Rotring 600s.

[sph3ric pyramid]

Well, just received a couple of old-style Rotring 600s today, the type with the knurling on them. Torsten Schrage was very easy to work with, shipping time was great considering he lives just about as far as you can get from Japan.

I got a black mechanical pencil, and a silver rollerball. Fit and finish was great, and the attention to detail was good, too. Case is also a nice touch.

The mechanical pencil was lighter than I expected, I think I still prefer the Rotring Newton to it (Newton was stolen ), the Newton is a bit heftier and has a retractable nib, not to mention being more attractive having a silver body and gold accents. Retractable nib is nice when carrying it in a pocket with the usual stuff, and it has that gadget factor.

The rollerball, on the other hand, was great. It's huge, heavy, and looks almost ridiculous when writing with the cap posted. Knurling is on the grip and both ends of the pen. Writes very smooth, no problems seen with skipping so far. As some other people have said, you could easily use this thing as an improvised kubotan to beat somene over the head with no damage. The clip is oversized too, so it can be carried safely clipped to a pocket (in the place of the usual knife, on school property and all). Very pleased with this one.

I think I've just about used up the years allotted writing-implement-buying-budget on Rotrings, they are quite nice. On the other hand, the 5 dollar Dr. Grip mech. pencils with the shaken-lead-advancing mechanism are comfortable, cheap, and have a nice gadget factor to them as well. Might as well get one of those, too.

Looks to be a good week, have five knives and a watch that should be arriving shortly...

[komondor]

Do you have an email address for Shrage?

I would love one of those rollerballs.

[sph3ric pyramid]

Sure, mail address is: TorstenSchrage@t-online.de

[komondor]

Thanks, man. I'm going to get one.

[Sid Post]

If for some reason the Rotring skips, replace the ink refill with a new one. The "old" Rotrings use older ink technology that has been aging for years. A new ink refill works wonders.

The Pentel and Parker refills are really nice, and cheap too!

[Jedi Knife]

As some other people have said, you could easily use this thing as an improvised kubotan to beat somene over the head with no damage. The clip is oversized too, so it can be carried safely clipped to a pocket (in the place of the usual knife, on school property and all). Very pleased with this one.

Wow! Those are the characteristics I've been looking for in a pen. Is your 600 made from some special batch or do you think most of the 600s would hold up as well? Thanks for the post, I was looking for this information.

JK

[fausto nasafiaschi]

I had at least 4 of them in the past (2 pens + 2 pencils) and all got stolen from me (few knives went that way as well) both on board and when working ashore (shipyard). Now I have a Fisher millenium with me since 99. (note: Fisher replaced it for me twice and sent me one to Australia once).
Pens are just as badly addictive as knives and all the rest (watches, tools, camping equipment, sunglasses, boots, guns...............)
Fausto

[sph3ric pyramid]

My 600 is the old style with the knurling around the body, probably made before the ownership of the company changed. On the other hand, I've seen the newer versions, and they're just as heavy, although not as nicely finished.

I think, though, for $25 it's a bargain. Especially when you consider that similar pens (in weight and finish, at least) like the Mazzuoli line-up cost almost 4 times as much and more. When I get the cash, I'll probably get a couple more, maybe in black next time.

[sph3ric pyramid]

Just a question, which refills can the Rotring 600 series rollerballs take? I love those Parker refills, it'd be great if they fit.

[Sid Post]

The local writing shop sold me a Pentel Rollerball refill. I forget the exact model number but, it is one smooth pen cartridge. I'm not sure if it's an exact clone of the Parker rollerball refill.

The ballpoint pens take standard Parker ballpoint refills found at almost any store here in the USA.

[sph3ric pyramid]

Cool, thanks, will look for those Pentel refills.

[ROM831]

I took a the Dremel to a MontBlanc fine point black rollerball refill for my 600 Rollerball I got from Torsten. It is the best of both worlds, a great sturdy pen with a thin BLACK smooth fine point.

[shootist16]

I have a Rotring 600 ballpoint that I put Parker ballpoint gel refills in. Talk about smooooth. The ink looks great as well.

[Rugger]

Dammit-
Every time I see a Rotring thread I miss my old one & add another to the wish list.
I hate you people.
m.

[cardimon]

Just bought myself a Rotring 600 ballpoint in lava finish. Thin, sturdy, nice heft. Feels great in the hand. What other nicely balanced, weighty pens are available?

[Lenny]

Could someone please post a pic of the knurling on the older 600's?
Thanks.
Lenny

[sph3ric pyramid]

Lenny,

If you run a quick search on Ebay, you'll come up with auctions with pictures of the old-style pencils and pens.

[RTAK]

I have purchased several of the old style 600's from Torsten. He seems to have astock pile of them, but only in Black when I was buying. Picked them for some of the same reasons. When flying and the no knives allowed rules I find the 600 comforting in my pocket knowing I can improvise as PD item if needed. After I got my set, my Father had to have one as well. Torsten made me a deal, $60 shipped for two BP and one Pencil. Great guy, highly recommended.

[92degrees]

I just got my old-style 600 Rollerball from Torsten. Took about a week -- really a great deal and fast!