Ready your heartstrings; this is the back story
By John Allan
For a long, long time I have loved ink pens. A lot.
I have seen a lot of pens in my life and always seem to have my eyes open for a new and better pen. I have searched for years for "the one."
In 2013 something tragic happened. My love for pens and inability to be content led to a pivotal purchase and a defining moment. It happened at the clearance table in an Office Depot (you'd be amazed how many lives have been changed in that store).
There amongst the clearance items was a pen I wanted badly. I had been eyeing it for some time and was stunned to find it on clearance at such a reasonable price. But I also knew that my fascination with pens was taking up more income than it should.
I told my wife that I was going to buy this pen, but then would not buy another ink pen until 2015. Roughly 18 months without buying a new pen.
This is torture for a pen lover. Trust me.
Through Twitter I have learned that here are many people who love pens as much (maybe even more) as I do. Some people even love pens so much that they write about them. And some people love what they write about pens so much that pen companies say "We'll give you some pens if you'll write a review. That way people will love that you love it and come pay us money."
I have decided that writing reviews is my best chance to receive new pens while I wait for my purchasing ban to end. My first two pen reviews were posted on Twitter but it's time to step up my game with bigger, more detailed reviews. Even though my pen buying ban has now ended, you can still revisit my epic pen reviews through this page.
I have seen a lot of pens in my life and always seem to have my eyes open for a new and better pen. I have searched for years for "the one."
In 2013 something tragic happened. My love for pens and inability to be content led to a pivotal purchase and a defining moment. It happened at the clearance table in an Office Depot (you'd be amazed how many lives have been changed in that store).
There amongst the clearance items was a pen I wanted badly. I had been eyeing it for some time and was stunned to find it on clearance at such a reasonable price. But I also knew that my fascination with pens was taking up more income than it should.
I told my wife that I was going to buy this pen, but then would not buy another ink pen until 2015. Roughly 18 months without buying a new pen.
This is torture for a pen lover. Trust me.
Through Twitter I have learned that here are many people who love pens as much (maybe even more) as I do. Some people even love pens so much that they write about them. And some people love what they write about pens so much that pen companies say "We'll give you some pens if you'll write a review. That way people will love that you love it and come pay us money."
I have decided that writing reviews is my best chance to receive new pens while I wait for my purchasing ban to end. My first two pen reviews were posted on Twitter but it's time to step up my game with bigger, more detailed reviews. Even though my pen buying ban has now ended, you can still revisit my epic pen reviews through this page.
Early Reviews
This is the review that started it all. My concise coverage of one of my favorite ink pens, the Pilot Dr. Grip Gel, got my quest for free pens on Twitter's radar. Pilot even thanked me via Twitter.
After Pilot failed to overnight me a shipment of pens from my review of the Pilot Dr. Grip Gel I decided reviewing a competitor's product might catch their attention. This is my review of the Uni-ball Vision, originally posted to Twitter.
Additional Reviews
Skilcraft B3 Aviator
Designed to fit in a flight suit, this multi-function pen has quickly become one of my favorites. Read the review.
Pilot FriXion 0.7 (Multiple Colors)
Pilot was kind enough to send this pack of their innovative FriXion pens. Learn more by reading the review.
Morning Glory Mach 3
JetPens.com graciously donated four pens to our #PensPlease campaign, and we've saved the best for last. Click to read the review.
Pilot FriXion 0.5 (Red ink)
If you need an eraser, dislike pencils, and do not take standardized tests very often the Pilot FriXion could become your new favorite writing instrument. Click to read the review.
Uni Power Tank 1.0
This Uni Power Tank is one of four pens donated to the #PensPlease campaign by JetPens.com. It's nothing special in the office, but might blow you away in extreme conditions. Click to read the review.
Pilot Acroball 1.0
This Pilot Acroball is one of four pens donated to the #PensPlease campaign by JetPens.com. Click to read the review.
"Signature" Retractable pen
Every reviewer comes across the worst pen they've ever used at least once. It's now happened to me twice. Click to read more.
Promotional Stylus Pen
An ink pen that can advertise your business, handle everyday writing tasks, and double as a suitable stylus for your electronic devices. Click to read John's review.
Parker Jotter
The Parker Jotter is a classic ink pen beloved by many. It is also a pen that creates mixed emotions for John. Click to read his review.