"You want to be a writer, but you don't know how or when. Find a quiet place; use a humble pen." -Paul Simon
I love a good pen. I mean, really love a good pen. In fact, I frequently have to stop myself from turning Pink Rickshaw into a website exclusively about pens (I'm really not going to do that; in case you were planning on unsubscribing). So, warning: if you're okay with writing with a hotel ballpoint pen (no judgement), this is probably not the best post for you (I'll give you a second to instead read this, this or this). But, if you are like me (and I know you're out there) and are always on the hunt for a good pen, this, my friend and fellow pen aficionado, is dedicated to you. These are my some of favorite, inexpensive pens (Note: These are not your fancy heirloom type pens, specialty pens (fountain pens, etc) or international pens (those are the best!) but more your disposable, everyday use, mainstream pens that retail for about $2-8 each)
Pentel Finito: I know there are people out there that love writing with actual Sharpies (the Sharpie pens are disappointing in my opinion, but the design is actually improving), this is the pen for you. It's a porous pen so it's better for writing cards or on anything that is a heavier paper.
Muji: I have been wanting to go to the influential Japanese design store Muji for years. It's hard to describe: it's like a Japanese stationary store meets Ikea but there's also clothes and luggage. Everything is simple, inexpensive and sustainably designed. I had my first Muji experience at one of their New York stores this past weekend and it was everything I imagined and more. It was a little difficult to get to the pens because the target demographic of pen lovers (aka 12 year-old-girls) were busy testing and discussing them all. But when I managed to get a few pens, I was not disappointed. The Muji gel pen is less than $2 each and is a better version of the Sakura GellyRoll. And like everything at Muji, they are unbranded (Muji's full name literally translates to "No brand, good quality"), so it makes for a great, clean office aesthetic.
Pilot Dr. Grip Gel: The late comedian Mitch Hedberg quipped, "I bought a seven dollar pen because I always lose pens and got sick of not caring." This is my $7 pen. It's got good weight, looks grown-up and writes really well. I like to hold it when I'm making a point in a meeting, providing instant gravitas. It's the $7 gravitas pen. Think of it as the pen that's for the job you want, not the job you have.
Pilot V5: This is like the OG of everyday pens. Classic, dependable and a smoooooth, rollerball. But if you have every traveled on an airplane with one, you know that they have the tendency to leak, so just be careful.
Pilot Frixion: This is an erasable pen. And yes you're thinking what I once thought too. "There is no way that an erasable pen can write well." I think of an erasable pen I had in elementary school. I thought it was so cool and for some reason the ink had a very distinct odor and the eraser on the lid was so super small that it did not erase the ink at all. Turns out time has really improved erasable pen technology. This one writes really well and erases completely and comes in lots of fun colors. It's especially great for fabric projects and sewing.
Tul : This pen, hands down, is my favorite of the favorites. I recommend it to everyone, give it to everyone and use it all the time. But I really should stop doing all of these things because I do often worry that they will get discontinued soon. Tul is Office Depot's own brand and honestly, I don't know how long the ol' Depot will be around and definitely wonder how profitable this pen is for them. Probably should start stockpiling now. (There are several configurations, the one I like is the Gel, 0.7 with needlepoint tip)
Pilot B2P: If you are a fervent environmentalist like my husband (don't ask him about landfills) and the thought of all of these disposable pens worry you, you will be a fan of this popular lil' number. My guess is that this is the green version of Pilot's very popular G2 because they write very similarly. The pen is mainly made out of old water bottles and flows nicely (like the water it once held).
Bonus-- Uniball Signo White Gel: If you ever need a pen for darker papers (envelopes, placecards) this is the best white ink pen I have found.
{If you like the looks of Le Pen and Muji to give your office some uniformity in the pen department, you may also want to check out Poppin which specializes in pens (and office supplies) in the color of your choice. And finally, if you need a notebook for all of your fabulous new pens, I am currently using one I love from Hay and also picked up these at Muji}
What are your favorite pens? I am always trying new ones, so let me know in the comments or tag me on Instagram (@pinkrickshaw). I would love to know.
image source: SD
-SD
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