Mind Most Peculiar

New Pens Yea!

2011-04-24T21:07:00.000-07:00

I received two orders of pens this week (thanks JetPens! thanks WritersBloc!) and I can't wait to start using them first thing in the morning. I am waiting on some new kawaii stationery and can't decide if I should review the atyou Spica in Pure Black or a Zebra chocolate scented pen which goes by the name of Laflleche...hmmm choices choices choices.

Happy 2011!

2011-01-07T05:43:00.001-08:00

I hope everyone is doing well and I look forward to adding new entries in the near future and expanding my Kawaii collection :). What do you plan to add to your collection this year?

Review: Pentel Sliccies 0.4mm- Multi Pen

2009-04-17T22:16:00.000-07:00

(1 Barrel+3 Ink Refills= 1 Really Neat Pen Called a Sliccies)

Pen: Pentel Sliccies
Tip : 0.4 mm
Color: Purple, Baby Pink, Milk Blue (Barrel is Orange)
Purchased At: JStationery.com
Approx Price: $3.50 per barrel, $1.80 per ink cartridge/refill
Rating: 4 1/2 out of 5 stars

Review:
For starters, I figured I would mention that a "Sliccies" is not the same as a "Slicci". In fact, Sliccies are a multi-pen variation of the Pentel Slicci, which is a truly wonderful thing.
It is really no secret that I love my Slicci pens. Sure, there are a few things I would change such as adding a rubberized grip or a cap that snaps on securely when posted, but all in all my 0.3mm and 0.4mm Slicci pens are among my favorite gel needle tip pens.
The Sliccies pen I have for review holds three separate ink refills that are purchased separately along with the barrel. This allows you to change, swap, and customize your pen as you see fit.
The multi-pen setup is easy to use. First, you unscrewed the top and bottom portions of the barrel, you then snap each refill into its respective slot (it will make an audible click when fitted properly), lastly you screw the barrel back together and you are ready to go.
The Barrel is thicker than a standard Slicci which makes writing with it a little more comfy. I have a feeling that many of you who like Slicci pens but find them too thin and uncomfortable to write with will be pleased with this. You can toggle through and select the colors by pressing a clear button toward the top/clip of pen. There are also viewing windows which allow you to view the color that corresponds with each button (see pictures below for detailed views). I am not usually a big fan of multi-pens but I am really enjoying this one. I also like the fact that I don't have to deal with a cap, since the regular Slicci caps do not stay in place very well when posted on the end of the pen.
The Sliccies is a very smooth writer! Mine is a 0.4mm but you can also choose 0.3mm refills, depending on your preference. The cartridge/refill ink is very rich in color and does not dispoint. I performed a water test with the Sliccies and they did feather and bleed through the page a good deal as did the Hi-Tec C.
The Sliccies is a bit smoother than a Hi-Tec C and about the same as a standard Slicci of the same mm size. The Sliccies, Like it's Pentel counterpart the Slicci, does not have the wobbly give when you write like a Hi-Tec C does. The tips appear to be a tad smaller than a regular Slicci but the line put down looks to be the same and just as sturdy.
I really like fact that the Sliccies design is so similar to the Slicci pens I love. Even though a rubberized grip would be great, it is neat to see the body, clip, and ribbed grip design of a Slicci Incorporated into an equally great multi-pen.

Pros:
Look and design, 3-pens in one, smooth, color choices, customizable
Cons:
Not archival, feathers and shows through with water
Advice:
Pick up a barrel and a few refills that you like and create your own signature Sliccies! If you are a Slicci Fan you will probably love these. If you have never tried a Slicci or you find the standard Slicci to be too thin, try these. They may just be what you have been waiting for.

A Special thanks to JStationery.com for sending me a Sliccies to review!

(See Below for Pictures and Writing Sample)(Above: Sliccies Body and Refills)

(Above: Interior view of Sliccies Barrel)

(Above: Close Up of Color Selection Button and Color Viewing Window)

(Above: Top: Sliccies Middle: Slicci Bottom: Hi-Tec C)

(Above: Slicci 0.3mm Turqouise Blue, Sliccies 0.4mm multi, Slicci 0.4mm Rose Pink)

(Above: Prior to Water Test)

(Above: After Water Test)

(After Water Test: Bleed Through On The Back Of Page)

Review: Uni-ball Fusion 0.6mm- Purple

2009-04-10T17:36:00.000-07:00

Pen: Uni-ball Fusion
Tip : 0.6 mm
Color: Purple
Purchased At: Office Depot
Approx Price: $4-5 for 2 (depends on the store)
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Review:
I love the color of this pen! It is listed as Purple on the package, but it doesn't seem to have the same reddish tint to it that a lot of my other pens in the same color family have. When I first looked at them on the Uni-ball site I thought that the ink would look washed out mainly because the darkest color is grey and not black (click here for color chart). To my delight, the ink didn't come out looking washed out at all. The ink on paper is a very lovely violet color. I looked for the pack of 4 so I could try out the grey and pink, but I was only able to find the 2 pack which, in my eyes, was still very exciting!
I really love the design and look of the pen from the cap to the floral design on the barrel (perfect for Spring). That said, I don't think you will ever see my Husband toting one of these around. So if you aren't really into floral motifs, you may want to hold off on ordering an entire case until you get a good look at them. I can see these beautifully paired with an antiqued white shabby or cottage chic desk.
The Fusion is a pretty smooth operator. I wouldn't go so far as to say that it is as smooth as a Vision Elite but it still offers up a very nice write. After writing, I noticed that there was a little bleed through on to the back of the paper (see picture below). The pen fared very very well when I drenched the paper in water, so if you journal this one may be something you want to try out. Even though the ink held fast, it did become a little more visible on the back of the paper after the water test so you may only want to write on one side of the paper in your journal, or use a heavier grade of paper ( which most journals already have).
The Fusion features a clever little system that allows the ink to flow from clear to color as you write. This is a really neat feature if you are into that sort of thing (which I am, as you may have concluded). You can easily see the ink supply, which is slightly milky in color like absinthe after the louche. Since the ink is in the barrel itself, it is not something you can purchase a refill for. The ink supply seems substantially smaller and seems to dissipate faster than my Uni-ball Vision Elite and Signo Pens but I highly doubt it will keep me from searching out the elusive pink and grey Fusions. There are no rubberized grips of any sort on this model. The cap does "snap" into place when put on the pen but does not "snap" on when posted. Even though the cap doesn't snap into place when posted it still stays on quite well. All of this makes for a very well rounded pen that is a delight to use.

Note: Don't Like Flowers? Not to fret! I searched online and found a few places that carry Fusions sans floral motif. You can view those here. I am not sure if they still make both versions or if these are left over, still neat none the less.

Pros:
Lovely look and feel, nice ink color, smooth, novel clear to color ink system, passed water test
Cons:
Small ink supply, not refillable, a little bleed through, floral motif may not be for everyone
Advice:
I really think these would make a nice addition to any pen collection. They are just plain fun to write with and look very "pretty" too.

(See Below for Pictures and Writing Sample)

(Above: Uni-ball Fusion and Uni-ball Vision Elite)

(Above: Writing Sample Before Water Test)

(Above: Writing Sample After Water Test)

(Above: Bleed Through Before Water Test)

(Above: Bleed Through After Water Test)

2009-04-06T09:22:00.001-07:00

Chumbers and Friend!

- Posted using Mobypicture.com

Review: Uni-ball Signo 207 0.7mm Black

2009-04-03T20:37:00.000-07:00

Pen/s: Uni-ball 207
Tip : 0.7 mm
Color Ink: Black
Purchased At: Pink Ribbon (Office Depot) Black Model (Given by Weber Shandwick Worldwide for Uni-ball)
Approx Price: $3.99 for a pack of 2 (this will differ depending on store)
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (That's right a perfect score!)

Review:
You have probably seen a few reviews for the Uni-ball 207 from some great pen and office supply bloggers in the last few weeks. I was also given a few Uni-ball 207s to review by Lauren from Weber Shandwick Worldwide for Uni-ball...and test for a review I did.
I have been using the 207 for several weeks to really get a feel for it. Not only has it made it's way into my daily rotation, the 207 has become my go-to pen for most of my work-related tasks.
That said, let's get down to brass tacks. The body and design of the pen is great, it is retractable and has a clip which means I don't have to keep up with a cap and I can clip it to myself while at work or around the house. I am also quite fond of the rubberized grip on the pen, which helps me both hold the pen correctly and keeps it from slipping as I write.
The black ink is rich and flows smoothly, what more could a person want? Uni-ball has also upped the ante and equipped the 207 with Uni Super Ink which prevents against criminal check washing and other document alteration, and is a major perk. You can read more about Uni Super Ink by clicking here.
After trying the black body models I was sent to review. I was so impressed that I ran out to Office Depot to pick up a pack of the Pink Ribbon Edition 207s that I saw online. Not only do these pens write beautifully they also protect against identity theft, look great, AND support a great cause! To read more about the Uni-ball Pink Ribbon 207 pens and how purchasing them benefits City of Hope for breast cancer research, treatment and education click here.
So you might be wondering "What no cutesy kawaii stationery? What the heck is going on?" Well I do love kawaii stationery as I'm sure you can all tell by now, but since I use these everyday in the office I really wanted to spotlight them in their native habitat (for me), no matter how utilitarian it may appear :P. (I work at the Ministry of Newspeak j/k)
I did perform a water test by dropping some water on the paper and dabbing it with a paper towel, you can see the results in the pictures below. I chose to compare the 207 with the Sakura Gelly Roll PQ which has tested so well in previous water tests. The 207 feathered a bit but they both held fast, which is very impressive.

Pros:
Writes smooth, rich black ink, retractable with clip, rubberized grip, Uni Super Ink, price
Cons:
Cuts out every now and then, but its not very often and mostly has to do with the paper not the pen itself
Advice:
Next time you need a few pens get some of these, they are definitely worth it. I really want to get the assorted color set :)

(See Below for Pictures and Writing Sample)

(Above: Before Water Test)

(Above: After Water Test)

A Special thanks to Uni-ball and Lauren at Weber Shandwick Worldwide for setting me up with some 207s to review.

Review: Q-lia Crystal Cube 0.38mm- Blue and Green

2009-03-29T16:47:00.000-07:00

Pen/s: Q-lia Crystal Cube
Tip : 0.38 mm
Color: Green and Blue
Purchased At: Moshi Moshi (Houston, TX)
Approx Price: $1.00 each
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Review:
I love kawaii notepads and stationery so while I was on my trip in Houston I stopped in at Moshi Moshi to pick up a few items. I was very excited to find two Crystal Cube pens among the many other pens and pencils at the shop. One of the first things that stood out about these pens were the crystal-like jewels adorning the top of the caps. I also noticed that the barrels were square and that one had a cupcake on the sticker towards the bottom of the pen, and boy do I love cupcakes!
I'm not sure if these pens are supposed to be scented or not but if so I cant really smell them. The only reason I even mention it is because the sticker on the blue one has a cupcake on it and the green one has what looks like a lime or other green fruit. The label is in Korean, which I cant read, so I'm not really sure. If you can read Korean and would like to help me out, just email me from my profile and I will add some detailed pictures of the sticker labels on the pens.
I really like the overall look and feel of the pen. The pen is not too light and the cap "snaps" into place when put on the pen and when posted on the end which is always a plus in my book. In my opinion, the square barrel is not as comfortable as a round one. However, there are many people who really like square barrel pens so comfort would be up to the individual to determine.
The ink is very colorful and rich. I have to say that I am really impressed. I wish I had more colors to compare with my Slicci pens but from what I can see Crystal Cubes are right up there with the best of them. (Them being my Sliccis, Signos, and Gelly Rolls.)
These pens are also very smooth, I would say they are smoother than my 0.3 and 0.4 Slicci's. So they definitely rank high on the smoothness scale. They write pretty true to most 0.38mm pens with no feathering. I did perform a water test by dropping some water on the paper and dabbing it with a paper towel, you can see the results in the pictures below. If they didn't smear with the water test I probably would have given them 5 out of 5 stars.

Pros:
Fine tip, very smooth, great overall look and design, richness of ink colors, price
Cons:
Fades with water
Advice:
If you come across these give them a try, they are great pens that are a welcome addition to my collection. They look great, write well and don't seem to cut out, they will most likely become part of my daily rotation.

(See Below for Pictures and Writing Sample)

(Above: Comparison of Several Pens Before Water Test)

(Above: Comparison of Pens After Water Test, that Gelly Roll PQ really is a trooper!)

(Tip Comparison: Slicci 0.3, Crystal Cube 0.38, Slicci 0.4)

(Please Note: The paper in the photo above is a light green color. Please see water test pics for a more accurate depiction of the ink color. Also, The messed up "e" in really is due to user error not the pen.)

2009-03-15T16:07:00.000-07:00

I just thought I would post a quick note letting everyone know that I am out of town right now. So... while I may seem quiet, I am, in fact gleefully visiting family and office supply stores here in Houston and just to prove it I snapped a few pictures with my phone as I picked out a few new pens to add to my collection :).

Check Out March Giveaway Madness!

2009-03-09T19:06:00.000-07:00

at www.penaddict.com for your chance to win all sorts of pen related prizes.

Review: Sakura Gelly Roll PQ 0.25mm- Black

2009-03-07T16:39:00.000-08:00

Pen/Marker: Sakura Gelly Roll PQ
Tip : 0.25 mm
Color: Black
Purchased At: www.bestpensonline.com
Approx Price: $1.83
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Review:
I have been a fan of the Sakura Gelly Roll line every since I first found one abandoned or lost among the many rooms and passageways of my middle school. I own quite a few Gelly Roll models but when I came across the PQ I knew that I had to give it a go.
The PQ is much finer than any other Gelly Roll I have owned or currently own at 0.25mm. The tip is of the needle variety and writes smooth. Just how smooth? you ask. Well I would say its just as smooth if not a tad smoother than my 0.3 Slicci, so it is "ice cream smooth" as Sakura likes to say.
As with many fine pens you may find the Black ink to be a bit lighter than usual. I would say it is about as rich as black FriXion ink, but does not have the watery quality that the FriXion ink has. I have noticed that the line put down by the PQ sort of looks like it was written with a liquid pencil sometimes. (See pictures below for comparisons.)
The body of the pen is clear matte translucent plastic and is light in weight like most Gelly Roll models out there. The PQ differs from it's Gelly Roll brethren in several ways. The tip is more of a longer thinner needle type, the cap is vented and flat at the top, and the barrel itself is a little larger in width, while the length is slightly shorter.
The cap does "snap" into place when placed on the pen but it does not "snap" into place when posted on the pen's end. That said, the cap seems to post snugly and stay in place very well while writing. If you decide to try one of these pens make sure you write with it and make a few scribbles when you first receive it. My pen wrote much better the second day, I think this may be due to it sitting for a while. It is my understanding that this pen is officially discontinued by Sakura although you can still find it in a few stores.

Pros:
Fine tip, smooth ink, water, fade, and chemical proof (I wiped water all over a paper I wrote on with various pens and the FriXion ink basically disappeared, the Uni-ball Vision Elite and Slicci smeared a tad, and the Gelly Roll held fast pretty remarkably.)
Cons:
Ink tends to be a bit light
Advice:
If you are a Gelly Roll enthusiast give one a try $1.83 isn't too bad, and it is neat to have a really fine Gelly Roll pen that you don't see everyday. If you do order one from Best Pens Online, Don't expect the same Customer Service you receive at a place like JetPens or JStationery, nothing too bad but not stellar, just a tip.

(See Below for Pictures and Writing Sample)

(Above: Comparison of Gelly Roll Stardust and Gelly Roll PQ Pens)

(Above: Writing Sample Comparing Several Different Types of Pens)

(Above: Water Test Using Several Different Types of Pens)

Review: Uni-ball Alpha Gel Shaka Shaker 0.5mm- Black Body with Rose Pink Grip

2009-03-02T17:21:00.000-08:00

(The rose pink grip is a bit darker and more beautiful in person like in the last picture below.)

Pencil: Uni-ball Alpha Gel Shaka Shaker Pencil
Tip Size: 0.5
Color: Black Body/Rose Pink Grip
Purchased At: www.jetpens.com
Approx Price: $9.00
Rating: 4 1/2 out of 5 stars

Review:
Finally a pencil review! I know that's what some of you are probably thinking and I am very pleased that I was able to review such a great pencil the first time around. Uni-ball indubitably raised the stakes with this charmer.
The style and look of the pencil is beautiful, I love the rose pink color and even though the body is listed as black, it is more of a dark charcoal gray color with a slight metallic sheen. The grip is large and is outfitted with Alpha gel which makes for a super squishy good time (think along the lines of 207 Premier or Sensa pens.)
This model has the shaker option which means that you can advance the lead by means of a gentle shaking motion. My pencil advances well in shaker and standard mode with no issues at all. For standard "click to advance" use you simply click the top as you would most mechanical pencils to advance the lead. If want to shake it up, you simply press the top down completely (you will hear a louder "click") and your good to go. You can toggle between the standard and shaker methods the same way.
To refill or add lead you simply take off the eraser cap, remove the eraser, and insert lead. Very easy and painless process.
The only two qualms I have with the Uni-ball Alpha Gel Shaka Pencil is the small eraser size, and the fact that the grip is one of the lint magnet variety. All in all a great pencil at a great price.

Pros: Look and design, color choices, price, standard and shaker functions, Alpha gel grip
Cons: Small eraser, lint sticks to grip
Advice: Give this pencil a try and you may just fall in love with it, I know I have. Be sure and pick up an extra set of erasers and some lead refills too. You may also want to look into a click type eraser if you don't already have one to go with your new pencil.

(See Below for Pictures and a Writing Sample)

(Above: Eraser after a couple of uses on watercolor type paper)

Take The Goodies and Run Giveaway Winner: Emmi!

2009-02-27T05:20:00.000-08:00

Emmi is the winner of the take the goodies and run giveaway! I just need you to leave a comment to this post letting me know you read this and an email with the address where you want the goodies to go Congratulations Emmi!

Review: Pilot Super Gel 0.5mm- Black

2009-02-23T18:57:00.000-08:00

Pen/Marker: Super Gel
Tip : 0.5mm
Color: Black
Purchased At: www.jetpens.com
Approx Price: $1.20 each
Rating: 3 1/2 out of 5 stars

Review:
I picked up this pen as an add on to one of my recent JetPens orders. I figured I would give it a try since my beloved P-500 and P-700s are getting harder and harder for me to find.
The ink color is a nice dark black and the pen writes pretty smooth. The cap "snaps" into place on both ends and the overall look of the pen is nice. The pen seems balanced but there is something about it that makes it uncomfortable for me to write with.
I hold pens pretty close to the tip when I write and I think that my comfort issue with this model may be due to the tip and grip length ratio, I cant help but think it would be a better write if the tip was longer. Its hard to put my finger on the exact cause but for me it is one of those pens where my handwriting suffers and writing seems forced rather than fluid. I have also noticed that it is harder for me to write neatly on lined paper with this pen.
I tried to write using the correct positioning on the grip, it was better, but I had to use more pressure than usual to keep it from cutting out here and there. The Super Gel is neither a bad or extraordinarily good pen, but for $1.20 I can live with utilitarian.

Pros:
Price, rich ink color, smoothness, overall look of the pen, cap "snaps" in place on both pens.
Cons:
Tip length/placement seems off, uncomfortable and kind of awkward to write with.
Advice:
If you hold your pen close to the tip when you write, you may want to hold off on this one. If you generally write using the "grip" section of pens and apply ample pressure, then you may want to go ahead and give it a try, not too bad for the price.

(See Below For Pictures and a Writing Sample)Tip and Grip Comparison: Left to Right
(Pilot P-700, Pentel Slicci 0.4, Pilot Hi-Tec-C 0.3, Pilot Super Gel 0.5)

Take The Goodies and Run Giveaway!

2009-02-20T06:14:00.000-08:00

(The Goods: 3 assorted candies, strawberry Pocky, chocolate Pocky, Lotte gum, Pilot FriXion Point 0.4mm Black Pen, Pilot G-2 Mini, Pilot Latte in Violet)
A Huge thanks to JStationery for donating the FriXion Point Pen for the giveaway! visit them at www.jstationery.com

So you enjoy crazy candy, scrumptious snacks, and Japanese pens, do you?

There have been so many great giveaways lately that I have decided to do a little giveaway here on my Blog. Giveaways are a great way to interact with readers and what is more fun than winning some free stuff? ( I am only able to ship these goodies within the US).

To be entered in the drawing for the loot in the picture above, all you have to do is:
1. Leave a comment to/on this post (only one per person will qualify) by Thurs Feb 26th 11:59pm EST
2. Please try and include you email address or link to your website when posting
3. Share this contest with your friends, family, twitter or whoever you think will like it!

The winner will be announced Friday Feb 27th. The winner will have one week to claim their prize or another winner will be chosen.

Review: Pilot FriXion Point 0.4mm- Blue Black Gel Pen

2009-02-18T12:37:00.000-08:00

(Top: FriXion Point- Blue Black Bottom: FriXion Point- Violet)

Pen/Marker: FriXion Point
Tip : 0.4mm
Color: Blue Black (various other colors shown in photos and mentioned throughout review)
Purchased At: www.jstationery.com
Approx Price: $3.20 each
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Review:
I figured it would be a while before I purchased another FriXion pen seeing how I recently purchased a "Color Pencil Like 0.7mm" set from JetPens a week or two ago. Little did I know that Jstationery would be updating their site to include an array of 0.4mm FriXion Point Pens. (see The Pen Addict Blog for a review of a "Colored Pencil Like" FriXion pen at www.penaddict.com)
I really love the assortment of colors that this pen comes in and the fact that it is so fine yet so smooth, I would say it is comparable to a Slicci and smoother than a Hi-Tec-C, not to mention the fact that it is erasable.
I love the look of the pen, everything from the barrel color/design and rubberized grip, to the translucent eraser at the end. The Tip seems pretty sturdy, more so than say a Hi-Tec-C, but it does have some give when writing.
The eraser, like many of it's FriXion counterparts, is on the end of the pen rather than the cap. This means that if you use the pen posted you will need to remove the cap before erasing anything. Its not too bad, but definitely worth mentioning.
The ink colors are very lovely and true to their names for the most part. I have noticed that the Blue Black and Black seem a bit lighter than most pens, where as the other colors only seem so to a much lesser degree. These, like all FriXion pens are outfitted with Thermo-Sensitive ink and are erasable by means of friction. The pens erase with minimal paper loss and much better than the highlighters. For more information and details about Thermo-Sensitive ink see my previous review of the FriXion Highlighters.

Pros:
Look and design, fine tip, rubber grip, erasable, variety of colors.
Cons:
Price, "eraser" placement, ink can reappear in cold temperatures.
Advice:
Get one and give it a try, if you enjoy using pens like Sliccis, Hi-Tec-Cs, or the Signo DX Line you will probably enjoy this model. If you dont mind a broader pen, you might want to try the "Color Pencil Like 0.7mm" FriXion line which writes a bit smoother, costs a little less, and has better eraser placement.

(See Below for Pictures and a Writing Sample)(Left: FriXion Point 0.4mm Right: Slicci 0.4mm)

Review: Hi-Tec-C 0.3mm Hello Kitty LE- Baby Pink

2009-02-12T19:23:00.000-08:00

Pen: Pilot Hi-Tec-C Hello Kitty Cap LE

Tip Size: 0.3
Color: Baby Pink
Courtesy Of : JetPens www.jetpens.com
Approx Price: $30.00 for a set of 9 colors
Rating: 3 1/2 out of 5 stars

Review:
First things first, this pen is very very cute and I love the Hello Kitty character mascots that are fitted on each of the pens. The little characters are fitted so that they can be removed and placed on another Hi-Tec-C should you run out of ink or something along those lines, which is neat, especially sine they are Limited Edition and you may never want to part with them.
The color of the pen I used for the review is Baby Pink, the ink color is true to its name and quite lovely. I find the weight of Hi-Tec-C pens quite appealing and even though they are plastic they still manage to have that heavier more expensive look at feel. I also REALLY like the fact that the top "snaps" into place on both ends nice and secure. The pen feels balanced and comfortable to write with whether it is posted or not.
The pen is quite scratchy, probably a bit too much for me, but it didn't have any cut out issues and the ink flowed nicely. The tip does move a bit while writing and seems a tad more fragile than some of it's needle-tip counterparts. I probably wouldn't write an entire letter with the Hi-Tec-C but I can see where it would be great for things like detailed art projects or really cramped writing spaces. If I had to choose between the two I would probably choose a Pentel Slicci over the Hi-Tec-C for its smoothness, sturdier tip, and less tip give while in use. I just wish Slicci's had a cap that would stay in place as well as the Hi-Tec-C when posted.

Pros: Cap "snaps" into place on both ends, super cute Hello Kitty mascots, fine point, nice variety of bright colors, overall look and feel of pen
Cons: Tip moves a bit while writing, tip feels fragile, scratchy
Advice: Unless you have used Hi-Tec-C pens in the past and like them, you may want to try and buy an individual one and make sure you like it before committing to entire set.

A special thanks to JetPens for sending me this pen to review.
You can look through all of their goodies at www.jetpens.com and don't forget to stop by the Forum and say Hello!

(See Below for Pictures and a Writing Sample)

Comparison: Pentel Slicci 0.3 (top) Pilot Hi-Tec-C 0.3 (bottom)

Writing Comparison: Hi-Tec-C and Slicci Pens

Review: Pilot FriXion Light Highlighter Set

2009-02-09T14:35:00.000-08:00

Review: Pilot FriXion Light Highlighter Set

Pen/Marker: FriXion Light Highlighter
Tip : Chisel
Color: Multi
Purchased At: www.jetpens.com
Approx Price: $9.00 (or $1.50 each)
Rating: 3 1/2 out of 5 stars

Review:
I was quite excited when I first saw the FriXion highlighters on the Jet Pens site. I have tried the FriXion pens and I really like them, so after coming across the highlighters, I knew I had to have them. I use highlighters almost daily in my line of work and I have always favored those of the erasable variety, especially when it comes to highlighting things like a textbook for instance.
The FriXion line of pens and highlighters are all erasable by means of friction, they utilize Thermo-Sensitive ink that will disappear when rubbed with the rubber "eraser" like end of the pen or in this case highlighter.
The highlighters boast a nice form factor and I like the fact that the cap "snaps" on. Each marker looks great and highlights with ease. I really like the way the caps and the rubber ends of the pens match the marker itself, that's just the sort of attention to detail I am a sucker for.
I do have an issue with the fact that they placed the rubber "eraser" on the end of the highlighter instead of on the end of the cap, I think it would have been easier to keep up with the cap if you could post it and erase without removing it. For those of you who used the work around with the pens to fix this issue, you cannot do so with the highlighters (due to the design of the cap.)
As far as erasing is concerned, they do a pretty good job. I do however, have other highlighters that do an even better job. Even if you don't press down hard, which you shouldn't need to, I have found that there is a bit of paper loss. If you are highlighting over handwritten notes you may also notice some places where the pen ink underneath smeared and stuck a bit, though smearing is pretty typical of highlighters. If you live in colder climates like I do and leave your notes or book in the car you also run the risk of the erased ink re-appearing, this can also be a good thing if you enjoy scrawling secret messages :). The Pilot site says that FriXion ink can re-appear around 14 degrees F and be rendered invisible in temps over 140 degrees F. I did a freezer test using my highlighters and have posted pictures below.
If you enjoy using the FriXion pens you will most likely enjoy these . That said, I think the pens erase better and with less paper loss. The degree to which these erase and rub off paper will most likely depend on the paper type.
Pros:
Highlights well, colors are bright and allow highlighted material to be seen with ease, good balance between wet and dry highlighter, very cool looking, eraseable, price.
Cons:
Paper loss suffered from erasing, doesn't seem to fully erase, rubber "eraser" placement, ink can reappear in cold temperatures.
Advice:
Get one or a set to try, for the price you really cant go wrong.

(See below for pics, comparisons, and freezer test)

FriXion and Dri Mark Duet Erasable Highlighters
(for comparison purposes)

Comparison of FriXion and Duet highlighters on notes written in pen:

Book highlighted with FriXion on top and Duet on bottom:

Same book with some of the highlighted portions erased (FriXion top, Duet Bottom):

Thermo-Sensitive Ink Freezer Test

Original:

Same page with portions erased:

Same page after 30 mins in freezer:

(please note the term "eraser" is used lightly throughout this review)

My Aki Haul

2009-02-02T10:37:00.000-08:00

I went to the local oriental food store and bought some goodies. I love everything and I thought I would share a pic of the eye candy ;)!

Review: Pilot Latte 0.5- Violet (Pastel Color Series)

2009-01-26T14:33:00.000-08:00

Pen: Pilot Latte
Tip Size: 0.5
Color: Violet
Purchased At: www.jetpens.com
Approx Price: $1.80 each
Rating (based on a split scale)
For Writing on Paper: 3 out of 5 stars
For Craft Applications: 4 out of 5 stars

Review:
My impression of the Latte is mixed so to speak. The short body is a bit awkward feeling and only allows me to see the first couple of letters as I write. The awkwardness is remedied quite a bit and the pen better balanced if I snap the cap onto the end while in use.
The pen is a 0.5 but it seems to be a bit thicker, especially when compared to a pticolon which is an 0.8 (see pics below for examples.) Another issue I have when writing with this pen is that it seems to have a varying flow and is not consistent, sometimes it writes thicker and other times thinner.
At this point you are probably wondering how on earth this is a "mixed" review, but here comes the good...The color is a very pretty Violet true to its name and "pastel" categorization. I love the rubberized feel of the grip, and this pen can truly write on a variety of surfaces, everything from paper to glass.
The pen writes so good on so many surfaces that I had to create a split scale to review the little bean. It just didn't seem fair to give the Latte a low score given this tiny cutie's crafting abilities and creative potential abound! The pen I have is Violet. It writes well on light surfaces but doesn't show up too well on dark surfaces, as a Sakura Souffle would for instance. I should also add that I'm not sure how well other Latte colors would show up on dark surfaces since this is the only color I own. Unlike the Souffle, which has issues with rubbing and flaking off , the Latte seems to adhere well to different surfaces including plastic. The Latte also dries relatively quickly, especially on paper and doesn't smear nearly as much as my Sakura gel pens. If you decide to give yourself an uber-artsy manicure with these, your masterpiece will probably make it through at least one hand wash if not more... a testament to how well the ink adheres to various surfaces.

Pros:
Writes well and adheres to various surfaces, rubberized grip, many vibrant colors available, price
Cons:
Inconsistent line size and flow, cant see well on dark surfaces, a little unbalanced in hand
Advice:
A must for craft applications. If letter writing is your thing you may want to purchase one to try before making a commitment.

(See below for pics and writing samples)

Review: Zebra Pticolon 0.8- Multi-color Set

2009-01-22T18:54:00.000-08:00

Pen(s): Zebra Pticolon Scented Gel Pen Set
Tip Size: 0.8
Color(s): Light blue-gray, baby blue, mint green, light yellowish green, orange, pink, lavender, light honey brown
Scent(s): Blueberry, soap, peppermint, green apple, orange, peach, lavender, vanilla
Purchased At: www.jstationery.com (also available at www.jetpens.com)
Approx Price: $10-12 for the set
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Review:
My biggest issue with these pens is deciding which one to use! They are relatively smooth but they do have a certain "scratchiness" to them. Its hard to describe but it seems like resistance coming from the ball in the tip or something along those lines and they did cut out on me a couple of times but nothing bad enough to be a deal breaker.
These pens are each scented in a scent that corresponds with their color. I really like the scents and they are all pretty true to their names. For those of you wanting to know... YES! you can actually smell them, which is awesome, but you do have to get pretty close to the paper.
I love the design of these pens, they are thin and mostly smooth save for some ribbing in the grip area which is a neat touch. A jewel-tone cap adorns each of these lovelies along with it's name and a cute little icon, they also balance well in the hand.
The ink color is of the "milky/pastel" variety but overall true to the scent/name! I have heard that some people like the way these pens write on light and dark paper, but to be fair I would have to add that I have seen better pens for writing on dark paper. Some of the Pticolon colors are more visible on dark paper than others, for example, the green apple and orange show up the best.
I would have to say that these pens were worth every penny I spent on them!

Pros: Price, color, scent, look and feel, not to mention the neat-o case they come in
Cons: A bit scratchy and cut out a little here and there
Advice: If you like multi-color gel pens hurry and get these now :)

(See below for pics and a writing sample on light and dark paper)

Review: Pentel Slicci 0.3- Turquoise Blue

2009-01-21T11:46:00.001-08:00

Pen: Pentel Slicci
Tip Size: 0.3
Color: Turquoise Blue
Purchased At: www.jetpens.com
Approx Price: $3.00 each
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Review:
The Slicci 0.3 is a bit scratchier than its sister pen in 0.4 but it is still very smooth for the size. The color of the ink is vibrant and true to it's name. The pen looks great and balances well in hand. The tip is very sturdy and I would recommend everyone try a Slicci if you haven't already done so. I am very impressed with the Slicci line and will be investing in a few more colors or a set as soon as I can!

(See below for pics of the pen and a writing sample...)

Review: Pentel Slicci 0.4- Rose Pink

2009-01-20T20:20:00.000-08:00

Pen: Pentel Slicci
Tip Size: 0.4
Color: Rose Pink
Purchased At: www.jetpens.com
Approx Price: $3.00 each
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Review:
This pen writes very well and smooth, especially for a 0.4mm pen. I have to say that I am especially impressed with this little beauty! The color is vibrant and the overall shape, look, and feel of the pen is nice. The only thing that could have made it better for me would be a little rubberization on the grip area similar to the Signo Bit.
The color is a bit brighter than I would have expected for a "rose pink" pen...but lovely none the less. I prefer this version (0.4) of Slicci pens to the finer sizes but it should be noted that I have always had a fondness for broad tip pens. The reason I prefer the 0.4 is mainly because it seems much smoother and not too much broader. I have also noted that all of the Slicci pens have a nice sturdy tip to boot!

(See below for pics of the pen and a writing sample...)

Review: Uni-ball Signo Bit 0.18- Mandarin Orange

2009-01-20T19:58:00.000-08:00

Pen: Uni-ball Signo Bit
Tip Size: 0.18
Color: Mandarin Orange
Purchased At: www.jetpens.com
Approx Price: $3.00 each
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Review:
The Uni-ball Signo is quite scratchy but that's to be expected with almost any pen this fine. This one in particular is a 0.18mm which is ultra, super, very, well lets just say uber-fine. The Signo Bit does an excellent job of doing what pens do best and looks great in the process.
The color is a vibrant and true Mandarin Orange. I love the overall look and feel of this pen and the bit of rubber on the grip portion of the pen is the "icing on the cake." Fine pen lovers rejoice! This is one great pen. The tip appears to be sturdy but not as thick as say a Pentel Slicci.

(See below for pics of the pen and a writing sample...)