7 ms·

>>pentel energel 0.7mm. Thanks for mentioning this I am currently on the lookout for new pen to make my standard usage pen. My prime requirement is that it s

>>pentel energel 0.7mm. Thanks for mentioning this I am currently on the lookout for new pen to make my standard usage pen. My prime requirement is that it should be 1.0mm, or at a minimal 0.7mm, since I love the thickness. Secondary requirement is that it should be smooth. I bought Baoke gel from Amazon and while I loved it a lot, was greatly disappointed to find it was of Chinese make. Am now searching for something that’s of non-Chinese origin. So far, I have zeroed in on Uni-ball impact 1.0mm gel pen, and am shortlisting their 0.7mm gel pens as well. I would also give uni-ball 1.0mm and 0.7mm ballpoint pens a try as well in case I feel gel pens get used up faster, since always carrying a backup refill can be an inconvenience.Also, TCO with gel pens is always more than ballpoint pens. Does anyone have any suggestions in mind? Please proffer

1996 6y ago
> greatly disappointed to find it was of Chinese make. May I ask why, as it is not among your requirements? > Am now searching for something that’s of non-Chinese origin Any specific reasons?
- Shared404 6y ago
  I personally try to avoid things manufactured in China due to ethical objections [0]. I don't expect everyone to do so, but I think it's the right thing to do, where possible. [0] https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackkelly/2020/03/05/china-moves-uyghur-muslims-into-forced-labor-factories/ https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackkelly/2020/03/05/china-move...
  - wombatmobile 6y ago
    I understand how you could feel compelled to take action against the perpetrators of forced labor camps. Slavery is abhorrent. I am with you in wanting to contribute to ending slavery, and other race based methods of oppression. Certainly I do not want my consumer dollars to support oppression. With respect to the subject of this article, is a China pen boycott an effective way to protest treatment of the Uyghurs? The Forbes article you link to says "According to a new report by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, a non-partisan think tank, China’s been accused of forcing Uyghur Muslims to work at factories that produce goods for well-known global companies including Apple, Nike, BMW, Samsung, Sony and Volkswagen." Shouldn't we be boycotting those companies which knowingly benefit from the oppression? I imagine you would say yes, and practice such a boycott, aided by some investigation of which companies are knowing beneficiaries. How about the Australian government, currently run by the party in power that is supported by the "think tank" that is the source of your Forbes article's information about the Uyghurs? Australia was one of only two nations to vote against a Jordanian draft resolution designed to hasten a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian dispute. Palestinians suffer a different but equally dismal fate to Uyghurs. They lose the right to earn an income when Israeli soldiers destroy olive farms that have been in their families for generations, and lack alternative employment because the Israeli occupiers deny them freedom of movement and freedom of importation of goods required for industry. Should we be boycotting Australian made pens too?
    - Shared404 6y ago
      Edit: Those who make this argument sarcastically remind me of [0]. I would rather do something than nothing, and if I can try to avoid companies which have suspect supply chains, than why shouldn't I? [0] https://xkcd.com/2368/ https://xkcd.com/2368/
    - wombatmobile 6y ago
      > if I can try to avoid companies which have suspect supply chains, than why shouldn't I? I think you should avoid suspect supply chains. How could you read my comment any other way?
      - Shared404 6y ago
        I had read it as sarcastic originally, my apologies.
        wombatmobile 6y ago
        Thank you for your understanding. I am glad we can talk about a mass produced consumer product in the full context of the social relations of its manufacture.
  - ngcc_hk 6y ago
    A great thanks from Hong Kong. Fight we will with Soviet Union 2.0.
- godelmachine 6y ago
  I boycott Chinese products or anything made in China for the same ethical reasons which Shared404 cited.
Wistar 6y ago
You may like the Bic Velocity. They are offered in medium 1.0 and, my favorite, bold 1.6mm. Very smooth and probably my favorite writing instrument. Everyone I have ever turned on to these pens have become fans. I prefer the blue ink but the black is just as smooth. Oh, and not of Chinese origin. https://us.bic.com/en_us/bic-velocity-bold-retractable-ball-pen-black-4-pack.html https://us.bic.com/en_us/bic-velocity-bold-retractable-ball-...
- godelmachine 6y ago
  Thanks mate Just looked them up on Amazon and 1.6mm looks awesome!
  - Wistar 6y ago
    Oh, it is. It can get a little clump of ink on the ball from time to time but that is a small annoyance in relation to the excellent writing feel and quality. It lays down a lot of ink.
    - godelmachine 6y ago
      How long does 1 last? 1 week?
      - Wistar 6y ago
        Oh no, months.
        godelmachine 6y ago
        A 1.6mm pen running for months! Gobsmackingly good!! :)
        Wistar 6y ago
        I just discovered that they are making another 1.6mm pen. Claims to be even smoother: https://us.bic.com/en_us/bic-atlantis-bold-retractable-ball-point-pen-assorted-3-pack.html https://us.bic.com/en_us/bic-atlantis-bold-retractable-ball-...
biztos 6y ago
I have a Tombow Zoom[0] and I liked it so much I bought another, so now I have two. It's 0.5mm but it's a very bold line, especially on smooth paper like a Rhodia pad. It appears you can get 0.7mm cartridges for it too. They are super classy and IMO great value for money. However they do have one problem, which may or may not affect you. The cap doesn't like to stay put on the back of the pen during robust use, e.g. sketching. This happens more with the silver model than with the black model for some reason. For me it wasn't a show stopper, it just means I use different pens for bar sketching or, if I really want/need to use the Tombow, I remember to pocket the cap before I get going. I'm also a big fan of the Energel though, just today I was marveling at how thin and precise its 0.5mm line is. If you're into the Uni-Ball look I recommend trying the Eye, which you can get in Fine or Micro or Needle. I guess in the US it's called the Vision?[1] Might be too thin for you and the aesthetics aren't for everyone but the Micro is my go-to sketching-and-writing pen for when I'm out and about and might lose it. Works much better than the Tombow on toothy papers, like proper artist's drawing paper. They fit very nicely into many spiral bindings too. Good luck with your search! [0]: https://www.jetpens.com/Tombow-Zoom-505-META-Liquid-Ink-Rollerball-Pen-0.5-mm-Hairline-Silver/pd/27603 https://www.jetpens.com/Tombow-Zoom-505-META-Liquid-Ink-Roll... [1]: https://uniballco.com/vision-1/ https://uniballco.com/vision-1/
ChuckMcM 6y ago
My go to pen for years has been the Sarasa Zebra 1.0. I liked it so much and was frustrated when office supply stores didn't carry it that I bought a carton from a distributor (288 pens!) I doubt I'll run out, but they do dry out eventually.
- robocat 6y ago
  > they do dry out eventually Perhaps make a simple humidor? Or solvent-idor?
  - ChuckMcM 6y ago
    That is an excellent idea.
- godelmachine 6y ago
  I face the same crunch in the local market, so maybe I have to resort to the same. It would be great if the refills were in supply as well, and not just pens. I don’t see refills available for all Uni-ball pens available on Amazon. >>simple humidor? Or solvent-idor? Does it imply we make our own ink? Did not follow. Kindly elucidate.
  - ChuckMcM 6y ago
    The drying out is a function of the volatiles in the ink evaporating. In the ideal case it creates a "crust" on the end of the pen nib which then seals the ink cartridge, but in practice air still gets in. When you first open these pins they have a small ball stuck on the end of them to prevent the pen from drying out on the shelf. If you could create a case that maintained an atmosphere that prevented evaporation of the volatiles it would keep the pen from drying out. A 'humidor' keeps cigars from drying out by using a moisture adsorber to keep humidity levels relatively constant in the box. So same principle but applied to pens.
- ImprovedSilence 6y ago
  Can't you just buy them online? https://www.jetpens.com/search?q=Sarasa+Zebra+1.0&v=2 https://www.jetpens.com/search?q=Sarasa+Zebra+1.0&v=2
vkreso 6y ago
I use a Schneider topball 845. It's very consistent, smooth, sharp and without smearing. It's 0.3 mm though, but a rollerball so it leaves a more saturated and wider writing trail than a ballpoint pen.
thaumasiotes 6y ago
> I bought Baoke gel from Amazon and while I loved it a lot, was greatly disappointed to find it was of Chinese make. ...was the name not a giveaway? That's like complaining that Huawei devices are made in China.
- godelmachine 6y ago
  No, the name was certainly not a giveaway, at least to me. Looking at the pictures on the catalog [0] I thought it was Japanese. Later on when the product arrived, I wished to check if I could order refills in bulk from their website. Upon visiting their website, realization dawned upon me that it’s Chinese. And in my perspective, it’s unfair to compare Baoke to Huawei. The latter is in the news since months now, and has become synonymous with nefarious snooping activities of the Chinese, in stark contrast to the former which is a pen maker. [0] https://www.amazon.com/Baoke-Rollerball-1-0mm-Medium-PC1848/dp/B07TLST578 https://www.amazon.com/Baoke-Rollerball-1-0mm-Medium-PC1848/...
  - thaumasiotes 6y ago
    > it’s unfair to compare Baoke to Huawei. The latter is in the news since months now, and has become synonymous with nefarious snooping activities of the Chinese Sure, Huawei has been in the news for months. But Baoke is still a company whose name is in Chinese. We're not talking "Tencent" here. Then again, if you were able to recognize whether a word was or wasn't Chinese, it's possible you'd feel differently about the moral taint of interacting with Chinese people.
    - godelmachine 6y ago
      >>But Baoke is still a company whose name is in Chinese. Does not mean every non-Chinese person should recognize it's a Chinese word. What's your point? >>if you were able to recognize whether a word was or wasn't Chinese, it's possible you'd feel differently about the moral taint of interacting with Chinese people. Considering the misery they have caused to the world and Uyghurs, I would still feel all the same.
    - 6y ago
debunn 6y ago
I really like the Pilot G2 pens - they use a nice flowing ink and are available in larger 1.0mm and 0.7mm sizes. They are also pretty easy to find (Amazon has them, I'm sure other stores would as well), so you shouldn't have troubles picking a pack up!
m463 6y ago
Btw, I should mention tried all the pentel pens: 1.0 is too blobbly 0.5 is too scratchy 0.7 is just right (imo)
- godelmachine 6y ago
  Thanks. I am a person who needs 0.7mm at the minimal.

1996 6y ago

> greatly disappointed to find it was of Chinese make. May I ask why, as it is not among your requirements? > Am now searching for something that’s of non-Chinese origin Any specific reasons?

Shared404 6y ago
I personally try to avoid things manufactured in China due to ethical objections [0]. I don't expect everyone to do so, but I think it's the right thing to do, where possible. [0] https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackkelly/2020/03/05/china-moves-uyghur-muslims-into-forced-labor-factories/ https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackkelly/2020/03/05/china-move...
- wombatmobile 6y ago
  I understand how you could feel compelled to take action against the perpetrators of forced labor camps. Slavery is abhorrent. I am with you in wanting to contribute to ending slavery, and other race based methods of oppression. Certainly I do not want my consumer dollars to support oppression. With respect to the subject of this article, is a China pen boycott an effective way to protest treatment of the Uyghurs? The Forbes article you link to says "According to a new report by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, a non-partisan think tank, China’s been accused of forcing Uyghur Muslims to work at factories that produce goods for well-known global companies including Apple, Nike, BMW, Samsung, Sony and Volkswagen." Shouldn't we be boycotting those companies which knowingly benefit from the oppression? I imagine you would say yes, and practice such a boycott, aided by some investigation of which companies are knowing beneficiaries. How about the Australian government, currently run by the party in power that is supported by the "think tank" that is the source of your Forbes article's information about the Uyghurs? Australia was one of only two nations to vote against a Jordanian draft resolution designed to hasten a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian dispute. Palestinians suffer a different but equally dismal fate to Uyghurs. They lose the right to earn an income when Israeli soldiers destroy olive farms that have been in their families for generations, and lack alternative employment because the Israeli occupiers deny them freedom of movement and freedom of importation of goods required for industry. Should we be boycotting Australian made pens too?
  - Shared404 6y ago
    Edit: Those who make this argument sarcastically remind me of [0]. I would rather do something than nothing, and if I can try to avoid companies which have suspect supply chains, than why shouldn't I? [0] https://xkcd.com/2368/ https://xkcd.com/2368/
  - wombatmobile 6y ago
    > if I can try to avoid companies which have suspect supply chains, than why shouldn't I? I think you should avoid suspect supply chains. How could you read my comment any other way?
    - Shared404 6y ago
      I had read it as sarcastic originally, my apologies.
      - wombatmobile 6y ago
        Thank you for your understanding. I am glad we can talk about a mass produced consumer product in the full context of the social relations of its manufacture.
- ngcc_hk 6y ago
  A great thanks from Hong Kong. Fight we will with Soviet Union 2.0.
godelmachine 6y ago
I boycott Chinese products or anything made in China for the same ethical reasons which Shared404 cited.

Wistar 6y ago

You may like the Bic Velocity. They are offered in medium 1.0 and, my favorite, bold 1.6mm. Very smooth and probably my favorite writing instrument. Everyone I have ever turned on to these pens have become fans. I prefer the blue ink but the black is just as smooth. Oh, and not of Chinese origin. https://us.bic.com/en_us/bic-velocity-bold-retractable-ball-pen-black-4-pack.html https://us.bic.com/en_us/bic-velocity-bold-retractable-ball-...

godelmachine 6y ago
Thanks mate Just looked them up on Amazon and 1.6mm looks awesome!
- Wistar 6y ago
  Oh, it is. It can get a little clump of ink on the ball from time to time but that is a small annoyance in relation to the excellent writing feel and quality. It lays down a lot of ink.
  - godelmachine 6y ago
    How long does 1 last? 1 week?
    - Wistar 6y ago
      Oh no, months.
      - godelmachine 6y ago
        A 1.6mm pen running for months! Gobsmackingly good!! :)
        Wistar 6y ago
        I just discovered that they are making another 1.6mm pen. Claims to be even smoother: https://us.bic.com/en_us/bic-atlantis-bold-retractable-ball-point-pen-assorted-3-pack.html https://us.bic.com/en_us/bic-atlantis-bold-retractable-ball-...

biztos 6y ago

I have a Tombow Zoom[0] and I liked it so much I bought another, so now I have two. It's 0.5mm but it's a very bold line, especially on smooth paper like a Rhodia pad. It appears you can get 0.7mm cartridges for it too. They are super classy and IMO great value for money. However they do have one problem, which may or may not affect you. The cap doesn't like to stay put on the back of the pen during robust use, e.g. sketching. This happens more with the silver model than with the black model for some reason. For me it wasn't a show stopper, it just means I use different pens for bar sketching or, if I really want/need to use the Tombow, I remember to pocket the cap before I get going. I'm also a big fan of the Energel though, just today I was marveling at how thin and precise its 0.5mm line is. If you're into the Uni-Ball look I recommend trying the Eye, which you can get in Fine or Micro or Needle. I guess in the US it's called the Vision?[1] Might be too thin for you and the aesthetics aren't for everyone but the Micro is my go-to sketching-and-writing pen for when I'm out and about and might lose it. Works much better than the Tombow on toothy papers, like proper artist's drawing paper. They fit very nicely into many spiral bindings too. Good luck with your search! [0]: https://www.jetpens.com/Tombow-Zoom-505-META-Liquid-Ink-Rollerball-Pen-0.5-mm-Hairline-Silver/pd/27603 https://www.jetpens.com/Tombow-Zoom-505-META-Liquid-Ink-Roll... [1]: https://uniballco.com/vision-1/ https://uniballco.com/vision-1/

ChuckMcM 6y ago

My go to pen for years has been the Sarasa Zebra 1.0. I liked it so much and was frustrated when office supply stores didn't carry it that I bought a carton from a distributor (288 pens!) I doubt I'll run out, but they do dry out eventually.

robocat 6y ago
> they do dry out eventually Perhaps make a simple humidor? Or solvent-idor?
- ChuckMcM 6y ago
  That is an excellent idea.
godelmachine 6y ago
I face the same crunch in the local market, so maybe I have to resort to the same. It would be great if the refills were in supply as well, and not just pens. I don’t see refills available for all Uni-ball pens available on Amazon. >>simple humidor? Or solvent-idor? Does it imply we make our own ink? Did not follow. Kindly elucidate.
- ChuckMcM 6y ago
  The drying out is a function of the volatiles in the ink evaporating. In the ideal case it creates a "crust" on the end of the pen nib which then seals the ink cartridge, but in practice air still gets in. When you first open these pins they have a small ball stuck on the end of them to prevent the pen from drying out on the shelf. If you could create a case that maintained an atmosphere that prevented evaporation of the volatiles it would keep the pen from drying out. A 'humidor' keeps cigars from drying out by using a moisture adsorber to keep humidity levels relatively constant in the box. So same principle but applied to pens.
ImprovedSilence 6y ago
Can't you just buy them online? https://www.jetpens.com/search?q=Sarasa+Zebra+1.0&v=2 https://www.jetpens.com/search?q=Sarasa+Zebra+1.0&v=2

vkreso 6y ago

I use a Schneider topball 845. It's very consistent, smooth, sharp and without smearing. It's 0.3 mm though, but a rollerball so it leaves a more saturated and wider writing trail than a ballpoint pen.

thaumasiotes 6y ago

> I bought Baoke gel from Amazon and while I loved it a lot, was greatly disappointed to find it was of Chinese make. ...was the name not a giveaway? That's like complaining that Huawei devices are made in China.

godelmachine 6y ago
No, the name was certainly not a giveaway, at least to me. Looking at the pictures on the catalog [0] I thought it was Japanese. Later on when the product arrived, I wished to check if I could order refills in bulk from their website. Upon visiting their website, realization dawned upon me that it’s Chinese. And in my perspective, it’s unfair to compare Baoke to Huawei. The latter is in the news since months now, and has become synonymous with nefarious snooping activities of the Chinese, in stark contrast to the former which is a pen maker. [0] https://www.amazon.com/Baoke-Rollerball-1-0mm-Medium-PC1848/dp/B07TLST578 https://www.amazon.com/Baoke-Rollerball-1-0mm-Medium-PC1848/...
- thaumasiotes 6y ago
  > it’s unfair to compare Baoke to Huawei. The latter is in the news since months now, and has become synonymous with nefarious snooping activities of the Chinese Sure, Huawei has been in the news for months. But Baoke is still a company whose name is in Chinese. We're not talking "Tencent" here. Then again, if you were able to recognize whether a word was or wasn't Chinese, it's possible you'd feel differently about the moral taint of interacting with Chinese people.
  - godelmachine 6y ago
    >>But Baoke is still a company whose name is in Chinese. Does not mean every non-Chinese person should recognize it's a Chinese word. What's your point? >>if you were able to recognize whether a word was or wasn't Chinese, it's possible you'd feel differently about the moral taint of interacting with Chinese people. Considering the misery they have caused to the world and Uyghurs, I would still feel all the same.
  - 6y ago

debunn 6y ago

I really like the Pilot G2 pens - they use a nice flowing ink and are available in larger 1.0mm and 0.7mm sizes. They are also pretty easy to find (Amazon has them, I'm sure other stores would as well), so you shouldn't have troubles picking a pack up!

m463 6y ago

Btw, I should mention tried all the pentel pens: 1.0 is too blobbly 0.5 is too scratchy 0.7 is just right (imo)

godelmachine 6y ago
Thanks. I am a person who needs 0.7mm at the minimal.