Mightier Than the Sword: 5 Perfect Pens

Friday, 06 May 2011 13:00

Rate this item

(0 votes)

Mightier Than the Sword: 5 Perfect Pens | Magazine

By Mark McClusky This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
April 26, 2011 |
12:00 pm |
Wired May 2011

Photo: Greg Broom

1// Uni-ball 207
Geek factor: Many gel pens use dye-based inks that enterprising thieves can wash off checks. The 207’s pigment-based ink embeds itself into the paper, resisting chemical erasing techniques. Wait … you still pay by check?
Perfect for: The hopelessly paranoid.
$2.25
2// BIC Cristal
Geek factor: It’s the most common pen in the world, and it can deposit ink on paper. But two things about the Cristal stand out: the iconic design (it’s in MOMA’s collection) and the low price (great for people who use once and misplace).
Perfect for: The loss leader.
19 cents
3// Pelikan M805
Geek factor: Sure, fountain pens are fussy and retro. They’re also a joy to write with, especially when they’re built like this classic German instrument. A huge ink reservoir means you can pen miles of pretentious prose between fill-ups.
Perfect for: The verbose dandy.
$520
4// Zebra Sharbo X CB8
Geek factor: Order the body, then choose from 40 ballpoint, gel, and mechanical-pencil inserts. Collect ‘em all—the CB8 holds three at a time—and deploy the right writer for any situation.
Perfect for: The change agent.
$120 (body), $1.20 and up (inserts)
5// LAMY Safari
Geek factor: LAMY’s indestructible Safari is a dangerous gateway fountain pen—cheap, fun, low hassle. So be warned: A taste of this rig and you could end up trading your mom’s TV for just one more cartridge of blue-black ink.
Perfect for: The fountain-pen curious.
$35