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If you’re going to journal enough to develop a love of journaling, you’ll inevitably try a few pens along the way. Each writer will develop individualized preferences based on type of writing, appearance of ink, ease of use, desired thickness, smearability, and more.
Here are some of the most popular writing pens for journal writing, in no particular order:
- Pilot G2 Gel Pen
- Uni-ball Signo Gel Pen
- Lamy Safari Fountain Pen
- Muji Gel Ink Ballpoint Pen
- TWSBI Diamond 580AL Fountain Pen
- Pentel EnerGel Pen
- Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pen
- Sakura Micron Pens
- Staedtler Triplus Fineliners
- Zebra Sarasa Gel Pen
- Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pens
- Rotring Rapid Pro Ballpoint Pen
- Parker Jotter Ballpoint Pen
- Cross Classic Century Ballpoint Pen
- Montblanc Meisterstück Fountain Pen
- Sharpie S-Gel Pen
- LAMY Imporium Rollerball Pen
Of course, personal preferences vary, and you might prefer a different type of pen or brand. The best pen for journal writing is one that feels comfortable in your hand and allows you to write easily and smoothly.
Pilot G2 Gel Pen
The Pilot G2 gel pen is a popular writing instrument that has several notable features, including:
- Smooth writing: The G2 pen is known for its smooth, consistent writing experience. The gel ink flows easily onto the page, without any skipping or smudging.
- Comfortable grip: The G2 pen has a contoured rubber grip that provides comfort and control while writing. The grip helps prevent hand fatigue, making it an ideal pen for long writing sessions.
- Variety of colors and tip sizes: The G2 pen comes in a range of colors, from basic black and blue to bright and bold hues. It’s also available in several tip sizes, including ultra-fine, fine, and bold, so you can choose the one that best fits your writing style.
- Refillable: The G2 pen is refillable, which means you can reuse the pen body and simply replace the ink cartridge when it runs out. This makes it an eco-friendly and cost-effective choice.
- Long-lasting ink: The gel ink used in the G2 pen is water-resistant and fade-resistant, so your writing will remain legible for a long time.
Overall, the Pilot G2 gel pen is a reliable, high-quality writing instrument that is suitable for a range of writing tasks, including journaling.
Uni-ball Signo Gel Pen
The Uni-ball Signo Gel Pen is a popular writing instrument known for its smooth writing experience and vibrant ink colors. Here are some of its most notable features:
- Gel ink: The Uni-ball Signo Gel Pen uses gel ink that is designed to be smooth and consistent, making writing easy and comfortable.
- Quick-drying ink: The ink dries quickly, which helps to prevent smudging and smearing, making it ideal for left-handed writers.
- Waterproof ink: The ink is also waterproof, so it won’t run or smudge if it gets wet, making it a great choice for writing on important documents or in notebooks.
- Comfortable grip: The pen has a comfortable grip that is designed to reduce hand fatigue, making it suitable for long writing sessions.
- Refillable: The Uni-ball Signo Gel Pen is refillable, so you can use it again and again, reducing waste and saving money in the long run.
- Variety of colors: The pen comes in a wide range of colors, from classic black and blue to more vibrant shades like pink and purple, making it a fun and versatile writing tool.
- Fine tip: The pen has a fine tip that produces precise lines, making it perfect for writing notes or drawing intricate designs.
Overall, the Uni-ball Signo Gel Pen is a reliable and high-quality writing instrument that is perfect for everyday use, whether you’re taking notes in class, writing a letter, or just jotting down ideas.
Lamy Safari Fountain Pen
The Lamy Safari Fountain Pen is a popular fountain pen known for its durability, ergonomic design, and affordability. Here are some of its most notable features:
- Durable construction: The pen is made of sturdy ABS plastic, making it lightweight yet durable. It’s also scratch-resistant and easy to clean.
- Ergonomic grip: The pen has a unique triangular grip that promotes a comfortable and natural writing posture, reducing hand fatigue during extended writing sessions.
- Interchangeable nibs: The pen features a range of interchangeable nibs, from extra-fine to broad, allowing users to customize their writing experience to their preferences and needs.
- Ink window: The pen has an ink window that allows users to see how much ink is left, preventing running out of ink unexpectedly.
- Smooth ink flow: The pen has a smooth ink flow, providing an effortless writing experience, and is suitable for a variety of writing styles and ink types.
- Wide range of colors: The pen comes in a wide range of colors, from classic black and white to vibrant hues, allowing users to express their personal style.
- Affordable price point: The Lamy Safari Fountain Pen is an affordable entry-level fountain pen, making it an excellent choice for beginners or those looking to try fountain pens without breaking the bank.
Overall, the Lamy Safari Fountain Pen is a reliable and high-quality fountain pen that offers an excellent writing experience, ergonomic design, and affordability. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade their writing tools or explore the world of fountain pens.
Muji Gel Ink Ballpoint Pen
The Muji Gel Ink Ballpoint Pen is a popular writing instrument known for its minimalist design and smooth writing experience. Here are some of its most notable features:
- Simple design: The pen features a minimalist design with a clear plastic barrel and a hexagonal shape, giving it a clean and modern look.
- Gel ink: The pen uses gel ink that is designed to be smooth and consistent, making writing easy and comfortable.
- Quick-drying ink: The ink dries quickly, which helps to prevent smudging and smearing, making it ideal for left-handed writers.
- Refillable: The Muji Gel Ink Ballpoint Pen is refillable, so you can use it again and again, reducing waste and saving money in the long run.
- Variety of colors: The pen comes in a range of colors, from classic black and blue to more vibrant shades like green and pink, making it a fun and versatile writing tool.
- Comfortable grip: The pen has a comfortable grip that is designed to reduce hand fatigue, making it suitable for long writing sessions.
What differentiates the Muji Gel Ink Ballpoint Pen from other popular pens is its focus on simplicity and functionality. The pen’s minimalist design and clear plastic barrel allow users to see how much ink is left, making it practical and convenient. Additionally, the hexagonal shape of the barrel provides a comfortable and secure grip, reducing hand fatigue and allowing for a more precise writing experience. Overall, the Muji Gel Ink Ballpoint Pen is an excellent choice for those who value simplicity, practicality, and comfort in their writing instruments.
TWSBI Diamond 580AL Fountain Pen
The TWSBI Diamond 580AL Fountain Pen is a popular writing instrument known for its high-quality construction and unique filling system. Here are some of its most notable features:
- High-quality construction: The pen is made of high-quality materials, including a clear acrylic barrel and a metal grip section, giving it a sturdy and durable feel.
- Piston filling system: The pen uses a unique piston filling system that allows for easy and efficient ink filling without the need for cartridges or converters.
- Large ink capacity: The piston filling system allows for a large ink capacity, reducing the need for frequent refills.
- Smooth nib: The pen features a smooth and reliable nib, providing an excellent writing experience.
- Interchangeable nibs: The pen has interchangeable nibs, allowing users to customize their writing experience to their preferences and needs.
- Unique design: The pen has a unique design with a visible ink chamber that adds a touch of flair to the writing experience.
What differentiates the TWSBI Diamond 580AL Fountain Pen from other popular pens is its innovative piston filling system and high-quality construction. The piston filling system allows for easy and efficient ink filling, making it a more convenient and cost-effective option for fountain pen users. Additionally, the high-quality materials used in the pen’s construction ensure a long-lasting and durable writing instrument that can withstand daily use. Overall, the TWSBI Diamond 580AL Fountain Pen is an excellent choice for those who value innovation, efficiency, and durability in their writing instruments.
Pentel EnerGel Pen
The Pentel EnerGel Pen is a popular writing instrument known for its fast-drying ink and smooth writing experience. Here are some of its most notable features:
- Fast-drying ink: The pen uses a specially-formulated ink that dries quickly, preventing smudging and smearing, and making it ideal for left-handed writers.
- Smooth writing experience: The pen features a rollerball tip and a gel ink that glides smoothly across the page, providing an effortless and enjoyable writing experience.
- Ergonomic design: The pen has an ergonomic grip that is designed to reduce hand fatigue and provide a comfortable writing experience, making it suitable for extended writing sessions.
- Refillable: The Pentel EnerGel Pen is refillable, so you can use it again and again, reducing waste and saving money in the long run.
- Variety of tip sizes: The pen comes in a range of tip sizes, from ultra-fine to bold, allowing users to choose the best option for their writing needs.
- Wide range of colors: The pen is available in a wide range of colors, from classic black and blue to more vibrant hues, making it a versatile and fun writing tool.
What differentiates the Pentel EnerGel Pen from other popular pens is its fast-drying ink and smooth writing experience. The quick-drying ink sets it apart from other gel pens, as it allows for faster and cleaner writing, without worrying about smudging or smearing. Additionally, the pen’s ergonomic design and variety of tip sizes make it a versatile and comfortable writing tool suitable for a wide range of users. Overall, the Pentel EnerGel Pen is an excellent choice for those who value smooth, fast-drying ink and an ergonomic design in their writing instruments.
Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pen
The Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pen is a popular writing instrument known for its distinctive features. Here are some of its most notable features that differentiate it from other popular pens:
- Felt Tip: The Paper Mate Flair pen features a porous felt tip that allows for smooth and precise writing. The tip is designed to distribute ink evenly, which helps prevent smudging and bleeding through the paper.
- Water-Based Ink: The Flair pen uses water-based ink that dries quickly, reducing the risk of smudging or bleeding. This also makes it ideal for use with other art materials, such as watercolors.
- Range of Colors: The Flair pen comes in a wide range of colors, including traditional colors like black, blue, and red, as well as fun, bright colors like pink, purple, and green. This allows for a lot of creativity in writing, note-taking, and art.
- Durable Design: The Flair pen has a sturdy barrel design that can withstand regular use and occasional drops. The cap snaps on securely to prevent the ink from drying out.
- Comfortable Grip: The Flair pen has a soft grip that makes it comfortable to hold for extended periods. This is particularly useful for those who write or draw for long periods of time.
Overall, the Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pen stands out from other pens for its durable design, comfortable grip, range of colors, and distinctive felt tip. These features make it a popular choice among students, artists, and professionals alike.
Sakura Micron Pens
The Sakura Micron Pens are a popular choice for artists, designers, and writers. The Micron Pen was first introduced in the 1980s and has since become a popular choice among artists, designers, and writers around the world.
It is manufactured in Sakura’s facilities in Japan, the United States, and Europe. The company has a strong reputation for quality control and is committed to producing reliable and consistent products.
Here are some of their most notable features that differentiate them from other popular pens:
- Archival Quality Ink: The Sakura Micron Pens use archival quality ink that is waterproof, fade-resistant, and quick-drying. This makes them ideal for creating art or writing that will last for a long time.
- Fine Point Tips: The Micron Pens feature fine point tips that range in size from 0.2mm to 0.5mm. This allows for precise and detailed drawing, sketching, and writing.
- Range of Colors: The Micron Pens come in a variety of colors, including traditional colors like black and blue, as well as vibrant colors like pink, green, and purple. This allows for a lot of creative flexibility in artwork and writing.
- Acid-Free: The Sakura Micron Pens are acid-free, which means that they won’t damage or discolor paper over time. This makes them a great choice for archival work, such as scrapbooking or journaling.
- Comfortable Grip: The Micron Pens have a comfortable grip that makes them easy to use for long periods. The grip is designed to prevent hand fatigue and cramping, which is important for artists and writers who work for extended periods.
Overall, the Sakura Micron Pens are known for their archival quality ink, fine point tips, range of colors, acid-free formulation, and comfortable grip. These features make them a popular choice among artists and writers who value precision, quality, and versatility in their tools.
Staedtler Triplus Fineliners
The Staedtler Triplus Fineliners are a popular choice for artists, designers, and writers. Here are some of their most notable features that differentiate them from other popular pens:
- Triangular Shape: The Staedtler Triplus Fineliners feature a triangular shape that is comfortable to hold and prevents hand fatigue. The triangular shape also prevents the pen from rolling off tables or desks.
- Fine Point Tips: The Fineliners have a fine point tip that produces precise and consistent lines. The tip is ideal for detailed work, drawing, coloring, and writing.
- Water-Based Ink: The Staedtler Triplus Fineliners use water-based ink that is odorless, acid-free, and non-toxic. The ink is also smudge-proof and dries quickly.
- Range of Colors: The Fineliners come in a wide range of colors, including pastels, metallics, and neon shades. This allows for a lot of creative freedom and versatility in artwork and writing.
- Durable Design: The Staedtler Triplus Fineliners have a durable design that is built to last. The pens have a snap-on cap that prevents the ink from drying out and a metal-clad tip that resists wear and tear.
The Staedtler Triplus Fineliners are manufactured in Staedtler’s facilities in Germany. The pen was originally designed by the company’s in-house team of engineers and designers.
There are many famous and influential people who are known to use the Staedtler Triplus Fineliners, including graphic designers, illustrators, and artists. Some notable examples include graphic designer Aaron Draplin and illustrator Lisa Congdon.
Aaron Draplin, a well-known graphic designer, has mentioned the Staedtler Triplus Fineliners pen in interviews and on his social media accounts. He has praised the pen’s durability, consistency, and versatility.
In an interview with CreativeLive, Draplin said, “I love those Staedtler pens. They’re so good. They’re the most consistent pen. You can go light, you can go dark. They’re always perfect.”
On Instagram, Draplin has shared photos of his artwork created with the Staedtler Triplus Fineliners and has described the pen as a “staple” in his design toolkit.
Lisa Congdon, a popular illustrator and author, has mentioned the Staedtler Triplus Fineliners pen in interviews and on her social media accounts. She has praised the pen’s range of colors, fine point tip, and versatility.
In an interview with Uppercase Magazine, Congdon said, “I use the Staedtler Triplus Fineliner pens for most of my work. They come in a range of colors and are affordable, so you can buy a whole bunch and play around with them.”
On Instagram, Congdon has shared photos of her artwork created with the Staedtler Triplus Fineliners and has described the pen as her “go-to” pen for drawing and lettering.
Zebra Sarasa Gel Pen
The Zebra Sarasa Gel Pen is a popular writing instrument that is known for its smooth and consistent writing experience. Here are some of its most notable features that differentiate it from other popular pens:
- Quick-Drying Ink: The Sarasa Gel Pen uses a quick-drying ink that prevents smudging and smearing. This makes it ideal for left-handed writers and for use in fast-paced environments.
- Variety of Colors: The Sarasa Gel Pen comes in a wide range of colors, including metallic and pastel shades. This allows for a lot of creative freedom and versatility in writing and note-taking.
- Retractable Design: The pen features a retractable design with a pocket clip that makes it easy to carry around. The clip also prevents the pen from rolling off tables or desks.
- Comfortable Grip: The Sarasa Gel Pen has a rubber grip that is comfortable to hold and prevents hand fatigue.
- Acid-Free Ink: The pen uses acid-free ink that is fade-resistant and waterproof. This ensures that the writing will last a long time without fading or smudging.
The Zebra Sarasa Gel Pen was first introduced in 2001. It is manufactured by Zebra Pen Corporation, a Japanese company that has been in operation since 1897.
The pen was designed by Zebra’s in-house team of engineers and designers.
There are many famous and influential people who are known to use the Zebra Sarasa Gel Pen, including writers, journalists, and artists. Some notable examples include artist and author Austin Kleon and writer and journalist Alexandra Petri.
Austin Kleon, a well-known artist and author, has mentioned the Zebra Sarasa Gel Pen in his books and on his blog. He has praised the pen’s smooth writing experience, variety of colors, and comfortable grip.
In his book “Steal Like an Artist,” Kleon writes, “My favorite pen is the Zebra Sarasa, which writes like a dream and comes in a bunch of colors. I love using the different colors to differentiate ideas in my notebook.”
On his blog, Kleon has also shared photos of his artwork created with the Zebra Sarasa Gel Pen and has described it as his “go-to” pen for drawing and writing.
Alexandra Petri, a well-known writer and journalist, has mentioned the Zebra Sarasa Gel Pen in her articles and on her social media accounts. She has praised the pen’s smooth writing experience, quick-drying ink, and comfortable grip.
In an article for The Washington Post, Petri wrote, “My pen of choice is the Zebra Sarasa, which has a lovely gel ink and a very nice clip.”
On her Twitter account, Petri has also shared photos of her notes and writing created with the Zebra Sarasa Gel Pen and has described it as her “favorite” pen.
Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pens
The Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pen is a popular writing and drawing instrument that is known for its versatility and high-quality ink. Here are some of its most notable features that differentiate it from other popular pens:
- Archival Ink: The Pitt Artist Pen uses archival ink that is waterproof, fade-resistant, and acid-free. This ensures that the writing and artwork created with this pen will last a long time without fading or deteriorating.
- Range of Nib Sizes: It comes in a range of nib sizes, from extra-fine to brush, allowing for a lot of versatility in line width and style.
- Variety of Colors: It comes in a range of colors, including metallic and pastel shades. This allows for a lot of creative freedom and versatility in drawing and sketching.
- Lightfastness: The pen uses pigmented ink that is lightfast, meaning it resists fading when exposed to light over time.
- Comfortable Grip: The Pitt Artist Pen has a comfortable grip that is ergonomic and prevents hand fatigue.
The Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pen was first introduced in 1994. It is manufactured by Faber-Castell, a German company that has been in operation since 1761.
The pen was designed by Faber-Castell’s in-house team of engineers and designers.
There are many famous and influential people who are known to use the Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pen, including artists, illustrators, and designers. Some notable examples include graphic novelist and cartoonist Chris Ware and fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld.
Chris Ware, who is a celebrated cartoonist and graphic novelist, has used Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pens in his artwork. In an interview with The Comics Journal, he mentioned that he likes the pens because they allow him to work quickly and don’t smudge easily. He also praised the pens’ consistency and how they work on a variety of surfaces. Specifically, he said:
“I like the Faber-Castell pens. They work well, they don’t smudge, and they’re very consistent. They work on a lot of different surfaces. I don’t like doing underdrawing because it feels like it slows me down, so I just start inking immediately.”
Karl Lagerfeld, who was a fashion designer and creative director of Chanel, was known for his love of sketching and drawing with Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pens. He was often seen with a set of these pens in his hand, and he praised their high-quality ink and precision. In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, he said:
“Faber-Castell has the best products for drawing and sketching. I’ve used them since I was a child. Their PITT artist pen, with its fine tip, is just perfect. I can do anything with it. You can make it very light or very strong, and it doesn’t dry out. I use it for everything, from sketches to handwriting.”
Rotring Rapid Pro Ballpoint Pen
The Rotring Rapid Pro Ballpoint Pen is a high-end writing instrument known for its sleek design and durability. Here are some of its most notable features that differentiate it from other popular pens:
- Precision Tip: The pen features a precision tip that ensures a consistent and smooth writing experience.
- All-Metal Body: The pen is made of an all-metal body that is both durable and comfortable to hold.
- Retractable: The pen has a retractable mechanism that prevents accidental markings and protects the tip.
- Clip Design: The pen’s clip is designed to be both functional and stylish, with a hexagonal shape that is unique to the Rotring brand.
- Refillable: The pen is refillable, which makes it a more sustainable option than disposable pens.
The Rotring Rapid Pro Ballpoint Pen was first introduced in 2011. It is manufactured in Germany by Rotring, a company that has been making high-quality writing instruments since 1928.
The pen was designed by Rotring’s in-house team of engineers and designers.
There are many famous and influential people who are known to use the Rotring Rapid Pro Ballpoint Pen, including architects, engineers, and designers. Some notable examples include architect Zaha Hadid and industrial designer Dieter Rams.
Parker Jotter Ballpoint Pen
The Parker Jotter Ballpoint Pen is a classic writing instrument known for its durability, simplicity, and timeless design. Some of its most notable features include:
- Iconic design: The Jotter pen features a sleek, stainless steel barrel and a distinctive arrow clip that has become a hallmark of the Parker brand.
- Smooth writing experience: The pen’s Quinkflow technology provides a smooth and consistent flow of ink, allowing for effortless writing.
- Long-lasting: The Jotter pen is built to last, with a durable stainless steel body that can withstand everyday wear and tear.
The Parker Jotter Ballpoint Pen was first introduced in 1954 and has been a popular choice for writers and professionals ever since. It is manufactured in various countries, including France and the UK. The pen was designed by Don Doman, an industrial designer who worked for Parker at the time.
Don Doman, the industrial designer who designed the Parker Jotter Ballpoint Pen, in an interview with the New York Times in 2005, Doman spoke about his approach to designing the Jotter pen. He said:
“I wanted a simple, clean pen with a strong design statement that could be made at a low cost. The arrow clip was my idea, and it was based on the idea of pointing forward. The design was intended to be timeless, and I think it has held up well over the years.”
Doman’s design philosophy for the Jotter pen was to create a functional and stylish writing instrument that was accessible to everyone. His iconic arrow clip and stainless steel barrel have become synonymous with the Parker brand and are recognized by people around the world.
Many famous and influential people are known to use the Parker Jotter Ballpoint Pen, including former US President George W. Bush, who was often seen with a Jotter in his hand. Other notable Jotter users include artist Andy Warhol and journalist Hunter S. Thompson.
Andy Warhol, the famous artist and cultural icon, reportedly favored the pen for its simplicity and reliability, and even used it to create some of his most famous works.
In his book, “The Philosophy of Andy Warhol,” Warhol wrote about his love for the Parker Jotter Ballpoint Pen. He said:
“I use a Parker Jotter Ballpoint Pen because it’s like a pencil. You can always get a clear line, and if it runs out you can get another one for 19 cents.”
Hunter S. Thompson, the legendary journalist and author, famously included the pen in his personal list of “Tools of the Trade” that he relied on for his writing.
In his book, “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” Thompson wrote about his preference for the Parker Jotter Ballpoint Pen. He said:
“My own handwriting has always been bad, and I am a slow typist, so when I started covering national politics in 1956 I found it essential to have a smooth-flowing pen that moved fast over paper. In those days the best ballpoint made was the Parker Jotter, and that was the only kind I used for years.”
Cross Classic Century Ballpoint Pen
The Cross Classic Century Ballpoint Pen is known for its sleek and timeless design, as well as its quality craftsmanship. Some of the notable features of the pen include:
- Slim and lightweight design that makes it easy to hold and write with for extended periods of time.
- Smooth and consistent ink flow that produces clear and sharp lines.
- Twist-action mechanism that makes it easy to retract the pen tip and prevent accidental markings.
- Chrome-plated appointments that add a touch of elegance to the pen’s overall appearance.
What sets the Cross Classic Century Ballpoint Pen apart from other popular pens is its enduring popularity and reputation for quality. It was first introduced in 1946 and has since become a classic writing instrument that is beloved by professionals, executives, and collectors alike.
The pen is manufactured by the A.T. Cross Company, which is based in Providence, Rhode Island in the United States. It was originally designed by Cross founder Richard Cross, Sr. and has since undergone several design updates while retaining its classic appearance and function.
Some famous and influential people who are known to use the Cross Classic Century Ballpoint Pen include former United States Presidents Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan, as well as author and journalist Tom Wolfe. Gerald Ford was the 38th President of the United States, serving from 1974 to 1977, and was known for his calm and steady demeanor, particularly during a turbulent period in American politics. Ronald Reagan was the 40th President of the United States, serving from 1981 to 1989, and was known for his communication skills and ability to connect with the American people.
Montblanc Meisterstück Fountain Pen
The Montblanc Meisterstück Fountain Pen is a luxury writing instrument that has several notable features:
- Classic design: The pen has a timeless design, with a black resin barrel and cap, gold-plated clip and trim, and the signature white star emblem on the cap.
- High-quality materials: The pen is made from high-quality materials, including a 14-karat gold nib and a piston filling mechanism.
- Smooth writing experience: The pen’s nib is designed to provide a smooth writing experience, and can be customized to fit the user’s writing style.
- Personalization options: The pen can be personalized with engravings, making it a popular choice for gifts and special occasions.
The Montblanc Meisterstück Fountain Pen was originally introduced in 1924, and has since become a symbol of luxury and prestige in the writing instrument world. It is manufactured in Hamburg, Germany, by Montblanc International GmbH.
The pen was originally designed by Claus-Johannes Voss, a German engineer and designer. Over the years, the pen has been updated and improved, but it has maintained its classic design and high-quality materials.
Many famous and influential people are known to have used the Montblanc Meisterstück Fountain Pen, including John F. Kennedy, Pablo Picasso, and Mahatma Gandhi.
Sharpie S-Gel Pen
The Sharpie S-Gel Pen is a retractable gel pen that features quick-drying ink, a comfortable grip, and a smooth writing experience. It is designed to produce bold, vivid lines with minimal smudging or smearing, and it is ideal for a wide range of applications, from note-taking and journaling to art projects and professional documents.
What differentiates the Sharpie S-Gel Pen from other popular pens is its combination of affordability, durability, and performance. It is a relatively inexpensive pen, yet it is built to last and consistently delivers a high-quality writing experience. Additionally, it is widely available in many retail stores, making it easily accessible to consumers.
The Sharpie S-Gel Pen was introduced in 2019 and is manufactured by Newell Brands, which also produces other popular writing instruments such as Paper Mate and Expo. The pen was designed by a team of engineers and designers at Newell Brands, with a focus on creating a reliable, high-performance gel pen that could compete with more expensive options on the market.
LAMY Imporium Rollerball Pen
The LAMY Imporium Rollerball Pen is a high-end writing instrument that features a sleek, modern design and a range of impressive features. Some of its most notable features include:
- Premium Materials: The LAMY Imporium Pen is crafted from high-quality materials, including a polished stainless steel finish and a PVD-coated black titanium finish.
- Ergonomic Design: The pen is designed to be comfortable to hold and write with, thanks to its tapered shape and contoured grip.
- Smooth Writing Experience: The LAMY Imporium Pen features a smooth-writing 14kt gold nib that glides over paper with ease.
- Customizable: The pen is available in a range of finishes and nib sizes, allowing you to choose the perfect combination to suit your style and writing preferences.
One of the main things that differentiates the LAMY Imporium Pen from other popular pens is its unique design. It has a distinctive, modern look that sets it apart from more traditional writing instruments.
The LAMY Imporium Pen was first introduced in 2015, and it is manufactured in Germany. The pen was designed by Mario Bellini, an Italian designer who has worked on a wide range of products, including furniture, electronics, and transportation.
Conclusion
Each pen listed is a top journaling option depending on the writer’s preference. I personally switch between three pens:
Pilot G2 Gel
Sharpie S-Gel
LAMY Imporium
The Pilot was my go-to pen for more than a decade because I love how the dark wet ink showed up so clearly on each page in contrast to the Parker Jotter ballpoint pens I grew up with. Eventually, smearing and smudging led me to venture out and consider other brands and types, which led me to my current favorite, the Sharpie S-Gel. In true Sharpie fashion, the ink dries quickly, preventing smudging which means the original words last longer in original form. That’s a significant win.
I purchased my first LAMY while studying abroad in Europe back in the early 2000s. As I wandered a foreign city filled with walking streets, cafes, and schwarma shops, I happened upon a pen shop and spent far more than I should have on a new LAMY pen. I have been a fan ever since.
I don’t write with the LAMY for everyday use simply because I prefer not to risk losing it as I travel around town. Also, having to order refills online means planning and preparation are needed. If you’re a stickler for continuity like me, it’s hard to be willing to switch pens mid-journal. I want every page to look the same and read the same.
That’s it for today’s review. Let me know which pen is your favorite and tell me a little bit about why you love it and how you first discovered it.
There are probably as many pens (& pencils) as there are individuals dedicated to journalling. My all-time, go-to pen is the Cross Classic Century 14k gold-filled. I’ve seldomly alternated with a Mont Blanc Meisterstück ballpoint, but its co-called archival quality Mystery Black refill delivers inadequate, variable colouration. A new refill will provide a dark black, but as time & use passes, the ink colour changes in sine wave manner to dark grey, then to medium grey. The only mystery to Mont Blanc’s black ink is when it will fade to grey. Good ol’ dependable Parker refills in a Jotter would be a superb stand-by. Parker comes quite close in quality of ink & delivery to Cross refills. Both Cross & Parker are very consistent in ink colour, & the metal ball in each refill delivers ink like it’s melted butter. Waterman ballpoint refills are right up there in top quality as well. I understand that those favouring Mont Blanc will infer my comments as bordering on sacrilegious, but I’ve owned a M.B. for decades, & the fading black ballpoint ink has continued to be disappointing. The M.B. ballpoint pen may be mechanically flawless, but don’t ever drop it in a hard surface. It’s delicate, plastic body will crack which further undermines the pen’s dependability especially when considering what it’s retail price now may be.
“The M.B. ballpoint pen may be mechanically flawless, but don’t ever drop it in a hard surface. It’s delicate, plastic body will crack which further undermines the pen’s dependability…”
Excellent feedback, Kenn. Thank you for dropping a comment.
My go-to pens have fluctuated between the disposable Pilot G2 and the LAMY Imporium Rollerball pen. I purchased my first LAMY pen at a pen shop in Copenhagen and it forever became one of my favorites.
I journal almost daily and I prefer a deep, dark ink. The Cross ballpoint pens (and really every single other ballpoint pen) I’ve used required more pressure applied and delivered a lighter ink result.
I would even prefer the Sharpie S gel pen for the singular reason that its ink dries very quickly and I would never have to worry about smudges. However, I’ve found their ink flow to be inconsistent and therefore I reverted back to the Pilot G2.