This new pen is just weird

[KenB259]

My brain says a pen clip should be on the cap end of a pen. This new kit lets you put it on either end. It's just not right I tell ya

 

[mark james]

You need something to separate you from the rest - I guess. It's fine, but not a selling point for me.

 

[egnald]

Strange, but maybe not a bad idea for some, considering I drained a gel pen into my pocket just a couple of days ago Dave

 

[magpens]

@KenB259

Ken, who sells that kit ?

 

[jalbert]

That's pretty tame compared to a lot of kits I've seen

 

[KenB259]

@KenB259

Ken, who sells that kit ?

Penn state, it's new.

 

[magpens]

Thanks, Ken !!! . . . @KenB259

Here's the link, folks . . . .

Penn State Industries: Product Search

 

[KenB259]

Here's another new kit from Penn State, although I like it better than the Sophro, the lines don't flow well and it looks a little awkward to my eye. This one is called "professorial ".

 

[magpens]

This kit's name is "Professional" . . . . . It is a twist ballpoint.

And here's the link for THIS one . . . . . Thanks for bringing to our attention, @KenB259

Penn State Industries: Product Search

 

[qquake]

I like them both. But I like the weird and unusual.

 

[jrista]

The bulging nib...just....doesn't sit right with me for some reason. I actually REALLY like the color combinations of the platings, and the banding they have on the nib and finial. I think that looks great. But...the bulge....I don't think I could handle the bulge

 

[qquake]

The bulge is one of the things I like. Looks like it might be easy to write with.

 

[penicillin]

Which end do you twist on those new Professional Twist pens? Penn State's website doesn't give any indication.

My point:
I have grown to dislike some pen kits with bottom twist mechanisms. The transmission is inserted into the top section and relies on friction with the top to rotate the transmission. Over time, that friction decreases and the mechanism loses its smooth, reliable feel. On top of that, it doesn't feel natural to twist the bottom. I think most people expect the pen mechanism to be operated from the top of the pen.

 

[magpens]

Which end do you twist on those new Professional Twist pens? Penn State's website doesn't give any indication.

My point:
I have grown to dislike some pen kits with bottom twist mechanisms. The transmission is inserted into the top section and relies on friction with the top to rotate the transmission. Over time, that friction decreases and the mechanism loses its smooth, reliable feel. On top of that, it doesn't feel natural to twist the bottom. I think most people expect the pen mechanism to be operated from the top of the pen.

@penicillin

If you look in the Assembly instructions, you see this line :-

"To extend and retract Refill, twist Front End clockwise and counter-clockwise."

 

[penicillin]

Thanks Mal!

Maybe from now on, I will call those lower twist pen kits that I don't like, "bottom feeders". It seems like a good description of what they are.

 

[KenB259]

The bulging nib...just....doesn't sit right with me for some reason. I actually REALLY like the color combinations of the platings, and the banding they have on the nib and finial. I think that looks great. But...the bulge....I don't think I could handle the bulge

I agree, that bulge is what looks awkward to me.

 

[jebner]

I agree that the bulge gives the 'Professional' an awkward look. But I think I'll give it a try just to see how it 'feels' in my hand. Comfort is a desirable point as well.

 

[KenB259]

I agree that the bulge gives the 'Professional' an awkward look. But I think I'll give it a try just to see how it 'feels' in my hand. Comfort is a desirable point as well.

That's true, there is a lot to be said for how they feel in your hand.

 

[BULLWINKLE]

View attachment 321133My brain says a pen clip should be on the cap end of a pen. This new kit lets you put it on either end. It's just not right I tell ya

Upside down carry in my opinion isn't practical. For one thing, it's asking for it to leak in your pocket.

 

[qquake]

I've made a few Sophro pens. I always assemble them so that the clip is on the tip end. That way they're carried upside down in the pocket.

 

[Penultimate]

I've made a few Sophro pens. I always assemble them so that the clip is on the tip end. That way they're carried upside down in the pocket.

Hi
Is there anything on the non-ink side? Does the finial hold a phone/tablet conductive tip.

 

[qquake]

Hi
Is there anything on the non-ink side? Does the finial hold a phone/tablet conductive tip.

No, it's a plain end that pushes onto the twist mechanism.

 

[KMCloonan]

hmmm. Some questions come to mind.

The Sophro is a capless rollerball. With no cap, what prevents the pen from drying out? Rollerball ink is water-based, and thinner than ballpoint ink. I wonder if the initial reason for putting the clip on the nib end was to keep the tip pointed up to reduce likelihood of leaking?

 

[qquake]

hmmm. Some questions come to mind.

The Sophro is a capless rollerball. With no cap, what prevents the pen from drying out? Rollerball ink is water-based, and thinner than ballpoint ink. I wonder if the initial reason for putting the clip on the nib end was to keep the tip pointed up to reduce likelihood of leaking?

They use capless refills.

Sophro Capless Rollerball Black Refill - 2 Pack

Sophro Capless Rollerball Black Refill - 2 Pack

www.pennstateind.com

 

[jecinco]

I've make several dozen and they write very smoothly and sell really well. You have the option to place the clip on the tip end (keeps the rollerball tip away from staining you shirt or pocket) or on the end but you need to let customer know to retract the rollerball cartridge. The looked a little hokey at first but do very well at the shops I'm in. I do a lot of them with a Cocobolo blank and they look great