kaweco cap jewel with the company's logo.

The Kaweco Classic Sport isn't fancy - it's a plastic, cartridge-only fountain pen with a steel nib that retails for around $25. The low price point and general ease of use makes the Sport a great fountain pen for beginners, and even experienced fountain pen enthusiasts like myself regularly rely on the sport as an everyday carry-type pocket pen. The wide range of colors also makes the pens fun to collect, and Kaweco typically updates the line annually and collaborates with retailers around the world on special editions.

The Kaweco Classic Sports in Macchiato and Red (which has a bit of an orange tint to it, though perhaps not quite as pronounced as in these pictures).

The two pens pictured here are colors that were introduced in 2016: red (always a personal favorite) and a mocha-color "macchiato" version. The macchiato pen is from the "Skyline" series, which features more muted colors with silver trim.

Kaweco Macchiato Sport with both broad and medium nib writing samples. Inks are Kaweco Ruby Red (a personal favorite) and Kaweco Smokey Grey (a new color this year).

Side Note: Kaweco does make converters for the Sport, but you're probably better off refilling your cartridges with a syringe if you want to use bottled ink. Cartridges hold more ink than a Kaweco Sport converter, and they're much less temperamental.

Takeaways/Where to Buy

I've been using Kaweco pens for years, and I always have some version of the Sport in my collection. They see regular use as pocket pens, and the Kaweco steel medium nib remains a favorite for everyday writing. As of 2023, The Gentleman Stationer is an authorized retailer of Kaweco, including the Classic and Skyline Sport pens featured here.

Disclaimer: Kaweco sent me these two pens free of charge for review purposes.

Pen Review: Uniball Jetstream Multi Pen

December 21, 2016

I've been on a bit of a multifunction pen kick recently, picking up a handful of multi pens as part of a larger project I'm working on comparing the different options currently available on the market. A good multi pen has become an integral part of my daily carry and my workflow, giving me access to different ink types and colors - and sometimes a mechanical pencil - in one pen body. As I've said before, the downside to multi pens in general is that the refills can run out quickly, increasing the long-term cost of your "efficient" purchase. The Uniball Jetstream multi pen, which I'll review today, is probably one of the more cost-effective options of the "higher-end" multi pen bodies.

Four colors of ink + a .5mm mechanical pencil.

Uniball's Jetstream pens are famous for their smooth, quick-drying hybrid ballpoint ink that doesn't smear, and Jetstream multi pen refills are no different. The model that I purchased features a .5mm mechanical pencil, plus four different ink colors: black, blue, red, and green. With the exception of the green, the inks all lay on dark and smooth. (Like many green ballpoint inks, I found the Jetstream green be a bit skippy and somewhat temperamental.)

As you can see, most of the colors write a nice, solid line, with the exception of the finicky green.

The one potential drawback for some people might be the size of the pen. I'd characterize the Jetstream multi pen as moderately large, and since it's a five-unit pen, this thing has some girth. Despite the bit of bulk, it's very comfortable to use due to good ergonomics and a light weight. I also found the soft grip section very comfortable.

.5mm vs .7mm

There is something of a debate with respect to .5mm vs .7mm in the Jetstream line. Many people don't like the .5mm and find it writes too thin and scratchy of a line. I've personally had nothing but good experiences with the .5mm, but the .7mm is excellent as well, so if you're on the fence I would go with the wider tip size. You can always swap the refills out later.

Takeaways/Where to Buy

I'm really enjoying the Jetstream multi pen, especially at work where I need a fine point for annotation and I sometimes have to deal with copy paper so thin that it's impossible to use with fountain pens. The ability to switch between different color inks on the fly, knowing that all of them will write reasonably well on nearly all paper, removes yet another thing from the "worry list" in the midst of a hectic workday.

In addition to the excellent writing experience it offers, the Uniball Jetstream is probably the most reasonably priced of the good multi pens out there on the market. Right now, you can find both the .5mm version and the .7mm version on the market in various iterations, including several special editions that Uni has been releasing such as the “Bamboo” version that we stock in our own shop. Individual color refills are also available separately. Note that the refills for this particular multi pen are proprietary, so you are limited to the four colors Uniball offers and won't be able to swap in refills from another brand (unless, of course, you figure out a way to hack the pen.)

For those of you who already use a multi pen that accepts D1 refills (like the Lamy 2000 4-color ballpoint), Jetpens also carries a Uniball Jetstream D1 refill, which is more expensive but makes for a nice writing experience.

Disclaimer: I purchased the pen featured in this review with my own funds for my personal collection.

Pen Review: Montegrappa Passione

December 17, 2016

You can probably guess how quickly I jumped at the chance to review this pen, the Montegrappa Passione. I've never owned a Montegrappa - prior to receiving this pen I'd never even written with one - so I had no idea what to expect. I came away impressed and looking to learn more about the brand.

Though their edgier, super-expensive limited editions like the "Pirates" and "Memory" pens tend to grab the most press, Montegrappa's more classic designs have developed a following among fountain pen fans. In recent years, the company has introduced the Fortuna series (in countless variants), as well as pens such as the Parola and the Ducale. All of these pens are vintage-inspired and good examples of what could be considered classic Italian pen design. The celluloid and sterling silver Passione is the latest entry into the Montegrappa lineup, and it's both visually stunning and an excellent writer.

Build

The Passione has all the hallmarks of a high-dollar pen that's worth what you pay for it: a sterling silver section and trim, celluloid, an 18k gold nib with an ebonite feed, and an understated design that is easily characterized as "timeless" rather than "trendy." Yes, this pen does have a metal section, which might rule it out for some people, but the the heft of the silver balances the lightweight celluloid nicely. It's an extremely well-balanced pen to write with, though I opted to use this pen unposted. Posted, I found the Passione a bit long and top-heavy, probably due to the sterling silver trim on the cap.

The "1912" finial on the cap ended up being one of my favorite features of this pen. Also, check out the red enamel inlay on the clip.

I'm always happy to see modern pen companies use celluloid, which is one of my favorite pen materials of all time and gives pens a vintage feel. This particular celluloid, which Montegrappa calls "Cinnamon," to me resembles red and black swirled ebonite. It's a very pretty material, and at some point I'd like to see the other Passione options in person: the pen is also available in Mediterranean Blue, Orange, and Zebra. Each celluloid has a different pattern. Zebra looks particularly stunning - you can check it out in Matt's review over at the Pen Habit.

The Passione sports a cartridge-converter filling system. While some people might balk at the lack of a piston filler at this price point, I honestly don't mind, and have come to prefer cartridge-converter pens overall due to the ease of cleaning, especially since I change inks often.

A close-up of the Passione Cinnamon celluloid, with Montegrappa's roller-clip and engraved cap band.

Montegrappa Passione in Presentation Box

Nib and Writing Experience

The Passione is a great writer, period. Montegrappa uses relatively stiff 18k nibs - I'd compare the nib on this particular pen to an Aurora Optima nib, or maybe a Sailor. The Passione also features an ebonite feed, which can be heat-set to the nib to ensure steady ink flow. I'd characterize this nib as extremely smooth, moderately wet, and size-wise on the narrower side of medium. While the pen probably performs best on fountain-pen friendly paper, paired with a drier ink I wouldn't hesitate to carry this pen to work and use it as a daily driver.

Takeaways

If you're looking for a celluloid pen with an excellent nib, the Montegrappa Passione should be on your list of pens to try. It's an expensive pen, but it's made with expensive materials, and Montegrappa didn't cut any corners on the workmanship. In my opinion, you get what you pay for here. Whether the design appeals to you, of course, is always an issue of personal preference.

Time spent with the Passione has definitely increased my interest in Montegrappa as a brand. I've already placed an order for the Montegrappa Fortuna in white with ruthenium trim (the "stormtrooper" aesthetic), and I'm anxious to see how Montegrappa's steel nibs compare to their gold. While I'm not sure that I'll be picking up a Passione in the immediate future, it's not because I dislike the pen. Rather, I'm saving my money for one of Montegrappa's Flagship Extra 1930s in the Bamboo Black. (And I'll probably be saving for a while.)

Where to Buy

Montegrappa recently lowered the MSRP on the Passione to $795, with most retailers now listing the pen for just over $700. Nibs.com currently has all four colors of the Passione in stock and priced at $716. In case you're unfamiliar with the company, Nibs.com is owned and operated by master nibworker John Mottishaw, one of the best in the business. Every pen sold is set up and tuned to the purchaser's preference, and you even have the option of requesting a custom nib modification at checkout (for a supplemental charge). I've purchased pens from Nibs.com before and have always found their service to be top notch. They've also recently redesigned their website, making it much easier to navigate.

Disclaimer: Kenro Industries (Montegrappa's U.S. Distributor) loaned me this pen for review purposes. Though I contemplated keeping it and absconding to a remote island, I ultimately decided that I should send it back so Cary doesn't get in trouble.

Where to Buy

Writing Experience

Takeaways and Where to Buy

Further Reading

Takeaways/Where to Buy

.5mm vs .7mm

Takeaways/Where to Buy

Build

Nib and Writing Experience

Takeaways

Where to Buy

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