[Pen/Pencil Review] Monami Olika Fountain Pen – Green
This is actually a pen I could’ve sworn I’d already reviewed, but apparently not. There’s no record of it. It was part of my initial Kinokuniya/Daiso trip to Carrollton. This is the Monami Olika fountain pen. I bought two – a blue and a green. This one is of the green because holiday colors.
The Monami Olika is what I would consider an “everyday carry” type fountain pen. It’s translucent green plastic not quite a demonstrator, but close. It’s about 5.5″ long capped and just over 6″ with the cap posted. The body is slightly curved that’s narrower in the middle and wider at the grip and post. The narrower portion is designed to sit in the web of the thumb.
The grip of pen is dimpled black rubber that allows comfort, stability and long use. The cap posts securely on the barrel with the barrel being smooth. The cap has a molded plastic in a solid arch. There’s little chance of the clip breaking off. The nib is a fine point steel with some flexibility to keep it easy and comfortable. The pen is easily refillable but with a proprietary cartridge.
The ink started out light and then turned darker on me. Maybe their proprietary cartridge isn’t quite as proprietary as I thought. It might be the first cartridge was a lighter green than the other two that came with it or I might’ve ended up getting a Nakimi or some other non-international short cartridge. The flexibility of the nib helps with a smooth flow to the ink. The color is good and strong. I like it.
The numbers:
1. How does it work? – 1 – It works like it’s supposed to. The nib is smooth and solid. The barrel is light but well-balanced with a good feel. The nib feels strong, like it won’t bend if you’re heavy-handed writer.
2. Grip and feel – 1 – There are solid nods to ergonomics. The grip is comfortable along with the curve to the barrel. It’s comfortable.
3. Material – 0.5 – It is what it is, a plastic basic fountain pen. It’s light but comfortable. The ink
4. Overall Design – 1 – This is a solid beginner or every day pen.
5. Price Point – 1 – It’s $5.50 on JetPens, don’t remember what it was at Kinokuniya, which isn’t bad for a refillable fountain pen. There are refills available also for $5.50 for 5 cartridges. So not the cheapest things ever but also not bad for something than can last quite a while.
That’s 4.5 of 5 bronze pencils.