Throughout most of this week, I’ve spent a lot of my time talking to friends about what has to be one of the weirdest thing I’ve ever talked to anyone about: pens and paper. Specifically, the pen-retaining qualities of Moleskine notebooks. I always kind of thought I was weird for having a favorite pen, but apparently all the other English major/writer types I know are also equally picky about pens and paper!
Now personally, I’m a Uniball fan, but I’ve heard great words about the Zebra Saransa and the Sharpie pen. There’s just something about the ink flow from the Uniball that I really like, but I’m always open to trying a new pen experience. All this reminds me that it’s time to go out and pick up some new pens, and maybe finally splurge on a nice new notebook for writing notes to myself about future blog posts and the like.
So tell me, do you have a preference for a particular pen type, or are you an any stick in a storm sort? If you like pencils, that’s okay too; personally, I can’t stand writing in pencil, but it has its uses.
Lucy: I’ve heard the Zebra ink tends to settle on top of the paper and takes a long while to soak in, depending on the paper stock.
If I have to go with a cheap ballpoint pen, I’m partial to the Bic Softfeel, medium, in black or blue. I prefer actual gel ink, but those get expensive if you tend to loan them and lose them like I do.
Ah, and the Zebra SARASA 0.7 is great for labelling photo prints. Hate writing on paper with it, though.
Ha! I love the Pentel RSVP too! I usually carry/lose a PaperMate Profile, though. And pencil – a wooden one, the feel on the paper can’t be matched for inspiring creativity. And since I still keep books on paper (I know, but every time I try the computer I end up losing everything – paper is actually faster for a dinosaur like me) a nice micro fine mecahnical pencil is tops.
If I go out and buy pens, Pentel R.S.V.P, fine or medium point, blue ink.
I’ve grown attached to several free pens, though, just because I like the way they write. I can’t say any stick in a storm, because some pens are just plain crappy.
The more I type, the less I use pens though. I usually end up borrowing one if an establishment needs a half assed signature on something.
The only pencils I like are mechanical pencils, and I only use them for math or if I need to update my written password record.