[Pen/Pencil Review] Fisher Space Pen – Lime Green Rerun
The last couple of weeks have been…hectic. ConDFW, birthday, hosting a class at Day Job and working as an evaluator at another one all this week – plus some family stuff have stretched me pretty thin. I haven’t been home much this week. So, I went back to an oldie but a goodie… The Fisher Space Pen. With some new links now that Paradise Pen Company is no longer with us.
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Today’s pen is the Fisher Space Pen. I think I had one years ago, but where it ended up is anyone’s guess. This one I picked up at Paradise Pen Company as part of the Birthday Pilgrimage. I was looking for something a bit more affordable this time around that was still cool… and this one is iridescent lime green. We had a winner.
This pen came with a PR4 Medium Point Black pressurized ink cartridge. This is what makes the Fisher Space Pen unique. The medium point is a 1.1mm ball point, which really makes me want to change it out to a 0.9mm FINE point. However, for a broader point than I like, it’s still an interesting pen. The pressurized barrel of the ink lets this pen write in more environments and angles than other pens, and touts a longer lasting ink life. I’m still working on that….
Fisher has been creating more “festive” pens over the years. Many are variations of their classic “bullet” style, which is what I bought. The Bullet pen is brushed aluminum with various colors. I chose the lime green one, because well, me. I hesitated before purchasing. With the cap on, the Fisher Bullet is only about 3.75″ long, which makes me wonder if it’s going to be comfortable. When you post the cap, it telescopes to about 5.5″ long, making it long enough to be comfortable.
The grip is etched aluminum with chrome plating for something to hold on to. A rubber O-ring seals the barrel and the grip and smoothes out any ridges that might dig in. It has a decent diameter, so you can write with it for a period of time. There is no clip, so you have to be careful or the pen will roll off an uneven surface.
It also comes in a cute box. The nearly transparent plastic box is lined with a felt insert in a moonscape pattern with literature on the pen. Though it isn’t necessary, it does add to the experience.
The numbers:
1. How does it work? – 1 – I haven’t tried writing with this pen underwater or in zero gravity, but it does write at all angles. I’d show you, but it’s hard to get that proof. The ink flows well. It does what it says it does.
2. Grip and feel – 0.5 – It’s got traction, not a “grip”. The grip is a ribbed etching in the chrome plating. Though the O-Ring does alleviate any edges, it’s all metal. And borderline comfortable on diameter and length
3. Material – 1 – It’s aluminum. So it’s a sturdy but light pen – for the barrel. The colors and design make it a lovely pen that can stand up to some beating.
4. Overall Design – 1 – It’s well-designed for what it is. The bullet pen is compact, but long enough to be relatively comfortable. It can be used in any condition. The pen seals up well capped and feels secure with the cap posted. And it does write in a lot of ways.
5. Price Point – 0.5 – It’s not cheap. This one runs $29.00 at Paradise Pen Company (it’s now $23 at Amazon). You can probably find it cheaper or on sale in other places. Refills are available – in a wide array of colors, and even some different point types for common colors – for $6-$7 a pop depending on where you get them. That’s not cheap, but for the length of time they’re useable and how many ways you can use the refills, it makes this a long term use pen that evens out the investment.
That’s 4 of 5 bronze pencils.
[Write the Story] War on Foreign Soil
Prompt: War on Foreign Soil
Words: amputated, global, curtain, banana, carbonate, calisthenics, patriot, fixture, Bluetooth
Story
“Is this what you signed up for, Stratton?”
“What?” Doing calisthenics in a banana republic? Or being a patriot serving my country?” Stratton popped up out of his last push up, barely breathing hard.
“We’re protecting walnuts.”
“And until the brass back home tells us that walnuts are no longer important to global security, Porter, that’s exactly what we’re going to do.”
The two soldiers double-timed it to their posts on the base perimeter, orders starting to come through Bluetooth devices. They had moments to reach the edge of the foliage curtain to wait for the next incursion.
Stratton thought about what Porter said. Was it worth guarding the last stand of walnut trees? Was this grove of nut-bearing trees really the fixture of civilization everyone made them out to be? Granted they were amazing in food, and the wood was versatile, and the shells could be ground up and used to carbonate stuff or some such nonsense. But was it really worth the bloodshed that came with war.
“Here they come!”
And just like that, the aliens swarmed the perimeter, their insect exoskeletons clattering into the electromagnetic field, zapping many, but others got through guns took care of them. The battle ended in a cloud of gas and smoke. Cries rose up as soldiers, including Stratton, found themselves wounded. The bugs’ laser weapons amputated limbs without pain or notice – only Stratton tried to stand did he realize he no longer had a leg.
Word Count: 244
Written: 2/13/19
[Pen/Pencil Review] Pilot G-Tec-C 0.4mm Purple
It’s a super busy time (I know, I know, when is it NOT super busy). Between birthday week (and yes, it’s a week), ConDFW, and working with two different classes at the Day Job… yeah. I’m a little behind. Shocker. This one is a slight variation on a them. I’ve done a couple of reviews on versions of the Pilot Hi-Tec-C. This is the “international versionâ€, according to Jetpens, the G-Tec-C. This is the 0.4mm purple/violet one – because February colors.
It’s chance to revisit this pen again. I’ve wrote about the Hi-Tec-C and the G-Tec-C is pretty similar. I really do like the Pilot G-Tec-C line – in any color because they do points like 0.4mm (and smaller). It runs just over 6″ with the cap posted, and 5.4″ capped. This pen has been comfortable in my had in other incarnations and remains so now. The cap is plastic but posts securely. The cap and barrel are transparent but with color matching cap top, spot on the clip and barrel plug.
The purple ink is rich for a fine line. It’s a gel ink, so there’s a bit of smearing on slick paper but it dries quickly. The G-Tec-C needle points and rollerballs have little to no skipping or bleeding. The point isn’t all that scratchy either. You can see the amount of ink left through the barrel, which I like. There’s some ribbing on the grip but not a lot in terms of ergonomics.
I don’t remember when I actually bought this pen. I’ve had it around for quite a while, and the ink still flows like new. There seems to be no change in color or flow. It’s definitely got legs.
Now to the numbers:
1. How does it work? – 1 This pen works well. The ink flows well and it’s moderately comfortable.
2. Grip and feel – 0.5 – The grip is actually textured into the plastic. It’s ribbed. For the kind of pen it is, it’s okay.
3. Material – 0.5 This is an inexpensive, plastic pen. It is what it is. It’s a serviceable specialty color gel ink.
4. Overall Design – 1 -It’s a good pen for everyday use. It’s a go-to pen. Pilot makes a good pen
5. Price Point – 0.5 – For a possibly disposable pen (though it does have refills) and the fact that you can only order it from JetPens, it’s not the least expensive pen on the market. It’s $2.10 a piece. That’s not horrible, but the refills are $2.50 – which is more than the original pen.
I give it a 3.5 out of 5 bronze pencils.
[Write the Story] A Hairdresser Received a Shocking Confession from a Client
Prompt: A Hairdresser Received a Shocking Confession from a Customer
Words: poverty, marksman, bookshelf, backspace, hedge, cuckoo, pumpkin, courteous, deduction, acute
Story
“And then I found out I didn’t qualify for the tax deduction.”
Norma tried not to roll her eyes while working through the layers of her client’s shag cut. She hated when clients didn’t leave their phones before getting in her chair. At least this one had a wireless headset and was usually courteous.
“I had to hedge a little. The cuckoo clock on the bookshelf screwed up the line of fire. The acute angle was already tight for any marksman but trick shots? No thanks.”
Norma hesitated in the middle of the trim. Each time she did this particular client’s hair, only listed in her book as “Pumpkin”, she wondered if it would be the last time.
“Look, I’m not trying to say it’s going to end poverty but hitting the backspace on that guy is going to have long-term financial gains for everyone. Maybe ammunition…well, there’s ammunition and then there’s ammunition I’ll see what I can come up with. Call you back.”
Pumpkin disconnected the all as Norma pulled the blow dryer out of its holster. Pumpkin smiled in a way that chilled Norma to the bone. “You didn’t hear a word, right? Because I like you.”
“It’s like talking to a priest or a doctor.”
“Privilege has its advantages.”
Word Count: 212
Written: 2/5/2019
[Conventions] The Last ConDFW Starts Today!
Today is bittersweet – ConDFW starts today for the last time. Sunday, the last day of this awesome convention will be a significant birthday. My schedule is below – come to the reading on Sunday and – while supplies last – there will be cake balls!
[Pen/Pencil Review] Zebra Prefill 5 Color Multi Pen Body Component – Belle Red
In my Christmas stocking this year was something I’d forgotten I’d put on a JetPens wishlist. It’s a Zebra Prefill 5 Color Multi Pen Body Component – Belle Red and five inserts in a random assortment of colors in 0.5mm points. The Belle Red is a female “Snoopy” holding a heart, which makes it perfect for Valentine’s week.
It’s a fun body. And the Prefill 5 is just that – a customizable PEN BODY. Nothing comes in it, you get to choose. Choose colors and choose point sizes – and probably even choose what kind of ink and probably there’s even a pencil option. This pen body is 6.3″ long and light until you fill the pen. Then it’s better balanced.
The barrel is retractable with side sliders, including one with a ring. The ring is in place of a clip – it’s one drawback. I love Zebra’s binder clips on most of their pens now, these are harder to carry. The barrel is red two-thirds of the way down. The grip is milky white and slightly translucent – so you can see the inks inside. The diameter is a bit wide, but only enough to accommodate the refills. They’re pretty comfortable.
The inks are Sarasa gel NJK lines and, yes, there is a mechanical pencil component – so INFINITELY customizable. There are several colors and point sizes available. The gel ink is smooth and dark. They dry quickly and are relatively inexpensive. These are all elements
The numbers:
1. How does it work? – 1 – It works surprisingly well for the body coming empty. The inks just slide in but are secure in the body. The retraction mechanisms work well.
2. Grip and feel – 1 – For a multi-function, it’s actually comfortable. The diameter is comfortable. There’s very little ridge between grip and barrel to be uncomfortable because of the decorative band. It’s a bit long but comfortable.
3. Material – 1 – It is plastic…however with the nice inserts, and comfortable feel, it’s decent. The transparent plastic of the barrel grip lets you see ink levels. Some might think it’s expensive for plastic and base metal, but it’s environmentally conscious and FIVE good quality writing instruments in one.
4. Overall Design – 0.5 – I am going to knock a half point off here just for the lack of a clip – and I don’t think you can put an eraser in the top? But I’d have to do more research on that.
5. Price Point – 0.5 – It’s not cheap, but it is SUPER useful. The empty body is $6 on Jetpens with the refills being $1.95 for the inks and $3.00 for the pencil mechanism. That’s not HUGELY expensive – but it’s not super cheap – $16 for the initial out lay and then refills. BUT it’s super cute, and you can change the inks out however often you like or have on hand.
That’s 4 of 5 bronze pencils.
[Write the Story] An Unexpected Visitor Shakes Things Up
Prompt: An Unexpected Visitor Shakes Things Up
Words: tightrope, nightingale, underline, risk, academy, existential, outlook, Friday, gobble, grill
Story
“Now, as delicately as a nightingale on a tightrope, we’ll add the meat to the grill…”
Sandra tried hard not to giggle. She’d come to the culinary academy to learn the fine points of cooking, but her current instructor seemed to think cooking was an existential experience.
“Hold up, everyone!”
Sandra and the rest of her class froze, meat dangling from tongs over hot grills. A new person blew into the room with the tornadic force that ran the risk of extinguishing every gas flame in the room. Jaws dropped as awed whispers ran rampant. It was The Robby Peel, celebrity chef. Sandra could hear the underline under the.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we have an unexpected guest The Robby Peel.” Sarcasm and years of disdain dripped from her instructor’s tone. There was history there.
“Boys and girls! Mark your calendars! Set Outlook reminders! Do whatever it takes to be here on Friday!” Robby Peel bounced around the room, reminding Sandra of an over-caffeinated kangaroo. “We’re going to have the Gobble Competition LIVE! Right here. One of you will win a chance to work with me on my Superbowl Snackfest TV Special. So whip up your best chili cheese dip and come ready!”
Sandra saw her instructor slap his forehead. He’d lost every student in the room to potential stardom. All but one. Sandra just wanted to cook.
Word Count: 227
Written: 1/28-29/19
[Pen/Pencil Review] Bullet Train Ballpoint Novelty Pen
A couple of weeks ago, my day job office hosted a high-speed rail meeting, which reminded me of the pens I bought for my dad and myself at Daiso for Christmas stockings. These are bullet train pens with LED lights in the car. His was red. Mine is green – for obvious reasons. Because they are from Daiso, they were super inexpensive which I love in a novelty pen. These are adorable, somewhat functional, and just cute. This pen has been sitting on my desk since that meeting because…why not. But maybe it’ll stay home now.
This sucker is long. It’s not quite 7.25″ inches long with the cap on and just under 7.0″ with the cap off. The cap does not post. There’s nothing really to post to. It’s wider than one would normally be comfortable with – but, come on, we’re not getting this pen to write novels with. The train barrel is white with green window panes. When you look at the ends from the top, it kind of has faces. The LED lights have an on/off switch and do cycle through all the colors in the grip but it’s mostly green through the windows.
The point tapers to a round clear plastic grip that makes it not horribly uncomfortable in a rectangular train shape. The ink is a fine point black ball point ink with a stainless-steel point. The ink flows well and has a smooth action. It writes really well for something that should be more awkward than it is.
The Numbers.
1. How does it work? – 0.5 – It’s better than I expected. The flow of ink is nice. It’s not super comfortable but come on…it’s not supposed to be.
2. Look and feel – 0.5 – It’s not bad for a novelty pen. It’s long and has a weird shape with a ridge, but not as a huge detriment to the writing experience.
3. Material – 1 It’s a fun novelty pen. It’s plastic but has a decent point and workable flashing lights. I
4. Overall Design – 1 – It’s an awesome high-speed rail pen has fun lights. It is what it is.
5. Price Point – 1 This was at DAISO right around Christmas and somewhere between $1.50 and $3.00 because…DAISO.
4 out of 5 bronze pencils.
[Write the Story] A Story That Takes Place in One Room
Prompt: A Story That Takes Place in One Room
Words: petting zoo, handsome, unbound, annoy, weekend, invest, immortal, piglet, cocktail, camp
Story
“So, what do we do now, Pooh?”
“I am not your Piglet in this story, Ray.” Chloe plopped down on the hay bail. “Being locked in a petting zoo was not the weekend I anticipated when you asked me to come with you.”
Ray smiled in a way she found it hard to be annoyed with him. Darn his immortal, handsome…everything. “I didn’t quite plan it this way, either. I imagined a cocktail or two, maybe a camp fire, but not…” He waved his hands around the goat pen. “…this.”
Chloe laughed then, startling the chickens and making the ponies whinny and the cows stomp in their stalls. “So, you didn’t plan this?”
“If I was going to invest in a scenario to provide unbridled passion,” Ray gestured around them again. “A BARN would not be my first or one hundredth choice. Been there. Done that. The colloquial ‘roll in the hay’ is not all it’s cracked up to be. Straw is itchy, dirty, and frankly hurts if you get it in the wrong places.”
Chloe laughed again, a pure, joyous sound. Ray watched a moment, confusion playing across his chiseled features.
“What’s so funny?” he asked.
Chloe took a deep breath to stop laughing. “It’s just that after all the time you’ve lived, you can still make rookie mistakes. Come on, let’s find a window to shimmy out of, then we can get those drinks.”
Chloe led the bemused Ray out the back of the stable. Maybe he’d found a challenge after all this time.
Word Count: 256
Written: 1/24 & 25/19
[Pen/Pencil Review] Dong-a U-Knock Retractable – Black Ink 0.5mm
I love having friends in Korea and access to the internet. That way I have access to things like the Dong-A line (which the 12-year-old boy in me always finds HILARIOUS). This week’s pen is the Dong-A U*Knock retractable pen made in Korea. Dong-A is a Korean line. This is a gel ink pen in the same vein as the Sarasa and Jetstreams but harder to find in the US even online.
Pretty sure this came from The Francis Family on one of their trips in from Korea – because they live there and know I’m a sucker for this kind of thing. You can find like 12-packs at Amazon and Ebay. But it’s a decent everyday pen and comes in a 0.5mm point. This is a black retractable.
The ink is good for so fine a point. You’re going to lose some depth/darkness in an ink tone the finer the point. This sometimes feels like it’s a finer point than a 0.5mm but I still like it. Amazon says it has patented “U-spring†technology that allows for smooth ink release. Seems good to me. The conical tip means it’s not as scratchy feeling than some needle points. But it’s a nice color.
These pens run about 5.5″. The mechanism is smooth. The rubber grip is textured and seems to be only a slight nod to comfort. The barrel is fine but not EXCEPTIONAL – the barrel has a transparency to it and the grip is slightly rubberized for a nod to ergonomics. It’s a cool pen for what it is, which is a good editing or notation pen if you need something easily transportable and super fine.
Let’s see the numbers…
1. How does it work? – 1 – it works well. The ink dries quickly – especially being such a fine point, but it doesn’t feel that fine and has a solid width with a slightly transparent barrel.
2. Grip and feel – 0.5 – The length is typical for a retractable pen. The barrel is slightly rubberized. But there are no real ergonomics.
3. Material – 1 – It’s a plastic retractable pen. It’s all plastic. The retraction plunger is kind of cool.
4. Overall Design – 1 It’s a decent design for a plastic retractable pen. The ink is decent and dark for a 0.5mm, it’s a smooth decent line. The mechanism works well. It does what it’s supposed to do.
5. Price Point – 0.5 – For a retractable gel pen, it’s good. I did find some refills online – so refillable. From the dozen box on Amazon, they seem to run $1.60 a piece which is just fine.
That’s 4 bronze pencils out of 5.
