There are a surprising number of factors that can affect how a pen or pencil feels in your hand. What type of ink or lead does it use? What is it made out of? One aspect that doesn’t get as much attention is the type of grip found on a given writing instrument. There’s a huge difference between a cushy silicone grip and a non-slip knurled metal grip. In this guide as well as our video, we discuss several types of pen grips and suggest pens and pencils that are fitted with each grip.
Founded in 1911, Sailor is a stationery brand with a rich tradition in fountain pens and other writing instruments. They’re best known for luxury pens with charming designs that are highly sought after by members of the fountain pen community. Alongside Platinum and Pilot, Sailor is one of the “big three” Japanese fountain pen companies that continues to embrace its long history while modernizing and innovating for the future. In this guide, we shine a spotlight on every Sailor fountain pen available at JetPens.
What was your first fountain pen? Chances are, it was a bare-bones gateway pen made of cheerful plastic. These are perfect for learning how to use fountain pens, but once you’re comfortable, the expansive world of mid-range fountain pens awaits. These pens give you access to a wide variety of styles, higher quality materials and construction, and specialized designs like pocket sizing and built-in filling systems. At the same time, they’re affordable enough to use consistently without worrying about losing or damaging them. This makes them ideal for anyone looking for a classy everyday pen.
We considered pens ranging from roughly $30-$100 for this article. A few of our recommendations are also available in upgraded versions, but their standard offerings are all fountain pens under $100. Keep reading to explore our top recommendations for retro style, everyday carry, office professionals, and more.
The LAMY Safari is a minimalist favorite in the world of writing instruments. Since its launch in the eighties, the LAMY Safari has expanded from fountain pens to include other writing instruments, like rollerballs, ballpoints, and mechanical pencils. LAMY didn’t stop there: a pen made of aluminum known as the AL-Star soon joined the family, followed by the Vista and Lx. In this guide, we’ll discuss the unique features of the Safari and its extended family.
At JetPens, we try our hardest to provide the best pricing for our loyal customers. We know that you have a choice when you shop and we’re delighted that you choose to shop with us.
]]>There's no better place to keep your memories than the TRAVELER'S COMPANY TRAVELER'S notebook. This high-quality notebook features smooth, creamy paper and is encased in a luxurious leather cover that ages beautifully with use and time. With a variety of refill options and accessories, you can personalize and build your own custom notebook that fits your lifestyle. It's a keepsake you'll look back on for years to come. Make sure to read until the end to see special edition items.
For those who suffer from tired, fatigued hands, the Dr. Grip is just what the doctor ordered. This high quality writing instrument has an innovative grip design that provides the ideal combination of softness and support. Additionally, the weight balance is optimized for an ergonomic writing experience. To find out more about the different models of the award-winning Dr. Grip, read on.
The Midori MD Notebook might seem humble, but beneath the simple cardstock cover is a high-quality notebook that is beloved by writers and artists alike. The smooth, cream-colored paper provides a pleasant surface for all kinds of creative endeavors. Read on or watch the video below to learn more about the Midori MD Notebook’s minimalist aesthetic as well as its thoughtful details. We’ll also introduce other products in the MD lineup at the end of the guide.
Writing by hand these days is an act of small rebellion—an analog alternative to the screens and keyboards that dominate our daily lives. Pens and pencils create a physical connection between us and our work that digital devices just can't duplicate. And nothing else evokes this elemental bond quite as well as a fountain pen.
Fountain pens may seem intimidating, but they're actually really easy to use. And you don't need to spend a lot of money to get a great one. In this guide, we'll explore the best affordable fountain pens that are particularly well-suited to beginners.
The legend of the Blackwing exceeds the reputation of any other pencil. Its exceptional balance of softness, darkness, and sharpness, set off by an elegant ferrule and replaceable eraser, makes it instantly recognizable.
Celebrated authors, musicians, and artists declared that they could not work without the original Blackwing after it was discontinued in 1998. The revived family of Blackwing Pencils and companion products produced by California Cedar Products Company live up to the Blackwing name both in terms of quality and in their undeniable panache.
Read on to learn why Blackwing Pencils stand out and discover which one would be best for you.
The history of Japanese stationery is impressive to behold. In this guide, we take a look at over one hundred years of Japanese stationery, starting from the 1910s. Keep reading or watch the video to see how Japanese stationery has evolved into the pens and paper that we continue to use and appreciate today.
Japanese and Korean stationery get a lot of time in the limelight. In this guide, we are bringing some much deserved attention to Taiwanese stationery! Taiwanese brands offer fountain pens and other accessories, many of which are inspired by retro aesthetics to bring vintage appeal to your desk. We take a closer look at eleven Taiwanese stationery brands and recommend stellar products that deserve a spot in your collection.
Whether you’re a fan of Superman or Bakuman, you know that a series of well-designed images lets you tell stories with an entirely different feel than text alone. You can draw with anything that makes marks on paper, but if you want to become an illustrious mangaka or comic artist (or just level up your art of your favorite anime characters) it helps to have the right tools. Read this guide to learn how to choose comic and manga supplies and see our recommendations for each part of the comic-making process, or watch the video below to see them in action.
Enjoy a touch of Japan with Pilot Iroshizuku fountain pen inks. Inspired by nature, the Iroshizuku lineup offers captivating colors drawn from the seasons and landscapes of Japan. The name Iroshizuku means “droplets of color,” and each color is so clean and natural that you can almost imagine it being collected like dewdrops from tree leaves or cherry blossoms.
Iroshizuku inks are not just gorgeous in appearance—they are beautifully presented and well-behaved, too. They come in convenient, proprietary cartridges and award-winning designer glass bottles, flow smoothly and reliably in nearly any pen, and are easy to clean out when you’re ready to change inks. For those who love sheen, many Iroshizuku inks will provide a spectacular red or gold sheen when used in a wet pen on fountain pen friendly paper.
The Kokuyo Jibun Techo has a unique approach to planning. Split into three booklets, the Jibun Techo is designed to last a lifetime. This Japanese-language planner is packed with organizational charts and information.
To help you make the most of the planner, we have included Kokuyo’s official English translations for the Jibun Techo 2023 Standard Diary and 2023 DAYs planner. Please note that some sections of the 2022 Standard Diary and all of the 2020 LIFE booklet are translated by JetPens into English. Any errors are our own. Additionally, the Jibun Techo Biz and Lite do not include all of the pages found in the Standard.
The Kokuyo Jibun Techo is the ultimate planner for those who organize their schedules down to the last hour. The original Jibun Techo is a weekly planner with a vertical format that is particularly useful for those who juggle multiple due dates or events a day. Kokuyo has since added the DAYs Diary to the lineup, a daily planner that is packed with useful features.
Kokuyo uses two kinds of paper in the Jibun Techo: THIN PAPER and MIO PAPER. THIN PAPER is used in the Diary, Lite Diary, DAYs Diary, and IDEA notebook. MIO PAPER is found in the Biz Diary and LIFE notebook.
You may think of binders as clunky yet necessary tools to store loose leaf paper, but Japanese binders are here to change your mind. These binders are innovative with special features that eliminate the frustrations associated with standard binders. Read on or watch the videos below to learn more about our top recommendations.
Like its name suggests, the Kokuyo Campus lineup is geared towards students. However, Campus notebooks, loose leaf paper, binders, and more have become stationery staples for everyone. Whether you’re an undergraduate student or a career professional, the Campus series offers great quality at a budget-friendly price. Read on or watch the video below to learn more about what Kokuyo has to offer.
The Kokuyo Jibun Techo is a godsend for anyone who feels overwhelmed by their work and personal schedules. Unlike other planners, the Jibun Techo is actually made up of three booklets: the “Diary” for everyday planning, “LIFE” for long-term events, and “IDEA” for miscellaneous notes. To learn more about the Jibun Techo, check out our comprehensive guide. We also have an English translation available.
Though the Jibun Techo can help organize your life, its carefully designed format can be confusing for first-time users. If you need examples of how to use this planner, read on to see how some members of the JetPens team use the Kokuyo Jibun Techo!
With the new year quickly approaching, it’s time to break into a new planner. But with so many out there, it’s hard to find one that’s perfect for the way you plan. In this guide, we’ll compare our dated, undated, and long-term planners to save you from the guesswork. We even include illustrations of each planner's signature layout so you can easily compare every detail. Are you ready to tackle your resolutions, tasks, and projects? Let's dive right in!