Ever since I was 18 and a freshman in college, I've carried a briefcase everyday to either college or work (that's been about 24 years now). In recent years, probably about 8-10, I've carried in there a leather portfolio. Until recently, strapped in, was a
Waterman Expert rollerball in red marble (pictured below). I loved everything about it...smooth writing rollerball; beautifully lacquered surface; elegant appearance. It did, though, scratch fairly easily.
A year or two back, I retired the Waterman (I still have it) and in its place, a
Cross Verve Merlot (pictured below...
here's a link to another picture that shows it's beauty). What a beautiful pen! I instantly fell in love! Soft lines gently flow from one end to the other; solid 18K white gold clip and tip; unique, hidden pocket clip; and an elegantly suptle diamond patterned surface. When I think of Cross, I don't think of pens this nice. I guess they've been expanding their product line while I've been "sleeping."
I HATE cheap pens! But since I often work closely with an assortment of both coworkers and customers with whom I exchange writing instruments, I assure that every area in that I work is well stocked with disposable rollerball/gel type pens of differing brands/models that write as wonderfully as a $4-7 pen can provide.
Someday, I'd love to get into fountain pens, but at this time, just don't have an outlet for regularly using one.
