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Table of Contents
Stationary - a short list of items I have used, would buy again, and would recommended to others
I have a strong preference for Japanese and Europeans made models
not listed are items i have 1, not tried, or 2, tried but not liked
Pencils
although you can find a HB pencil anywhere, I prefer broader/softer lead, B, 2B, 3B, 4B.
wooden
Faber-Castell 9000 - DE Mars Lumograph - DE Lyra Polycolor - DE Dewant Studio - GB
clutch
mechanical
Pens
everyone has them, everyone knows them, you would think it would be a really long list…. but it seems stationary manufactures still have trouble making a well constructed pen body, paired with reasonable ink.
several more pens would be on this list, however annoyannce suchas bodies cracking, leaking ink, poorly machined seams, clunky retracting mechanism, clips that break, and lids that dont post. - really!!!
BallPoint
bic crystal - FR - the classic biro, surely the worlds most accessible pen, it just works. it's so cheap you'll have them all over the place. still made in France, and come in a range of colours and nib sizes.
pilot bps - JP - this is my favourite 'cheap' ballpoint. capped or retractble, several colours and sizes, i prefer the retracable in medium blue. made in Japan, perfect everyday carry, will not look out of place in a business meeting, and so afforable that you'll happily lend/giveaway. some people might find the tip tapping noise annoying.
stabilo pointball - DE - this one suprised me.. a proper but plastic parker g2 style refill. really nice smooth writer, good in the hand, a larger body, and very afforable, though may be harder to aquire than the two above. a few dollars more, but the g2 will last a long time. i have even considered buying these refills for the Jotter below. - however, it is very 'orange' and may not be for everyone. probably not one for the boardroom.
parker jotter - GB/FR - just a classic. good pen, looks smart, and won't break the bank if lost. g2 refill available everywhere, probably slimmer than most people might expect, though there is now an XL version. the colour lineup is often refreshed, and there are metal and plastic variants. i prefer the older arrow clip and button logos. the parker g2 gel refill is not bad either for those that like lighter pressure.
caran dache 849 - CH - alternative to a jotter.. understated class, just imagine a swiss banker. love it. harder to get, not cheap. some might even say poor value, and the larger 'goliath' refills are limitted - but its a real sleeper, and there are many variants, designer colabs, and seasonal versions. - but it is truely swiss made.
Gel
FineLiner
Staedtler triplus 334
RollerBall
Fountain
Lamy Safari