Posts by reudaly:
[Pen/Pencil Review] Pentel Excalibur – Black and Stainless – Vintage
This week is a slightly unusual pen review. It’s more of a “vintage†review. I’m looking at two versions of the Pentel Excalibur which have been permanently. The numbers are going to be FUN. But there’s an interesting (to me) story of how these came to be.
As many of you know, Jimmy has a blog about Pentel P205s. He’s a serious collector and is seen as a bit of an expert by others who also dig that particular pencil. He now has connections in several countries who “What’s App†him all the time about stuff – especially in Brazil. Well, they have sent stuff back and forth – and in one box from Brazil, these two pieces were in it for fun.
**EDITED FOR A NOTE: Jimmy tells me these are NOT from Brazil – they were extras when Jimmy bought the Pentel Salesman Sample Case on Ebay.**
I love them. They’re beautiful. One is black lacquer with gold accents the other is brushed stainless with gold accents. The black has a rubberized grip for some ergonomic comfort. The stainless is a slim line with no seam until the ink guard. There’s some horizontal ribbing (almost like threading but not) for a grip. Both pens are about 5.25†long capped and 5.5†long posted. The caps post securely and they’re comfortable.
The ink is interesting… it’s also discontinued. It is/was a black “fine pointâ€. It was a “BFL5†which may have been a 0.5 but the refill barrel has a Ø 07 on the barrel – so not sure if that’s a 0.7mm. The thing is that these pens seem to have the original ink in them and they STILL WORK and work pretty well. The stainless feels a bit scratchy, but the ink is dark and the rollerballs are still pretty smooth with little scratching and glopping.
There were some compatibilities with other pens, but I’m not sure what the acceptable refill is now – I will check with Pentel or do some experimenting with the oodles of pens, refills, etc. that I have in my possession.
The numbers:
1. How does it work? – 1 Considering I have no idea how old these pens are or the refills in them and everything has been discontinued, it worked AMAZINGLY WELL. Mostly because they work AT ALL
2. Grip and feel – 0.5 – They’re higher end gift type pen. The black has some ergonomics to the grip, but has ridges to dig in. The stainless has a smooth metal barrel with minimal ribbing. It’s smooth but hard.
3. Material – 1 They’re solid metal – and black lacquer – they’re SOLID. Heavy, refillable with good clips and accents.
4. Overall Design – 1 -They’re good, executive pens with great longevity, great function and design.
5. Price Point – 0 – Everything about them is discontinued. You can only find these on auction or reseller sites – so good luck there. They originally ran for $12 – $15 which would’ve been reasonable but pricey. The refillable quality is a wash since I have no idea what to refill them WITH
4.0 out of 5 Bronze Pencils
[Write the Story] Anonymous Gifts Start Arriving on the Doorstep
Prompt: Anonymous Gifts Start Arriving at the Doorstep Words: teenager, camouflage, birch, harmony, rifle, screen door, wrinkle, dive, pick-up, sticker Story Kara nearly tripped over the box on her front step as she left for work. Fortunately, she bounced off the screen door before stumbling over the camouflage wrapped parcel. Her brow wrinkled as she […]
[Pen/Pencil Review] Zebra Disposable Fountain Pens – 7 Colors
Today’s pen review is one I should’ve done a long time ago. I got this set for Christmas and have been using and carrying it around since then. Today’s review is another Zebra Pen product, this is their disposable fountain pen set from their art products line. I chose the 7-color set because COLORS. I’ve […]
[Write the Story] Fired From a Long-Term Job
Prompt: Fired From a Long-Term Job Words: guitar, military, aversion, mouse, vertical, crumple, runaway, creation, alphabetize, tablet Story Patrick slid the mouse across the screen and clicked through fields, inputting numbers and codes and manipulating information. “Can I alphabetize the reports? Dude, what do they think I’ve been doing for the last five years?†As […]
[Pen and Pencil Review] Zebra PM 701 Stainless Steel Marker
This week’s review is a variation of a previous (and a different manufacturer) post. Several years ago I posted about the Stainless Steel Sharpies. From that post: A quick note about the Stainless Steel Sharpies – they may cost more initially than regular Sharpies, but they’re worth it. 1. They’re refillable, so you’re only investing […]
[Write the Story] A Mysterious Package
Prompt: A Mysterious Package Words: theater, almond, version, triple, arrow, pathway, man, mangle, drapery, bullet Story “I’m not taking a bullet for you, you know that, right, man?” Sonja twirled across the theater stage. “How about an arrow? Probably wouldn’t kill you.” Dylan lounged as bonelessly as he could across the front row. “I’m not […]
[Pen/Pencil Review] The Ooly Splendid Fountain Pen in Blue and Black
Sometimes I find the most random things at Half-Price Books, this past week it was the Splendid Fountain Pens by OOLY in blue and black – so I had to get them. Just for kicks. And because I was “celebrating†finishing up a thing for work. And I have an office supply…problem. I didn’t need […]
[Write the Story] A Strange Proposition from a Stranger
Prompt: A Strange Proposition From a Stranger Words: sequin, luncheon, designer, toolbox, measurement, force, dented, cellular, banish, lock Story “Are you going to be finished soon?†the sequin-festooned matron prodded the toolbox with her designer-shoed toe. “I hope to be, but this broken lock is being a challenge. It would go faster if I didn’t […]
[Pen/Pencil Review] Owl Stress Ball Novelty Rerun
Yeah, I know it’s early in the year to be doing a rerun… however, the big event I do for work is at the end of the week plus other random things that have to be done have me coming back to this pen. So now you get to revisit it, too. I hope one […]
[Write the Story] The Night Before Graduation
Prompt: The Night Before Graduation Words: obscene, margarita, paradise, story, tempo, truthfully, stonewall, plain, opposite, loan Story Vivian’s pulse pounded in her temple in tempo with the band. She sipped at her obscenely large margarita. Probably her last, of at least these. Tomorrow she graduated and would leave this veritable paradise for good. “What’s your […]