When HN users recommended it
1 HN user recommended this in 2013, in one comment.
20072026
Each tall tick is one HN user's first recommendation. A short tick is the same user again. Click a tick to jump to the comment.
1 HN user recommended this in 2013, in one comment.
Each tall tick is one HN user's first recommendation. A short tick is the same user again. Click a tick to jump to the comment.
I'm incredibly persnickety about my pen and paper. I just don't feel as creative when I'm using writing instruments that don't "work" for me. Plastic pens just don't feel right; they're too lightweight and kind of clammy when you write for extended periods. (As far as plastic pens go, the only model I could really adapt to was the Office Max Tul line http://www.officemax.com/brands/tul/tul-pens/product-prod226... )
For awhile I used the steel-bodied Zebra 701 and 301. I preferred the gel ink option of the 301, but I liked the heavier body of the 701. (There are guides online for modding the 701 to accept 301 refills, but I never gave it a try.)
I ultimately stumbled on this pen/ink combo that I'm absolutely in love with:
1. Rotring Rapid Pro. http://www.jetpens.com/Rotring-Rapid-Pro-Ballpoint-Pen-1.0-m... It's small, lightweight, and feels adequately balanced. The knurled grip is perfect, too.
2. Parker Gel Ink. Gel is much smoother and starker than ballpoint. It does smear if you're not careful, though.
3. 20 lb legal pads, eg. Docket Gold. http://www.amazon.com/63950-Docket-Letter-Canary-Sheets/dp/B... Heavier paper feels kind of like writing on parchment. The pen glides better, and the paper won't tear when you remove it.
It's an investment, but it works for me. Also, I never lose my pens. Once the initial cost is sunk, it pays for itself in terms of daily contentment. I enjoy writing and drawing much more.