Pocket Pens - Product Comparisons

Having a pen ‘on the go’ in incredibly useful. Very often I need to write down notes whilst out of the home or office, and a small size pen that can fit in my pocket is a vital tool. Many pen manufacturers have created pocket sized pens, each one varying slightly in size and characteristics. In this blog I will compare the different compact pens, and offer some recommendations.

Perhaps the most well known pocket pen is the Fisher Space Bullet Pen. A sleak and streamlined looking pen, it was invented so that astronauts could write in zero gravity. The Bullet pen measures 9.5cm closed and has quite a slim profile, making it fit very easily into a pocket. The cap fits on the back to fit comfortably in your hand. The Fisher Space Pen is available with a clip.

Lamy have invented a truly unique compact sized pen called the Lamy Pico. The Pico is very small and neat, and has no cap which makes it very easy to use. By squeezing the pen in the middle, the Lamy Pico extends so that it fits comfortable in your hand. The pen measures 9.3cm, and extends to 12.5cm.

Laban have manufactured some beautiful handbag pens made from resin. The ballpen has a sculpted grip for extra comfort, and measures 10cm. The Diva lipstick pen by Monteverde is also a perfect size for a handbag, and opens telescopically just like lipstick. If you are after something extra glamorous, then the Swarovski Crystal pen by Online is perfect for you. The pen is encrusted with crystal and comes with a leather pouch.

Each of the pocket pens I have described have something positive to offer. The Fisher Space Bullet Pen is perfect if you want the shortest and slimmest pen, allowing it to go unnoticed in your pocket. The Lamy Pico is not the slimmest pen, but is the easiest to use with its innovative extend mechanism. For a woman, the Laban mini resin is my top pick as it is glamorous but still robust.

Pens for Father’s Day

Father’s Day will be here on the 15th June, and as usual we are all hunting for a perfect gift for dad. A nice bunch of flowers usually suffices for mother’s day, but finding a gift for father's day is that much harder. Dad’s usually like something practical, but also with a bit of style and luxury. An excellent solution is a designer pen with an engraved message to make it really special.

There are different types of pens that particularly appeal to a man. Gadget type pens are always a good idea, and offer something unique for the wow factor. Why not try the Yoropen, a very different looking Ergonomic pen that really makes writing easier. Or how about the Fisher Space Pen. Your dad will be able to impress his golf chums by writing upside down, and even in water.

Some pens have a particularly handsome line such as the Waterman Carene, its design influenced by the tail of a speedboat. The Sheaffer Prelude has an elegant cigar shaped profile. Pens with luxury finishes are always much appreciated such as leather, solid silver and even snakeskin. Check out the pen range by Coles Deluxe, and the solid silver pens by Laban (very reasonably priced). Pen Heaven offer an excellent range of pens for him that are sure to impress your dad on father’s day.

Fountain Pens versus Ballpoint Pens

Fountain pens have been the most popular writing instrument since the beginning of the 20th century, but are being caught up by the ballpoint pen. In my opinion the fountain pen is the ultimate writing instrument, and has many advantages. Firstly they are so stylish in appearance, epitomising traditional elegance from a bygone era. Secondly they write much more smoothly, and require less pressure to be applied to the paper. The reason for this is that fountain pens take liquid based ink, whilst ballpens have oil based ink. There is an added benefit here, because fountain pens allow much more expressive penmanship due to the liquid ink. Fountain pens are much more collectible, with some vintage Parker pens worth thousands of pounds. To read more about fountain pen collecting visit Nibs website. This isn’t to say that ballpoint pens don’t have their benefits too; they are much more convenient and less messy. But in my opinion a fountain pen has the edge. To view an excellent collection of fountain pens for sale, visit an online pen store called Pen Heaven.

A Very Bling Pen

I recently came across a pen that totally blew me away, because it was so incredibly glamorous and unique. I am talking about the Swarovski Crystal pen by Laban (http://www.laban.com) .

The finest white Swarovski crystals decorate the clip and the band, transforming this pen into a piece of jewellery that anyone would be proud to show off. The pen is made from solid sterling silver, but is relatively inexpensive and thus is great for any occasion. They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend, well these crystal pens are the next best thing. It makes an ideal gift for a woman and if you want to treat someone special in your life, you can’t go wrong with these stunning pens.

Swarovski is the luxury brand name for the range of precision-cut lead crystal glass and related products produced by companies owned by Swarovski AG of Feldmeilen, near Zürich, Switzerland. To read more about Swarovski, visit their website at http://www.swarovski.com.
The pen is available in pink or black resin, although the pink makes a great gift for a woman. The retail price starts at about £60, and is available from a London based online pen store called Pen Heaven, who also offer engraving. http://www.penheaven.co.uk/Laban_Pens.php.
So if you are looking for a gift that sparkles, look no further than the Laban Swarovski Crystal Pen

Engraved Pens Make a Superb Pen Gift

A luxury pen can make a wonderful gift for an occasion such as a birthday, anniversary or wedding. It is a practical present that will get a lot of use, and won’t be put away like many other gifts. A personalised pen with an engraved message makes a pen gift even more special. A pen is ideal for engraving because the long barrel allows a perfect space for a good sized piece of text. A message can also be engraved on the pen cap. Most pens can be engraved, as long as they have a flat surface. Today, engraving is carried out by a computer controlled machine that works to pinpoint accuracy. To read more about the process of pen engraving view the Gravograph website at;
http://www.gravograph.co.uk/Engraving%20Machines/Laser_Engraving.php.
Metal pens, when engraved, leave a very clear mark behind. Metal pens that have a lacquer or coloured finish usually leave a bronze or silver mark behind. Pens with a patterned finish, particularly resin, can be engraved by using a silver or gold leaf to fill in the engraved portion. If you are looking for a personalised pen, have a look at Pen Heaven at;
http://www.penheaven.co.uk./engraving.html.
They have a very large range of leading designer pen brands that can be engraved, and offer 2 elegant font choices.

The Best Ergonomic Pen

Ergonomic design has become a buzz-term for the 21st century. It’s all about designing products that are more comfortable to use, and ergonomic pens make writing feel more comfortable. In this blog I will look at ergonomic pens, and particularly at the revolutionary Yoropen. For more information on ergonomic design, look at the Ergonomics Society website at http://www.ergonomics.org.uk.

Everyone at some time has felt the agony of writing strain whether it be during an exam, taking notes in a lecture or writing a long essay. The pen industry has responded with soft touch rubber grip pens that are more comfortable to hold, but this doesn’t completely solve the problem. That is until the recent invention of the Yoropen, which completely reinvents the design of the pen. By adding a bend at the grip, the user is given a finger support. This stops your fingers slipping and hence reduces writing strain. Also the angle at which you write is different which means you need less pressure to write.

I have fallen in love with the Yoropen because it really makes writing a more enjoyable and pain free experience, as well as looking very funky. I can imagine it would be great for children and students taking exams. Many writing experts have endorsed the pen, including Dr Rosemary Sassoon (http://www.myfonts.com/person/Sassoon/Rosemary) who suggests those with writing difficulties such as dyslexia and dyspraxia will benefit। It is available as a plastic disposable pen £3.00, a superior version £10 or an executive version £30. They are all available from an online pen specialist called Pen Heaven at http://www.penheaven.co.uk. I really hope you enjoy the Yoropen as much as I do.

A Passion for Pens

I have always appreciated the handwritten note. It is so much more personal than a typed message that is such a feature of the modern world. It is the individuality that I like, each mark of the pen showing personality and a human touch. It is an art form that I believe is making a resurgence, a rebellion against the coldness of typed letters, e-mail and text.

A good pen can make the art of writing an absolute joy, and I am passionate about pens. When you hold a perfectly balanced pen, a beautiful pen, a uniquely designed pen, it creates a desire to write wonderful words. Not only does the pen have a function, but it is also a lifestyle accessory. There is such a vast array of pens that there is something to suit all tastes. There is everything from glamorous show off pens to pioneering ergonomic pens to help with writing difficulties. In my blog I will look at all things to do with pens and writing, from product reviews to tips on reducing writing strain.