[Pen/Pencil Review] Sharks are Still Cool When They’re Pens
I’m doing a rerun this week because 1) I’m looking at another color version of this pen; 2) I kinda forgot yesterday was Tuesday. Why did I forget that? Because I’m in the middle of teaching a 3-day – with some help – class for work. It’s been a huge undertaking for many reasons. It seems to be going well, but dang, I’m tired. And something’s in the air that does not agree with me. I have another day of this class to go then a presentation and concert on Saturday. Therefore…repeat performance.
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I’d like to say that I don’t buy pens on a whim…but I can’t type that with a straight face and you won’t read it with one. Because we all totally know that isn’t true. This is one of them. Goulet Pen Company had a special for Shark Week last week – the Jinhao 993 Shark Fountain pen with an extra fine nib on sale. The pens came in black, white, blue, and lavender. Kinda had to do it.
This is a decent fountain pen line from China. Because it was so ridiculously inexpensive, I didn’t have any major expectations of these pens, but was amazingly surprised by how well the extra fine nib worked considering it’s a SHARK THEMED FOUNTAIN PEN. Seriously. Adorable shark themed fountain pens. I bought the black and white – because obviously GREAT WHITE SHARK PEN.
These pens are just under 5.0″ long capped and 6.0″ with the cap posted. The barrel is plastic with viewing windows to show ink levels. The grip is smooth plastic but with triangular cuts that make it ergonomic. The grip design does help to hold the pen “correctly” and comfortably. The cap does post firmly, and though it’s light plastic, it’s got a good feel for the tapered body. There’s no clip to the cap, but it has a FIN!
The nib is “extra fine” stainless steel which makes it a nice line with little scratching and has some flexibility to it. The pens came with a converter, so I started the Great White with Private Reserve Dakota Red and the black with Scribal Workshop Nessie (which is a purple). The pen will take international short cartridges, and the grip is clear, so you can see the ink levels.
It was a good deal with a better than expected grip and a fun shark shape that just makes me happy. Goulet still has these for sale – regularly $3.95. Shark Week had them on sale, but that’s still a great price for a really decent pen.
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 – They make an effort for ergonomics. Though there’s not an “grippy” parts, it’s all smooth plastic, the grip is designed to fit comfortably in the hand.
3. Material – 1 – It is what it is, a plastic shark-shaped pen. It’s light but comfortable. The nib has a black plastic sleeve that helps moderate drips. There is no clip to the cap, but that’s okay.
4. Overall Design – 1 – I love these silly little pens. They’re a touch long, but good for the price. Converter challenges are on me – I get inks on me. But they’re so much fun!
5. Price Point – 1 – It’s $4 full price. That’s super cheap, but only available online at Goulet Pen Company. But it comes with a nice little note from the person who lovingly packs your box. Mine was done by Christopher. It was very well done.
That’s 5 of 5 bronze pencils.
