How Full Is My Ballpoint Refill?

[Starwalkertexasranger]

Hi Guys,

 

I rarely post on these forums, but when I do, I often have a question. This one is one that has been bugging me for a while.

 

How do i know how much is left in my ballpoint refill? The obvious solution is not to think about it and accept that when it runs out it runs out, but it's not a satisfying solution.

 

I use my starwalker carbon as a daily writer and often on poor paper quality, and on a few occasions it's appeared to run out when there actually was plenty left (I use the Barbados Blue, should that be of interest).

 

Any tips and tricks would be appreciated. I'm sure I'm not the only one that's been a little bothered by this.

 

Brgds,

Edited February 26, 2016 by Starwalkertexasranger

[meiers]

There is no way of telling for sure.

These refills last a long time and fail suddenly (in my experience). One suggestion; carry a spare refill.

Enjoy your starwalker.

Edited February 26, 2016 by meiers

[Starwalkertexasranger]

Thanks Meiers,

 

That's more or less what I expected, but sure is a bit of an inconvenience.

 

Any one else had experience with this?

[meiers]

I just let the refill run out. This happens very rarely.

Edited February 27, 2016 by meiers

[kimpearsonusa]

I have always just carried a spare refill for the unexpected outages too. Could I ask you to post a sample writing with the Barbados Blue?

 

Been carrying my Pelican ballpoint for years as did not really like the darker blue from MB. If this is a lighter color may get some and pick the MB up again!

 

Thanks

 

Kim

Edited February 26, 2016 by kimpearsonusa

[888007888]

I rotate my ballpoints between 3 StarWalkers and the Special Edition 90 years Solitaire. I've had one of them for over 10 years and the ink has not run out at all. I'm just going to keep using them until they run out. I know someone who only uses 1 MB ballpoint daily. She does not rotate them nor does she use any FP. Simply put, she said it was about 4 years of daily use at work and at home before the ballpoint ran out. I purchased her a new refill last year for $9+tax at my local boutique here in Southern California. Based on that, I think my ballpoints will last me a lifetime. I carry a few FPs and only draw out the BP when FPs are not practical. I write all day at work. My suggestion is keep using it until it putters out. I do prefer the Broad refills since I can get line variation from the BP when I feel like toying around with my writing and my FPs are out of ink.

[Sasha Royale]

Until Montblanc releases its "demonstrator" refills, just carry a spare.

[Nathanb]

Could I ask you to post a sample writing with the Barbados Blue?

 

 

Here you go

 

The Barbados blue is quite new by the way...

Edited February 29, 2016 by Nathanb

[meiers]

I have tried the various new colours and still prefer pacific blue in a B size. The other refills are only available in medium.