Ask Slashdot: The Search For the Ultimate Engineer's Pen 712
First time accepted submitter Laser Dan writes "I'm an engineer (robotics) who can't seem to find a pen that satisfies me. Most of my writing is just temporary "thinking notes" on random bits of paper, like diagrams, flowcharts, equations etc, but pens always seem to have one or more of the following issues:
1. They write too thickly — I write very small, and when I start adding extra details to diagrams it gets even smaller. A line width of about 0.2-0.4mm would be good.
2. The ink bleeds, making the lines thick and unclear.
3. The ink is slow to dry or the tip grows blobs of ink, causing smudges everywhere.
4. The first line drawn is not fully dark, as the ink takes a short distance to get going.
5. The lines drawn are faint unless you press hard (I don't).
I have been given several fancy pens (Parker etc) over the years but they all suffered from problems 1, 3 (blobs), 4 and 5. I'm considering trying a Fisher space pen, but it looks like even the fine cartridge writes rather thickly. Have any fellow Slashdotters found their ultimate pen?"
1. They write too thickly — I write very small, and when I start adding extra details to diagrams it gets even smaller. A line width of about 0.2-0.4mm would be good.
2. The ink bleeds, making the lines thick and unclear.
3. The ink is slow to dry or the tip grows blobs of ink, causing smudges everywhere.
4. The first line drawn is not fully dark, as the ink takes a short distance to get going.
5. The lines drawn are faint unless you press hard (I don't).
I have been given several fancy pens (Parker etc) over the years but they all suffered from problems 1, 3 (blobs), 4 and 5. I'm considering trying a Fisher space pen, but it looks like even the fine cartridge writes rather thickly. Have any fellow Slashdotters found their ultimate pen?"
Yes (Score:5, Funny)
It's called a pencil.
Re:Yes (Score:5, Informative)
Re:Yes (Score:5, Informative)
Yes, these are the pens I was trying to remember.
The terms the OP should google are "technical pens" or "drafting pens".
Other pens are the Rapidograph pens, but I think the Mars pens have more sizes.
Maybe actually try a space pen. I like mine. It looks about 0.3mm wide, and has "instant on".
Re:Yes (Score:5, Insightful)
Technical ink pens (Score:3)
Re:Technical ink pens (Score:5, Informative)
They pretty much are never going to wear out under normal use. If you get a refillable pen, be sure to buy the special ink intended to go in them. Regular india ink will make a huge mess if you try to use it in them.
If you use quality india ink, it works fine. My mom is a graphic artist who has spent probably collectively years working with those pens (classic rapidographs) and that's all she uses. Her work has won numerous awards. Also, the pens may not wear out, but under normal use, the tips go quick. That's why statistically nobody uses them for writing letters &c.
Re:Technical ink pens (Score:4, Informative)
I used a cartridge-refillable Rotring ArtPen for years and considered it the Holy Grail of pens, but eventually I ran into problems replacing the ink cartridges. I'd order direct from the manufacturer (for some reason even the big art stores never kept the cartridges in stock) and invariably the ink would be low-quality, diluted, and prone to leaking right out of the pen. I had the same problem with the Rapidographs. Cleaning the pens didn't help. Replacing the pens/nibs didn't help. Storing them nibside-up didn't help. About $100 later in cartridges and new pens, I finally gave up. Now I use Sakura Micron disposable drawing/drafting pens (they come in .8, .5, .3, .1, and .05 mm thickness) and they work fine--no bleeding or blobbing, but I still pine for the smoothness of the Rotring pens (the Microns "feel" just a bit too dry to me, but I'd be willing to bet most people aren't so picky about their pens as I am). Maybe I've just had bad luck, though. Certainly a number of commenters seem to be having great experiences with the Rapidogaphs, so perhaps it's time to try again.
There do exist models (the Koh-I-Noor, I think) that connect the pen to an inkwell with a miniature hose, but I've never had a chance to try them.
Re:Yes (Score:5, Funny)
Reading the question, seeing that that there were over 300 comments, I thought I was in for an hour of reading one-liners marked funny +5.
This being slashdot I was confronted with hundreds of comments containing advise, sympathy and conflicts over why it is illegal to own certain kinds of pens.
Take a step back people, we're talking about pens here.
Re: (Score:3)
I agree with the use of Rapidograph pens. Dark, thin, and crisp lines. Refillable. My daughter drew this using ONLY a single Size 3×0/.25 Rapidograph pen (before it was scanned and posted on an art site). The character was about 7" high on the paper she drew it on.
http://hayamika.deviantart.com/gallery/#/d5dhnye [deviantart.com]
Re:Yes (Score:5, Insightful)
Technical pens are for drafting and would be a nightmare for everyday writing.
They are not agile and require a high degree of control to use. They need to be held absolutely perpendicular to the writing surface at all times, and only work when held vertically with the nib pointing down. They don't write well or at all on certain kinds of paper, often damaging the paper. They are easily broken and are difficult and messy to fill, clean, and maintain.
Don't get a technical pen.
Re:Yes (Score:4, Insightful)
Re: (Score:3, Insightful)
nonsense. technical pens can be touchy, but not really more than traditional fountain pens. I used them for years, including taking notes in class. yes, it takes some control, but it's not hard to build expertise. conventional pens tend to be more convenient though, easier to carry, and good enough for basic writing.
the OP's goal of minimizing bleeding, though is a problem, since drafting pens use liquid ink. that'll be OK for good paper, but thicker gel ink (in ball-point pens) avoids bleeding on a wi
Re:Yes (Score:4, Insightful)
Re:Yes (Score:5, Informative)
Sorry but those technical pens are as fussy as all hell, go a bit hard a burr the needle and the pen is dead, definitely not the optimum. Definitely go for the mechanical pencil and not a disposable one. Make sure it has a sprung tip, to take the extra load without snapping the lead when you are stressed, something like Paper Mate Flexgrip Elite. Of course if you can get used to the odd sharpening and used to rolling the pen when using it nothing beats the flexibility of http://www.staedtler.com/Mars_technico_780_C_gb.Staedtler [staedtler.com] lead holder, being able to very line thickness on the fly and shading make it ideal for the skilled user. Have an eraser handy and you'll see why a pencil is better than ink every time. I carry a mechanical pencil and a lead holder as well as a disposable biro but given the choice of one only it was the lead holder but then I have experience using it and can make use of the flexibility it provides, second choice is mechanical pencil. For exams et al two mechanical pencils and an eraser, when it counts the most. When it can only be ink, seriously who is kidding who, type it and print it.
Staedtler pens -- Roger that! (Score:5, Informative)
I have handwritten with Staedtler technical pens for years. The 0.5 mm size is my preferred compromise since it gives a thin writing line, but is easier to maintain than their thinest-diameter pens are.
My use is for writing notes, really small, in the margin of a Bible. The ink from a technical pen never bleeds through the thin paper, and the writing still looks fresh after 40 years.
A technical pen also makes fine works of art (pen sketching), if you have the talent for that.
To make such a pen last longer between cleanings, store it tip upwards. Mine resides on my desk in a shot glass.
Re:Staedtler pens -- Roger that! (Score:5, Insightful)
does it matter? by mentioning his use he illustrates that is possible to use such a pen on very thin easily torn paper, such as that commonly used in a bible, thus addressing most of the issues brought up by people saying "dont use a technical".
Re:Oh WOW, the Christian persecution complex (Score:4, Insightful)
You assume that he has religious beliefs. All he said was that he takes really small notes in a bible. He didn't even personalize it to say his bible.
Now, given that he is writing notes, it's quite possible he isn't an unquestionning sheep. Why notes? Is he questionning the dogma? Is he a researcher? Perhaps he is an ignorant inconsiderate prick like yourself and likes to sneak into church and write dirty limericks alongside Psalm 23?
Your lack of logical thinking is a control mechanism far more daunting than religion.
Re:Yes (Score:5, Funny)
Absolutely true.
For jutting down notes, I prefer to pluck a single hair from the ass of the nearest ermine, dip it in kokeiboku ink made from Visayan deer horn and charcoaled relictus cycad, then waft my thoughts across 15-momme silken paper balanced on the ass of a Xianbei virgin.
Crayons are good too.
Re:Yes (Score:5, Funny)
You have to use a female ermine, but yes, this is correct otherwise.
Re: (Score:3)
A symmetrically-turned pen doesn't have good ergonomics. If you're chasing ergonomics, buy a PenAgain [penagain.net], they really are better. They write just fine, too.
I have one of those as I got it last Christmas. I don't use it because while yes it's comfortable, it's not as easy to write with and I'm much sloppier b/c of it.
Re: (Score:3)
Or just buy a Parker Jotter which is slim, elegant, joyfully simple, well made and despite its symetry is a doddle to write with.
I hate asymmetrical pens, they force my fingers to contort and/or are just bloody uncomfortable to hold.
Jotters also have the massive advantage of fitting into trouser pockets alongside my wallet. A slim comfortable pen always with me is more useful than an ergonomic pen that I left at home.
Re:Yes (Score:5, Interesting)
But not just any pencil. [wikipedia.org]
Kuru Toga (Score:5, Informative)
I bought one for fun thinking it was a gimmick. Nope it works. What it does is each time you lift the pencil off the page it rotates the lead a tiny bit to prevent a chisel tip. This keeps the line width from changing. Very nice.
Write larger; more engineering, less art (Score:5, Interesting)
As a seasoned engineer, I heartily endorse the pencil as a proper tool. However, I suggest that a 0.9mm line is a better choice for nearly all of your work. The key is that must write larger, write more confidently, and make your work legible at a distance.
I too once wrote with fine-tipped pens and pencils, finding joy in compressing my work onto individual lines of 5 lpi graph paper. I have learned, however, that writing large allows more scrutiny of one's work, and enhances the ability to communicate more effectively.
Get a pencil and start writing larger. For $4, the Pentel Twist-erase III, 0.9mm, is my weapon of choice.
Re:Yes (Score:5, Informative)
... a sharpie ultra point would meet his needs of being thin, not having to press hard, dries instantly, and doesn't blob.
I use the Sharpie Ultra for these same reasons. The ink does bleed some. This does not bother me but might bother someone who is OCD about their pens. I like the retractable Pentel 0.5 and 0.7 mm pencils for the same reason.
Get it from work (Score:5, Interesting)
What kind of engineer needs to ask hundreds, or thousands, about what type of pen to get?
Yeesh... yeah. You're an engineer, not a teacher. Just take whatever they stock in the supply cabinet at work and be happy with it! And if it sucks, well, it's their loss in quality of your work output :P
But seriously, I would ask what Samuel Silva uses for :
http://www.odditycentral.com/pics/talented-lawyer-draws-stunning-photo-like-ball-point-pen-portraits.html [odditycentral.com]
Personally, I would just find some cheap mass manufactured pen that was comfortable to hold and get good at controlling it. If one started having problems with globing or irregular coverage, I'd just pitch it. But I remember doing lots of ballpoint pen drawing/shading as a kid and rarely running into problems.
Re: (Score:3)
He uses regular Bic ballpoint pens (he said so in his DeviantArt page [deviantart.com]) which is simply amazing. I'm actually a fan of the basic Bic pen. Considering how cheap they are, they're very reliable.
Re:Yes (Score:5, Insightful)
Re: (Score:3)
Sometimes it actually is worth asking whether the cost of asking your question exceeds its value. Is "What pen should I use?" really worth the time of 1,000+ people? I don't think so. I often think the same thing in meetings where large numbers of expensive people are present. Was that discussion really worth the few $1000/hour it cost to have? No? Then don't do it.
And yes, I fully realize the irony of commenting on a story I don't think should have been posted. :-)
Re: (Score:3)
-Many
-There are many good solutions, or the one good solution is difficult to come up with/find.
Many Slashdot readers would like a better pen, or were unaware that better pens exist, so this isn't 1000's of people answering one person's question- many of the people reading these comments are getting the same benefit as the OP.
Also, because there is no one "best" pen, even those answering the
Re:Yes (Score:5, Funny)
Yeah, but they go through batteries like crazy.
Re:Yes (Score:5, Insightful)
This. Pilot G2 ultrafine (.38) are fantastic! Very narrow tip, tough, gel ink so no blobbing, instant drying. Very nice.
Comment removed (Score:5, Informative)
Mechanical pencil (Score:5, Insightful)
Added benefit: clean revisions.
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
Was just going to say this... I gave up on pens for some of the reasons the original poster mentioned. Beyond that, I carry a writing surface around or dictate things with my phone... just in case I forget to bring a pencil or pen.
Re: (Score:3)
Re: (Score:3)
Skilcraft U.S. Government, Black, Fine Point (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Skilcraft U.S. Government, Black, Fine Point (Score:5, Interesting)
Unless you are a U.S. Government employee using a Skilcraft U.S. Government Pen for official purposes, or you are otherwise authorized to possess or use one, for example while transacting business at the counter of a post office, you are violating 18 USC Â 641, a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and/or one year's imprisonment.
Re:Skilcraft U.S. Government, Black, Fine Point (Score:5, Funny)
Now I want one.
Amazon.com to the rescue (Score:5, Informative)
Buy them here [amazon.com]
Re: (Score:3, Informative)
It looks like unless you're stealing the pens from the post office, embezzling government funds to pay for them, or something of the sort, 18 USC Â 641 won't be a problem. Government agencies MUST buy from Skillcraft, but it seems you can buy them with your own money.
A quick search shows that Skillcraft's official online store at abilityone.com sells them under their office supplies section. You could contact their customer service if you really think it might be illegal.
why ink? (Score:2)
0.7mm pencil
Re:why ink? (Score:5, Funny)
Apparently 0.7mm is too thick for Mr. Writes-Really-Small.
I'd recommend a 0.2mm mechanical drafting pencil, but there's an even simpler solution: don't write so damn small.
As a bonus, your notes won't look like they were written by a serial killer.
G-tec = answer (Score:2, Informative)
http://officesupplygeek.com/pen-review/gel-pens/pilot-g-tec-c-4mm-review-and-a-sign-of-things-to-come/
Why a pen? (Score:5, Insightful)
Consider a pencil (Score:3, Informative)
Re: (Score:2)
No amount of mechanical quality of your pencil will prevent it from getting lost.
Re: (Score:3)
Pilot Hi-Tec Pens (Score:3, Informative)
Try these, thank me later: Pilot Hi-Tec-C Pens [jetpens.com]
Re:Pilot Hi-Tec Pens (Score:4, Informative)
http://www.amazon.com/Pilot-G-Tec-C-Rolling-3-Pack-35483/dp/B0058NNAG0/ref=sr_1_1?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1351738471&sr=1-1&keywords=pilot+g-tec-c4 [amazon.com] in the states.
COPIC (Score:2, Interesting)
Try Copic Multiliners, they come in very small nib sizes, and they've always performed well for me. They're designed for inking illustrations(ie, comic books) so they're fairly high-quality. Available at your local art store.
Inkless Metal Pen (Score:5, Interesting)
This should satisfy your needs: Inkless Metal Pen [vat19.com]. I have one..... Somewhere in the mess of my desk. It works really well! I haven't had any long term results yet, seeing as I don't know exactly where it is, but I love(d) it!
Re: (Score:3)
Re: (Score:3)
I'd be concerned about the tiny amounts of lead in the metal pen. No matter how small the quantity is.
You must be terrified then to know that the water supply many places uses lead tubes or joints. The chemical symbol for lead is Pb - short for Latin "plumbum".
The generations before yours lived in houses with lead paint, had lead added to their gasoline, drank from lead glass, and yet managed feats such as the theory of relativity, splitting the atom and putting a man on the moon.
People get exposed to small amounts of lead all the time, generally without ill effects. I am fairly certain that hysteria kill
A nice link is cultpens: (Score:5, Informative)
http://www.cultpens.com/acatalog/Browse-Types-Features-Ink-Colours.html [cultpens.com]
Space Pen (Score:5, Informative)
I like the look of a gel pen better, but the space pen has too many advantages, for direction, temperature, durability, and good design (I have one of the 'bullet' ones that when capped is half size. You can run them through wash *and dry* cycles and they still work and don't ruin your clothes.
Re: (Score:2)
I agree. At least try the Space Pen and see if it meets your needs before you run out and buy a dozen different things to frustrate you even more.
Re:Space Pen (Score:5, Insightful)
be warned, SpacePen ink never actually dries. It can impress on adjacent pages if pressed tightly or if you write double sided. It will easily smudge as well.
I've found that it will also form blobs on the end of the pen reasonably frequently.
That said, I still use a SpacePen half of the time. relatively bulletproof and reliable.
By preference, I use a fountain pen. With practice, I could write maths notes down to 2mm letter size for "you can bring a sheet of notes" style exams.
I realise it's not for everyone.
Papermate (Score:4, Interesting)
No joke - I've settled for those cheap papermates. They rarely clog, don't bleed, and don't give me any guff. The line thickness might be tricky but worth checking out.
My wife is an artist and is crazy particular about her tools. She also swears by them and was who got me into using them.
Re: (Score:2)
I like Papermate myself. Pencil is not permanent which can be a problem for some work, but for figuring is probably the best answer here
The no pressure bit screams fountain pen with high quality ink. Hook up with one of the writing implement forums. Be amazed at what some people think of writing utensils.
Phil
Pilot V5 RT (Score:3)
The Ultimate Engineer's Pen is a Pencil (Score:3, Interesting)
Try using a Kuru Toga 0.3mm or 0.5mm --- the lead rotates so it is always sharp. Uni-Ball just released them in the U.S. (or you can buy imports from Japan).
Pentel RSVP (Score:4, Interesting)
Pilot Hi-Tec-C Pens (Score:3)
Re: (Score:3)
Let me second this recommendation. I used to bring back supplies from Japan, or inveigle friends to bring them back from work trips to Singapore, but now they are sold locally (Australia)! I use them for everything, but particularly value the ease with which they write, and the fine width which allows the precise writing of both mathematical expressions and complicated characters.
One downside is that they can vary a little in consistency: if you have the opportunity, try a number of them and pick the best
Old tech... (Score:3)
Fountain pen, custom cut tip, no-bleed ink. You can be a fine, as you want when you're making your own tip for a pen that way.
Go felt (Score:4, Insightful)
Micron felt tip. I'm also an engineer and it's what I use to scribble.
Pilot FriXion Erasable Gel-Ink Pens (Score:2)
Lots of colors, nice, erasable (don't leave a smudge after erasing). Fine and ultra-fine tips.
I don't know how long each cartridge lasts though.
start looking here. (Score:4, Interesting)
if you can't find it in this or another search of the same site, i think you're out of luck: http://www.jetpens.com/search?q=pigment+ink [jetpens.com]
i don't know exactly what the difference is between a fiber-tip pen and a "pigment ink liner," but the latter go down to 0.05mm (that's not a typo, i really mean 1/20th of a millimeter). they are fiber pens, so they don't have a ball feed, which should be good news for your other requirements.
i stole a 0.1mm a few months ago and apparently destroyed the tip just by writing delicately (and i do have some experience with extremely fine pens), so you'll have plenty of use for that light touch of yours.
if you want something more artistic in your off-time, i've heard that experienced chinese calligraphers can control their brush pens to where they can write essentially with a single hair. might be a fun hobby.
Pen Connoisseur (Score:4, Interesting)
I've tried nearly every pen out there, including the technical pens for Koh-I-Noor. I've found that the pricier pens are usually just better looking, but few if any are more reliable than the cheapest Bic pens. I believe this is due to R&D and manufacturing capabilities.
That said, I prefer fine line pens as well. Since i find refillable pens too messy (ink blots, clogs, cleaning between refills, etc.) my favorite pens for the last several years have been the felt tip pens, the Sakura Microns 005 for fine lines, and 05 for a hearty thick line. They have archival ink and it's very dark, about as black as possible and dries instantly. All my engineering undergrad notes are on white archival paper and written in this ink, looks very nice and doesn't fade. The tip is something like a specialized felt tip but it never spreads, and I've yet to have one dry out before I lose it. Best of all they're relatively cheap at around $3 each and available at any art store.
I've searched for the perfect technical pen since I was a kid, and since I've found these I've used them consistently for several years now.
Have you considered a combination of (Score:3, Insightful)
Zoloft and cognitive behavioral therapy? There have been a lot of advances in the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder over the years.
Re:Have you considered a combination of (Score:5, Insightful)
it's just like the pencil recommendations above; sometimes people get the question wrong. the potential to have this pointed out is the major benefit of asking a human being (or several) about something, rather than google.
and op is a bit harsh, but there may be some truth to it. looking back on my life, the times when i've been obsessed with micro-writing were also times when i was extremely anxious and neurotic. over time, my obsession with extra-fine writing faded, and my writing interests have moved to fountain pens and high-quality papers and inks, which is much more fun and interesting imho.
Pentel Slicci 0.4mm (Score:2)
I originally came across the Pentel Slicci 0.4 mm in the stationery department in Tokyu department store, in MBK center, in Bangkok, Thailand. I bought a few then. I have since stocked up by mail order.
The line is as fine as a Pilot Razor Point, but not scratchy, and the tip is a ball tip as opposed to the Razor Point's fiber element, which can be broken if you drop it on a hard floor.
As far as I know, the Slicci is not available retail in the United States. Mail order through the Web, or eBay, seem to b
That was easy (Score:4, Interesting)
A quick google search turns up this:
Sakura Pigma Micron 005 Marker Pen - 0.2 mm - Black
It's not a pencil, it's crazy thin, and (being a marker pen) should have none of the problems listed. The comments suggest that it's not good for people who write with "a heavy hand" which suggests that you won't need to press down very hard.
Re: (Score:3)
Very nearly the perfect pen (Score:3)
These are my favorite sketching / writing pens.
Read all about them here [sakuraofamerica.com].
Not The Space Pen (Score:3)
I have a Fisher space pen and it writes well enough, but it globs occasionally and is thicker than the average ballpoint.
I don't currently own a technical pen, but I agree with the guy who posted a link to some. Technical pens are where it's at for that sort of thing.
Pilot G2 0.38mm (Score:4)
Not perfect, but they last and have ready supply of replacement ink, all the great colors... Just need pocket protector.
space pen (Score:3)
Fisher space pen.
http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Space-Bullet-Pen-Matte/dp/B000WGD13U/ref=sr_1_1?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1351737896&sr=1-1&keywords=tactical+pen [amazon.com]
Uniball Vision Micro (Score:3)
While I prefer the larger tipped version, I've used the micro before and it has a nice, clean small line. Great line of pens in either size.
Zebra or Staedtler (Score:3)
Huh! I didn't know there were others who thought as I do about pens. I'm careful to hide how specific I am about pens, as I've assumed that I was one of about three people in the world who cared much. My favorite pen is the Zebra F-701. They don't accumulate much gunk, and leave a consistently thin line, though I'm not sure that it'll meet your exacting needs. (When the Zebra pen does accumulate gunk, I just clean it with a tissue.)
My favorite writing tool is a Staedtler 0.2mm drafting pencil, though I also use a 0.5mm pencil. For marking wood, I use a 0.7mm or 0.9mm pencil, for durability.
Instead of using random bits of paper, look for an engineering pad. I find them at staples. I'm not sure what they do differently with the paper, but it seems to be slightly more durable. I appreciate this as I've been known to erase work to make corrections. (The outfit I work for supplies pads, but I prefer to use my own, as the paper is better.)
Last thing: I bought a Fisher Space Pen 18 or so years ago and absolutely hated it. The durn thing seemed to be happy to write, but it also left ink blobs everywhere. Yech!
Quill? (Score:5, Funny)
1) Find a goose.
2) Pluck a large quill feather.
3) If the point isn't fine enough, keep plucking
Note: the goose will probably be annoyed after your first choice. Annoyed gueese have a way of convincing you that your current quill selection is good enough.
Cheers,
Dave
Pilot G-2 0.38 (Score:3)
I have a similar taste in pens, and I've settled on the Pilot G-2 0.38mm.
The ink takes about 2-3 seconds to dry. That fits my quick drying criteria; yours may be different.
Other than that it fits the bill. You can get them at staples for maybe $7 for a six pack.
Pilot G Tec C4 Steel tip gel ink pen. (Score:4, Informative)
google search for Pilot G-Tec-C4 [google.com]
It comes in both 0.2mm and 0.4mm, although I would recommend 0.4mm on thinner paper.
It is a steel tip gel rollerball pen, and the ink dries fairly quick and writes evenly unless the tip is dirty,
which is a little difficult to clean. It can a fair amount of pressure while writing as well.
It somewhat recently became available in America and is available in multiple colors as well,
although I have been using them for years by importing them from other countries.
Zebra F-301 BP (Score:3)
+1 to all those who cited the Zebra. Relatively cheap, no mess (and I'm a lefty), fine detail for my tiny writing. There's a gel variant - avoid that.
The pen is mightier than,...... (Score:4)
This is one of the nerdiest posts I've seen in a long long time.
As just a normal IT nerd and regular to slashdot, thank you for continuing to come here, it's good to see some really smart guys here.
I always like hearing good old 60's / 70's / 80's stories from people like you regarding big cool interesting projects / problems - not just same old IT stuff you can get anywhere.
This is why I keep coming here, unique people and history.
P.S - can't help with your pen problem, I'm just one of those normal nerds. Try a palm pilot!
Pilot Better Fine-Point Retractable (Score:3)
I have used this pen for decades now. (OK, not the same one.) It is listed as having a
I even got a bunch of refills so I won't ever have to worry about doing without them for at least ten years.
Fisher Space Pen (Score:3, Interesting)
You're looking for Japanese pens (Score:3)
If you want a very fine-tip pen, you need to start looking into Japanese imports. In the US, you spend about $5 on a several pens. In Japan, you spend that much on one. As such, Japan has a thriving pen/pencil market--very high quality pens and pencils, the latest technology, great materials, and fairly cheap prices. I've seen pens in Japan with writing sizes as small as 0.18mm. As some people have mentioned above, JetPens [jetpens.com] is a great site to purchase them for cheap.
Once you identify your perfect pen ... (Score:3)
Don't bother ; find a cheap one that is good enough, buy a box full (or a couple of bodies and a box of refills in several colours), then get on with your life.
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:3)
Bic Clics are the most widespread pen in New Zealand. I used them almost exclusively at school and as a left-hander, can tell you they have terrible problems with
My current favorite is Pilot's gel pens, which are available with 0.3, 0.5 and 0.7mm tips. I find their gel pens to have the smoothness of roller-balls, without the slow ink drying and subsequent smudging that goes with them. I prefer the 0.5mm myself, the 0.3 se
Re:Pilot V5 (Score:5, Funny)
Can't think of a better pen than the Pilot V5
I'll second that - the Palm Pilot V was great for taking notes. Once you learn Graffiti.
Re:Pilot V5 (Score:5, Funny)
The Pilot V5 breaks after I take it on an airplane(*). The pressure change must break a seal or something, because from then on it will bleed around the edges and leave ink all over my fingers. In general it is a great pen that is easy to find in shops, but for being called a "Pilot" pen, it sure doesn't handle flying well.
Re: (Score:3)
I use a fountain pen. It was required to use one at school (I think it still is, as the supermarket still sells cheap ones and the stationary shops sell nice ones).
When I was about 16 I switched to a ballpoint as a minor rebellion against school, but I switched back when I realised that ball pens hurt my hand -- I don't need to press with a fountain pen.
Just after I graduated I moved more of my stuff out of my parents' house, and I found the pen I was given when I was 13. It still works fine, I use it mos
Re:It's Halloween (Score:5, Interesting)
Doesn't work for the line thickness requested. Has all of the cited problems with finepoint raven nib. Runs dry quickly.
The reasons are quite simple: blood coagulates shortly after being exposed to air. This causes it to gel up and plug the vein on the quill/nib, resulting in irregular line width, globs on the sheet, dry tip, etc.
Blood is a horrible pigment for penning. You need at least a goose quill size nib just for flow properties, and will have to discourage clotting with something like alcohol. Even still, it doesn't really fix that great.
Not to mention the obvious: it being gross, unhygenic, and bad for the quill/nib and paper.
India ink is superior in every capacity.
If you are looking for a substitute for india ink in a stick pen, (india has several noteworthy problems, especially for teensy weensy text) try using some McCall's black food coloring. (Really just a mixture of FD&C Red #40, Blue #2, Yellow #5, and propylene glycol.) Other than spotting on contact with moisture, it has very good lettering properties. It dries on the page almost instantly, even with a heavy line pressure. Kinda pricey though.
Being halloween, it should be in stock at your grocier's.
And it isn't as nasty, gross, and weird as using blood. :D
Re: (Score:3)
blood coagulates shortly after being exposed to air. You... will have to discourage clotting with something like alcohol.
How much alcohol does a victi... donor have to drink before their blood is suitable?
Re:It's Halloween (Score:4, Insightful)
The reasons are quite simple: blood coagulates shortly after being exposed to air. This causes it to gel up and plug the vein on the quill/nib, resulting in irregular line width, globs on the sheet, dry tip, etc.
What if you're a hemophiliac? Maybe their blood is better for use in pens.