Pens....what is your favorite?

I have bought a few - Surefire, Michael's Fat Boy, Tuffwriter, but my favorite is the Retrakt from Karas Kustoms. I have it in brass. It has a nice heft to it. First rate quality and service too.
 
Last edited:
runwith, I love the retrakt and was about to get it but but I decided to wait for karas to release the INK I love the clip with the steel and brass combo

image.jpg



I still may buy the retrak but later on
 
jazzandmetal said:
Has anyone tried the Matthew Martin Cap pens? Look like a thicker version of the Invstigator.
Click to expand...

Matthew Martin makes some amazing pens as far as fit and finish. I haven't had one in awhile, but I believe they still use the space pen refills if you like those. Well worth the money spent.
 
This is really nice but I'm not seeing it on Karas' website. Lately I've been feeling for fountain pens but the ones I've had for years are in my basement storage so I have to go look for them. I'm thinking of trying out one of the Lamy Safaris and I also really like the Pilot G-Tec 4 and need to pick up a few more.

For regular ballpoint I've been using the Zebra F-301 clicky for years and have several 2-packs of them. I also have a few of the 301 Compacts, 402s. I can't remember the model # but Zebra also makes a tiny stainless steel pen/mech pencil set that can fit in your wallet. I keep the pen in wallet and pencil in my Maxped Micro Pocket Organizer along with a few mini Fine Point Sharpies and a Fisher Bullet (I've got several black bullets).

My dad was in stationery sales for several years back in the 80s and I still have a bunch of pens and mechanical pencils he got for me back then. They're also in storage!


SilentJohn said:
runwith, I love the retrakt and was about to get it but but I decided to wait for karas to release the INK I love the clip with the steel and brass combo

image.jpg



I still may buy the retrak but later on
Click to expand...
 
I'm a fountain pen user almost exclusively (Waterman Laureat, Lamy Safari, Namiki Vanishing Point I, antique Esterbooks, some Crosses and Parkers) but I am out in the barn and working horses most of the time. So for my in-the-pocket pens I use the Pilot Varsity disposable. I've even found a way to refill them.

category108.jpg


A common rig for me used to be this old-school setup, a Moleskine and an Esterbrook hand-me-down. I think I actually took my M.A. exams with this pen. This one needs a new bladder, though, so it is now only a dip-pen.

Moleskine.jpg
 
SilentJohn, do you have a link for the INK When I Google it I (as expected) only find ink for fountain pens!

ETA: Oh wait, is the Fountain Pen you posted above the "INK"? LOL, I just re-read through the thread and realized you were possibly answering my previous inquiry about the Karas pen above.

SilentJohn said:
the INK is coming out soon. I signed up for a email alert
Click to expand...

Thanks for the heads up on the Varsity, I'd never seen it before and will have to try it out. I've tried the Berol "Fountaine" multi color pack but forgot about them and most have dried out (and were never used!) The 4pack included red, blue, green and black pens. Also, care to share how you refill them?

The Zieg said:
I'm a fountain pen user almost exclusively (Waterman Laureat, Lamy Safari, Namiki Vanishing Point I, antique Esterbooks, some Crosses and Parkers) but I am out in the barn and working horses most of the time. So for my in-the-pocket pens I use the Pilot Varsity disposable. I've even found a way to refill them.

category108.jpg


A common rig for me used to be this old-school setup, a Moleskine and an Esterbrook hand-me-down. I think I actually took my M.A. exams with this pen. This one needs a new bladder, though, so it is now only a dip-pen.

Moleskine.jpg
Click to expand...
 
The Zieg... I have that exact same pen and ink combination on my desk as I'm typing this. Even the same color Esterbrook. Waterman Blue Black, right?
 
Mathew Martin Ti/CF Clicky for about 1.5 years.
And just recently picked up a few Hinderer Investigators. (A Copper and an aluminum)
The investigator pens are a nice size but don't write as well as my Mathew Martin.
 
TGP and NM,

Yes, blue-black Waterman ink, which while a bit watery compared to other brands like Montblanc and Parker Quink, is much easier on the pen and almost never clogs. It also dries more quickly. It doesn't do well on pulpy paper, though. The nib and vanes of the Varsity are snapped into the front of the barrel, not threaded, so if you are very careful with a cloth-wrapped needlenose pliers or have a very good pinch grip with your fingers, you can wiggle it out without cracking anything. Then, simply use a dropper or a tiny funnel to fill the barrel of the pen. It will hold more than the pen initially comes filled with, but not a lot. Slowly and carefully snap the nib and vane apparatus back into the barrel, and you're back in business. Make sure to leave room at the top of the barrel for the insert to fit. If you push it into a fully filled barrel the excess ink will rise and spew places you won't even notice until it's time to paint the room again. I did it in the kitchen and fortunately most of the spillage ended up in the sink. But not all.:eek:

Zieg
 
I initially tried a couple Private Reserve inks in the Esterbrook when I first got it, it wrote terribly and I was really bummed out. Then I stuck in the Watermans, and it writes like a dream. :) I've had it for probably near a year now. Purchased on Ebay from some Esterbrook seller on there that brings the old pens back to life.
 
NaturalMystic said:
^^Thanks Zieg! I'll have to look around for the Varsity, I haven't seen any around these parts.
Click to expand...

They are carried almost exclusively by Staples here in Colorado. You can also order them on Amazon. Art supply stores may also have them.

Zieg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top