Five Fun Discoveries from the First Months of 2024!

I’ve been traveling fairly regularly throughout the past three months, and have picked up a bunch of stuff (and rediscovered others) without enough time to do in-depth reviews, though those may come in the future! I thought it might be fun to briefly talk about five items I’ve been using a lot recently. You may see some of them in the shop in the future, or they might just remain fun stuff in my personal collection if the appeal isn’t as widespread, but if you see something you think is cool that I don’t personally carry, let me know!

1. Jetstream 4+1 Multipen, Karimoku and Bamboo Editions. You already know how much I love the Uniball Jetstream, but lately I’ve really been diving heavily back into the world of multi pens. The Jetstream 4+1 (meaning that it has four slots for pens and one for a mechanical pencil) is chunkier than many other options, but I still find it comfortable. The two shown here were picked up at Kinokuniya in NYC last week, and are Japan-exclusive special releases. Unfortunately I don’t see the Karimoku version listed online in many places, so I suppose it’s an exclusive that retailers are only allowed to sell in brick-and-mortar locations though you may be able to find it on eBay, etc.

2. Uni Kuru-Toga .3mm Mechanical Pencil. While I don’t think the .3mm lead width is going to replace my go-to .5mm at any point in the near future, this .3mm in a muted moss green was another Kinokuniya pickup. I’m quite surprised at how well a .3mm mechanical pencil resists lead breakage, though you do have to pay some attention to writing pressure and paper texture. This pencil is currently loaded with HB-grade lead, and I wonder how much softer (B, 2B) you could actually go before breakage becomes an issue.

3. Lamy Safari Ballpoint Pens. And also the Noto, and the econ, etc. In my opinion, the Lamy M16 ballpoint refill is an excellent standard ballpoint option that doesn’t get nearly enough attention. I’ve rediscovered these as great “shipping pens,” since they’re easy to deploy one-handed when working in the warehouse and writing notes to go with orders. I will add that the current “Pink Cliff” and “Violet Blackberry” ballpoints look really good, even if there has been some criticism for the ballpoint not incorporating the flash of pink and light purple. Personally I prefer the blacked-out, more muted look.

4. Penco Prime Timber 2.0 Lead Holder. I’ve always used leadholders and clutch pencils, but the process of extending the lead can be a bit perilous, since most leadholders have a gravity-driven “drop” system where the lead just slides out, as opposed to a “click-to-extend” mechanical-pencil-style mechanism. Enter the Penco “Prime Timber”, which is not only a touch longer and has a traditional pencil-like feel, but allows you to click to extend the 2.0mm core. If you’re looking for a leadholder to write with, consider this one. The pencil ships with a decent sharpener, or you can opt for the brass M+R lead pointer, which gets a VERY sharp point.

5. “Metacil” Infinity Pencil. These “infinity pencils” with a metal tip made from aluminum alloy have been around for several years, but I’ve never tried one and my prior attempts have been somewhat unsatisfying. On a whim, I picked up a couple of these at Kinokuniya, and apparently they’ve improved the quality to a point where the line is about as legible as a 2H pencil - still very hard and somewhat light, but usable on the right kind of paper. I’ve been keeping one of these in random places where I sometimes need a pencil to mark things up quickly, such as the chair where I do some of my reading and computer work. During my trade show adventures I even saw a version where companies have worked darker graphite into the metal tip, resulting in a pencil tip that may not last forever but still doesn’t require sharpening. I plan to further explore this product category!

A writing sample of both the Penco Prime Timber as well as the Metacil, which is surprisingly legible. I have found that it works best on smoother paper. This is the Blackwing paper in the “Illegal Pads”.

Did you enjoy this post? The Gentleman Stationer is supported entirely by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and pledges via the T.G.S. Patreon Program.

Review Revisited: The Lamy 2000 4 Color Ballpoint (Multipen)

I don’t often revisit old reviews, but I’ve been in a nostalgic mood lately as I prune back my collection and decide what to keep and what I should pass along to others. I also periodically get questions about whether my opinion on certain pens I’ve recommended heavily in the past still feature prominently in my own daily use. One of those pens is the Lamy 2000 4 Color Ballpoint, more commonly referred to as the Lamy 2000 Multipen. For a refresh on my opinions of this pen, you should start by reading my original review.

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A small split in the Macrolon, which is pretty shallow and hasn’t “moved” at all since I first noticed it 2 years ago. I still use the pen without incident.

Nearly five years later, everything I said in that original review still holds true. The “gravity drive” refill system, where you rotate the pen so that the refill you desire to use faces up, continues to work flawlessly, and the pen itself has withstood significant use fairly well, including relatively heavy pocket carry and briefcase travel. My pen does have a small split in the Macrolon around mid-barrel, though it’s stable and hasn’t expanded in the two years since I first noticed it.

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The Sailor Imperial Black Multipen features a .5mm mechanical pencil, which is great even though I prefer the Lamy’s form factor. (The Lamy also rattles less.)

If there is one “regret” I have with this pen, it’s that the Lamy 2000 4 Color Ballpoint doesn’t feature a mechanical pencil option. If I were able to roll with three pens and a pencil in this form factor, this pen would never leave my bag. As it stands, if I think I’m going to be in a situation where a pencil might be necessary, I’ll carry the Sailor Imperial Black Multipen instead. While that particular pen is quite a bit heavier and not as comfortable to use as the Lamy, the mechanical pencil option is a huge plus.

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My two preferred multipen options: the Sailor Imperial Black and the Lamy 2000 4 Color Ballpoint.

Takeaways and Where to Buy

While I don’t use multipens in general as much as I used to, the Lamy 2000 4 Color Ballpoint still makes its way into my regular daily carry. I use the same four D1 refill options as I did five years ago (two .5mm Jetstreams in blue and red, a Lamy highlighter refill, and a standard .7mm blue-black ballpoint refill that I bought in bulk years ago and which I think is Monteverde). While this particular pen is going on six years old, and carries some “battle scars,” I’d consider it stable and a worthy investment, especially given how much use I’ve gotten from it and the fact that I only paid $50 or so. You can still get these in the U.S., though the price these days is more around $80. If this particular pen ends up breaking, I’d have no hesitation about investing in another one. I’ve linked here to Jetpens, the U.S.-based retailer that also features a wide range of D1 refills that should be compatible with the Lamy 2000 Multipen.

Disclaimer: I purchased this pen with my own funds, for my own use, years ago. This post does not contain affiliate links. The Gentleman Stationer is supported by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and pledges from the T.G.S. Patreon Program.

Pen Review: Tombow Zoom L104 Multifunction Pen

When I published my Guide to Multifunction Pens back in January, my friend Leigh immediately reached out and asked why I hadn't yet tried one of Tombow's multi pens. Though I had purchased a LOT of multi pens in preparation for that piece, I had missed Tombow entirely, probably because they are not easy to find here in the U.S. Leigh was kind enough to send me (via Dan the pen mule) a Tombow Zoom L104 multipen, in metallic orange.  

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The Tombow branding is minimal, and blends into the finish. You might even miss it if you don't look carefully. 

Tombow is a well-known Japanese stationery company that makes a wide range of excellent products, from high-end woodcase pencils like the Mono line to multifunction pens and mechanical pencils to fountain pens. The Zoom L104 is no exception.  It's a sturdy, utilitarian writing instrument that still manages to look interesting. I especially like the combination of the metallic orange pen body with the matte black clip. 

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One drawback - the coating on the matte black clip tends to scratch, so I'll have to ding Tombow a little for that. Still, it's held up pretty well, considering how hard I've used this, slinging it around in bags and pockets. 

If I had to compare the Zoom L104 to another multi pen on the market, it would be Zebra's Sharbo X. The Zoom is ever-so-slightly longer, and a bit heavier, which gives it a nice balance. The Sharbo, while it makes a great "planner pen," can feel a bit light and short. I've used the Tombow to take pages of notes in meetings and found this a very comfortable pen in the hand.  

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Both the Zoom and the Sharbo have three refill slots - two pen refills and a mechanical pencil. While the Sharbo X requires that you purchase separately Zebra's excellent (but expensive) D1 gel refill, the Tombow Zoom L104 ships with two Tombow .7mm ballpoint refills that remind me of the Sailor refills in the Imperial Black multi pen. These Tombow ballpoint refills write smoothly and are all-around excellent D1 ballpoint refills, if you can find them. That said, my favorite D1 refill of all time remains the .5mm Uniball Jetstream refill, which gives you the smooth writing experience of a gel pen with the write-anywhere reliability of a ballpoint. 

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Pull off the bottom part of the barrel to expose the refills. D1 refills are universal, so any pen that accepts them is exceptionally versatile.

The L104 and the Sharbo X also use the same style of "shifter" to switch between refills. As you rotate the lower part of the barrel, a different refill unit clicks into place. If I had one critique of this design, it's that there's no secure way to retract the refill for "safe" carry (for example, when you're carrying the pen in a shirt pocket). To retract the tip, you rotate the barrel halfway between refills and basically leave the pen in "in-between" mode, which raises the risk of accidentally extending the refill and staining your shirt, or purse, or pen case, etc. This isn't so much an issue with a ballpoint refill, but if you swap in gel refills, consider yourself warned. 

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And, like many multi pens, you unscrew the end cap to expose the eraser. You can also get a glimpse of the shimmer on the metallic finish here. 

Where to Buy

The Tombow Zoom L104 typically runs around $30, and you may have to hunt for it. If you're in the U.S., Amazon is probably your best option, as there are multiple Japanese sellers who stock the pen. The Zoom L104 is a solid multi pen option, and this one has won a spot in my rotation as a reliable workhorse. Many thanks to Leigh for my first introduction to Tombow products - I wish they were more widely available over here!  

Pen Review: Sailor Imperial Black Multifunction Pen

Sailor makes great looking pens, and the pens that make up Sailor's "Imperial Black" series are some of the best, IMHO. The Imperial Black Professional Gear fountain pen has long been a stalwart in my collection, and gets regular use. Despite it's high MSRP outside of Japan, it's still one of the pens that I regularly recommend, and I consider it to be the premiere "stealth pen" available. As it turns out, Sailor has expanded the Imperial Black lineup to include both a multifunction pen and a ballpoint at much lower and more readily accessible price points. If you like the look of the Imperial Black pens, but aren't quite ready to make the investment in the Pro Gear fountain pen, you should consider adding the multi pen to your collection. (I can't personally speak to the ballpoint, as I don't own it, but in light of my positive experiences with the other two pens you can probably assume it's good as well.) 

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The black ion-plated trim on the multi pen matches the trim on the Professional Gear fountain pen nicely. 

Given the wide disparity in price points, I expected the Imperial Black multi pen to look cheap compared to the fountain pen, and for there to be a noticeable difference in the build quality. Not the case. The black ion-plated clip and trim are the same as on the fountain pen, and the matte black finish is equally well-applied. (Note: Nearly four years later, the matte finish on my Imperial Black fountain pen has become a bit glossy and worn from use. I expect the same from the multi pen, and from any "matte black" pen for that matter. It's normal and gives the pen a nice wabi-sabi effect.) Photographed together, these two pens look stunning. Sailor should consider selling these as a two or three-pen set. 

The Imperial Black fountain pen is a relatively light and compact writing instrument that's easily carried in a shirt pocket. The multi pen also makes a great daily carry tool, but it's heftier than its fountain pen equivalent. While the fountain pen is made from matte-black acrylic, the multi pen appears to be coated brass. The metal construction gives the pen some weight, though I still find it to be well-balanced and very comfortable to use. The pen is almost exactly the same length as the Lamy 2000 four-color ballpoint, but slimmer around the middle.  

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The Imperial Black multi pen uses widely available D1 refills. The stock Sailor refill is excellent, though a bit hard to find.   

In my recent Guide to Multifunction Pens, I noted that one of the big decision points when selecting a multi pen is the price/availability of the refills. Fortunately, this pen uses the non-proprietary D1 refill, which is relatively easy to find and available in a wide range of ink types. (There's even a highlighter refill made by Lamy, which I've been using a fair bit.) I will say that Sailor's "Chalana"-brand D1 ballpoint refills have impressed me. I'd compare them to the Uniball Jetstream refills in terms of smoothness, even in the "fine" or "extra fine" tip size. Like the Jetstream, there's not a wide range of colors - you're restricted to black, blue, and red - but they can be shockingly inexpensive for how good they are. Pen Chalet currently has the blue and the black in stock at less than $1.50 each.

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The stock Sailor D1 refill writes a fine line that's smooth and very dark for a ballpoint. 

So if I had to make a recommendation between this and the Lamy 2000 multi pen, what would I go with? That's a tough one. For me, it comes down to two things: (1) weight, and (2) whether you need a mechanical pencil function. While I don't consider the Imperial Black multi pen too heavy to use, it's definitely heavier than the Lamy 2000, so anyone particularly sensitive to that sort of thing should be advised. The Sailor also has a built-in .5mm mechanical pencil taking up one of it's four slots, whereas the Lamy is strictly a 4-color pen. Since I use pencils a lot during the workday, I find my self reaching more and more for the Sailor, and if I'm only carrying one pen, more often than not it's the Imperial Black that goes into my shirt pocket. Either one is excellent, however, and what you ultimately choose should determined by your personal needs and preferences.  

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One of the big selling points of the Sailor Imperial Black multi pen is the mechanical pencil function. The top of the "cap" unscrews to reveal a pink eraser. 

Where to Buy

As far as I can tell, neither the Imperial Black Multifunction Pen and the Imperial Black Ballpoint (which I have not tried) are available outside Japan, so you have to order both pens from a Japanese vendor. With respect to the multi pen, there are multiple Amazon sources you can purchase from, but as is common with overseas vendors, both price and availability can vary. Shop around.  

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

Guide to Multifunction Pens: Picking the Best Multi Pen for your Needs

Apart from fountain pens, I find myself using multifunction pens (or "multi pens") often. At work, I usually alternate between writing in pen and pencil, and on the pen side I regularly switch colors when I’m annotating documents and taking notes. When I’m at my desk at home, it’s easy to grab a pencil out of my pencil cup, or to simply reach for a different pen when I want to change colors, but if I’m sitting in a meeting at work or on an airplane, multi pens are the way to go. The universe of multi pens out there on the market, however, can be confusing and frustrating, and if you don’t do your research on the front end you can wind up with an unpleasant surprise when your refills run out and you realize replacements are unexpectedly expensive or difficult to find.

In this brief guide, which is intended to offer a little more information than your typical “top 5 pens” list, I’ll walk you through what I think are the five best multi pen options for most people, with an eye to quality, overall cost, and refill availability. My first two picks, the Lamy 2000 4-Color Ballpoint and the Sailor Imperial Black Multifunction Pen, might come as a surprise to people because they are more expensive pens than the others. However, they top my recommendations list because both are built to take a beating and accept the non-proprietary D1 refill, which comes in a wide variety of ink types and colors, some of which are very inexpensive. While D1 refills have their drawbacks - for one thing, gel versions can run out very quickly - pens that use the D1 “system” are more versatile, and you can usually find some sort of inexpensive D1 refill available at your local office supply store in a pinch.

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The Sailor Imperial Black Multi Pen is just as good looking as its fountain pen sibling, with a matte finish. 

For each of the pens I discuss, I link to a purchasing option and also to a full review of the pen in question. If I've personally done a review, I've used that. If not, I've tried to locate a good review by another blogger if one exists.

My Top Five Multi Pen Picks

1. Lamy 2000 4-Color Ballpoint. The multi pen version of Lamy’s iconic fountain pen isn’t just one of the best multi pens I own, it’s one of the best pens I own. It made my recent year-end list of best purchases from 2016, and I haven’t regretted spending the money to snag this pen. If I had to pick one drawback, it’s that there is no mechanical pencil option, which is a capability all the other multi pens on this list have. Despite this, the Lamy 2000’s looks, quality build, and use of the D1 refill keep it at the top. [My Review Here]

2. Sailor Imperial Black Multifunction Pen. Sailor’s latest “Imperial Black” pen was another pleasant surprise for me (though I don't know why because my experience with Sailor has generally been good). If you’re looking for a higher-end multi pen with excellent finishes, a blacked-out "stealth" color scheme, AND a dedicated mechanical pencil slot, this would be my recommendation. The pen also accepts D1 refills, and Sailor’s inexpensive “Chalana” .5mm ballpoint refills write well, even if they are somewhat difficult to find. Oddly, it seems that nobody has written a thorough review of this pen, which I'll have to remedy soon. 

3. Uni Style Fit. I always thought I’d remain a Hi-Tec-C Coleto guy, but after spending some significant time with Uni’s Style Fit multi pen, I’m slowly becoming a convert. While the standard plastic Style Fit pen body doesn’t do much for me, the metal version is quite nice. The proprietary gel refills come in .28, .38, and .5mm sizes, are super smooth, and last an exceptionally long time for a multi pen refill. They also are relatively inexpensive and available in a wide range of colors. [Check out The Pen Addict's Review Here]

4. Uniball Jetstream. An excellent inexpensive option, especially if you are looking for a no-fuss hybrid ballpoint multi pen that has a mechanical pencil option. As I noted in my review last month, the Jetstream multi pen is larger than most of the others on this list, and also takes proprietary refills that are limited to black/blue/red/green colors. The mechanical pencil is available in both .5mm and .7mm sizes. [My Review Here]

5. Pilot Hi-Tec-C Coleto. The first multi pen I ever purchased, and the version of Pilot’s Hi-Tec-C pen that I use most often. If you’re a fan of the Hi-Tec-C or needle-tip pens in general, you should go with the Coleto. It’s relatively easy to find, and the refills come in a wide range of colors across .3mm, .4mm, and .5mm tip sizes. The .4mm is the sweet spot for me. The .3mm is a bit scratchy, and the .5mm runs out too quickly. Unfortunately, Pilot seems to have discontinued the Coleto Lumio (formerly my favorite pen body). [My Review Here]

Honorable Mention

BIC 4-Color Ballpoint. This childhood classic still rocks, and is sold in both a 1.0mm “medium” tip and a .7mm “fine” tip sizes. I have a bunch of these in lying around in strategic locations (i.e., in the kitchen, in the car, etc.). A great utility writing implement. [Review Here]

Zebra Sharbo X. The Sharbo X is a well-made pen that accepts the universal D1 refill and is available in many different color schemes. It also has a built-in mechanical pencil option. Compared to the Sailor Imperial Black and the Lamy 2000, however, the Sharbo X is too short and too narrow for me to use comfortably for longer periods of time. Plus the Sailor holds 3 colors + a mechanical pencil, while my Sharbo only has 3 slots. That said, this would be a great pen to keep in a planner or for someone with smaller hands. [My Review Here]

Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Multi pens in general aren’t as expensive as fountain pens (or even most high-end ballpoints or rollerballs). Up front, that is. As I mentioned earlier, to be happy with a multi pen system in the long run, you’ll want to keep an eye on refill cost and availability. A multi pen that uses the universal D1 refill will be the easiest and most economical for most people to deal with long-term, especially if you use longer-lasting ballpoint or hybrid ballpoint ink. D1 multi pens are also the most versatile, providing the option of writing with ballpoint, hybrid ballpoint, gel, and even highlighter ink. The only question remaining is whether or not you want a mechanical pencil option.

That said, if you’re a fine-point gel pen aficionado, and use nothing else, a D1 system will be extremely frustrating, given how fast D1 gel refills run out. You would be better served by going with either the Style Fit or the Coleto, which use larger-capacity proprietary refills. (Zebra also offers a Sarasa multi pen, which I’ve not tried and which has received mixed reviews.)

Neither the Uniball Jetstream nor the BIC 4-Color multi pens are primary carries for me, though I own both and use them regularly in situations where writing with a ballpoint is called for. They’re also priced low enough that I don’t feel guilty about only using them sporadically, whereas my more expensive Lamy 2000 and Sailor Imperial Black pens get used all the time.

Hopefully this overview was helpful. I enjoy using multi pens, and as always, I will try to update this guide as new options come to market.

Disclaimer: I purchased all of the pens that I tried for this feature with my own funds, for my own collection.