its all about the tools

In this case....its all about the pens (or pencils).  Since I'm doing more actual writing, thanks to my new Old School Filofax Planner, I find myself becoming rather choosy about the pens/pencils I like to write with and have developed some favorites.  

My pen requirements:

• smooth continuous ink flow
• does not bleed through paper/pages
• feels good in my hand, I do like a comfort grip
• not too pricey

Top 5 Favorites

1. Uni-ball Signo 207 & Uni-ball Jetstream.  The Signo 207 is a retractable gel ink pen that deserves high praise. Its know for its qualities of being fraud resistant, especially in check writing. Its a medium point pen that moves effortlessly over the paper.  It comes in basic colors like black, blue and red. The Signo 207 BLX features different shades of black...blue/black, brown/black, green/black, red/black and purple/black....these provide a subtle shading to the typical black ink.  I personally love the BLX colors.   I was introduced to the Jetstream pen quite by accident. I was searching for the  Signo BLX 5 pack on Amazon, when I scrolled and saw BLX 5 pack, I tapped 1-Click and that's how it happened....Jetstream has BLX colors too. Initially disappointed by my mistake, but no worries.....its Uni-ball and BLX, what could be wrong with that?  Jetstream has an ever so slightly thicker line and writes smoothly.  I love the BLX colors.
2. Zebra Z Grip Flight - a ballpoint retractable that delivers on style. Smooth writing, has a superior ink and a comfort grip.  This was my go-to pen before I discovered the Signo 207.  Don't get me wrong, its still in my top 5 and I wouldn't give it away.
3. Sharpie Pen Stylo -   I have a major obsession with fine point Sharpies but don't always use them because they tend to bleed through some pages. Sharpie has developed a non-bleed ink that comes in a stainless steel pen case that is refillable and does not bleed.  I have the Fine Point and its in my top 5.
4. Pilot G-2 07 and Pentel EverGel X 07 - both of these pens are retractable gel ink pens with comfort grips. They are great choice and are available in traditional ink colors.
5. Pentel .05 mm P205 Mechanical Pencil - I like having a pencil for the parts of my planner that can change, like my calendar appointments and address book.  Mechanical pencils are a must for me, it needs to clip into my planner and needs to be sharp. I do prefer a fine point.

My Top 5 Favs are all available in an office supply store, like Staples and most can even be found at a drug store, like Walgreen's.  Who knew there could be pen-passion?  

Until next time.......