During revision time, one must be equipped with the very best in terms of writing imlpemi. Remember: it’s not what you write, its with what you write it! I have today spent some considerable time in the union walkway shop researching the very best in modern writing equipment. I present a few pens which have made a difference to my life, in the hope that this will inspire the reader to buy outside their normal “safe zone“.
First off, the classic Parker cartridge fountain pen (blue). Made in the UK this attractive model comes in blue, red and black bases, and takes the ubiquitous parker ink cartridge. Offering smooth, even writing and non-calligraphic lines this is sure to be the mainstay of any concerted revision effort. Having owned mine since I was born I can say that without it much of the exams I have revised for would have suffered.
Next in the line-up is the Pilot VBall Grip. With its superb, refined penmanship and a low cost of £1.99 (Union walkway shop) I couldn’t resist adding one to my collection. Personally opting for the red I cannot honestly say I have ever encountered a line more suitable for highlighting equations not found in the formulae book. The lubricated ball and rubber grip provide a writing experience that leaves one screaming out: “Margaret, can you get me another Pilot VBall Grip in blue please, such that I can write in blue, also.“.
Next is the 0.9mm Pentel P209. This propelling lead pencil was initially made popular by architects and designers in the 80s, but has come on from there to be the pencil of choice for anyone serious about block diagrams and parallel lines. With a good solid infrastructure and a corrugated grip it is unlikely to let you down. Accidentally stolen from Tom Brodrick last week, already this isn’t a pencil I would leave home without – it really is a thorough ravishment each and every time it is employed.
If Tom realises I’ve got his pen and asks for it back, I shall be safe in the knowledge that in my bag is the BiC Matic 0.5mm #2. A considerable upgrade from the acutely miserable world of the #1, which suffered from frequent malfunctions of the main lead riser-gripper – often leading to a stalling of the mechanism.
French, the BiC is very much an entry-level unit for those looking for a gentle introduction into the world of the propelling pencil. The BiC Matic is sold in packs of three (£2.99 from Ryman). Like the Pentel, this attractive yet inexpensive model contains an in-built (although woefully ineffective) hydrocarbon polymer eraser which can be replaced by the user. For more substantial errors, however I would suggest the Ryman Rubber (£0.79). It particularly lends itself to drawing sine and cos waves, but it is also adept at drawing diagrams of communication systems.
Summary
These are just a few of the high-quality pens available from most competent stationers. Anybody with a desire to do so can easily spend a good hour refining their choices until they achieve the perfect combo for any task.
0.9mm Pentel P209
I have *got* to get me one of these. My Dad has the 0.9mm and the blue one (~0.5mm?) and he won’t let me anywhere near them (I’ve been trying for >20 years).
Anyway, I did have one a long, long time ago and I dropped it and the end got boshed in. It was a very sad day.
Do you know where I can buy them?
I have *got* to have one. Can you nick another from your mate? ;-)