I Like Pens

A stationery movement.

By gent

June 28^th, 2014

BUT I'LL start with A PENCIL.

Whenever I step into a Kinokuniya bookstore, I am enthralled by the books available. I am especially taken by the selection of Japanese written material simply because I find Japanese text most aesthetically pleasing. Pull up Google Maps and look at any location in Japan and you too might find it looks beautiful because of those characters. I could go on.

But I also love traipsing the aisles where they stock collections of wonderful stationery where I picked up this pencil. A sign above its display read, “Pencil for Adults”.

Its name is Otono no Enpitsu which literally means “adult pencil. I can’t imagine what the adult industry in Japan (of all place) would do with a pencil but I knew I had to have it. It’s a mechanical pencil that was obviously built by a genius.

The Otono no Enpitsu, designed and made in Japan by Kitaboshi Pencil Company to commemorate its 60th anniversary, was also crowned Winner of the Japanese Best Stationery Award (Design) at ISOT in 2011, only Asia’s largest-scale staionery and office products trade fair. What was I to do? Say not to that?

Oh and the little rectangular clear container right there is its very own lead sharpener. If the Japanese took more care in its products, we’d be required - complete with intricately hand-drawn instructions, no less - to perform elaborate ceremonies before using any.

I like simple, elegant little things.

Simple, elegant things like this pencil also cost about 9 times the Daiso mat it’s on.

THE WORKHORSE

Ever since the uni-ball Jetstream series of pens debuted more than a couple years back, I’ve sworn by one as my daily pen. An ex-girlfriend had actually picked up the first one for me during a period of time when I was very happy, so you might go so far as to say my reliance on the Jetstream could contain a slight measure of emotional attachment.

It is absolutely effortless to write with one though. The ink flows without friction and dries almost as quickly as the pen lifts off paper. And that comfortable grip provides a grasp that won’t give you fatigue.

I’ve honestly never had a more enjoyable time writing and signing off on tears-inducing bills than when I do with a Jetstream.

Interestingly, this new model that I got only recently eludes me on the web but I’m fairly certain it’s an iteration of the uni-ball Jetstream Premier Bold Retractable Roller Ball. Where I saw it in Singapore, it came in an all-silver model and the black one I got here.

I personally would’ve preferred it to have been an entirely black design with its branding text black-embossed on the body. But I’m guessing this is already an expensive enough pen on the main stationery aisles and their intention is to sell it to more people than just to self-important assholes like me.

That bit of striking orange though is just sexy.

I should also point out that its air click retraction mechanism is akin to pressing on a marshmallow. It is the best.

The uni-ball Jetstream is also the length of the top side of a CD (historical link for you younger ones) when retracted. I thought this was cool.

THE ZEN

If you were ever to ask me for my favourite brand in the world, know that it is Muji. Apple and Nike come very close but neither evokes so much meaning out of sheer simplicity than Muji, even transcending language. Sometimes I find myself behaving like the only motivation for saving money is to spend it there, judging by my too-frequent visits to their stores.

Imagine my elation when I first chanced upon their fountain pen and it was the only one in the store.

The Aluminum Round Fountain Pen by Muji has apparently been in existence since the 90s but has been hard to find. I want to call this the McRib of Muji but I would taint the brand, so please pretend I didn’t just.

It’s so good though.

I’ve dabbled with quite a few fountain pens but even with the little I know, the Muji takes the cake for the most solid construction for its price. The ink flows surprisingly freely on every type of paper I’ve thrown it on too, even with its nib facing the opposite direction. The supplied cartridge of black ink is pretty decent itself, coming out only moderately wet.

I can’t say enough about the build of this pen.

The matte aluminium (I was educated in British English) finish makes it one of the most understated and handsome pens you’ll ever see. It’s got some heft to it that further emphasizes just how well it’s made and feels in your hand. It won’t drag your shirt pocket down if that’s what you’re wondering. Elsewhere, that slightly grooved area where the grip is ensures it stays in your hand while you’re crafting your next calligraphic masterpiece. As if to prove a point, they even made sure the detachable cap attaches snugly to the rear of the pen via a discrete cut-out groove. You don’t see how that works here because I’m also an asshole who’s not willing to risk the scratches.

All in all, like all its products, Muji has crafted a gem of a fountain pen and I can see why it’s been around since the 90s without any changes.

It’s already perfectly simple.

EPILOGUE

In this age where we are terribly dependant on mobile tech devices and computers to communicate, it’s increasingly refreshing, no, precious to grab a pen or a pencil and write something on parchment. I’ve always had a penchant for picking up stationery since a tender age and I don’t see myself stopping anytime soon.