My love of the Zebra Sarasa 1.0 gel ink pen is well documented but, wonderful scribing tool though it is, it isn't suitable for 100% of my writing needs. Occasionally, just every once in a while, I prefer to slum it with a biro.
But most biros, like most Oasis albums, are a bit shit.
I can just about put up with a Bic, the clear-tubed black ink variety, but I start using one primed with the knowledge that it will, at some point, get a bit clogged up and unreliable. It is rare that a biro of mine survives from full reservoir to its final scratchy inkless moments without me hurling it across the room or stamping on its pointy little head in frustration.
So when a biro comes along that displays the holy trinity of perfect pen attributes - pleasing grip, strong writing line and reliable inkflow - it is to be treasured and prized above all others.
For the past couple of years - yes, you heard that right, years - it has been my great fortune to use this wonderful biro.
As you can see, it is a promotional pen given away by Dorling Kindersley, purveyors of fine educational volumes and Miriam Stoppard books. Ethan got it free on the cover of a magazine. For a freebie pen to be anything other than completely crap is a rare thing. For one to be, and I do not say this lightly, the best damn biro it has ever been my good fortune to use is nothing short of a miracle.
But here's my problem - and those of you still awake will probably have spotted it several sentences ago - at some point, and after two years I am guessing it will be quite soon, the pen is going to run out and the thought of this scares me.
So this is my plan. If everybody reading this post clicks on the link to www.dk.com/schools, the website the pen was designed to promote, then the person monitoring the site's webstats might notice a sudden surge of visitors from a previously unheard of blog. Upon investigation, said person will read this post, take pity on me and send over a box of spare promotional pens that are gathering dust at the back of the office stationery cupboard.
OK?
Get cracking team. I know you can do it. I have every faith.
Done and done, sir. Hope you get your box o'pens. This post put a smile on my face this morning.
Posted by: danpowell | July 09, 2009 at 08:42 AM
But now I want one.
Posted by: Marie | July 09, 2009 at 08:54 AM
I tried the Zebra, and I liked it, but in the end I don't think I will ever be won away from the Mitsubishi Pencil Companies dowdy but magnificent Uni-ball Eye. Not only is it a magic pen, but when you blow into the hole on the end, it whistles. (Not the only one.)
Posted by: Robert Hudson | July 09, 2009 at 08:56 AM
Yes, yes, 'Company's'. I am a terrible proof-reader.
Posted by: Robert Hudson | July 09, 2009 at 08:57 AM
Just checked the blog stats and you guys are doing good. The DK website will crash at this rate.
Posted by: Scott Pack | July 09, 2009 at 09:20 AM
1. I am not stalking you.
2. Just noticed the fantasy tennis dig. Am I bothered? (Yes. I will try harder next time.)
3. I was just about to RT you that Japanese video until I saw that Marie had done it.
Posted by: Robbie | July 09, 2009 at 09:23 AM
"Not only is it a magic pen, but when you blow into the hole on the end, it whistles."
Yeah, yeah, that's what all men say.
Posted by: Marie | July 09, 2009 at 11:48 AM
Haha - when I worked at DK I was asked to order a reprint of this very pen! Glad you like it Scott (so did I). Unfortunately I no longer work in the UK and have moved to sunnier climes (without my pen). Best of luck with your quest.
Posted by: Belinda | July 09, 2009 at 02:22 PM
Your DK pen looks very similar to the pens that LexisNexis were giving out at LBF.
The only thing different between them is the publishing name.
My handwriting has never been so neat with my LexisNexis pen. (Thats why I took two just in case it ever stops).
Posted by: Jessica P | July 09, 2009 at 05:46 PM
Hah, you do make me laugh. Going to click now...
Posted by: DJ Kirkby | July 09, 2009 at 07:11 PM
Click! Good luck! My pen du jour is Mitsubishi's Uni-ball Signo (really, who names these things?) But the Zebra Jimnie is a fine implement as well. Gel-tipped splendour, but they have a short life. Sigh...
When you get your box of pens, can you do a a few blog entries in longhand? Just so we can see.
Posted by: Henry Bones | July 10, 2009 at 05:58 AM
Ooh - clicking on that link made me remember how much I LOVE Dorling Kindersley books. They are beautiful.
Posted by: Kit Berry | July 10, 2009 at 06:39 PM
i think I am going to get either "Guns A Visual History" or "Sex How to Do Everything". Or maybe both.
Posted by: emma | July 10, 2009 at 10:16 PM
I have several pens like the one featured: they're great. I got all mine at the London Book Fair, courtesy of Ordnance Survey. I stock up every year. Can't remember the last time I actually bought a ballpoint pen.
Posted by: Bela | July 15, 2009 at 03:52 PM
PS. Jessica P, aren't the Lexis Nexis red pens wonderful? They're the same shape, but even more attractive because transparent with a silver bit - and they write beautifully. Didn't realise at the time, otherwise would have taken more than one.
Posted by: Bela | July 15, 2009 at 03:57 PM
Why is it that promotional pens seem to always write the best?
Posted by: Promotional Pens | December 10, 2009 at 08:30 PM