One of the Pilot Hi-Tec-C gel ink pens that just arrived at Kinokuniya is from the Yawaragi Colors collection, a light gray ink called Usuzumi. I saw this a few weeks ago and was really taken with it, so much that I kept trying to remember if I'd seen it before and passed it by or just never noticed (that's the problem with gray things, you never notice them). But this was in the pen section marked "new colors" so I decided to check it out along with a few more that I'll test drive in the next week or so.
I find this gray gel ink pen, with a 0.4mm tip, to be quite delightful. It meets a need I've had that's a bit absurd but there nonetheless: I want a pen that writes like a pencil, or vice versa. Something with ink the color and look of graphite, but won't smear like a pencil does. The Usuzumi really fits that criteria quite well. The line is just the width of a nicely-sharpened pencil, the gray ink doesn't get lost even when competing with Doane's grid+lines scheme, and I can read it from a foot or so away so the ink is not too pale. The only drawback is that to my eyes there seems to be a hint of green in the gray. Your mileage may vary.
If you're looking for a gray gel ink needle point pen to add to your collection definitely try this one. I love the double takes from my colleagues, who should be used to my penchant for crazy-colored inks by now.
Yeah, you've got an ink that approximates the harder "H" pencil grades, non-smearability, and a match for other pencil-written work. Private Reserve has a Gray Flannel, and J. Herbin a Gris Nuage (haven't used either.) First time I've seen a practical rationale for a color I'd never consider using. Jack/Youngstown
ReplyDeleteOoohh! I like this. I didn't realize, until now, that I need a pen with gray ink!!
ReplyDeleteJack, hadn't thought about that but you're right, it's an H grade. As for the gray inks, I might check them out but I really dont' want' to use a fountain pen for gray ink. Something a bit weird about that to me.
ReplyDeleteZuzu, I didn't realize I needed one until I saw it as well. Must be something about the color, or else my inner zombie wants its own pen. :)
I agree, Diane. I'm not ready to load up on FP gray from anyone. What impressed me was you offered an argument for gray, and that's what I'd need to break away from standard-issue black.
ReplyDeleteMy venerable Parker 75 is loaded with a Quink red cartridge; my Platinum Preppy with a green cartridge. Truth to tell, I use both only for doodling and low-grade mind-mapping. They won't be signing a letter soon, much less writing one.
My salesman's bias is showing a little. I like hearing arguments for adopting something I hadn't thought of before. Jack/Youngstown
Grey ink is surprisingly wonderful. I haven't tried the Hi Tec C Usuzumi, but I have the Zebra Sarasa Clip in grey, and it's a wonderful color for journaling.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rachel, for that note. I'd have never guessed gray would have a constituency in the community. Yeah, I guess if you think of gray as a mock silver, it suggests "classiness" or "dignity". Some of the other community Web sites and blogs (e. g. Goulet Pens) raise interesting questions about what you might call the philosophy of ink. the kinds of questions you'd hear at an ad agency's brainstorming session. Jack/Youngstown
ReplyDeletei love the pilot hi-tech c, amazing pen. I have it in purple and it's amazing. the only downside is that it is expensive, really expensive. by the way, you have amazing handwriting!
ReplyDeleteThanks Victor. I love these too but you're right, they are quite expensive. Since I get mine at Kinokuniya, a store in mid-town Manhattan, they are about $1 more than JetPens charges. Gotta make the rent. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for mentioning journaling, Rachael?, I'll have to give it a go in my Rhodia Webbie.
Biffybeans reviews Gris Nuage on her site; Glenn Marcus (Glenn's Pens) says about Private Reserve's Gray Flannel: " . . . not a business ink, but would look good to be used with personal correspondence on a cream paper." I'm learning. It's good to see how pen world powerhouses look at unusual inks. Jack/Youngstown
ReplyDeleteJack, does that mean you'd use the Flamingo Pink if I send you a sample? *giggle*
ReplyDeleteYou won't mind my changing that name to Buckeye (as in Buckeye State) Sunrise? Send that puppy on out! Jack/Youngstown
ReplyDeleteY'know, Diane, can you also send me . . . seriously, though, why not hang on to that ink, get some artists' pads, and a few cheapie eBay dip pens, and see if the local children's hospital can use them in their play area. On the other hand, if you've got a vintage Sheaffer White Dot that's taking up way too much space . . . Jack/Youngstown
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