Beautiful pens and where to get them
4 to try, and a formula to find a perfect pen.
The new year asks you what pen the new you will use. Stationery shopping is a pillar of the new year, cemented in shopping before you started the school year and something that feels nostalgic to me at the start of any working year.
The one thing a pen should do
A good pen should make you want to write more.
Here’s what we know is true: it is easier to type than it is to handwrite. But whenever I go to the effort of handwriting anything, I feel better about it.
There’s research that shows when women get a manicure, their self-esteem increases. One of the interpretations is that a manicure is something that you, manicure-owner can literally see:
“You need to look in a mirror, Zoom self-view, or photo to see your makeup, but we spend so much time looking at our hands, so we get to enjoy the mood boost of a manicure throughout the day.”
If this is about looking at your hands, then one would wonder if we can apply a similar logic to using a good pen. That’s not a long bow to draw, right?
Rather than using something you don’t love and feel good about (looking at you, Bic Biro), perhaps there’s value in using and seeing a pen you’re excited to pick up.
5 criteria for a good pen
The scores of pens out in the world only tells us that there is not one perfect pen. So while there is a list of pens below, here are a few points of reference for when you’re on your own journey to find your perfect pen.
Have a solid line of ink. There is no greater pen-based pain than when the ink goes patchy while you’re writing. It’s even worse when the pen entirely gives out, but visibly has ink in it. A pen with a dependable solid line of ink should not be a perk of a pen. It should be a non-negotiable.
Be there for “do you have a pen?” moments. I understand there are Pen Elites out there, but to me it’s important to me that I can share pen with someone and not worry if it disappears for a while. If someone needs to scribble something down, I want to hand this to them and know it’ll work. And if they end up “accidentally” keeping it, at least they have a great new pen.
Be visually beautiful. I don’t want these pens that have low-quality plastic in them that break as soon as they’re under pressure, or their caps get all scratched up. You know the Bic pen lids that have extra melted plastic on the cap? No thanks.
Feel natural to hold. This could be in the weight of the pen or the ergonomics of it. There are so many pens that make your hand cramp up, or give you weird sore spots on your knuckle if you use them too much. We don’t want that.
Refillable. Ideally, you can refill the pens you’re using, so you don’t have to throw it away and buy another one. My most cherished pen is one that I’ve had for 8 years and it’s really because I found refills for it.
4 great pens to try
A lot of what makes one pen better than the other is always going to be subjective. Your hands, writing, paper preferences, and dexterity will be different. Here are a few that I’ve both gifted to people (to great success) or just used for years.
1. OHTO Horizon (ball point)
This is my favourite pen in the world. I’ve had it for about 8 years. It’s a nice heavy pen to hold, and as such, feels luxurious. It looks like an old-school hexagonal pencil; a charming trait for a pen. Finally, it writes SUPER FINE so it’s a bonus for tiny handwriting.
I found that my version, with a side knock, is discontinued. The newer retractable version (while sadly inferior for missing this little quirk) still writes beautifully if that’s all you’re worried about. When I lend it to people I worry I’ll never get it back, but it’s always returned with a “nice pen” comment.
Visually beautiful: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Be there for “do you have a pen?” moments: ⭐⭐⭐
Feel natural to hold: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Solid line of ink: yes!
Refillable: you betcha.
2. Uni-ball One P (gel)
This one is for all my fat little pen lovers. It’s a shorter and girthier pen than we are used to, and means that maybe it’ll make it easier for you to write if you struggle with a narrower pen. It’s also a minimal cutie: in a sea of serious business pens, the Uni-ball One P is a chubby cheeked baby. Lending it to someone is fun; it’s a silly pen and if you lose it, it’s easy to replace. Do try get it back though.
Early on it stuttered with ink (and other reviewers have the same issue), but it’s generally consistent.
Prescribe yourself this pen if you’re seeking whimsy. Don’t be deterred by the grey; it comes in at least 10 different colours.
Visually beautiful: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Be there for “do you have a pen?” moments: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Feel natural to hold: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Solid line of ink: mostly.
Refillable: ya!
3. Uni-ball Eye (ink)
This is a beautifully inky pen - the writing that comes out of it is confident, strong, and clear. The ultra micro version is the best: the fine version’s ink seems to spider out a little bit on the page, but the ultra micro version (0.38mm nib) gets perfect lines. Ink pens are a real preference, so I suppose these might not be for everyone’s taste. This loses points for being a bit uneventful to hold, but wins points for feeling smoooooth to write with because the ink is so silky.
Visually beautiful: ⭐⭐
Be there for “do you have a pen?” moments: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Feel natural to hold: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Solid line of ink: Yes!
Refillable: no :(
4. Zebra Sarasa Clip 0.5 (gel ballpoint)
I would never have tried this if it didn’t come as a free sample when I bought the Uniball One P, and I got one in orange. I used it quite a lot, then in 2024 went to Japan and was compelled to buy it in 5 other colours. They’re good value, but a little ugly. This is the only one on the list with a rubber grip, and depending on what colour you choose might make it hard to lend to your boss to sign important documents.
Because there are 20 different colours, I’ve bought myself some uncommon pen colours: grey, navy and brown. They’re all neutral tones, but surprising colours for ink. Fun.
Visually beautiful: ⭐
Be there for “do you have a pen?” moments: ⭐⭐⭐
Feel natural to hold: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Solid line of ink: yes
Refillable: yes
I’m hoping you can start your 2025 inspired to get a beautiful pen. And maybe you’ll get a great pen and a manicure. Research might suggest you’d get a dopamine hit off the charts by combining the two.
Bye! 💅