[Pen/Pencil Review] Pentel PH 803 Super Multi 8
Today’s pen blog is a multi-function pen that Jimmy found for me somewhere in his quest for all thing Pentel P205. This is the Pentel PH 803 Super Multi 8 multi writing function instrument. That’s the only thing that I can call it. This is slightly different from other multi-functions. This one is a 2 mm lead holder and pen set in one barrel
This multi-function pen surprised me a little. I’m used to multi-function/color pens being bulky and sometimes hard to handle. This one isn’t. For what it is, it’s quite sleek. It’s 5.5″ long with everything retracted. I would normally say what it is with the points out, but being a lead holder, that’s variable. The barrel diameter is obviously wider than a “typical” standard single use pen or pencil, but not more so than some of the ergonomic grip pens. It’s not uncomfortably wide at the top. The point tapers to a comfortable diameter with ridges that help grip.
The barrel is gray with a black cap and clip that “dials†the ink or lead that you want. There is no eraser. The cap is the “clicker†that extends the leads or the inks. You have to tip the point down to extend the lead or ink and tip up to retract. The barrel has transparent bands just under the clip to see the innards. The next gray band has indicators for what you’re extending. The grip is clear.
The 0.7mm ball point pens are a rich red, blue, and black inks that flow well. The HB lead is soft and dark. What’s unique to this is the fact it has red lead for editing; non-copy blue for good, old-fashioned blue line lead; and pink and yellow fluorescent highlighter leads. This makes the 8 functions of the instrument.
This barrel is refillable. In fact this came in a case with extra leads and ink and a “pointer†which is lead holder for “sharpener†with the tiniest hole to only sharpen the lead points. That’s cool, but I have to remember where I put the pointer.
I enjoy this more than I thought I would. Mostly because it’s almost everything you could want in one thing. These are not available (easily) in the US. You can get them from Amazon from Japan for $20+ — which means not cheap but for what it is and what it can do – and the fact it COMES WITH REFILLS—it’s a good deal.
The numbers:
1. How does it work? – 1 – It works well. The rotary function of the points feels secure. There’s a bit of a learning curve – you do have to completely retract the point being used before you can change to another
2. Grip and feel – 1 – For a multi-function, it’s actually comfortable. There’s a decent taper, and the diameter is comfortable. It’s long enough to fit comfortably in the hand. I’m actually surprised by this.
3. Material – 1 – It’s plastic and base metal…however with the nice inserts, and sturdy feel, it’s decent. The transparent plastic of the barrel lets you see ink levels. Some might think it’s expensive for plastic and base metal, but it’s environmentally conscious and three good quality writing instruments in one.
4. Overall Design – 1 – Though there’s a learning curve to figure it out, once you do – and that’s simply getting used to this being a lead holder rather than a mechanical pencil – it’s nice. I find I pick it up more than I thought I would.
5. Price Point – 0.5 – It’s not cheap, but it is useful. It’s expensive but comes with refills that helps make it more economical. It can be had on Amazon, but it will come from Japan. I do find myself going to it when I might need pen/pencil back and forth options.
That’s 4.5 of 5 bronze pencils.
