[Pen/Pencil Review] The E+M Germany Shaper Ashwood Ballpoint Pen
This is a new pen for me. Picked it up on JetPens because it was cool looking. I give you the E+M Germany Shaper ballpoint pen with blue ink. This is a unique capless stick pen that’s utilitarian while being unique and sustainable – and responsible.
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) sets standards for harvesting wood with environmental, economical, and socially responsible manners. These stunning pen bodies meet these standards. This pen is the ashwood body shaped in an hour-glass figure that’s both ergonomically sound but also artistically reminiscent of a tree branch. The pen runs about seven inches long with a slender but comfortable diameter. It’s light yet well-balanced and comfortable.
The blue ballpoint ink is a medium point – about 0.8mm – in a brass-looking metal tip. The ink is refillable for a further eco-friendly and economic benefit. The ink is smooth and relatively rich in color, there wasn’t any skipping and minor smearing.
I have to admit, I’ve enjoyed this pen – but not just as a writing instrument. I’ve directed imaginary orchestras with it. I’ve might’ve cast a few imaginary magic spells with it – “WRITICUS MOREICUS!” (Yeah, Harry Potter – or even Harry Dresden, I’m NOT…). If you fidget with pens, this one also twirls like a tiny little baton, too. So, it’s a toy as well as a well-made pen. It comes in four colors/woods and is remarkably affordable – with decently priced refills.
The numbers:
1. How does it work? – 1 – It works pretty well. The metal tip is smooth. The ink flows well. I still have to figure out how to get the ink out to be refilled in the future.
2. Grip and feel – 1 – It’s nice. There’s not a lot of varnish or sealant in the ashwood. It’s smooth and shaped to be both artistic and ergonomic.
3. Material – 1 – It’s responsibly-sourced ashwood milled smooth. The metal ink is refillable and sturdy.
4. Overall Design – 0.5 – It’s a bit on the light side. There’s no heft to it, if you need heft. It might be too long for some. And though it’s refillable – I’m not sure if I’m just not applying enough pressure or if there’s a trick to replacing the ink – which only comes in blue. I’d also like to see other colors.
5. Price Point – 1 – For a honest-to-goodness wooden pen that’s artistically and responsibly made, it’s only $4.40 for the body and initial refills. The refills are only $0.80 each – but the refills only come in one color and point size.
I give it 4.5 out of 5 Bronze Pencils
