Another cheap pen from Wooworths (UK)

[garyc]

Another unassuming pen I have found - this time for sale in Woolworths in one of the standard cardboard and plastic packs on the racks.

 

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3172/2290653583_1c2afcb37c_o.jpg

 

The pen size is:-

130mm (5.12") capped.

120mm (4.72") uncapped.

150mm (5.91") posted.

10mm (0.39") barrel diameter.

 

Weighs 27g complete, 18g without cap.

 

Construction

All metal, with plastic insert in cap. Takes standard small international cartridges

 

Appearance

Black barrel and cap, with chrome clip and ring on the top of the cap. Shiny chrome section, with a 'bump' which sits proud between the cap and barrel. Slimline and elegant, slightly tapering from cap to barrel. Style slightly reminiscent of a Rotring Freeway or Esprit. It may well come from the same factory as the Asda pen I previously reviewed, as the clip style looks vaguely similar.

 

Price 5/5

The pen cost £2.49 (approx US$ 5.00) in a January sale, previously on sale for double that price.

 

Durability 4/5

It looks and feels pretty solid. The clip is incredibly stiff, not good for anything more than the pocket of a thin shirt, but its unlikely to break. The plastic insert in the cap also protects the barrel from scratching if posted.

 

Writing 4/5

Since I do prefer slim pens, this is quite comfortable for me. I don't particularly like the (slippery) shiny section and the bump where is meeting the barrel is a bit annoying. Stainless steel standard open nib. This required a little bit of smoothing with Micromesh and could probably do with a bit more as its still a little toothy. Writes with a reasonably wet fine to medium line. The pen also has a nice weight to it.

 

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2405/2290653659_55242b5c51_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3069/2290653727_43444096e6_o.jpg

 

Value for money 5/5

Even at the normal price, it would be reasonable value. At 50% off, it was excellent value for money. It has restrained quality looks and writes reasonably well. Nib is not quite up to the standard of a cheaper Pilot (78G etc), but not too bad at all.

 

Overall 4/5

All in all its a good everyday pen. The only thing that could be improved is the nib. Some time with micromesh can fix that, and it may settle in more with use. Apart from that it could sit beside a Rotring or Pilot costing 20 or 30 USD and still acquit itself very well. It would also be a very good candidate for nib experimentation.

 

 

[richardandtracy]

Thanks for that. I may go & get one. At that price it's not too bad.

 

Regards

 

Richard.

 

[Ondina]

I agree is great value for the money. I even like the somehow retro looks. And by your handwritten sample, it does its work.

Thanks for the detailed review.

[Tournevis]

I asked a friend of mine who is currently residing in Scotland to get me a few. I'll let the forum know when I get them in March.